Nishi Patel, OTD-PP, MOTR/L, CAPS, CDP

Dr. Nishi Patel, OTD, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist and educator with more than 15 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience across diverse practice and educational settings. She holds a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Shenandoah University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch. Her academic background is grounded in evidence-based practice, inclusive pedagogy, and a strong commitment to preparing practice-ready occupational therapy practitioners.

Dr. Patel has extensive experience in higher education, having served in multiple faculty and leadership roles, including Program Director and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for occupational therapy programs. In these roles, she has led curriculum design, program development, accreditation preparation, and continuous program evaluation, while also delivering direct instruction across foundational and advanced occupational therapy coursework. Her work in accreditation includes successful involvement with ACOTE self-study development, site visit coordination, and quality improvement initiatives.

Clinically, Dr. Patel has practiced across acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and community-based settings, working with adult and older adult populations. She maintains active professional credentials and certifications, including Registered Occupational Therapist, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Educator, and Mental Health First Aid provider.

Dr. Patel is deeply committed to student mentorship, professional identity formation, and service-based learning. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, cultural humility, and real-world application, with the goal of empowering students to become compassionate, ethical, and confident occupational therapy practitioners prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare practice.