OTA Online Program Director, Assistant Professor
Educational Journey-Dr. Stephanie Adams has four degrees in occupational therapy, first as a COTA in 1994, then she earned a BS in OT in 2000. After being in practice for several years, Dr. Adams returned to school to earn a post-professional MHS OT degree in 2009 and a Doctor of Health Science degree in OT (DHSc) in 2017. Stephanie believes that being a life-long learner helps to keep abreast of best practices for this ever-changing health care profession.
Employment Path-Stephanie worked in a variety of setting including hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health with geriatric clients and infants. She spent ten years in the school system and enjoyed the early childhood population and engaging with the educators that fostered their learning. From there, Dr. Adams decided to move into academia, leading two OTA programs while successfully navigating each through the accreditation process, and teaching and mentoring OTD students.
Research Agenda-Dr. Adams’ research interests are on executive functions (EF) with young children relating to play experiences. She believes that EF are developed when children have natural play opportunities. Dr. Adams continues to implement research this topic and focus on helping others to understand the neuroscience foundation of EF that may impact occupations. She is branching out and working on a research project with adult learners to help identify their own EF and how they can use tools to be successful during their academic learning experience.
Occupational Therapy has been a very rewarding career for Dr. Adams, and she intends to support and lead the OTA students in a positive direction while earning a degree at St. Catherine University.
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About Stephanie Adams, DHSc, OTR/L
Educational Journey-Dr. Stephanie Adams has four degrees in occupational therapy, first as a COTA in 1994, then she earned a BS in OT in 2000. After being in practice for several years, Dr. Adams returned to school to earn a post-professional MHS OT degree in 2009 and a Doctor of Health Science degree in OT (DHSc) in 2017. Stephanie believes that being a life-long learner helps to keep abreast of best practices for this ever-changing health care profession.
Employment Path-Stephanie worked in a variety of setting including hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health with geriatric clients and infants. She spent ten years in the school system and enjoyed the early childhood population and engaging with the educators that fostered their learning. From there, Dr. Adams decided to move into academia, leading two OTA programs while successfully navigating each through the accreditation process, and teaching and mentoring OTD students.
Research Agenda-Dr. Adams’ research interests are on executive functions (EF) with young children relating to play experiences. She believes that EF are developed when children have natural play opportunities. Dr. Adams continues to implement research this topic and focus on helping others to understand the neuroscience foundation of EF that may impact occupations. She is branching out and working on a research project with adult learners to help identify their own EF and how they can use tools to be successful during their academic learning experience.
Occupational Therapy has been a very rewarding career for Dr. Adams, and she intends to support and lead the OTA students in a positive direction while earning a degree at St. Catherine University.
| Present | Program Director, St. Catherine University ‐ Occupational Therapy Assistant | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
Grants
| 2019 | Bridges Together to develop an Intergenerational Program for the community |
| Bridges Together | |
| 2019 | Sensory Motor Path |
| Fit and Fun Playscapes Inc. |
Professional Service and Affiliations
| 2020 - Present | Member, Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association | 2018 - Present | FOTA Sanctioning Committee Chair, Florida Occupational Therapy Association | 2015 - Present | Board Member & Member, Florida Occupational Therapy Association | 1992 - Present | Member, American Occupational Therapy Association |
Honors and Awards
- AOTA-ALI Credentialed Leader in Academia
| 2017 | DHSc, Graduate, University of Indianapolis | |
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| 2009 | MHS, Graduate, University of Indianapolis | |
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| 2000 | BS in OT, Undergraduate, Maryville University of Saint Louis | |
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| 1993 | AAS in OTA, Associate, Barton County Community College | |
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