Presbyterian College occupational therapy professor encourages next generation of clinicians to make a change
Dr. Christine Boone discovered her interest in occupational therapy through the process of earning her bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and athletic training.
As she progressed through her schooling, she realized that her heart wasn’t set on working with athletes in that capacity, and at the suggestion of her professor, she began to observe various rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy.
Boone’s “aha” moment hit her during one of those sessions, in which a two-year-old boy was receiving early intervention services.
“There was a moment when the occupational therapist put the child on a large ball and was bouncing him, and there was just so much joy there,” she said. “That was the moment I knew that that’s what I was going to do.”
From that moment forward, Boone’s path became clear. Putting all of her eggs in one basket, she applied to only one school and was accepted not long after.
From the field to the classroom
As a pediatric OT, Boone frequently worked with students from a variety of programs, acting as their clinical educator during their field work.
While teaching level one and two PC students, Boone met Dr. Allie Turner, PC OTD’s field work coordinator, who encouraged her to consider pursuing an adjunct teaching position.
Turner put her in contact with assistant professor Dr. Courtney Addison, who reached out with an offer to adjunct for a few pediatrics courses offered at the college. That summer, a position opened up, and Boone seized the opportunity.
“It was kind of like the stars aligned,” she said. “I was teaching PC students in the field, and then I was asked to come adjunct, and everything kind of fell into place.”
For Boone, now an assistant professor, this was a dream come true, as educating the next generation of clinicians was something she’d always known she wanted to do.
“That was always my ultimate goal,” she said. “I had always known very early on, after I had gotten my feet wet and really understood OT in the field, that I wanted to teach future clinicians.”
Since adding classroom teaching to her repertoire, Boone’s favorite aspect of educating students in this new environment has been the opportunity to watch them thrive in their learning.
“When they first come into the OT program, and then watching them over the course of the year, really applying everything that they’ve learned – watching that growth has been incredible,” she said. “Watching them turn into clinicians in front of your eyes is a really exciting thing.”
I had always known very early on, after I had gotten my feet wet and really understood OT in the field, that I wanted to teach future clinicians.”
Dr. Christine Boone, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
A future of growth
When Boone thinks about the next few years at Presbyterian College, she’s most excited about the opportunity to continue growing and developing the Occupational Therapy Program, hoping to gain recognition within the OT educational community.
PC’s OT program is still young and growing, with the incoming 2026-2027 cohort being only the seventh group since the program opened its doors.
“It’s really exciting to be a part of the program and watching the growth at the same time as we’re educating our professionals who will go out into the field,” she said. “I feel confident knowing that the next generation will be successful practitioners.”
