Faculty (OT)
Claire Mulry, OTD, OTR, CAPS, FAOTA
Department Chairperson Associate Professor
Claire Mulry, OTD, OTR, CAPS, FAOTA, (she/her/hers) is the 8th Chairperson of the Department of Occupational Therapy. She has been a practicing occupational therapist for over 25 years. Dr. Mulry received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1988 and her Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Occupational Therapy from Kean College in 1997. She received her Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) from the National Association of Home Builders in 2009 and her Post Professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2010. She earned her Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Thomas Jefferson University's School of Health Professions in 2012. She was awarded the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Roster of Fellows Award (FAOTA) in 2021.
Dr. Mulry’s areas of expertise are adult rehabilitation, aging in place, environmental modifications and acquired brain injury. She has experience in acute care, acute inpatient rehabilitation, sub-acute and geriatric home care. Dr. Mulry, co-founded Independent Domain, LLC in 2003. Independent Domain, LLC provides OT services, aging in place, home and environmental modification consultations, dementia caregiver support and advocacy services to help individuals thrive as they age.
Dr. Mulry’s passion is to promote participation and engagement in meaningful occupations for all. Dr. Mulry’s research interests include aging and participation, acquired brain injury, inter-professional care and program development. Dr. Mulry has received outside grants totaling more than $2,000,000 from the NJ Building our Future Bond Initiative, AARP Community Challenge, AARP New Jersey, and Roselle Senior Housing. Dr. Mulry has received Kean University Grants including the Quality First Initiative Grant 2017-2018, Students Partnering with Faculty Grant (SpF) in 2016-2017 and Foundation Faculty Research Awards in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. Dr. Mulry and a team of student researchers implemented her Let’s Go Program to promote community mobility for older adults in seven urban residences and in the community with clients living with chronic mental health concerns.. Dr. Mulry has received the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association’s President's Award (2014), Award of Merit (2014), Service Award (2014, 2012, 2010) and Nathan Weiss Graduate College Excellence in Graduate Faculty Award (2016).
Dr. Mulry served as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University from 2004-2010. Dr. Mulry has taught many courses in the curriculum. She currently teaches Seminar in Adult Rehabilitation Practice, Education, Administration, Supervision and Advocacy, Theoretical Guidelines to Practice I & II, Doctoral Residency I, Residency Proposal I & III and is a research advisor and doctoral dissertation advisor. Dr. Mulry’s occupational roles in addition to OT ,OT educator and citizen, include wife, dogmom, sister, friend, aunt, and Grauntie. Dr. Mulry’s leisure pursuits include hiking, reading, board games, riding roller coasters, attending concerts, theater, as well as being an avid Mets fan.
Awards
Kean University, Nathan Weiss Graduate College Excellence in Graduate Faculty - 2016
Kean University, Center for Leadership and Service Certificate of Appreciation - 2015
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association President’s Award - 2014
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Award of Merit - 2014
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Service Award 2014, 2012, 2010
Dr. Mulry’s passion is to promote meaningful occupational participation and engagement for individuals of all ages across the lifespan Her recent grant funded community work serves older adults living in subsidized senior housing building and provides fall prevention, the Let’s Go Community Mobility Program and AARP’s HomeFit© and home evaluations to promote productive aging, health and wellness for an underserved population while providing students real work experience.
Dr. Mulry’s recent publications include:
- Mulry, C. M. (2018). Hospital discharge can happen very quickly. Will you be ready? Retrieved from https://advocateformomanddad.com/discharge-will-you-be-ready/
- Mulry, C. M. (2018). Medicare, private insurance, long term care insurance, private pay– Who pays for which care facility and for how long? Retrieved from https://advocateformomanddad.com/who-pays-care-facility-how-long
- Mulry, C. M. (2018). Acute care (hospital), inpatient acute rehabilitation (IRF), sub-acute, SNF, LTC, LTAC– The alphabet soup of care facilities. Retrieved from https://advocateformomanddad.com/alphabet-soup-of-care-facilities/
- Mulry, C.M., Papetti, C., DeMartinis, J. & Ravinsky, M. (2017). Facilitating wellness in urban dwelling older adults via community mobility: A mixed methods study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(4). doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.025494
- Knis-Matthews, L., Mulry, C.M., & Richard, L. (2017). The Matthews model of clinical reasoning: A systematic way to think about evaluation and treatment considerations. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 33, 1-14. doi:10.1080/0164212X.2017.1303658
- Mulry, C. M., Gardner, J., Hardaway, H. L., Curcio, C. Herrera, L., Scimeca, K., Shah, M. & Syers, K. (2017). Preemptive home modifications for fall prevention and participation in older adults in PACE program. OT Practice SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 2(2), 21–23.
