With nearly three decades of experience in speech-language pathology, Kathryn Flurry Mercer has worked in a variety of adult and pediatric healthcare settings, as well as diverse educational environments. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2019 and works as the clinical coordinator of the MS-SLP program on the Dallas,
Dr. Alisa Kollmann is an occupational therapist (OT) who graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) with her Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy with a specialization in Teaching and Learning. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1998 and her Master of Occupational Therapy
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. Justine Faghihifar joined the University in 2023 and serves as an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy (OT) programs on the Dallas, TX campus. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and a Master of Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University . Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health, pediatrics, school systems and sensory
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Timothy Tu found his calling in education when he taught English in South Korea. Returning to his home state of California, he worked as a high school mathematics teacher before discovering occupational therapy. Throughout his career, Dr. Tu has provided care to adults in various settings, including inpatient acute
Dr. Rachael Fox is an occupational therapist and educator focused on encouraging students to approach their education as a transformative learning journey with enthusiasm and open-mindedness. She graduated with her Master of Occupational Science and Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. Her experience includes pediatric and
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. Laughlin is an occupational therapist who has a passion and interest in working in geriatrics, behavioral and mental health. Her passion for working with these populations stems from the opportunity to provide an environment where individuals feel empowered, supported and motivated to learn (or re-learn) the skills needed for engagement in one’s meaningful and
Dr. Broussard is an occupational therapist, researcher and educator focused on improving the lives of older adults.
Dr. Susan MacDermott has more than 15 years of experience as a practicing therapist and educator. In addition to her role as a core faculty member and Doctoral Coordinator in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program, she currently serves as an occupational therapist at Lasting Recovery, a substance abuse and recovery program in San
Dr. Gerardi joined the University in 2017. He previously served as the inaugural Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Brown Mackie College–San Antonio. Other past academic appointments include visiting instructor in the Exercise Science program at Saint Mary’s University, an adjunct faculty member in the Baylor University/U.S. Army Doctor of Science in Occupational
Lacey Spark attended the University of Oregon and Pacific University for her undergraduate career before earning her Master of Occupational Therapy from Pacific University in 2010. After graduation, she worked in community mental health practice and presented at the annual American Occupational Therapy Association conference on occupational therapy groups for early intervention and treatment of