​​Gabriella Amaya credits a study abroad trip to Cambodia she took as an undergraduate at the University of Redlands with giving her a desire to see more of the world and use her skills in service to others. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in child development at CSUN, Gabriella enrolled in the occupational therapy master’s program at CSU Dominguez Hills. In addition to maintaining a rigorous academic schedule, she also works as a mentor to middle schoolers in the Gear Up program, serves as treasurer for the Student Occupational Therapy Association and sits on the executive board of the OT honors society Pi Theta Epsilon—all while maintaining a 3.88 GPA. 

Gabriella is a first-generation college student and the daughter of a single mother who has endured financial insecurity for most of her life. After graduating in 2025, she plans to pursue clinical practice in under-resourced communities across the state. ​