- Mulry, C. M. (2016). Promoting productive aging using an innovative community mobility program. OT Practice, SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 1, 18-19.
- Hreha, K., Mulry, C.M, Gross, M., Jedziniak, T., Gramas, N., Ohevshalom, L, Sheridan, A., Szabo, G., Davidson, C. & Barrett, A.M., (2016). Assessing chronic stroke survivors with aphasia sheds light on prevalence of spatial neglect. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.1080.10749357.2016.1196906
- Mulry, C. M. & Piersol, C.V. (2014). The Let’s Go program for community participation: A feasibility study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 32, 241-254.
- Mulry, C.M. (2012). Transitions to assisted living: A pilot study of residents’ occupational perspectives. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 30, 327-342.doi: 10.3109/02703181.2012.741190
- Mulry, C.M. (2012). Reaching beyond clinic walls: Motor vehicle accident prevention. OT Practice, 17, (21) 7-8.
- Gardner, J., Mulry, C., Chalik, S. (2012). College?: Adolescents with autism and learning disorders participate in an on-campus service-learning program. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 64, 257-269. doi:1-.3109/07380577.2012.720052
Grants awarded
Thriving in Community, AARP NJ 2019 $8,000.00
Thriving in Community, AARP NJ 2018 $8,000.00
Quality First Initiative (QFI), Kean University 2017 $8,900.00
Clinton Global Initiative University, Kean University 2017 $5,000.00
Foundation Faculty Research Award, Kean University 2016 $4,000.00
Clinton Global Initiative University, Kean University 2016 $3,333.33
Foundation Faculty Research Award, Kean University 2016 $4,000.00
Students Partnering with Faculty, Kean University 2015 $16,000.00
Foundation Faculty Research Award, Kean University 2015 $5,000.00
Building Our Future, NJ Higher Education Grant
Department Managers & Staff
Resident Faculty
Kimberly Burke is the Managing Administrative Assistant and has been with Kean for over 19 years. Kim’s contributions and support are vital to the department’s success.
Victor Michael Camacho, OTD, OTR/L, L.Ac.
Assistant Professor
Victor Michael Camacho, OTD, OTR/L, L.Ac., (He/Él/Him/His) has been a practicing occupational therapist for over 27 years. Dr.Camacho received his B.S. in occupational therapy from Kean College in 1995. In 2004 he earned a M.S degree in Acupuncture from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture. Dr. Camacho maintains a national certification and NJ license to practice acupuncture. He earned his Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Quinnipiac University in 2019.
Dr. Camacho’s practice area and passion is adult rehabilitation with an expertise in amputee rehabilitation. He has experience working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. As a clinician, Dr. Camacho has worked closely with individuals with limb amputation and their families to facilitate engagement and participation in valued and needed occupations within their desired environment.
Dr. Camacho began his academic career in 2006 as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and consistently taught Theory II lab and Introduction to Occupational Therapy until 2019. He has experience teaching in a class-room and in virtual settings. In 2019, Dr. Camacho joined the Kean University Occupational Therapy Department as an Assistant Professor. He teaches Adult Physical Rehabilitation Practice Seminar, Applied Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy, Conditions Across Lifespan II, Community Partnerships, Theory Guidelines to Practice II (lab instructor) and Introduction to Occupational Therapy.
Dr. Camacho’s research agenda is focused on addressing the physical and mental health of individuals experiencing chronic illnesses. Self-management of pain, health literacy, culturally responsive education and home modifications are among the areas of interest. Michael’s overarching professional goals are; 1. Engage in scholarly pursuits that lead to increasing the diversity of the occupational therapy profession, specifically underrepresented minorities and 2. Research focused on high-risk populations, health disparities, and improved health management and efficacy as a desired outcome for those we serve.
