Kristina Paula, DrOT, OTR/L

Dr. Kristina Paula has been practicing occupational therapy since 2015. She graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then completed her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2015. She continued her education and received her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Nova Southeastern University, where her focus was on occupational therapy’s role in identifying early signs of autism.

Dr. Paula has a passion for education. She is a certified fieldwork educator and is passionate about helping fieldwork students receive the highest quality of clinical education. This enthusiasm flows into her role as Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC), where she can use her strengths as an educator to guide students during their fieldwork preparation and transition into clinical practitioners. In addition, Dr. Paula has received the AOTA Autism Badge and is certified in DIR Floortime. Her clinical practice and interests are focused on pediatrics, early intervention, sensory integration, autism, and early identification of autism, as well as incorporating an interdisciplinary model. Dr. Paula strongly supports family-centered care, primarily considering the family’s well-being and priorities. She has serviced the pediatric population in in-home, school-based, outpatient, and inpatient settings. Her desire for equity has led to her initiative of a pro bono clinic at a school that services children with dis/Abilities. Dr. Paula serves as the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) co-chair of the Special Interest Section for Fieldwork Education and Doctoral Capstone Experience.

She has been serving as a full-time instructor and AFWC at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences at the Miami, FL campus since 2020.