Hello, my name is Dustin Hogan. I am a licensed Occupational Therapy Practitioner with a focus in Home Health. Currently, I serve as a University Lecturer in Occupational Therapy and am a proud alumnus of Governors State University, where I am also pursuing my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. My teaching journey at GovState began as an adjunct in the summer of 2023, but teaching has been an integral part of my professional career, whether through ministerial work, serving families, mentoring college students, or coordinating a strategic partnership in Eswatini.
My path to Occupational Therapy was shaped by my time working in Eswatini, where I partnered with an HIV/AIDS task force. This experience, which involved mobilizing education, medication, nutrition, and holistic support—spiritual, mental, and social/emotional—opened my eyes to the power of comprehensive/wholistic care. Inspired by this work and my background in ministry, I was drawn to Occupational Therapy for its commitment to addressing the whole person and all the factors that influence a person’s daily life and meaningful pursuits.
For me, Occupational Therapy is a way to carry forward a legacy of compassion and empathy. Our classrooms and fieldwork experiences are not just places of learning; they are hubs of transformation, where empathy and expertise converge. Occupations have been described as life itself, and through education, we champion personal and professional excellence. Together, we build the collective ability to influence meaningful outcomes and drive significant change through the art and science of Occupational Therapy.
It truly feels like a gift to be an educator at Governors State University, where I have the privilege of opening doors for others. Our students begin their Occupational Therapy education with rich stories and unique characteristics that make them incredible individuals. Each one has a palpable longing to help, heal, and uplift others in their own way. Through education, we empower them to develop outstanding professional skills, a deep knowledge base, and practice skills in Occupational Therapy to achieve their goals.
- Dustin Hogan, MOT, OTR/L