Danielle Centi, DrOT, OTR, CBIS
Doctoral Capstone Manager (DCM)
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the entry-level OTD program
Danielle Centi (she/her/hers), DrOT, OTR, CBIS serves as the Doctoral Capstone Manager and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Department. She earned a bachelor degree of individual concentration (BDIC) in pre-occupational therapy, minored in education, and earned a certificate in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst. She then went on to earn her doctorate of occupational therapy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2014. Dr. Centi’s primary area of practice has been adult acute inpatient rehabilitation, specifically stroke and brain injury. She also has some experience in community residential centers, adult outpatient, and home services.
Dr. Centi’s area of specialty and passion is addressing sexual health and intimacy across the lifespan. Dr. Centi developed education series and program development for staff and clients while working in a hospital system. She has been virtually guest lecturing across the country as well as presented at a state, national, and international on this top topic. Within this topic Dr. Centi has also found new interest in OT’s role in gender identity and sexuality along with pelvic floor rehab. Dr. Centi values involvement in professional organizations. She will be starting her second term as the state representative to the Representative Assembly of the American Occupational Therapy Association and currently is on the board of directors for the New Jersey Association of Occupational Therapy. She is also an ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association.
In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Centi is also a daughter, sister, friend, teammate, animal lover and dogmom. She enjoys dancing, playing soccer/exercising, hiking with the pup, cooking, reading, and getting into DIY/craft projects. She is a nerd at heart and believes in the importance of being a life long learner.
Associate Professor Doctoral Program Coordinator
Jennifer Gardner, OTD, OTR, (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean University. An alumnus of Kean’s Master of Science in OT program, she has been practicing as a licensed occupational therapist for 17 years. Dr. Gardner earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at The College of New Jersey (2002), her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy (2005) and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Chatham University (2012). Prior to joining the faculty full time, Dr. Gardner served as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean from 2007-2010.
Her clinical expertise is in the area of serving individuals living with mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders. She has worked with adults and children in both the inpatient and partial care settings. Her research interests and pursuits are varied, but include exploring sensory preferences of adults with substance use disorders and the impact of physical limitations on occupational engagement. Dr. Gardner has provided consultation to support the development of sensory modulation rooms on inpatient psychiatric units. Dr. Gardner teaches the following undergraduate and graduate courses: Conditions Across the Lifespan I & II, Group Development Across the Lifespan, Occupations Across the Lifespan, Community Partnerships & Service, Psychosocial Seminar and Introduction to Residency II. Through state and national presentations, Dr. Gardner is an active member of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
In addition to her roles as occupational therapist and educator, Dr. Gardner loves being a wife, mother of two boys, aunt to a nephew, friend, sister and daughter. Her leisure pursuits include gardening, going to the beach, couponing, shopping and sleeping.
Patricia Higgins, MS, OTR
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Patricia Higgins, MS, OTR (she/her/hers) serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Department. She has been practicing as an occupational therapist since 2005. Ms. Higgins earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Scranton in 2002 and a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy in 2005. Ms. Higgins has worked in a variety of adult rehabilitation therapeutic settings including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, day hospital, subacute rehabilitation, homecare, and the Kean University OT- Community Cares Clinic, with an overarching interest and expertise working with clients with neurological conditions. She is certified in LSVT BIG, Congestive Heart Failure, and Kinesiotaping.
Prior to becoming the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Ms. Higgins served as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University since 2012. She currently teaches Applied Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy, Advanced Fieldwork Seminar I/II, and Theoretical Guidelines to Practice II Lab. Ms. Higgins is a member of AOTA and NJOTA. Ms. Higgins has presented at multiple state and local conferences on topics including: Visual Rehabilitation, Serial Casting, Pusher Syndrome, Occupational Therapy treatment for clients with Parkinson’s Disease, Treatment Techniques for a Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, and Returning to the Kitchen Following a Stroke.
Laurie Knis-Matthews, Ph.D., OTR
Professor
Laurie Knis-Matthews, OT, Ph.D, (she/her/hers) has been an occupational therapist in New Jersey for over 30 years. She has worked with many psychosocial populations across the lifespan including pediatrics, adolescent, adults and geriatrics in various treatment settings such as; hospitals, outpatient settings, group homes, detox units and long term addiction programs.
