Mackenzie Tierney, a senior majoring in rehabilitation sciences, completed an internship with OT Works 4 Kidz, where she served as an occupational therapy intern.
Mackenzie learned about this opportunity after receiving a list from her professor, Scott McEnelly, featuring companies that partner with Merrimack for internships. She was able to first shadow at OT Works 4 Kidz, and soon after, she accepted an internship with the company for the spring semester of her junior year.
During Mackenzie’s internship, she shadowed multiple occupational therapists and learned a variety of perspectives on occupational therapy, granting her insight into different treatment plans and how they work. She was also able to hone her effective collaboration and communication skills.
At her internship, Mackenzie would assist the OT with equipment handling and observe the treatments taking place. While observing, Mackenzie got to learn about different treatment plans depending on the patient’s needs. This time allowed Mackenize to not only expand her knowledge in occupational therapy but also allowed her to get hands-on experience with patients.
Mackenzie said this internship confirmed an interest in pediatrics for her, and she absolutely loved building relationships with not only the occupational therapists but also the patients. Mackenzie said, “This internship made me feel more confident about making the choice to go to grad school to become an OT.”
Following graduation in May 2026, Mackenzie will start graduate school at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, pursuing her master’s degree in occupational therapy.
