Faculty

Dr. Achon has experience as an occupational therapy practitioner in adult and geriatric settings, including inpatient acute rehab and skilled nursing/home health. With a spinal cord injuries specialty, she has certifications in stroke rehab and fall prevention.

Elizabeth Wagner has 20+ years’ experience in various occupational therapy settings, including developing a mild traumatic brain injury program for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. She has expertise in sensory integration, traumatic brain injuries, neurological rehabilitation and geriatrics, including dementia and cardiovascular and pulmonary care.

With certifications in stroke rehabilitation and peer visitor training, Dr. Bayona is an expert in treating patients with neurological conditions and limb loss. She has 20+ years’ experience working in acute care, hand therapy, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and school-based practice.

Dr. Bertran specializes in pediatrics, Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory integration and early intervention. As a certified fieldwork educator, she is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting pre-linguistic skills in children.

Dr. Blackwell's passion for occupational therapy centers around pediatric care and the promotion of important childhood occupations in authentic environments. Her specialties include pediatrics and school systems.

Dr. Bonsall specializes in pediatrics and has experience teaching courses related to research and theory. His work focuses on family-centered care and helping parents of disabled children, as well as supporting parents.

As a geriatrics and pediatrics specialist, Nicole Summers is an occupational therapist with experience working with children and the elderly. She has LSVT BIG certification for Parkinson’s Disease and is presently concentrating on pelvic floor and female health.

Dr. Boykin specializes in acute care, adult rehabilitation, chronic disease management, clinical education, health administration and mental health. She has extensive experience in academia, home health and rehab director roles. Her research emphasizes OT interventions with mental health patients.

Dr. Brim has extensive clinical experience in early intervention, pediatrics, acute care, home health and orthopedics, serving individuals across their lifespan. As a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, his specialties include anatomy, kinesiology, professional ergonomics, sensory integration and wound management.

As a therapist, researcher and educator, Dr. Broussard focuses on enhancing the lives of older adults. She has worked in a variety of settings and has clinical and research interests in low vision, balance, pain and psychosocial challenges. Specialties include chronic disease management, dementia care, geriatrics, mental health and vision rehabilitation.

Dr. Brunder-Allen specializes in adult rehabilitation and oncology, with a focus on lymphedema. As an occupational therapist, she has fostered relationships with healthcare professionals and patients to establish community-based programs focused on education for underserved populations.

Adrian Bueno earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. She has a longstanding passion for upper extremity rehabilitation and earned her Certified Hand Therapist credential in 2020. Her clinical experience includes pre- and post-operative care, custom orthotics, return-to-work rehabilitation, and patient advocacy across orthopedic and

As a certified Autism Specialist, Dr. Burr is an occupational therapist with expertise in population health, pediatrics, kinesiology, health administration and school systems. She has published research on the advantages of animal-assisted therapies and is a qualified handler of therapy dogs.

Dr. Calvo specializes in acute care, health administration, and clinical, higher and interprofessional education. He brings experience in various healthcare settings and focuses on optimizing patient outcomes through biophysical agents, virtual reality and therapeutic tools.

Dr. Carey is an occupational therapist with a focus on adult rehabilitation and neurology. Since 1993, she has expanded clinical services in acute, outpatient and community care with a focus on neurological rehabilitation.

Rebecca Caudrillier is an occupational therapist specializing in acute care, adult rehab, hand therapy, anatomy and clinical education. With diverse skills and experience, she has a background in lymphedema and breast cancer rehab.

Dr. Clark, an experienced occupational therapist, specializes in adult and neurological rehab, dementia care, geriatrics, spinal cord injuries and long-term/rehabilitation nursing. She has an interest in non-pharmacological interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms in elderly populations.

With concentrations and clinical expertise in geriatrics, mental health and long-term and rehabilitation nursing, Dr. Cox also specializes in healthcare higher education. She served in OT program leadership roles for several universities prior to joining USAHS.

Dr. Crowder brings 15+ years of expertise in school-based occupational therapy to her role. As a published author, she specializes in pediatrics, sensory integration and interprofessional education, along with healthcare higher education and school systems.

