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Elizabeth (Liz) is an occupational therapist and educator who is passionate about helping students, clients, and communities live healthy, meaningful, and connected lives. She values collaboration, creativity, and compassionate care, and enjoys preparing future occupational therapy practitioners to support people and communities with empathy, curiosity, and strong relationships.

Liz earned her occupational therapy degree from James Madison University and completed her Master of Science in Health Sciences there while serving as a faculty member and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. She completed her post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) through University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2020 and joined ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ in 2021 as the OTD Doctoral Capstone Coordinator.

Over the years, Liz’s teaching, clinical work, leadership, and scholarship have reflected a wide range of practice areas and emerging topics in occupational therapy. Her clinical experience spans adult and pediatric settings, with the majority focused in pediatrics, including early intervention, school-based practice, and outpatient. During her time at JMU, she founded and served as director (or co-director) of several interprofessional programs, including an on-campus pediatric therapy clinic and specialized programs supporting children with autism and their families. All of these initiatives were grounded in play-based, strengths-oriented, and holistic approaches. Her current work focuses on environmental sustainability and planetary health, integrative approaches to well-being, and women’s wellness across the lifespan, with particular interest in the therapeutic value of nature, lifestyle approaches, and sustainable occupational therapy practice.  She collaborates with interprofessional partners locally, nationally, and internationally through leadership and outreach roles.  

Across all areas of her work, Liz values collaboration and connection between people, professions, communities, and environments. Whether mentoring students, partnering with colleagues across disciplines, or developing innovative programs, she believes meaningful change happens through shared ideas and collective action. She is especially energized by opportunities that bring together diverse perspectives to support compassionate, sustainable, and forward-thinking approaches to health and well-being.

Outside of work, Liz most values spending time with family and being outdoors. Whether exploring the mountains, spending time on the water, gardening, or reconnecting with nature alongside family and friends, these experiences continue to inspire her appreciation for the restorative role that nature, connection, and meaningful occupation can play in overall health and wellness.