From Polk to the pastures of Alaska: Polk State OTA grad finds rewarding career in horse therapy for children

With a dream of blending nature and healing, Melissa Siewert, a 2023 Polk State Occupational Therapy Assistant graduate, found her calling among Alaska’s mountains.

Siewert works with children through a unique blend of occupational therapy and nature-based activities, including equestrian-assisted therapy, art, and even aqua-based interventions, set against the stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers, and endless trails.

Her journey to the OTA field began with a broken leg.

“I met a physical therapist assistant at the clinic who was a Polk State graduate,” she said. “I was also referred for wrist therapy, and the OTA there had gone through Polk State’s program, too. He saw something in me and said, ‘You should look into this.’”

Initially, her only experience with occupational therapy had been handwriting practice. “Not fun,” she admitted. But after learning more, Siewert realized the field is broader and more dynamic than she imagined.

“I fell in love with how diverse OT is. You can work in pediatrics, geriatrics, ergonomics – there are so many directions. It’s built to support people in every aspect of life, from their spiritual beliefs to their physical routines.”

Passion fueled by Polk State

Siewert credits Polk State with preparing her thoroughly for the field. Small class sizes allowed her to form tight bonds with classmates and receive personalized guidance from instructors. Hands-on experiences – from simulating therapy scenarios in class to navigating parks in a wheelchair to understand accessibility – gave her the real-world insight she now uses daily.

“Every professor and presenter brought something unique. We had hand specialists, orthotics experts who taught us how to mold custom braces, and so many who went above and beyond… some would drive hours just to teach a class,” she explained.

Fieldwork experiences at Lake Wales AdventHealth and a local skilled nursing facility gave Siewert further confidence before graduation. She described a “team-teaching” atmosphere, where every professional on site contributed to her learning.

“Polk State didn’t just teach us skills; they taught professionalism, grace, and compassion,” she said. “The professors are genuinely passionate about the field and truly care about preparing the next generation of therapists.”

In fact, the bonds are so strong that Polk State OTA Director Annette Bullard has even visited with Siewert in Alaska, where she also has family. Bullard says she is exploring options for students to complete field work and seek job opportunities like Siewert in Alaska.

Finding her place – in Alaska

Siewert had long dreamed of moving to Alaska, but the opportunity came sooner than expected. After a personal family tragedy changed her plans to move to Tallahassee, she stayed in Polk County for a while, working as a substitute teacher for a hard-of-hearing class. Then one day, while browsing job listings, she found a posting from a pediatric therapy clinic in Alaska offering art, nature, and equine therapy.

“I packed up and moved in June 2024,” she said. “It’s been amazing – less noise, more nature, and endless opportunities for hiking and camping. I love it here.”

Her current workplace includes 16 therapists and offers a wide array of tools and activities to help children regulate emotions, improve motor skills, and engage with the world. Each day, she sees up to nine children, incorporating art, outdoor activities, and horseback riding into sessions.

“We use the horses to help with regulation,” she explained. “When a child’s body is moving with the rhythm of the horse, their hips open up, and they’re more likely to talk or engage. We even have one kid who tries to do yoga on the horse.”

Siewert says the horses are the “real” therapists on those days.

“They’re incredibly intuitive,” she added. “They sense our energy, and the kids pick up on everything too. It’s a reminder that we have to come in every day with open minds and open hearts.”

Prepared to make a difference

Siewert’s work reflects the deep value of occupational therapy, not just as a job, but as a calling.

“We’re here to help people feel seen, supported, and whole,” she expressed.

Though she jokes that OT would be perfect “without the paperwork,” Siewert says she is exactly where she’s meant to be: surrounded by nature, working with kids, and helping them thrive.

“I’m not just saying this because I went to Polk State,” she said, “but it’s honestly one of the best programs. They didn’t just prepare us for work—they prepared us to make a difference.”

Polk State’s OTA Program is offering several upcoming informational sessions and accepts applications in September. More information is available at polk.edu/OTA.