Cat Daniel has more than 10 years of experience as a civil servant in the public school system. Daniel is an expert in pediatrics and school systems. Research interests include integrative/classroom therapy and self-regulation/sensory modulation.

Dr. De Brun’s specialties include community mental health, pediatrics, mental health and population health. She has extensive experience working in emerging practice, and community-based pediatric and adult mental health services.

With multiple certifications, Dr. DeLuca-Berg focuses on dementia care and geriatrics. She has more than five years of clinical experience in adult and geriatric settings, including home health, skilled nursing facilities, veterans affairs and inpatient psychiatric hospitals.

With specialties in adult rehabilitation, geriatrics, long term/rehabilitation nursing and neurological rehabilitation, Dr. DiGrado has worked in various clinical settings and primarily focuses on serving individuals with neurological impairments throughout the lifespan.

Jennifer Eyer is an occupational therapist specializing in adult and neurological rehabilitation, as well as orthopedics. She has worked in multiple outpatient clinics and has experience mentoring and building hand therapy programs.

Dr. Domville is an occupational therapist with expertise in adult rehabilitation, community mental health, geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation and orthopedics. She has treated a variety of diagnoses in the rehab setting, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Christopher Ebner, a medical professional with 15+ years’ experience, specializes in orthopedics, low vision rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. With expertise as an OT in the Department of Defense, active-duty U.S. Army officer and Army civilian, he is passionate about working with individuals with sustained amputations and poly trauma.

As a certified neuro specialist, Sheena Estalilla brings extensive clinical experience in the acute care setting, with expertise in clinical education, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological rehabilitation and early mobilization in the intensive care unit.

Dr. Evans has more than 40 years of experience in clinical and management roles in multi-disciplinary adult and geriatric physical disability settings, including acute care, rehabilitation, long-term/rehabilitation nursing and home health care.

Dr. Fagan is an occupational therapist specializing in adult and geriatric rehabilitation, with a focus on stroke rehabilitation and reducing falls in the community. She has experience in acute care, subacute rehab and home health.

Dr. Faghihifar is an Associate Professor specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, interprofessional education, pediatrics, school systems and sensory integration. With 20+ years of pediatric clinical practice, she focuses on OT care, interprofessional education and curriculum development.

With an emphasis in adult rehabilitation, geriatrics and orthopedics, Valerie Faul specializes in upper extremity dysfunction, particularly of the shoulder. She has experience working with orthopedic surgeons to deliver comprehensive therapies, including the creation of bespoke orthotics.

Katelyn Fell is an OT specializing in geriatrics. With extensive clinical experience in acute care, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, home health and as a travel therapist, her research interests include health and wellbeing among older adults and community-based programs.

Dr. Fernandez has extensive clinical and leadership experience in rehabilitation services, orthopedics and geriatrics. She has worked in acute and post-acute care, inpatient and outpatient settings, and contributed to evidence-based programs for fall prevention in the geriatric community. Additional specialties include neurological rehab, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, wound management and community transition.

As a certified low vision therapist, Dr. Fielder’s clinical experience includes working with adults with brain injuries. Her specialties include community transition, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injuries and vision rehabilitation.

Dr. Fischer has extensive clinical experience in acute care, NICU, outpatient and rehabilitation settings in addition to a level 1 trauma center, schools and telehealth with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is passionate about early intervention and has worked in this field for more than 10 years.

As a certified healthcare simulation educator, Dr. Frank has held academic leadership positions focused on curriculum design, interprofessional education initiatives, healthcare simulation and faculty development. Her areas of expertise are higher education leadership, adult and neurological rehabilitation, and population health.

Dr. Gerardi is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with a 33-year career in the U.S. Army. He is a certified hand therapist with experience working with clients with upper extremity neuromusculoskeletal conditions and mental health conditions.

Dr. Glover is an occupational therapist with 30+ years’ experience in chronic disease management, clinical education, geriatrics, mental health and neurological disorders. With clinical experience in settings including long-term and rehabilitation nursing, she has also managed OT and rehabilitation departments.

