Campus, Community, Faculty, Students

Inside the University of Puget Sound’s Ann Wilson On-site Teaching Clinic, doctoral students gain real-world experience, working side-by-side with practicing occupational therapists to provide vital care.

“It’s a very awesome resource that I feel like a lot of people don’t take advantage of,” said Lucas Willers, whose daughter, Isla, is a pediatric client.

The clinic offers adult and pediatric services, along with specialized group work. It is equipped with a simulated apartment, activity spaces, and up-to-date assistive technology. A 4,000-squarefoot mobility park simulates outdoor environments, including walkways, curbs, steps, ramps, a playground for children, and raised flower beds for gardening for clients with movement impairments. It serves as a vital resource for the community and is a great example of how Puget Sound is committed to serving the South Sound.

“I think what is really fun about this clinic is the way it connects the community with the campus,” said Holly Poole, a 2026 psychology and neuro bioethics major and OT clinic student staff. “Being a residential student who lives here on this campus, it feels really neat to meet local Tacoma families through this type of care.”

Hear from the students and professors who are making a difference, transforming education into essential services. Discover how this clinic benefits the local community in the video below.

Visit pugetsound.edu/academics/school-occupational-therapy to learn more.