College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to honor Angie Prado, a second-year student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, who has made history as the first CWI OTA student to receive a national scholarship from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
“This is something I never imagined would happen,” Prado said. “Being chosen alongside two other students out of hundreds of applicants is a huge honor, and to see my photo on the AOTA website is something I’ll always be proud of.”
CWI Program Director for OTA, Mel Henderson, echoed that pride: “We are so happy for her as she is an amazing student who is very deserving of this honor. She is a single mother who works extremely hard and never gives anything but her very best effort.”
Compassion, Resilience, and Purpose
A proud Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, Prado earned her first degree in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Idaho in 2015, along with a minor in Spanish. She went on to work as a Behavioral Interventionist, serving children on the autism spectrum and supporting both their physical and cognitive needs.
Her personal journey has shaped her just as much as her professional one. As a single mother, Prado has faced the challenges of raising her children while continuing her education and career.
“Balancing school, work, and parenting isn’t easy,” she shared. “But I stay organized, lean on my support system, and remind myself why I started this journey. My passion for the field and my commitment to my goals keep me going.”
Choosing the OTA Path
Prado’s decision to pursue occupational therapy was inspired by her work alongside occupational therapists.
“I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact occupational therapy can have on a person’s life,” she explained. “The creativity, the hands-on nature of the work, and the chance to help people gain independence drew me to this field. For me, it’s about aligning my career with my values and creating long-term stability for my family.”
At CWI, Prado said the support of faculty and classmates has been invaluable. “The professors genuinely care about each student not just academically, but personally. They go above and beyond to make sure we feel supported, understood, and prepared for our future careers. And our cohort is like a family. We celebrate each other’s successes, we support one another through challenges, and we make sure no one is left behind.”
Scholarships Fuels Success
The E.K. Wise Scholarship, funded through the bequest of Elizabeth K. Wise, supports students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing occupational therapy degrees. Only three students across the country receive this award each year, making Prado’s achievement especially significant. She was also awarded CWI’s LTH ‘Don’t Give Up’ Scholarship earlier this year, which helps single parents achieve their academic dreams.
“Both these scholarships feel like recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in,” Prado said. “As a single mom, sometimes it’s easy to feel invisible, but these scholarships remind me that what I’m doing matters. It’s both financial relief and emotional encouragement.”
Looking Ahead
As she nears graduation, Angie looks forward to building a career in pediatric occupational therapy. “I’m most passionate about creating meaningful, client-centered interventions — especially for children,” she said. “I want to make therapy engaging, effective, and fun, while supporting families in reaching their goals.”
Her advice for others considering higher education is straightforward: “Don’t give up. No matter your age, background, or current situation, it’s possible if you stay focused on your goals and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Celebrate the small wins, be kind to yourself, and remember — you belong here.”
About the OTA Program at CWI
CWI’s OTA program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and is now located in the new Health and Science Building on the Nampa Campus. OTA prepares students to work alongside occupational therapists to help patients recover from injury, live with disabilities, or manage chronic conditions.
The program blends classroom learning with hands-on training in labs and clinical fieldwork, giving students the practical skills needed for real-world practical therapists to help patients recover from injury, live with disabilities, or manage chronic conditions. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on training in labs and clinical fieldwork, giving students the practical skills needed for real-world practice.
Learn more about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CWI.
