معرفی
Dr. Catherine Verrier Piersol is Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, where she also directs Jefferson Elder Care. She holds a PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MS from Boston University, and a BS from Tufts University.
Her research focuses on neurocognitive disorders (especially dementia), caregiver support interventions, aging-in-place strategies, and translating evidence-based occupational therapy into real-world settings. Key themes include person-environment-occupation fit, functional capacity appraisal, and non-pharmacological dementia care.
Recent publications emphasize practical implementations of dementia care models, technology-enabled aging solutions, and pandemic-era adaptations in long-term care. Methodologies feature randomized trials, mixed-methods designs, and economic evaluations.
Awards and honors include:
- Fellow, National Academies of Practice (2024)
- Fellow, American Occupational Therapy Association (2015)
- Stephen Heater Award for Outstanding Achievement (2013)
- Jeanette Blair Writer’s Award (2013)
- Multiple service awards from state/national OT associations (1998–2011)
She leads Jefferson Elder Care, developing programs to enhance occupational therapy for older adults. Certifications include National Board OT licensure and Pennsylvania/New Jersey practice credentials.
