Sarah Bream

Dr. Sarah Bream is an Associate Chair of Operations, Community Partnerships, and Development; Director of the Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Program; and Clinical Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC) Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. With nearly 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist, she teaches graduate courses on mental health, community-based program development, and leadership. She oversees the PP-OTD doctoral residency program, focusing on advanced leadership development in research, pedagogy, clinical practice, and policy/administration. Her work emphasizes creating sustainable roles for occupational therapy to enhance community access, inclusivity, and overall health.

Previously, Dr. Bream served as Division Director at the non-profit Occupational Therapy Training Program for 12 years, managing daily operations, grant development, and a team of over 100 professionals delivering mental health services to underserved communities in Los Angeles. Her clinical expertise spans mental health (children, adolescents, and young adults), inpatient psychiatry, acute care, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Her leadership roles include program development and grant initiatives, reflecting a commitment to impactful, community-driven healthcare solutions. She is actively involved in advancing occupational therapy’s role in addressing systemic inequities and improving community health outcomes.