As a pediatrics specialist, Dr. Greer has 20+ years’ experience in various pediatric therapy settings, including acute care, outpatient, NICU, home-based early intervention and schools. She has a particular interest in researching spirituality in occupational therapy.

With specialties in anatomy, clinical education and hand therapy, Dr. Grijalba’s expertise lies in orthopedic rehabilitation. Having worked in acute care and home-health settings with adult populations, she is passionate about innovation in OT and created a role for OTs in the care of women in obstetrics and gynecology.

With expertise in acute care, adult rehab, anatomy, orthopedics and clinical education, Raquel Guarino is a certified hand therapist and educator. She has more than 10 years’ experience in hand therapy, pediatric sensory integration and neuro rehabilitation. She specializes in laser treatments and is kinesio-tape and Graston-technique certified.

Dr. Gutierrez is an occupational therapist, educator and a lifelong learner with a passion for technology. In addition to healthcare higher education and instructional design, she specializes in anatomy kinesiology, mental health, neurological disorders and orthopedics.

With expertise in adult rehabilitation, anatomy and neurological rehabilitation, Dr. Harrington is a USAHS alum whose research interests include the neurologic system and COVID-19.

Dr. Hartsook specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder, clinical education, pediatrics and sensory integration. As a certified fieldwork educator, her clinical practice and interests focus on early intervention and early identification of Autism.

Dr. Haynes is a pediatric therapist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, clinical education, pediatrics and school systems, and higher education. With 20+ years of experience, she’s contributed to training initiatives, scholarly work and national speaking engagements.

Specializing in kinesiology and vision rehabilitation, Dr. Hicks possesses extensive clinical experience and research interest in low-vision rehabilitation, assistive technology and cultural diversity.

Dr. Hoffman is an accomplished occupational therapist with international experience and a focus on complicated rehabilitation technologies and assistive technology. Specialties include adult rehabilitation, geriatrics, neurological disorders and rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries.

Dr. Hutson has vast experience across the care continuum, working in the acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and home and community settings.

Dr. Jarrar is an occupational therapist and educator specializing in improving the lives of children and adolescents with and at risk for mental illness and their families. She has established practices emphasizing sensory integration therapy, extending pediatrics support.

Dr. Johnson’s specialties include adult rehabilitation, orthopedics, spinal cord injuries, sports medicine, neurological disorders and interprofessional education. She has 30+ years’ expertise working with patients with neurological impairments and is a frequent presenter on OT education and rehabilitation practice.

Dr. Kasyan-Howe is a highly skilled occupational therapist with expertise in a wide range of specialties, including acute care, adult rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation and spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. She is dedicated to improving fieldwork education, promoting leadership, and addressing legal and ethical concerns in occupational therapy.

Dr. Khan specializes in adult rehabilitation, geriatrics, mental health, neurological disorders, neurological rehabilitation and pelvic health. She has a deep understanding of psychoneuroimmunology and the interconnectedness of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems.

Dr. Khan-Farooqi has extensive experience working in various healthcare settings and has served on the board of the American Society of Hand Therapists.

Dr. King is an occupational therapist, educator and researcher with 20+ years of experience, specializing in adult rehabilitation, chronic disease management, geriatrics, dementia care, end-of-life care and more. She’s dedicated to fostering evidence-based, patient-centered practitioners.

Dr. Kolbfleisch is an expert in acute care, adult rehabilitation, chronic disease management, geriatrics and healthcare higher education. With experience in various occupational therapy settings, she has taught at the graduate level for five years.

Dr. Kollmann is an occupational therapist passionate about eHealth literacy and technology. Specializing in adult rehabilitation, dementia care, geriatrics, neurological disorders, and mental health and addictions, she brings diverse expertise in adult care to the classroom.

Beth Lambert is an occupational therapist specializing in adult rehabilitation, geriatrics, dementia care, end-of-life care and neurological disorders and rehab. With experience in various healthcare settings, she is a certified practitioner in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG and a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Dr. Laughlin is an occupational therapist specializing in dementia care and mental health. With a strong focus on geriatrics and behavioral health, she empowers individuals to engage in meaningful occupations and provides trauma-informed care for chronic pain management.

