Health Sciences alumna Monica Titus leads in occupational therapy
By Simone Denard
Black women are severely underrepresented in the occupational therapy profession, making up less than 5% of occupational therapists nationwide. Among those professionals is Monica Titus (B.S. ’93), founder and president of Impressions Pediatric Therapy. In 1993, Titus graduated from Howard University's occupational therapy Program. According to U.S. News and World Report in 2024, the program ranks as one of the top 100 best occupational therapy programs in the nation.
Growing up in Northern California, where few people looked like her, Titus sought to attend an HBCU for cultural and communal support.
“Those were my initial intentions; however, once at Howard, I realized there was so much more in store for me as far as learning about our rich history and legacy. I learned of the academic excellence that came before me and formed a desire to help the underserved in our community,” said Titus.
Following her time at Howard, Titus began her career working in the D.C. school system. Although she found her experience invaluable, she realized there was a disparity in the funding allocated to servicing children with special needs. Titus’s observation prompted her to research outpatient therapy clinics and areas of need; during this time, Impressions Pediatric Therapy was born.
“My husband [Gil] also inspired me because he was also a business owner, so he knew what it would take and how to get us there. Having a strong partner who pushes you and shows confidence in you is a plus,” said Titus. She acknowledges that her vision could not have come to fruition without her family’s immense support.
Impressions Pediatric Therapy has been servicing Prince George’s County, Maryland, for 10 years. Titus’s daily tasks vary from business development and operations to managerial duties and client relations.
Starting her practice was no easy feat, requiring countless hours of dedication and a deep mastery of skills that both Titus and Gil possess. Titus’s experiences at Howard helped her journey toward becoming an entrepreneur. She credits Howard for teaching her resilience and professionalism, two qualities necessary to become a great leader.
Even in her professional career, Titus has given back to Howard University and future leaders in allied health sciences. Impressions Pediatric Therapy has accepted more than 50 Howard students for the level one and two occupational and speech therapy fieldwork placements. Impressions also donated to Howard’s occupational therapy department for its 50th anniversary. Titus is an advisory board member who has helped students with various needs.
Asked about ways that alumni can give back to the University, Titus said, “There are so many ways to help. I currently mentor two freshman students far from home, offering them support and a sense of belonging. I dedicate a bit of my time to them, even welcoming them into my home during Thanksgiving and on weekends when they need a break from dorm life.”
Titus’s desire to fulfill a need in pediatric occupational therapy has bettered the lives of countless clients and future allied health professionals. She is a leader in her field and a successful entrepreneur. She seeks to continue assisting those who follow in her footsteps in any way she can by encouraging students to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams and lead with kindness.
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