Occupational Therapy
: Faculty and Staff

The program faculty is composed of dedicated professionals who have achieved national reputations in the field of occupational therapy. The following is a brief introduction to the faculty:

Lynne Chapman, M.S., OTR/L, LICDC -  Clinical Assistant Professor & Coordinator of Professional Development and Senior Clinician in the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Professor Chapman specializes in treatment of adults with neurological conditions. She teaches curriculum content that includes advocacy, conditions in occupational therapy, neurological rehabilitative models of practice, and group models of practice.Lynne.Chapman@UToledo.edu

Melanie Criss, MOT, OTR/L - Clinical Instructor and Coordinator of Fieldwork and Professional Development. Ms. Criss has expertise in pediatric and industrial occupational therapy practice settings. She manages the Fieldwork Program and teaches the Fieldwork Seminars.  Melanie.Criss@UToledo.edu

Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L - Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Clinical and Educational Programming.  Dr. Hatkevich has expertise with sensory processing strategies as it relates to adolescent and adult performance deficits.  She has a strong clinical background and has worked with various populations in both rehabilitation and mental health settings. She is a leader in community based treatment models for occupational therapy practice.  She also has a strong interest in learning and teaching strategies and client motivational factors.  BethAnn.Hatkevich@UToledo.edu

Barbara Kopp Miller, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Administrative Director of the Center for Successful Aging at UT. Educated as a social psychologist and gerontologist, Dr. Kopp Miller's primary research areas include: sexuality, grief and bereavement, and survey instrument development. Barbara.KoppMiller@UToledo.edu

Alexia E. Metz, Ph.D., OTR/L - Assistant Professor Dr. Metz has practiced primarily in pediatrics in a variety of settings.  She completed her graduate work in neuroscience because of her interest researching the neural mechanisms of sensory processing disorders and treatment.  She contributes to the curriculum in the areas of neuroanatomy & physiology, neurological impairment, child development & conditions, and pediatric treatment approaches. Alexia.Metz@UToledo.edu

David L. Nelson, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA - Professor of Occupational Therapy, has devoted much of his career to theoretical work involving definitions of key concepts in occupational therapy. Dr. Nelson is a leader in experimental research demonstrating how different occupational forms affect various populations. His current research addresses the problems that older persons often experience when living at home while at risk for disabilities. David.Nelson3@UToledo.edu

Martin S. Rice, Ph.D., OTR/L - Professor with expertise in assistive technology, motor learning and motor control theory as it relates to adult performance deficits. Dr. Rice's research interests include investigating motor learning and motor control strategies that promote enhanced learning and efficient movement with respect to therapeutic occupational and the theoretical tenets of occupational therapy. Martin.Rice@UToledo.edu

Julie Jepsen Thomas, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA - Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Thomas' practice expertise includes adults with performance deficits, especially those with cardiac dysfunction and arthritis. Dr. Thomas' research interests include investigation into the effects of splints on upper extremity movement and the characteristics of hand tools labeled ergonomic. JulieJ.Thomas@UToledo.edu

In addition to the faculty above, the OTD program is proud to collaborate with many occupational therapists working in the community. These experienced therapists provide supervision for fieldwork education and practicum experiences. They also share their clinical expertise via guest lectures throughout the curriculum. Their contributions enrich our program and add substantially to the depth and breath of the OTD program.

 The support staff for the Department of Occupational Therapy includes:

Diane Forquer
Administrative Secretary
Occupational Therapy Department
(419) 383-3519
Diane.Forquer@UToledo.edu

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