Alumni Spotlight

The Cardinal Mooney Alumni Spotlight showcases and recognizes outstanding Cardinal Mooney Alumni for their academic and professional achievements, service to their community, and their continuation of Cardinal Mooney’s tradition of “Sanctity, Scholarship, and Discipline.” With the Alumni Spotlight, we will explore and regularly share the diverse accomplishments of our graduates.

Kennedy Williams, Class of 2018

Maeghan Williams, Class of 2020

Sisters pursue occupational therapy doctorates at Ohio State

YOUNGSTOWN — Sisters Kennedy and Maeghan Williams, graduates of Cardinal Mooney High School’s classes of 2018 and 2020, respectively, are pursuing their clinical doctorates in occupational therapy at Ohio State University. The three-year program is among the nation’s top-ranked occupational therapy graduate programs.

Kennedy graduated summa cum laude from Youngstown State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology. Maeghan graduated summa cum laude in 2024 from Ohio State with a bachelor’s degree in health and rehabilitation science and a minor in psychology.

Kennedy said occupational therapy felt like a “natural fit” because she has always been drawn to helping others. After shadowing an occupational therapist in a school-based setting, she was inspired to pursue the field.

During the past year, Kennedy’s fieldwork included placements at the Cleveland Clinic’s pediatric outpatient clinic and school for autism, as well as Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Acute Care in Columbus. She will complete her doctorate this semester with a capstone project at Bridgeway Academy and Therapy Center in Columbus, focusing on helping young adults transition to independent living. Her project explores incorporating artificial intelligence into therapy to enhance patients’ functional skills and independence.

Maeghan began the occupational therapy program at Ohio State in the summer of 2024 and is in her third semester, with graduation planned for spring 2027. Inspired by her sister, Maeghan said she is grateful for Kennedy’s mentorship.

Maeghan is particularly interested in the health and wellness aspects of occupational therapy, helping others build healthy habits and routines. Outside her studies, she volunteers with Buddy Up, supporting individuals with Down syndrome, and is an active member of the LIFT Lab at Ohio State. As a research assistant, she recently earned first authorship on a paper about adapting the Mindfulness in Motion program for first responders.

Mooney Foundation
Kennedy credits her time at Cardinal Mooney for helping lay the groundwork for her career. She enjoyed math and science classes and valued the hands-on experience in her science labs. She also fondly remembers participating in the German Club, Card Control, and Link Crew.

“Mooney helped me form my work ethic,” Maeghan said, noting that balancing academics with extracurriculars like lacrosse, student council, and volunteer projects taught her to stay organized and manage her time effectively. Maeghan graduated in the top 10 of her class.

A Family of Helpers
Carrie Loftus Williams, the sisters’ mother and a 1989 Cardinal Mooney graduate, said she and her husband, Kris, have always emphasized the importance of giving back. That lesson started at St. Charles School and continued at Mooney.

“It is a part of Catholic upbringing and education,” Carrie said. “We are taught to be empathetic helpers, to make a difference by putting your fingerprints on it—whatever ‘it’ is.”

The sisters also expressed gratitude for Maureen Ruffing Hough, a 1986 Mooney graduate and occupational therapist who has provided guidance and support throughout their journeys.

Both Kennedy and Maeghan love the Columbus area and are open to staying there to work after graduation. When not in Columbus, they enjoy returning to Youngstown to visit family and friends.

The Williams sisters look forward to making their marks in occupational therapy in the years to come.