Donna M. Latella

Donna M. Latella is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University, where she has taught for 29 years. Her expertise spans insomnia interventions, Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), and equine-assisted services.

• BS, UCONN PNB
• CER, Quinnipiac University
• MA, UCONN PNB
• EdD, University of Bridgeport

Her research focuses on integrating sleep concepts into OT curricula and leveraging animal-assisted interventions for stress reduction and emotional regulation. She has published extensively on these topics, including book chapters and peer-reviewed posters.

Recent publications highlight trends in nature-based therapies, sleep's role in rehabilitation, and self-regulated learning technologies in OT education. She collaborates with her daughter Kristy Latella, a part-time adjunct faculty member at Quinnipiac, on AAT presentations and clinical programs.

Donna maintains a private practice in equine-assisted services and holds certifications in Hippotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia, and Therapeutic Riding Instruction. She actively involves students in her work and partners with local organizations to expand OT practice.