Future Leader: Lexi Hanson, OTD/S ‘25

Name: Lexi Hanson, OTD/S ‘25
Hometown: St. Louis, MO (born in Kingston, Jamaica)
Undergraduate degree: BA in psychological and brain sciences, Washington University in St. Louis
Leadership: WUSOTA Co-Chair for Media Relations Committee, Graduate Research Assistant, Washington University Student Affairs Advisory Board

What are your meaningful occupations?
I love spending my time laughing at inside jokes with my family, eating throughout St. Louis with my friends, and traveling and learning about other cultures. One example is during the summer of 2022, I studied abroad in Senegal and completed a research study related to occupational therapy (OT). I learned about the differences in child-rearing practices, which broadened my perspective in working with a variety of clients. I also love re-reading the same books and especially putting on live concerts in my bedroom for my biggest fan, my dog!

My family and I dedicate time volunteering in our community, which includes fostering animals for the Humane Society of Missouri (we’ve fostered over 800 dogs and cats in the last 10 years). We also regularly volunteer at the orphanage I was adopted from in Jamaica. My dream is to use my OT knowledge to give back to the orphanage one day.

What is your definition of occupational therapy (OT)?
OT means something different to everyone, which is what I love about the profession. I believe OT means helping people participate in the activities that they find meaningful and allowing them to feel the best they can, physically, mentally, and emotionally. OT facilitates making a difference and changing the way people view and engage in their lives.

Why did you choose the OTD degree?
Earning an OTD degree is a great opportunity that I believe is the best choice for me. It is a full circle for me and allows me to give back to a community that helped me when I was younger. I am still deciding where this degree may take me, but having a doctoral degree opens so many doors for me as a continuous learner. As I create a capstone project, this will allow me to reflect on where my energy and passions can go!

What are your career goals?
My goals are evolving! After practicing clinically as an occupational therapist, a possible long-term goal is advocating for children’s rights and becoming involved in OT policy.

What WashU experience stands out to you?
On my very first day at WashU as a first-year student, I was chosen to ask Nadine Strossen, the former president of the American Civil Liberties Union and renowned author, one question during a Q&A. This kicked off my WashU experience, and I promised to “squeeze the juice” out of  WashU.

Anything else you would like us to know?
I’d like to thank my pod for their continued support.

A special thank you to my OTD lab mentor, Dr. Baum, who has made my experience very stimulating and taught me how holistic and meaningful the field of OT is!

I am also so grateful for this experience to go into a profession that was so monumental to my growth and development as a child. The occupational therapists who worked with my family and me when I was a child are why I am here today. It’s a full circle opportunity, and I am ready for the next step!