Occupational Therapy Month highlights faculty, alumni and students at South Alabama
Posted on April 22, 2026 by Daniel Curtis
In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month in April, the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions is highlighting faculty, alumni and students who help shape the future of the profession.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tara Thompson
Dr. Tara Thompson, an alumna of the University of South Alabama’s occupational therapy program, now serves as a faculty member helping guide the next generation of students in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions. At this year’s college honors ceremony, Thompson was recognized with the Excellence in Research Award.
As doctoral capstone coordinator in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, Thompson mentors students while helping foster a culture of interprofessional education and practice. Her research reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, including grant-funded efforts that strengthen innovation across fields.
“I enjoy being part of shaping the future of occupational therapy,” Thompson said. “Our students bring fresh perspectives, curiosity and energy, and it’s exciting to help guide that into competent and compassionate practitioners.”
Alumni Spotlight: Shannon Norris
Alumna Shannon Norris said she was drawn to occupational therapy because of its whole-person approach to care and the opportunity to support healing beyond symptoms or injury. She said South felt like the right fit from her first campus visit, when she saw the close connections between the University, the Mobile community and the people who call it home.
Looking back, Norris said one of the most life-shaping moments during her time at South came after the unexpected death of her father during her final year in OT school. She said the empathy and compassion shown by faculty during that time helped shape the way she now leads, mentors and supports others in both her professional and personal life.
“Being part of the allied health professions at South is an honor,” Norris said. “Personally, it gave me the knowledge I needed to develop my unique gifts into passions in my chosen field.”
Student Spotlight: Madeline Bui
For Madeline Bui, occupational therapy became personal through her experience caring for her grandmother. She said that experience showed her how meaningful even small moments of support can be, especially when they help someone maintain dignity, independence and a sense of self. As someone who is bilingual in Vietnamese and English, Bui said she also understands how important it is for patients to feel understood and comfortable in their care.
Bui said South felt like the right fit because of its supportive, close-knit environment and the way the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions prepares students to care for people as whole individuals. She described her experience in the program as both challenging and deeply rewarding, with faculty and peers who have supported her every step of the way.
“Because of that, I feel like I’m learning not just from textbooks, but from real, current experiences in the field,” Bui said. “That has been especially meaningful to me, because it helps me feel more prepared to care for others with both knowledge and compassion.”