Suzi has clinical experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan as an occupational therapy practitioner. While pediatrics has been her practice area of emphasis, she has worked with adults and older adults in both short- and long-term care practice settings for more than five years. Clinical areas of focus include feeding and eating, sensory integration approaches, and support for school-aged children with autism. 

Rooted in action research, her dissertation focused on examining the impact of mentorship related to professional outcomes for school-based occupational therapy practitioners. She developed an accompanying action plan, the Mentorship and Induction Program, which outlines a framework for mentorship to support occupational therapists in the school-based setting.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in constructivism, and begins with the acknowledgement that each adult learner brings with them a background of rich sociocultural experiences and a pool of prior knowledge that will shape their learning experiences. Because each student brings unique and valuable funds of knowledge to both the classroom and clinical settings, it is anticipated and valued that knowledge acquisition is extremely subjective for each learner. It is our role as faculty to shape a dynamic curriculum with embedded experimental learning opportunities that will provide each learner the opportunity to highlight their strengths. 

I strive to facilitate an engaging, respectful, and inclusive learning environment to inspire the future practitioners of our profession, and I value the opportunity to learn with our students by fostering their unique perspectives. My hope is to share my passion for lifelong learning with my students, and to empower them to become pragmatic, evidence-based, and compassionate occupational therapists.