Fellowship Spotlight: Dr. Ariel Miller’s Journey in Pediatric OT at Nationwide Children’s

Erika Eustaquio, OTD, OTR/L

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Ariel Miller, OTD, OTR/L, is embarking on a transformative journey as the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Fellow at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A recent graduate of Huntington University (April 2024), Dr. Miller brings a strong commitment to pediatric care and a passion for supporting children and their families through meaningful therapeutic work.

About the Fellowship

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Pediatric Occupational Therapy Fellowship offers advanced training for occupational therapists seeking to specialize in pediatric care. Fellows gain hands-on clinical experience at state-of-the-art facilities across Columbus, supported by board-certified and specialty-certified mentors. This full-time, yearlong program includes direct patient care, individualized mentorship, teaching roles at The Ohio State University, participation in the LEND program, and opportunities for research and leadership development.

Discovering the Fellowship

Dr. Miller was introduced to the fellowship during her Level II fieldwork and doctoral capstone at Nationwide Children’s. Encouraged by her clinical instructor and mentor, she pursued the program, drawn by its depth and variety. “I was drawn to apply because of the comprehensive experience I had during those placements, the reputation of Nationwide Children’s as a leader in pediatric care, and the opportunity to receive mentorship and training in a variety of specialty areas,” she reflects.

A Day in the Life of a Fellow

No two days look the same in Dr. Miller’s fellowship, which spans a wide range of pediatric care settings. “The variety keeps me engaged, continuously learning, and growing as a clinician,” she shares. Her weekly schedule includes rotations in outpatient care, acute care, and specialty clinics such as the myelomeningocele, cerebral palsy, and early developmental follow-up clinics. She also participates in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program at The Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center and assists in teaching the pediatric lab course in OSU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.

The Nationwide Children's Difference

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the U.S., provides a rich and varied clinical environment for fellows. “The fellowship has exceeded my expectations; it’s allowed me to grow in both clinical skills and confidence, while also exposing me to a broad spectrum of pediatric care,” she notes.

Integrating Evidence-Based Practices

Staying current with research is a priority in the fellowship. “I’m fortunate to have access to a wealth of evidence-based resources,” Dr. Miller explains. “We regularly attend continuing education sessions, grand rounds, webinars, and lectures through the therapy department and the hospital at large.”

The Rewards of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

For Dr. Miller, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the opportunity to support not just the child, but the entire family unit.

"I find it incredibly rewarding to support not just the child, but the entire family unit. The work we do as pediatric OTs often extends beyond the therapy session, it helps families navigate challenges, build routines, and foster meaningful participation in everyday life."

A Holistic Approach to Care

Pediatric occupational therapy encompasses much more than play and handwriting. Dr. Miller emphasizes the holistic nature of the profession, which addresses all aspects of a child’s daily activities. “I wish more people recognized that pediatric occupational therapy goes far beyond just play or handwriting. Our work supports all the daily activities that are meaningful to a child, whether that’s feeding, sleeping, social interaction, behavior, cognition, or mobility,” she says.

Occupational Balance

Amidst the demands of her fellowship, Dr. Miller understands the importance of self-care and occupational balance as she shares, “Spending time outdoors helps me reset. I especially enjoy the warmer months, going on walks or runs, playing sand volleyball, and working out.”

Looking Ahead

As Dr. Miller continues her fellowship, she remains committed to growing as a clinician and supporting the children and families she serves. “Being a part of a child’s journey toward greater independence and quality of life is what is truly rewarding,” she shares. Her experience highlights the value of dedicated mentorship, comprehensive training, and compassionate care in pediatric occupational therapy.

We thank Dr. Miller for sharing her insights with OOTA!

For more information about the fellowship, visit the Nationwide Children’s Hospital website. To connect with Dr. Miller or learn more about her experiences, you can reach her at Ariel.Miller@nationwidechildrens.org.