St. Bonaventure University

DePerro School of Health Professions Faculty


Vaughan, Molly M.

Vaughan, Molly

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT
Occupational Therapy
ACADEMIC SCHOOL
DePerro School of Health Professions

TITLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
CONTACT
Office phone: (716) 375-4015
Send an email
OFFICE
Francis Hall 207
COURSES TAUGHT
  • OT 510. Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice
  • OT 520. Therapeutic Groups
  • OT 570. Occupational Technology
  • OT 580. Life Occupations: Mental Health
  • OT 620. Service Delivery: Adults
  • OT 650. Management and Entrepreneurship
  • OT 670. OT Process: Mental Health
ACADEMIC DEGREES
  • Master of Occupational Therapy, State University of New York at Buffalo, 2018
  • Bachelor of Occupational Science, State University of New York at Buffalo, 2018
  • Associate in Applied Science, Business Administration, Erie Community College, 2009
OTHER EDUCATION
  • Enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education program at D'Youville University.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Molly has practiced as a clinical occupational therapist (OT) since 2018. Prior to becoming an OT, Molly had focused on her business degree and skills which she now incorporates into her OT clinical practices and skill set. Upon becoming an OT, Molly specialized in assistive technology, servicing individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in vocational, school-based, higher education and other various settings.

In addition, Molly has clinical practice experience in outpatient, acute care, sub-acute rehab, group home and long-term care settings. She also has been a consultant for providing sexuality training services for individuals with intellectual disabilities as an OT.  Molly also has experience as a Director of Rehabilitation in skilled nursing facility settings.  Molly has owned various businesses either consulting or other various small business ventures throughout her career. 

She has a special interest in the history and foundations of the occupational therapy profession, mental health treatment, advocating for legislation supporting OT services, creating international OT programs and service provision opportunities, and creating community opportunities for underserved populations. Most recently, Molly partnered with the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) program to set up a satellite office here at St. Bonaventure University to loan various adaptive equipment and assistive technology to community members free of charge in the local area. Molly also is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer and provides community trainings to support and advocate for mental health awareness.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • Linda Walters Award, University at Buffalo, 2018
  • 2024 Keenan Grant recipient from St. Bonaventure University for Interprofessional education and adapted physical education devices
  • 2024 Keenan Grant recipient from St. Bonaventure University to become a Mental Health Frist Aid (MHFA) trainer and provide training to the SBU student, staff and faculty, as well as the surrounding community
  • Selected for a poster presentation at the 2025 AOTA Inspire conference “Educating for Impact: Addressing Health Disparities & Expanding Global Support & OT Access Through Jamaica's First OT Program
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Creating a learning experience which exemplifies the unique and diverse student backgrounds should be the center of the teaching philosophy. This student-centered approach models the client-centered care provided in the profession of occupational therapy.

Learning is required to be dynamic, interactive and focused on active learning. Multi-modal learning techniques should be included which involve classroom learning, hand-on skills training, technology and real-life situational approaches. 
CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS/PROJECTS
  • Higher education research on teaching methods and classroom design
  • Mentorship within higher-education settings to build on established clinical skills to ultimately enhance student experience 
  • Endometriosis symptomology and the relationship with dietary changes
  • Member of the curriculum planning committee for the first occupational therapy program in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
  • Assistive technology (AT) training in the higher education setting in relation to student outcomes
PERSONAL INTERESTS/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Professional Affiliations

  • Board of Directors, Interfaith Caregivers Inc., Olean, New York
  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  • Occupational Therapy Association of Jamaica (OTAJ)
  • World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)

Other Interests & Community Involvement

  • Creating community-based programming for disadvantaged populations
  • Self-sustainable community gardens, well-being and enrichment opportunities
  • Entrepreneurship in meeting the needs of community through occupational adaption
  • Establishing mental health services in rural settings
  • International opportunities to educate and develop OT practitioners and service provision
LINKS