Student Scholar
Mercy University- MMH-RCT
Merari Samai Rodriguez is a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student at Mercy University, dedicated to advancing innovative and equitable approaches to maternal mental health, family wellness, and community-based care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Psychology from St. Thomas Aquinas College, which anchors her work at the intersection of behavioral science, functional health, and prevention-focused practice.
As a Student Scholar with the Mercy University Maternal Mental Health Research Training Center (MMH-RTC), Merari participates in mentored research that examines maternal mental health disparities and the development of culturally responsive, occupation-based interventions for mothers and caregivers. Her interests include integrating occupational therapy principles—such as role balance, stress management, sensory regulation, and engagement in meaningful daily routines—into public health strategies that support women, infants, and families across the perinatal period.
Merari also serves as a Student Delegate for the New York State Occupational Therapy Association and as Mercy University’s AOTA Representative, where she promotes professional engagement, policy awareness, and student leadership within the OT community. In addition to her academic and advocacy work, she brings a strong background in coaching and health promotion through her roles in competitive and semi-professional soccer. These experiences inform her holistic, strengths-based perspective on resilience, performance, and well-being across the lifespan, with a particular focus on empowering individuals and communities through accessible, occupation-centered care.