Dr. Michael Valenti is a seasoned registered nurse and professor with expertise in mental health and substance use disorders, health administration and healthcare higher education. His career is driven by a passion for improving access to high-quality integrated healthcare for vulnerable populations. Dr. Valenti’s academic journey includes earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Research
Dr. Dan Calvo is an Occupational Therapy (OT) Instructor in the Flex OT program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ St. Augustine, FL campus. He joined the University in August 2023. With a background in clinical practice, he has worked in various healthcare settings including skilled nursing, acute and rehab hospitals, hand
Dr. Rebecca King is an occupational therapist, educator and researcher dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and improving outcomes. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she has held various roles in geriatric rehabilitation, rehabilitation management and administration. Her diverse career includes working in skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities and
Dr. Keegan McKay is a native of Cape Town, South Africa, where he attended the University of South Africa and earned his Bachelor of Arts. He pursued his Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Throughout his clinical career, Dr. McKay has concentrated on serving the older adult population,
Dr. Mayra Mendez-Schiaffino received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Kennesaw State University in 2010. In 2021, she earned a post-graduate certification in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In 2023, she received her Doctor
Dr. Blanche Leeman joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as an Associate Professor in the Flex Occupational Therapy (OT) program in 2023. Prior, Dr. Leeman was a contributing faculty member in the Post-professional OT program as a capstone advisor. Dr. Leeman started her occupational therapy career in 1997, working in hand therapy
Dr. Jeff Bolles has more than 20 years of teaching experience in higher education, having been on the faculty of several schools ranging from private to public institutions. Dr. Bolles possesses several years of experience in the healthcare industry, from long-term care to cardiology allied health. He has developed a student-centered teaching style emphasizing interaction,
Dr. Soper has a background in orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions with more than 30 years of clinical practice. She obtained her Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and Leadership from California Intercontinental University in 2021. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences core faculty as an Assistant Professor in 2022. Her
Dr. Macy Burr has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in psychology. She graduated from Stanbridge University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2016. She has experience in outpatient pediatric clinics, home health, early intervention and school-based settings. Dr. Burr has researched animal-assisted therapy in occupational therapy. She teams
Dr. Matthew Daugherty is an Associate Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and a former program administrator. He has been a licensed, practicing physical and occupational therapist since 2007. In October 2024, he became the Director, Residency Programs. In this role, he oversees the Clinical Orthopaedic Residency program, which is based on the
Dr. Jackie Crossen-Sills is a Professor with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the St. Augustine, FL campus. Dr. Crossen-Sills earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Springfield College, Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from New York University, a Master of Science in physical therapy neurology from the Northeastern University and
Dr. Keisa Boykin joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Occupational Therapy department in August 2017. Prior to joining the University, she worked as an occupational therapist in the home health setting. She has also worked in academia as a program director and instructor. She has worked clinically as a rehab director in