After earning a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Kean College, she continued her studies at New York University where she earned both her master's and doctoral degrees in occupational therapy in 1996 and 2005, respectively. Dr. Knis' dissertation topic focused on the experiences of substance dependent parents in a yearlong drug treatment program. Laurie was employed as an adjunct professor at Kean University and New York University, before beginning full time employment at Kean in 1999. Dr. Knis-Matthews currently teaches a variety of courses in both the masters and doctoral programs related to theoretical guides to practice, research, and psychosocial seminars. In 2012, she was promoted to full professor at Kean University and served as chairperson of the department from 2010-2017.Under her leadership, the occupational therapy program has earned a ten-year accreditation (the maximum amount permitted), developed an onsite OT clinic and began developing an entry level doctoral program.
She serves on numerous educational committees, is a prolific and acclaimed presenter and published author. Many of her research interests focus on the experiences of various vulnerable populations (adults and/or children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, mental illness, addiction). Laurie has had much success publishing and presenting research studies with her graduate students. Dr. Knis-Matthews has developed a model of clinical reasoning called the Matthews Model of Clinical Reasoning. This model is currently under contract to be published into a text book for future reading.
Zahava L. Friedman, PhD, OT, BCBA
Assistant Professor
Zahava Friedman, PhD, OT, BCBA is currently a full time Assistant Professor at Kean University’s Occupational Therapy department. She also collaborates with occupational therapy researchers at Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, studying relationships between occupational therapists and professionals in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis as well as the role of occupational therapists serving mothers in community-based practice. Zahava has trained countless occupational therapy students in her role as a fieldwork educator for OT and COTA programs throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. She has presented at many statewide and national conferences, such as at at AOTA, NJEA, in a variety of public/private school-based settings, and for special education non-profit organizations. She has worked as a pediatric occupational therapy clinician, in both public and private school-based settings, since 2007. Zahava also worked for the New York City Early Intervention system from 2008-2017, servicing children ages 0-3 in their homes. In 2014, Zahava completed courses and practicum to achieve the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. In this capacity as OT and BCBA, she uses both sensory and behavioral frameworks in her practice. Zahava's research interests include inter professional collaboration in schools, synergies between OT and ABA, and the creation of rigorous, engaging, trauma-informed student learning experiences.
Courses Taught
Master’s Coursework Taught
OT 5612 Group Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits), Fall, 2021
OT 5401 Theoretical Guidelines to Practice II (4 credits), Spring, 2021-Present
OT 5520 Research Methods in Occupational Therapy I (3 credits), Summer, 2022
OT 6521 Research Methods in Occupational Therapy II (3 credits), Fall, 2021-Present
OT 6525 Advanced Research in Occupational Therapy (3 credits), Spring, 2022-Present
OT 6923 Seminar in Pediatric Practice, Spring (6 credits), 2022
Doctoral Coursework Taught
OT 6611 Community Partnerships and Service (1 credit), Spring, 2022
OT 6401 Theoretical Guidelines to Practice II (4 credits), Spring, 2021-Present
OT 6520 Research Methods in Occupational Therapy I (3 credits), Summer, 2022
OT 7521 Research Methods in Occupational Therapy II (3 credits), Fall, 2021-Present
OT 7525 Advanced Research in Occupational Therapy, Spring (3 credits), 2022-Present
OT 7923 Seminar in Pediatric Practice (6 credits), Fall, 2020-Present
Selected Publications
Friedman, Z. (2022). Signature pedagogies vs. trauma informed approaches: Thematic analysis of graduate students’ reflections. Pedagogy in Health Promotion, https://doi.org/10.1177/23733799221118575
Friedman, Z., Akselrud, R., Goldman, M., Horowitz, R., Moradi, S. Seror, E. (2022). Charting a path to collaboration: Experiences of occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis practitioners. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2022.2106343
Friedman, Z. L., Hubbard, K., & Seruya, F. (2022). Building better teams: Impact of education and coaching intervention on interprofessional collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists in schools. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2022.2037492
Hubbard, K., & Friedman, Z. (2020). Interprofessional Collaboration Among Teachers and School-Based OTs. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4_Supplement_1), 7411505136p1-7411505136p1.
Friedman, Z. (2022) The breakfast club: Enduring lessons for stronger school-based relationships. OT Practice, 27(7), 12-16.
Friedman, Z. (2014). Let’s get fit: fully integrated therapy. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners.
Friedman, Z. (2014) Pinterest prowess. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners.
