Occupational Therapy Faculty
You will learn working side-by-side with forward-thinking, nationally recognized, licensed occupational therapists who are considered to be among the leading practitioners in their respective fields. Integrating traditional techniques with emerging trends and research brings an invaluable added dimension to your learning experience.
You'll be exposed to their knowledge of:
- Pediatrics
- Spinal cord injuries
- Strokes
- Head injuries
- Rehabilitation outcomes
- Orthopedics
- Geriatrics
- Neurological treatment
Paula Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Professor of Occupational Therapy
Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
p.kramer@usciences.edu | 215.596.8767
Dr. Kramer holds a PhD, MS and BS from New York University. She is a recipient of both the A. Jean Ayres Award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, three service commendations from the AOTA and a service recognition award from both Presbyterian Homes and Services and the American Occupational Therapy Association. She has also received several grants from the PHS foundation to provide programs to enhance wellness in seniors in affordable housing communities. Dr. Kramer has co-authored several textbooks that are widely used in occupational therapy programs across the country. She chaired the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of AOTA for five years and has recently been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc..
Michelle Cohen, PhD
Associate Dean, Samson College of Health Sciences
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
m.cohen@usciences.edu | 215.596.8540
Dr. Cohen earned her PhD and MEd from Temple University and her BA from Arcadia University. She is an experimental psychologist, specializing in rehabilitation research, and has published extensively in this area, most notably in the area of spinal cord research.
Kimberly A. Gargin, MOT
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
k.gargin@usciences.edu
Roger Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
r.ideishi@usciences.edu | 215.596.8499
Dr. Ideishi holds a JD from Temple University and a BS from the University of Washington. The recipient of the 2007 Faculty Special Recognition Award, 2004 Homiller Award for Excellence in Teaching, he has directed several grant-funded projects, focusing on children's access and participation in community experiences.
Pamalyn Kearney, MS, OTR/L
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Vice Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
p.kearney@usciences.edu | 215.596.8493
Ms. Kearney received an MS and BS from Thomas Jefferson University and is currently pursuing an EdD at Widener University. The 2005 recipient of the Homiller Award for Excellence in Teaching, she has published in the area of evidence-based practice and caregiving with Alzheimer's patients.
Colleen Maher
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
c.maher@usciences.edu
Dr. Maher received an AS from Mount Aloysius College and a BS from Temple University; an MS from Columbia University and OTD from University of St. Augustine.
Rochelle Mendonca, PhD
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
r.mendonca@usciences.edu
Dr. Mendonca received an MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Dr. Mendonca has expertise in rehabilitation technology.
Wendy W. Fox
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
w.fox@usciences.edu
Ms. Fox received a BS from Beaver University and a MOT from University of the Sciences.
Jennifer Pitonyak, MS, OTR/L, SCFES, CIMI
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
j.pitonyak@usciences.edu | 215.596.8694
Ms. Pitonyak received an MS from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA from Allegheny College. She holds AOTA Specialty Certification in Feeding, Eating and Swallowing. She is currently completing her dissertation work towards a PhD in Health Policy with a study of barriers to breastfeeding duration for working mothers.
Ruth L. Schemm, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Professor of Occupational Therapy
r.schemm@usciences.edu | 215.596.8990
Dr. Schemm earned an EdD and MEd from Temple University and a BS from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and a noted scholar in the area of occupational therapy history.
Staff
Carmela Matthews, AS
Administrative Coordinator
c.matthe@usciences.edu | phone: 215.895.3123 | fax: 215.596.8690