Marilyn Noriega

Marilyn Noriega is a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), within the College of Health, Human Services and Nursing. She has maintained continuous academic affiliation with CSUDH since 1995, serving in progressive roles including Occupational Therapy Program Coordinator, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, and current Part-Time Adjunct Instructor status.

Her educational credentials include:

• M.A. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California (December 1995)
• B.S. in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University (1967)

Dr. Noriega's professional focus centers on school-based occupational therapy interventions for high-risk adolescent populations. She has pioneered the 'Stepping Out/Up' transition program model, addressing critical gaps in behavioral support systems through alternative suspension frameworks for Tier 3 students. Her work bridges clinical practice and educational systems, with documented implementations in the Lynwood Unified School District as presented at multiple OTAC Conferences between 2016-2020.

Through her consultancy with Therapy West and historical leadership roles at Masada Homes, Dr. Noriega maintains active community engagement beyond academia. Her recent presentations at the University of Southern California highlight her thought leadership in developing occupational therapy solutions for adolescent transition challenges, demonstrating sustained relevance in school-based practice despite her part-time academic appointment.