Christine Helfrich

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at the American International College (AIC) within the School of Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Public Health Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), alongside multiple degrees in Occupational Therapy and Spanish. Her career spans clinical work, academic research, and curriculum development, with a focus on underserved populations such as domestic violence survivors and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Helfrich’s research emphasizes participatory action research, occupational justice, and qualitative methods. She has secured over $2 million in federal funding and pioneered interventions like the Life Skills Manuals, widely used in interdisciplinary settings. Her work bridges occupational therapy with public health, advocating for client voices in research and practice.

Key awards include Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (2002) and the UIC Teaching Recognition Award (2003). She teaches courses on evidence-based practice, occupational science, and research methods. Her non-traditional fieldwork placements for students have expanded clinical training opportunities. Dr. Helfrich’s contributions extend to editorial roles, grant reviews, and community partnerships, reflecting her commitment to social learning and equity.