Jillian Rancatore: Strengthening her skills as an occupational therapist
Grad Profile
The program provided enriching experiences that strengthened my clinical skills and my professors were consistently encouraging, accessible, and invested in my success.
Intro by Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
When Jillian Rancatore decided to pursue her Doctor of Occupational Therapy, she knew Governors State University (GovState) was the university to go to after earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from GovState. As a wife and working mother of a four-year-old son, Jillian found that GovState offered the balance she was looking for when adding academics back into her life.
With support from her family and doctoral colleagues, Jillian found that while her experience had its challenges, it was overall rewarding. Her program inspired reflection on her current practices and strengthened her passion to help others, something she’s excited to continue with her doctorate in hand.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Jillian: I transferred to Governors State University in 2010 after earning associate degrees in Arts and General Studies from Joliet Junior College. I went on to complete my bachelor’s degree in Community Health and my Master of Occupational Therapy at Governors State, so when I chose to pursue my doctorate, returning to GovState felt like a natural decision.
The University’s strong team of dedicated professionals has consistently supported my academic growth and development. Its proximity to home also allowed me to remain present for my family and maintain my employment while still being able to travel to campus whenever needed.
GovState Newsroom: Why did you choose your degree?
Jillian: Occupational therapy has given me the privilege of turning my passion for helping others into meaningful work, offering opportunities for both personal growth and professional development. I have been practicing as an occupational therapist since 2016, and my commitment to continual learning and self‑improvement ultimately inspired me to pursue my doctoral degree.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Jillian: My dream is to guide future occupational therapists as we continue to advance best practices and promote meaningful occupational participation for all individuals. With a decade of experience as a school-based occupational therapist, I have found my passion in collaborating with educators and contributing to interdisciplinary teams. I have also worked as an early intervention occupational therapist for seven years, where I have taken on a coaching role with families, helping them support their children at home.
Over the past six years, I have served as a fieldwork supervisor for occupational therapy students, which has strengthened my dedication to mentoring others. I am deeply committed to educating and supporting others, so I would welcome the opportunity to teach future practitioners.
GovState Newsroom: What can you get at Governors State University that you couldn't find anywhere else?
Jillian: I experienced opportunities at Governors State University that I would not have found elsewhere. The program provided enriching experiences that strengthened my clinical skills and allowed me to build meaningful professional connections that have supported both my current work and future interests.
GovState is also one of the few post‑professional doctoral programs located close to my home, and its accessibility played an important role in my decision to continue my education here.
GovState Newsroom: President Ester has said that GovState provides a sense of home. What makes GovState home for you?
Jillian: The people at Governors State University are what truly made the experience feel like home. I was fortunate to be part of a supportive and collaborative cohort with individuals who I consider to be two of my closest friends. The faculty were equally exceptional. My professors were consistently encouraging, accessible, and invested in my success. The sense of community, shared accomplishment, and genuine connection throughout the program is what continues to make Governors State feel like home.
GovState Newsroom: If you had a song play while you crossed the Commencement stage, what would it be and why?
Jillian: As funny as it may sound, during the program my four‑year‑old was obsessed with the Zootopia movies, and over the past year we’ve listened to Shakira’s “Try Everything” more times than I can count. The song has become a meaningful reminder about perseverance and embracing opportunities for growth, even when they come with the possibility of failure. It has served as a reminder for both me and my son to never give up and to seize every opportunity.
GovState Newsroom: Any advice for current/future students?
Jillian: You can do this! It's not easy, and there will be sacrifices. However, if not now, then when? Life is never going to get easier, but if there is a goal in mind and the volition is there, it is possible. We can do hard things!