Occupational Therapy

Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (DOT)

Faculty

Program Coordinator of Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy:

Elizabeth Pfeiffer, Ph.D., OTR/L, BCP
Assistant Professor
Coordinator of Occupational Therapy Graduate Distance Education Programs
Dr. Pfeiffer’s research focuses on sensory modulation and affective disorders in children with Asperger syndrome and adults with sensory modulation disorders. She also conducts research on the effectiveness of sensory-based treatment in children and adults with pervasive developmental disorders and psychosocial issues. Additional interests include the effectiveness of distance education and program development.

Contact Information for Dr. Pfeiffer:

Moya Kinnealey, Ph.D., OTR/L
Associate Professor and Chair of Occupational Therapy Department

Dr. Kinnealey’s research focuses on early intervention with children at risk for developmental disabilities, sensory integration issues with both specific populations and across the life span, and the biological/emotional link in development and behavior. Moya just completed the development of a training program for individuals who work with children with autism, funded through a Youth Advocate Program, Inc. grant.

Ruth Farber, MSW, Ph.D., OTR/L
Associate Professor

Dr. Farber’s current research is examining the inter-relationship of parental and role participation, health, well-being and social support of mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS). She has had the support of the National MS Society in obtaining subjects and internal grant funding from the University. Dr. Farber has been studying access and barriers to participation in arts and cultural venues for people with disabilities. She was invited to spearhead the behavioral and social science initiative to bring researchers of women’s health together for collaboration.

Thomas North, MBA, Ph.D., OTR/L
Associate Professor

Dr. North’s research interests include reimbursement and its impact upon treatment, the psycho-social aspects of disease and disability management, and clinical education.

Fern Silverman,  Ed.D, OTR/L
Assistant Professor

Dr. Silverman’s research interests are in the area of school based occupational therapy practice and service delivery, research based practice in school settings, working with school personnel and parents to develop and implement comprehensive therapeutic programs.  She is also interested in the use of universal design to enhance inclusion of children with disabilities in educational settings.

Donna Weiss, Ph.D., OTR/L
Associate Professor

Dr. Weiss’ research interests include teaching/learning environments, clinical reasoning, clinical education and faculty development. Her most recent research efforts have been in the areas of group development and faculty productivity.