Kean University Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic (KU OT-CCC) Clinic Director
Kelly Sullivan-Jones, MS, OTR (she/her/hers) is our Kean University Cares Community Clinic (KU OT-CCC) Acting Managing Assistant Director II. Kelly has been a practicing licensed occupational therapist since 2013. Kelly is a Kean alumna who received a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2013. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology from Rutgers University in 2010. Prior to becoming the Interim Clinic Director, Kelly served as a full-time faculty instructor from September 2018 until 2020 and served as an academic specialist in the KU OT-CCC, an adjunct professor, a guest lecturer and a tutor,2014-2018.
Kelly worked as an occupational therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute where she has advanced her skills in adult practice. She has worked on multiple units including inpatient rehabilitation, general rehabilitation and inpatient brain trauma unit. She completed a pilot study on a supplementary upper extremity program for patients with hemiparesis where she collaborated with the JFK Medical Center Neuroscience department on further developing the research. Most recently, Kelly has expanded her clinical expertise to the pediatric population, specializing in Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay and ADHD. She is a specialist in Sensory Processing Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Treatment and Research Institute. She has experience working in both early intervention and outpatient therapy clinics.
Currently, Kelly is the clinic director and is a practicing clinician at the KU OT-CCC. In addition to treating clients across the lifespan, Kelly creates clinic programming, supervises both Level 1 and Level 2 students, coordinates continuing education courses, participates in grant writing, and manages all day to day operations of the clinic.
Amanda Sarafian, EdD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor
Amanda Sarafian, EdD, OTR/L (she/her/hers) has been practicing as a licensed occupational therapist for over 25 years and has worked with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, school-based settings, pediatric private practice, and early intervention.
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware (1992), Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University (1994), and her Doctor of Education in Movement Sciences in Education (Occupational Therapy) from Teachers College, Columbia University (2020). Her dissertation focused on upper extremity functioning in children with bilateral cerebral palsy and instrument development and validation. Amanda’s professional and research interests include occupational therapy practice with individuals with neurodevelopmental and movement disorders, assessment and instrument development, community and interprofessional collaboration, and scholarship of teaching and learning. She teaches courses in both the Entry Level Doctoral Program and Master of Science Program including Pediatric Seminar, Foundations of Occupational Therapy, and Research.
Amanda currently serves as a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) and as Chair of the Education Committee for the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM). In her spare time, she enjoys listening to audio books, walking, beach activities, traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Adjunct Faculty
Leah Rubino, MS, OTR, CHT, CLT-LANA is currently the adjunct professor for Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Modalities OT 6610 for the Masters OT Program at Kean University. She has always been most passionate about Hand Therapy and has worked in the specialized field of Hand Therapy for all of her over 15 years of practice as an OT. She is board certified in hand therapy and lymphedema therapy and is skilled in custom fabrication of static and dynamic orthoses, manual therapy, modalities, postoperative and conservative management, individualized patient education programs, and complete decongestive therapy. She has served as clinical instructor to numerous Level 1 and Level 2 OT Fieldwork students..
Ms. Rubino's education includes a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Downstate Health Science Center of Brooklyn (2005) and a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from CUNY Brooklyn College (2003). Her clinical work experience includes outpatient, inpatient, skilled nursing facility, and homecare. She has worked at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Associates, as a contract trainer for Tactile Medical, and she currently works at Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute in Freehold, NJ as lead Certified Hand Therapist.
In addition to her roles as clinical OT Hand Therapist and educator, Ms. Rubino enjoys being a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Ms. Rubino enjoys volunteering as an online support group leader, as a support group leadership advisory council member, and as secretary to the board for Cure Canavan, a non profit organization. In her free time, she enjoys road cycling, Qi Gong Tai Chi, dancing, hiking, knitting and crocheting.
Alissa Pacheco, MOT, OTR/L is a Licensed and Board-Certified Occupational Therapist and holds a certification in the Yoga for the Special Child method. Alissa works with individuals across the life span and has over ten years experience working in acute care, inpatient, and pediatric & adult outpatient settings. Alissa is a strong advocate for community engagement and provides OT services internationally, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Virgin Islands. Alissa also has her own business where she provides treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, post-concussion syndrome, visual-vestibular integration dysfunction & sensory integration impairments.
