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College of Health, Human Services & Nursing                                       
Department of Occupational Therapy
Lecturer
310-243-2726
safusosugano@csudh.edu

EDUCATION

2025
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California

2012
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | San José State University | San Jose, California

1992
Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Therapy | San José State University | San Jose, California

BIO

Dr. Suzanne Afuso-Sugano, OTD, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist and educator with over three decades of clinical and leadership experience in mental health, community-based practice, and program development. She serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú, Dominguez Hills, where she teaches courses focused on adolescent occupational therapy and psychosocial practice.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Afuso-Sugano is a Division Director at Special Service for Groups, Inc., where she leads large-scale community-based occupational therapy and behavioral health programs serving vulnerable populations. Her expertise includes program development, interdisciplinary collaboration, grant management, and community partnerships. She is committed to advancing occupational therapy practice through leadership, education, and community engagement, with a focus on improving access to care and supporting individuals across the lifespan.

CREDENTIALS & LICENSURE

• Licensed Occupational Therapist, State of California, License #582
• NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Special Service for Groups, Inc. – Torrance & Moreno Valley, CA

Division Director – Occupational Therapy Training Program (2012 – Present)

• Lead community-based occupational therapy division serving vulnerable populations
• Oversee operations, program development, strategic planning, and compliance
• Manage multidisciplinary staff and multiple funding streams
• Collaborate on grant development, contracts, and fiscal management

Division Director – Riverside Counseling Center (2018 – Present)

• Direct outpatient mental health programs and strategic initiatives
• Oversee contracts, audits, and program compliance

Interim Division Director (2011 – 2012)

• Co-led operations, staff development, and strategic planning initiatives

School-Based Services Director (2007 – 2011)

• Directed school-based OT programs across multiple districts
• Managed budgets, program performance, and outreach

Program Manager (2005 – 2007)

• Supervised OT staff and implemented quality improvement processes

Occupational Therapy Coordinator II (2003 – 2005)

• Coordinated fieldwork placements and supervised staff and interns

Occupational Therapy Coordinator I / DPSS Program Coordinator (2001 – 2003)

• Supervised staff and provided direct OT services to at-risk youth and families

Huntington Hospital – Pasadena, CA

Occupational Therapist (1992 – 2012)

• Provided services in psychiatric, geriatric, and acute care settings
• Conducted cognitive assessments and facilitated therapeutic interventions
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and contributed to program development

Ingleside Hospital – Rosemead, CA

Occupational Therapist (1993 – 1994)

• Delivered psychiatric OT services and supervised interns

AWARDS & HONORS

• Golden Rose Award – Kappa Delta Gamma Society International (2019)
• Certificate of Recognition – Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education (2013)
• Gold Key Honor Society – San José State University (2012)
• Leading by Example Award – Special Service for Groups (2007)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & ACTIVITIES

• Certified Trainer, Safety-Care® (2024–Present)
• Certified Trainer, Youth Mental Health First Aid (2019–Present)
• Advisory Board Member, West Coast University (2017–Present)
• Proposal Reviewer, OTAC Conference & Western Regional OT Symposium
• Panelist, USC OTD Business Plan Presentations
• Advisory Council Member, OTAC
• Curriculum Advisory Board Member, El Camino College Foster & Kinship Care Program

REFEREED PRESENTATIONS & CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

Loving Intervention for Family Enrichment (LIFE): Improving Family Dynamics Through Interdisciplinary Practice
Poster Presentation, American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference (2015)

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

• Presented at Occupational Therapy Association of California Conferences (2010, 2023, 2025) on community-based mental health and occupational therapy practice
• Delivered invited presentations and webinars for organizations including SAMHSA, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, and Long Beach Unified School District on mental health, grief, and community collaboration
• Guest speaker for University of Southern California and international OT programs on leadership, community-based practice, and organizational resilience

SCHOLARSHIP AGENDA

PRESENTATIONS

2016 - Asian and Pacific Islander with Disabilities (APDIC) Conference - Moderator for OT Panel Discussion

2015 - AOTA Conference Poster Presentation - ’Loving Intervention for Family Enrichment (LIFE): Improving Family Dynamics Through Interdisciplinary Practice.

2010 * OTAC - Innovative Community-Based Mental Health Practice for Children and Adolescents.