CHHS Alumni Spotlight Q+A: Lauren Hall
Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) will spotlight alumni who represent the wide range of academic and professional journeys pursued by its graduates. The alumni spotlight series will highlight their experiences, motivations, accomplishments, and interests, while showcasing how their NAU education continues to influence their careers and contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Kicking off this year’s series is Lauren Hall, a Northern Arizona University graduate who earned degrees in 2014 and 2018.
What is your hometown?
- Peoria, Arizona
When did you graduate from NAU?
- 2014, 2018
Please list your major/program, minor(s), and any certificates.
- Undergrad: Biomedical Sciences with Disability Studies and Chemistry Minor; Graduate: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
What is your current job title and employer?
- Owner and Occupational Therapist at Stable Foundations Therapy (hippotherapy) in Doney Park
What are the most challenging and most rewarding parts of your job?
- Learning to balance the business side of owning your own practice while also being a treating therapist! Also learning how to balance it all while running a ranch and being a parent. The most rewarding part is hearing on a daily basis how much of an impact we as therapists and our horses/animals make to individual families’ quality of life.
How did your education at NAU prepare you for your career?
- I love that I was able to attend my alma mater for grad school! I felt thoroughly prepared to start grad school from the course work I took in undergrad, especially with the disability studies minor. For grad school, I love how much hands-on experience was built into the curriculum to not only learn course work but then also have a chance to apply it shortly after. Additionally, being able to have fieldwork rotations in the geographical areas I was eyeing as potential places to live post-graduation helped tremendously with building connections early and allowing for good networking opportunities before I even graduated.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had known prior to entering the workforce?
- Fieldwork is the time to learn and make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to try something totally left field as a student when you have mentor advice to guide you as opposed to just winging it once you are on your own.