Alissa attended Quinnipiac University for her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in health science in 2009 and continued for her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2011. She is currently in her fourth year of an EdD program in Movement Science and Education, with a focus on Motor Learning & Control, at Teachers College, Columbia University where she is the Manager of their Neurorehabilitation Research Lab and the main interventionist for a research study involving the self-management of physical activity routines in early-stage Parkinson’s Disease.
Her dissertation focus is on the use of wearable devices to support engagement and autonomy for people with Parkinson’s Disease. She hopes to continue pursuing research exploring new intervention methods that will improve function and daily life skills for individuals with neurological and movement related impairments. Alissa enjoys traveling, hiking, and teaching therapeutic yoga to children and adults of all abilities.
Heather Theysohn, OTD, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist practicing in pediatrics for over 15 years. She received her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2007 and her Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy in 2021, both from Misericordia University. She has a passion for teaching and mentorship. She honors those passions by teaching as an adjunct professor at Kean University and taking level I & II fieldwork students whenever possible. In addition, for her doctoral capstone project, she created a year-long mentorship program for new therapists who are transitioning to the role of school based occupational therapist.
Heather's vast pediatric experience has led her to the role of occupational therapist in both inpatient and outpatient pediatric psychiatry settings in Baltimore, Maryland. She has worked in a school-based mental health setting as the lead occupational therapist, as well as, in the traditional public-school setting in Maryland, New York and New Jersey. She is a member of the AOTA Community of Practice for Leadership, AOTA, WFOT, as well as a member of state occupational therapy associations in New York and New Jersey. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys reading and swimming.
Dina Prisco, PhD, OTR/L, BCP earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from New York University in 2009, a master's degree in occupational from New York University in 2012, and a Ph.D. in leadership with an education specialty from the University of the Cumberlands in 2021. Dr. Prisco's clinical experiences have been in pediatrics in both school-based and early intervention in New York City. Dr. Prisco uses a strengths-based approach to therapy and believes firmly in holistic and child-led therapy.
Dr. Prisco completed her dissertation through examining the role of servant leadership within occupational therapy. She is working towards the publication of this research and believes it will be impactful for the development of strong leaders and advocates in the future of the profession. Dr. Prisco has volunteered as a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy since 2020 and as a submission reviewer for AOTA's annual conferences in 2020 and 2021. She is dedicated to OT education, has supervised many fieldwork students, and provided mentorship for Kean University's inaugural doctoral capstone cohort. Dr. Prisco was nominated by one of her fieldwork students for the Metropolitan Occupational Therapy Education Council (MOTEC) Fieldwork Educator of the Year award. Recently, Dr. Prisco was invited to join the American Council of Occupational Therapy Education's prestigious Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, and will serve a term from 2022 through 2025. At Kean University, Dr. Prisco has taught Introduction to OT, Conditions Across the Lifespan I, and Conditions Across the Lifespan II. Dr. Prisco maintains active memberships with the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), and maintains active OT licenses in both New York and New Jersey.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Prisco is a wife and mom to two beautiful children. She is an avid foodie and reader.
Kevin Nelson, OTR, SIPT is a certified, licensed occupational therapist within New Jersey. He graduated with honors from Kean University with a BS in Occupational Therapy in 2002. Professor Nelson is currently working on his Capstone Project and is scheduled to graduate from The College of Saint Elizabeth in May 2016 with a MS in Healthcare Management.
During his time as a clinician, Professor Nelson has specialized in pediatrics, providing school-based, clinic-based, and early intervention services for children between the ages of 3 months to 21 years old. In addition to his vast array of experience in pediatrics, he also provided medically based acute care OT for two local hospitals on a contract basis.
In addition to his work as a clinician, Professor Nelson has discovered a passion for education and training. He has been teaching as an adjunct professor since 2005 and has presented to parents, families, educators, directors, and administrators of school districts and private schools, and the New Jersey Association (NJEA).
Christine Bodzioch, MS OTR, CSRS, CBIS has been an occupational therapist since 2011. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics from Kean University in 2007. She then received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 2011. Christine is currently a Clinical Specialist working at an Outpatient Rehab hospital for the past 11 years treating clients with neurological impairments including Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson's Disease, Vision, Spinal Cord Injury, and Cancer. Christine currently holds certifications as a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist, LSVT BIG certified, and PWR! Program Certified.
