OTA program director honored for contributions to profession

KOKOMO, Ind. - Christina Douglas, director of Indiana University Kokomo's Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, was recently selected for the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Roster of Fellows.

The Roster of Fellows is a prestigious honor recognizing occupational therapists who have made significant, sustained contributions to the profession through knowledge, leadership, and advocacy.

"It was a big deal," Douglas said. "A lot of my mentors and professors and people I've looked up to in the profession are on the Roster of Fellows. To be able to join this esteemed circle meant the world to me. It was an affirming experience for all the hard work I've been trying to do to advance the profession."

Douglas, clinical assistant professor of OTA, joined IU Kokomo's faculty in 2021 as founding director for the OTA program in the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP). She chose the campus to lead a team in developing a bachelor's degree program in rehabilitation science, noting that most OTA programs are associate degree level only.

"We've added a healthcare profession that is high caliber, and we graduate healthcare professionals ready to meet the real demands of the workforce," she said. "There is a need in our region for OT professionals, and it's an opportunity for students to begin a career that pays well and is a good return on their investment."

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree are prepared to continue to graduate school to become occupational therapists if they choose.

"It keeps opportunities open for students in terms of their futures," she said. "We purposefully designed the curriculum so if they want to go to graduate school to be an occupational therapist or pursue physical therapy, they have most, if not all, of the prerequisites they need. If they want to enter the workforce as an OTA, that's amazing. If they want to enter graduate school, they have the degree to go on. Management positions also require a bachelor's degree. It keeps more opportunities open for our students."

Christine Davis, clinical assistant professor of OTA and academic fieldwork coordinator, nominated Douglas for the honor. Davis cited her leadership, scholarship, and service, which she said have made "a profound impact on the profession," particularly in Indiana.

Davis noted that Douglas established one of the few baccalaureate-level OTA programs in the nation.

"Her vision and leadership have redefined OTA education by integrating experiential learning, professional and leadership development, and scholarly engagement opportunities into the curriculum," she said, adding that Douglas led design of 20 new courses aligned with Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards, including connecting students with community partners and practicing clinicians.

In addition to teaching. Douglas provides care in a clinical role at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and is a certified Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapist. She's led implementation of sensory assessment, intervention, and caregiver protocols focused on neonatal sensory development in the NICU.

She's also published in peer-review publications, and served as president, vice president, legislative committee member, and membership chair for the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association, and testified before the state legislature to defend the OT Practice Act from changes that would have allowed other professions to encroach on OT's scope.

"Dr. Douglas exemplifies the values of occupational therapy through her commitment to excellence, innovation, advocacy, and mentorship," Davis said. "Her work has shaped the next generation of practitioners, elevated standards of care, and strengthened the profession's presence in both academic and clinical arenas."

Douglas earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska; a Master of Occupational Therapy from University of Indianapolis, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from University of Evansville. She was previously an adjunct faculty member at IU Indianapolis and a graduate teaching assistant at IU Indianapolis and Creighton University.

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