UNM Occupational Therapy Graduate Program

✨ Alum Spotlight: Sandia Wood, OTR/L (Class of 2020) ✨
From research to real-world impact, Sandia Wood is redefining what compassionate, creative care looks like in occupational therapy. 💙

After graduating from UNM’s Occupational Therapy program in 2020, Sandia co-published an academic paper with Dr. Mary Thelander exploring avian-assisted therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic—just the beginning of her innovative approach to patient care. Today, she continues to bring diverse and meaningful interventions into skilled nursing facilities across New Mexico. 🐦✨

Her work truly stands out: Sandia has introduced animal-assisted therapy into her practice, bringing everything from dogs and rabbits to even a miniature goat—creating moments of joy, connection, and healing for both patients and staff. 🐐🐶
Beyond the clinic, Sandia is deeply committed to community outreach. Through her work with UNM’s Center for Native American Health, she helps inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Most recently, she supported a presentation at Santa Fe Indian School highlighting career pathways in medicine, with a special focus on occupational therapy alongside Dr. Charity Bishop. 🌄🎓

Whether she’s serving Albuquerque’s most vulnerable populations at the largest skilled nursing facility in the state or reconnecting with mentors like Dr. Carla Wilhite while conducting home assessments for medical equipment, Sandia brings the values and skills of the UNM OT graduate program to every patient interaction.

👏 We’re proud to celebrate Sandia’s passion, innovation, and dedication to making a difference—one patient (and one miniature goat!) at a time.

Pictured: A client with a miniature goat; Sandia using art as occupation with a client; Sandia with a fancy rooster used to promote memory and engagement; Sandia with students considering health care careers; Sandia bringing a wheel-barrow of fun, in the form of a goat, to clients. Sandia with Dr. Carla Wilhite. Photo releases on file by SW or partner organizations.

Are you, or do you know a UNM OTGP Alum who should be in the spotlight? Send nominations to Dr. Mary Thelander at [email protected].

-OT