Dailen Castillo

Dailen Castillo, OTD, MBA, OTR, is an Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She plays a key leadership role in fieldwork education and mental health service development through a major federal grant.

Educational Background:

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2016)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Texas Permian Basin (2020)
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas (2000)

Dr. Castillo's research and professional interests focus on occupational therapy's role in mental health, interprofessional practice in home care and school settings, fieldwork education, and improving functional outcomes through early mobilization in critical care. She is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare education and practice.

Her work on the $5.2 million Department of Education grant highlights her leadership in developing sustainable mental health services in school districts and training diverse occupational therapy professionals. She also contributed a book chapter in 2023 on interprofessional home care for older adults, emphasizing collaborative models to improve patient outcomes.

Professional Recognition and Service:

• Co-Investigator, $5.2 Million Mental Health Service Providers Demonstration Grant
• Chair, Advisory Board, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, St. Philip's College
• Member, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• Member, Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA)
• DEI Committee Representative, Texas Occupational Therapy Association
• Member, Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

Dr. Castillo has over 20 years of clinical experience in diverse settings including acute care, critical care, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient rehabilitation. She has served as a fieldwork educator and mentor for OT students and supported capstone development at Chatham University. Her leadership extends to program development, mentoring, and interprofessional collaboration.

She is actively involved in advancing occupational therapy through education, research, community service, and policy advocacy, aligning with UIW’s mission of service and inclusion.