Anne Henderson

Anne Henderson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is a distinguished Professor of Occupational Therapy at Boston University's Sargent College of Allied Health Professions. She has played a pivotal role in advancing graduate education in occupational therapy, having founded one of the first post-professional master's and doctoral programs in the field. She previously served as Chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of New Hampshire, where she established Pi Theta Epsilon, the national occupational therapy student honor society.

Her research centers on pediatric occupational therapy, particularly the neurophysiological and developmental foundations of hand function in children. She co-authored the influential text Hand Function in the Child: Foundations for Remediation, which has guided clinical practice. Her scholarly work emphasizes the integration of qualitative and quantitative research methods and the translation of clinical practice into theoretical frameworks.

The publication trends reflect a strong focus on the theoretical underpinnings of occupational therapy, especially the evolution of clinical practice into scientific knowledge, with a particular emphasis on pediatric neurorehabilitation and hand function.

Scientific Awards:

• Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship (1988)

Anne Henderson has been a transformative educator and mentor in the field, having advised numerous students and shaped graduate curricula. Though specific grant details are not provided, her leadership in developing academic programs and her Slagle Lectureship—among the highest honors in occupational therapy—indicate sustained scholarly funding and institutional support. She has significantly influenced the trajectory of occupational therapy education and research, promoting both basic and applied inquiry.

She has been instrumental in building academic communities and professional recognition systems, most notably through the founding of Pi Theta Epsilon. Her work continues to impact training programs and clinical standards in pediatric occupational therapy.