Jennifer Lape

Jennifer Lape, OTD, OTR/L is an Associate Professor and Program Director at Chatham University's College of Health Sciences. She has been with Chatham since August 2009 and specializes in occupational therapy with a focus on evidence-based practice, gerontology, and rehabilitation services management. Her work emphasizes teambuilding and inter-professional collaboration, particularly through the application of the Kawa Model across various healthcare settings.

Education

• Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University, 2008
• Master of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University, 1999
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 1997

Research Focus

Dr. Lape's primary research interests include sensory processing and multisensory environments for dementia care, evidence-based practice implementation, and strategies to improve collaboration among multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams. She has developed innovative applications of the Kawa model in acute care, geriatrics, and interprofessional settings. Her work bridges clinical practice with academic research, creating practical solutions for real-world healthcare challenges.

Publication Trends

Dr. Lape's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the Kawa model's applications across healthcare contexts, telehealth innovations, sensory-based interventions for dementia, and educational strategies for occupational therapy students. Her research consistently emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches that enhance patient care and professional collaboration, with numerous studies examining team dynamics and communication in rehabilitation settings.

Professional Recognition

• Faculty Technology Fellowship, Chatham University (2015)

Professional Engagement

Dr. Lape actively contributes to the field through national conference presentations, co-authoring the textbook "Research for the Health Professional," and membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association and Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association. Her clinical background across pediatrics, acute care, home health, and skilled nursing informs her academic work, creating a strong practice-to-theory connection.