Cindy Sears

Cindy Sears is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Hawai'i Pacific University, where she also serves as the Director of Curriculum for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She is part of the Graduate College of Health Sciences and has dedicated over 30 years to the field of occupational therapy, with a strong emphasis on pediatric care and education.

Her educational background includes an OTD from The Medical University of South Carolina, an MA in Business from Webster University, and a BS in Occupational Therapy from the same institution. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics (BCP), reflecting her clinical expertise.

Dr. Sears is deeply passionate about advancing the occupational therapy profession through education and mentorship. Her research and professional interests span Occupational Therapy, Child Development, Family-Centered Practice, and Curriculum Innovation. While no specific publications are listed, her career reflects a strong commitment to improving therapeutic outcomes for children and families, and to shaping future practitioners.

She has traveled extensively across five continents, enriching her cultural understanding and global perspective. Notably, her experience in Rwanda led to the adoption of her daughter Virginia. She is eager to deepen her engagement with Hawai'i and Pacific Asian cultures.

Dr. Sears also plays significant roles as a wife, mother, dog mom, and caregiver. She enjoys spending time with her family at Walt Disney World, Lake Murray, and at cultural events like Broadway shows and Harry Potter conventions. Fall is her favorite season, and she loves outdoor activities, yoga, running, and watching football—cheering for the Eagles. She often relaxes with her husband Jeff and their twin Maltipoos, watching Netflix series like Gray’s Anatomy, The Resident, and romantic comedies.