Christine is currently an adjunct professor teaching the Introduction to Occupational Therapy course at Kean University since 2017. Christine has guest lectured in Kean University’s Occupational therapy department since 2013. She also previously co-taught Adult Rehab Seminar. Christine is also a current member of AOTA and NJOTA.
In addition to her roles as an occupational therapist and educator, Christine enjoys being a daughter, sister, friend and a dog mom to her Siberian Husky Nala. Christine also enjoys reading, cooking, baking, gardening, bowling, and traveling.
John Rutledge, M.A.S. received his Master’s in Applied Statistics from the Pennsylvania State University in 2004. From 2005 – 2010, John worked as a Research Biostatistician in the Department of Public Health at the Weill Cornell Medical School in New York City. In this role, John provided statistical consultation and collaboration to clinical and lab investigators at the Medical School, the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and the Hospital for Special Surgery. These investigators came from a wide array of specialties, including oncology, infectious disease, pharmacology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, and orthopedics. Since 2010, John has been a Research Biostatistician at the Valley Hospital in Paramus. He primarily collaborates with physicians in the oncology program but has more recently taken on the role of main statistical support for nurse researchers at the hospital. As a biostatistician, John’s areas of expertise are in study design, power analysis, data analysis, and clinical database management.
Carolyn Driscoll, MS, OTR, SIPT has over 20 years experience as an occupational therapist. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from East Carolina University. After a brief career in the business world, Carolyn learned about the field of occupational therapy when visiting a relative in a rehabilitation hospital, and was motivated to make a career change.
Carolyn earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. She began her OT career in the brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation units at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey before transitioning to pediatric and school-based therapy. A senior occupational therapist at Trinitas Children’s Therapy Services, Carolyn’s work includes school-based practice in a large school district in New Jersey. She also works with clients in a private pediatric practice. She enjoys using her skills to work directly with children as well as to collaborate and consult with teachers, parents, and child study teams. She is certified in the administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) and is a certified provider of modalities including Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening, and The Listening Program. Her current area of professional interest lies in working with children and adolescents experiencing executive function and self-regulation limitations. An adjunct instructor at Kean University, Carolyn has recently taught Occupations Across the Lifespan, Group Development Across the Lifespan, and co-taught the Pediatric Seminar.
Ilana Beitscher, MS, OTR earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Elizabethtown College in 2006. Ilana worked at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ from 2006 until joining Rehabilitation Specialists in October 2013. Ilana has experience working with a variety of diagnoses including spinal cord injury, joint replacements, amputees, and ultimately, found her specialty in the area of brain injury. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings. Ilana has written and published multiple articles, as well as presented both nationally and locally on a variety of topics related to brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Ilana serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Programming and Development at Rehabilitation Specialists and is an adjunct professor at Kean University. Ilana also spent ten years working closely with her facility dog, a graduate of Canine Companions for Independence, to assist clients in meeting their goals via Ilana’s facilitation.
Dr. Muhammad Zia, M.D. works as a Doctoral Instructor at the College of Staten island and an adjunct professor at Kean University. Dr. Zia graduated from Jinnah Sindh Medical University with M.B.B.S (equivalent to M.D.). Initially, Dr. Zia began his career as a medical doctor and then transitioned to teaching. Dr. Zia is also working in the Internal Medicine setting.
During his time as a clinician in Pakistan, Dr. Zia has specialized in seeing Internal medicine & diabetes patients treating challenging cases between the ages of 6 years to 90 years old. In addition to being a clinician, Dr. Zia also has an experience of more than 10 years of teaching at the College of Staten Island & 6 years at Kean University.
Dr. Zia has vast experience in the courses that he has taught and a very strong grasp of all science material and this, along with his clinical knowledge, he focuses on interactive teaching so that he can engage the students and help them to learn and not just memorize. He uses his basic and clinical science experience to deliver his lectures, which in turn, gives students a correlation between the written text and real-life examples.
Dr. Zia has taught multiple challenging courses, which include General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Histology, Microbiology, General Physiology, Gross Anatomy and Pharmacotherapeutics. Most of these courses are taught at a very high level in the College of Staten Island, which can be challenging for the students. Dr. Zia has been able to tackle the complicated subject matter with ease and has structured his classes very well. He is also able to teach in a traditional classroom setting, but has also been very successful in teaching online courses as well as, accelerated summer and winter courses.