MCC occupational therapy students honored for their work

Students in the McHenry County College Occupational Therapy Assistant program achieved several impressive accolades at the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association Conference earlier this month.

Krecia Sweeney, a full-time student in MCC's OTA program, received the first OTA Student of the Year award from the ILOTA at its annual state-level conference.

She has been making an impact in the occupational therapy world with her advocacy efforts for those with low vision. Krecia is actively involved at MCC as a math tutor and classroom accessibility aide, and is currently creating a local support group for those with low vision and their caretakers.

"I have no doubt that Krecia will make a big impact in the future of occupational therapy," said Abigail Swidergal, instructor in the OTA program at MCC.

"She pushes the envelope for the greater good, stays immersed in her studies and does it all with a smile."

Also at the conference, three OTA students presented an assignment in which they worked with local organizations to address the specific needs of community members. Cheryl Janu, Jessica May-King and Rylee McDonough worked with Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Farm and Crystal Lake Public Library to discuss building sensory paths, and partnered with MCC to create a support group for visually-impaired students.

MCC was the only community college in the state that presented at the conference.

For information about MCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program, visit www.mchenry.edu/ota.