Dates

• Existence: 1910 - 2002

Biography

Harriet Zlatohlavek was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and raised in the Czechoslovakian heritage, “Miss Harriet” was a gifted artist, weaver, educator and mentor. Earning a Certificate in normal training in 1928 from Iowa State Teacher’s College, she taught health and physical fitness in a one-room school house in rural Iowa. Zlatohlavek earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health, and Physical Education in 1937 from the University of Northern Iowa. Responding to war needs, she enrolled in University of Southern California War Emergency Program in occupational therapy, and earned her Certificate in 1944, and became a faculty member under Chairperson Margaret Rood in 1946. In 1952, she earned her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy. Remaining on faculty at USC she was appointed Chairperson of Occupational Therapy, and with close colleague Mary Reilly, created one of the outstanding occupational therapy educational institutions internationally. Zlatohlavek was also remembered for an extensive teddy bear collection, and penchant for travel and sailing.