Heidi Carpenter

Heidi Carpenter serves as an Assistant Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy at Huntington University, Arizona. She concurrently holds leadership positions as President of the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association (ArizOTA) and liaison to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. During her doctoral studies, she served as Treasurer and President of Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Student Government representing 1,200 students, and completed a year-long pediatric residency including specialized training in sensory integration and feeding/swallowing disorders.

Dr. Carpenter's clinical expertise spans neurohabilitation across inpatient/outpatient settings, pediatric interventions, and adult home health services. Her research focuses on evidence-based wellness habit integration for diverse populations, with particular emphasis on sensory processing challenges and feeding disorders in pediatric contexts. She maintains active clinical engagement through Arizona-based practice and community outreach initiatives.

As an academic leader, she founded the Home Health Special Interest Section (SIS) within ArizOTA, initiated an annual outstanding student award program for OT/OTA students, and established the inaugural Journal Club series to advance evidence-based practice. Her professional service includes planning ArizOTA conferences through the Education Committee and assisting PMI Tucson in developing their SOTA organization.