Tessa Milman

Tessa Milman is an Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy and Director of Student Support and Engagement at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She teaches mental health, clinical reasoning, community programming, and qualitative research, emphasizing culturally humble, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches. Her work integrates lived experience with academic knowledge to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in occupational therapy practice and curriculum.

Education:

• Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD), University of Southern California
• Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Smith College

Research & Practice Focus: Tessa’s expertise lies in pediatric and adult mental health, particularly with families impacted by trauma and foster care systems. Her personal experience with adoption from foster care informs her advocacy for trauma-informed care and systemic equity. She chairs the Curriculum Workgroup of the Division’s Diversity, Access, and Equity Committee.

Awards: None explicitly listed in provided text.

Advising & Committees: Supervises students in clinical settings and leads curriculum development for DEI initiatives. Active in fostering inclusive pedagogical practices.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with the Division’s Diversity, Access, and Equity Committee to embed equity into educational programs.