As Joseph Maier ’16 M’17 recalls his journey in occupational therapy, three formative experiences stand out.
The first was a conversation with his cousin Christina Carvel ’98 M’99, a pediatric occupational therapist in Syracuse, which sparked his interest in OT and KC.
The second was a presentation by John Lorenzetti ’96 M’97, where Joseph and his classmates got to test-drive a car with hand controls for accelerating and braking.
And the third experience that left a lasting impact was a Field Period® at Fairport Rehab & Nursing Center, where he gained real-world skills in patient assessment and wheelchair modification.
“Those experiential learning opportunities that I was given at KC allowed me to grow and find my way to a career I love,” Joseph says.
Today, Joseph works for Sunrise Medical, a Rochester-based manufacturer of power wheelchairs and other tools that help people around the world maximize independent mobility.
He says he’s especially excited about Sunrise Medical’s new voice-activated control box – the first of its kind on the market – which was recognized with a Mobility Management Product Award in 2025.
“It is so rewarding to see our alumni continue to grow into thoughtful, capable professionals. Joseph Maier is a wonderful example of the impact our graduates are making in the healthcare industry.”
What doors will Field Period® open for YOU? With an internship every year for every major, Keuka College empowers you to explore possibilities, build in-demand skills, and forge a path that’s uniquely yours. Find out more.
