BACKGROUND
Dr. Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 1997. Dr. Decker obtained her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University, her Master of Health Science from the University of Florida, and her Doctor of Education from the University of Central Florida. Doctor Decker is a pediatric specialist. She has worked in a wide variety of pediatric settings, including inpatient, outpatient, public schools, and state facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. She is certified in pediatric neurodevelopmental treatment, administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test, administration of the Assessment of Premature Behavior, and is pursuing certification as a handwriting specialist. She has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences and continuing education programs on a wide variety of pediatric topics.
Dr. Decker is the professor for the on-campus HSC Scientific Inquiry (and Flex) and Child Development (campus only) class and the subsequent research and pediatric courses for OT and Dual students. Her research focuses on the development and relationship of fine motor skills and handwriting legibility in children. OT and Dual students in the program often accompany Dr. Decker to a local elementary school where they participate in data collection for various research projects. She also teaches an Advanced Pediatric Client with a Neurological Impairment in the transitional and entry level doctorate programs and has directed several Independent Studies and Capstone projects for advanced students. Dr. Bonnie Decker has also been on the faculty at the University of Florida, Louisiana State University Medical Center, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and the University of Central Arkansas.