Dr. Leeman specializes in acute care, adult rehabilitation, hand certification, health administration, neurological disorders, neurological rehabilitation and orthopedics. She is a Certified Hand Therapist and has expertise in 3D printing applications for OT.

Kristian Llaca is an occupational therapist specializing in acute care, adult rehabilitation, mental health, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and vision rehabilitation. He has expertise in neurological rehabilitation and assistive technology and has earned several certifications.

As a former tutor to children with learning and developmental disabilities, Dr. Loffredo’s specialties include Autism Spectrum Disorder, community mental health, pediatrics and sensory integration. Having worked in home health, outpatient, hospital and school-based settings, her clinical practice interests include parent education, telehealth and early intervention.

Dr. Lyons-Brown is an Assistant Professor and Doctoral Coordinator with over 20 years of experience. Her specialties include neurological populations and prevention of intimate partner violence.

As an experienced practicing therapist and educator specializing in community mental health and mental health, Dr. MacDermott has expertise in chronic pain management and occupational science.

Board-certified in pediatrics, Dr. Madalon is an occupational therapist with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and community mental health. With 25+ years of experience, she is dedicated to addressing functional communication to decrease problem behaviors.

Dr. Martinez is an occupational therapist with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder, clinical education, pediatrics, school systems and sensory integration. She has extensive experience in the public school system and opened her own private practice.

Dr. McIntyre is an occupational therapist with a specialization in community-based mental health settings, particularly working with adults experiencing psychosis. Her scholarly work focuses on trauma-informed education, hoarding disorder and the inclusion of experts by experience in academic settings.

As an expert in adult rehabilitation, dementia care, geriatrics and health administration, Dr. McKay brings 10+ years of experience in serving older adult populations. His passion for leadership and collaboration drives his commitment to educating and mentoring aspiring occupational therapists.

Dr. McNulty, an expert in geriatrics, is a passionate educator, researcher and clinician. With a background in psychosocial occupational therapy and geriatric rehabilitation, she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals with complex conditions.

Dr. McWilliams is an innovative occupational therapist with experience in brain and spinal cord injury treatment and research, oncology treatment and management. He specializes in client-centered care, training/program development and family relations.

Dr. Mendez-Schiaffino specializes in management and neurorehabilitation settings focusing on patients who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury. She joined the University after serving the adult and geriatric populations in various healthcare settings.

Dr. Meyer is an expert in fieldwork education and supervision with 35+ years of experience specializing in adult rehabilitation and clinical education. She created international fieldwork experiences and is nationally recognized for her work with OT students with disabilities.

With expertise in multi-sensory learning approaches, sensory regulation programs, and handwriting and keyboarding programs, Laura Moe’s specialties include pediatrics, school systems, healthcare higher education and neurological disorders.

Dr. Morris is a Certified Hand Therapist and expert in healthcare higher education, orthopedics and professional ergonomics. Her expertise focuses on upper extremity rehabilitation, lymphedema treatment and outcomes of upper extremity injuries.

Dr. Mrabe is an occupational therapist and educator with a specialty in mental health, pediatrics, anatomy and kinesiology.

With a specialty in hand therapy, Kaylee Munch has experience in nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation and home health. She focuses on orthotic fabrication and upper extremity rehabilitation within private pay, federal pay and worker’s compensation injuries.

Dr. Angelina Muñoz is a pediatric occupational therapist with expertise in diverse population pediatrics. She has worked in various settings, including sensory-based clinics, school districts and pediatric hospitals.

Dr. Nelson is an OT, researcher and educator focused on improving the lives of individuals through holistic, client-centered treatment. She holds numerous certifications in various specialties, with expertise in acute care, neurological rehabilitation, oncology, orthopedics and pelvic health.

Katie O'Hara is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, pediatrics and sensory integration. She has treated children with various diagnoses, including Down syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

Dr. Orozco Arteaga is a specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder, chronic disease management, community mental health, pediatrics, population health and sensory integration. She has a background in interdisciplinary collaboration, and her research and academic interests center on health disparities, equity and inclusion.

