Natalie Petrucci, MS, OTR/L, is a three-time graduate of New England Tech! Her degrees include an Associate in Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Currently, she is employed at Fatima Hospital and works in its two inpatient psychiatric units. Natalie also serves as the student coordinator for Occupational Therapy (OT) students who require placement in a mental health setting.
Natalie first began her career at Fatima Hospital in May 2013 as a part time occupational therapist on the locked psychiatric intensive treatment unit (ITU). Her role has grown considerably since then now serving as the main occupational therapist for the two adult in-patient psychiatric units. Natalie has integrated occupational therapy back into Fatima Hospital’s partial hospital program facilitating three groups on a weekly basis teaching coping skills, evaluating patients, and providing one-on-one therapy. She also serves on the behavioral emergency response team.
Natalie is the student fieldwork coordinator for psychiatric placements and coordinates schedules with NEIT, CCRI, Worcester State and Quinnipiac University to maintain a steady flow of students each year. She passes her extensive knowledge and skills on to her students. Natalie said, “Students bring with them new ideas and new ways of learning. They are excited to work in this environment, which means they bring a lot of positive energy with them.”