Board-certified in pediatrics, Dr. Park specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder, clinical education, higher education, mental health and sensory integration. She has lectured globally on interdisciplinary approaches to feeding assessment and intervention and holds advanced practice certification in swallowing assessment, evaluation and intervention.

Dr. Parten is an occupational therapist specializing in geriatrics, neurological disorders and rehab, dementia and traumatic brain injuries. With 20+ years of clinical experience, she has worked in a variety of adult settings including inpatient rehabilitation and long-term acute care.

Holding multiple certifications, Dr. Perez specializes in adult rehabilitation, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries and more. With a background in higher education and instructional design, she brings expertise in interprofessional education.

Dr. Perez has 15+ years of clinical experience working with pediatric populations in outpatient, home health, early intervention and school-based settings. His specialties include Autism Spectrum Disorder, interprofessional education and school systems.

Dr. Petersen specializes in pediatrics, school systems and sensory integration. With more than 10 years of experience in clinical practice and academia, he is dedicated to transitioning individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disability and Autism into adulthood.

Heather Rennerfeldt completed her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD in 2005. Following a year as an adjunct instructor in the Exercise Science department at the University of Sioux Falls, she earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Dakota in

With 20+ years of clinical experience and specialties in manual therapy and oncology, Dr. Roberts is an occupational therapist practitioner with expertise in lymphedema, burn therapy and hand therapy.

Dr. Schwier specializes in sensory integration, pediatrics, community integration and the influence on academic performance and social skills. She is a frequent presenter, published author and researcher in occupational therapy education and student self-efficacy.

Dr. Cheryl Sheffield has 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist in Canada and the United States. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2018, where she transitioned from a contributing faculty member in the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program to core faculty in the Master of Occupational

Lacey Sims earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Sims began her career in acute care at a level one trauma center and later transitioned to outpatient working with both neuro and orthopedic patients. In 2015, she earned her

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

Dr. St. Germain received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology from Concordia College in Minnesota. From 1999 to 2005, he worked in an inpatient pediatric psychiatric mental health facility. Dr. St. Germain attained his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University in 2005. He has clinical experience working in multiple

With 35 years of occupational therapy experience, Dr. Tremaine specializes in autism, pediatrics, school systems and sensory integration. Her expertise spans sensory processing, therapeutic listening and feeding development.

Dr. Tsang-Wu brings more than 30 years of experience in clinical education and neurological rehabilitation, with specialized expertise in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and community transition. Her extensive background includes working in acute care, outpatient and inpatient settings.

Dr. Tu is a former high school math teacher turned occupational therapist who specializes in adult rehabilitation, clinical education and mental health. With experience in various healthcare settings and military service, he now focuses on clinical education.

Claire Uke is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with school-based experience serving parents and children from diverse backgrounds. She has dense technical knowledge on a variety of topics and is passionate about sharing information and finding solutions. She is currently pursuing a certification in assistive technology. Uke began teaching as an Assistive Technology Lab

Lynea Upson specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and pediatrics, with 20 years of experience across clinical and academic settings. She is certified in neuroscience and innovative therapies, and advances pediatric care through Interactive MetronomeⓇ and rebound therapy expertise.

Brooke Weber is an experienced occupational therapist with a specialty in Autism Spectrum Disorder, pediatrics and sensory integration. She is dedicated to serving populations dealing with sensory-processing differences and learning disabilities.

Dr. Jenny Williams joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in 2025. Prior to that, she was an adjunct instructor at Maryville University for seven years while working full-time as an occupational therapist since 2008. Dr. Williams has worked in a variety of settings, including community hospitals, home

Dr. Liz Wilson became an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at the University in 2018. She started at the University as a guest lecturer and then contributing faculty before transitioning into her current full-time position. She has worked in a variety of occupational therapy settings including inpatient acute hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, pediatric school systems and

Dr. Woolley is an experienced educator and occupational therapist with 20+ years of clinical and administrative experience in various clinical settings. She graduated with honors in 1994 with her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from BYU with certifications in mild/moderate and severe/profound disabilities. She started her career teaching special education in a junior high