Kari Inda

Kari C. Inda is a Professor and Chairperson of the Occupational Therapy Department at Mount Mary University, where she brings over 30 years of experience in adult physical disabilities rehabilitation. She holds a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has remained a proud advocate of Mount Mary's legacy in occupational therapy education.

• Education: Ph.D. (Nova Southeastern University), MS/BSc/AAAS (Mount Mary College/Milwaukee Area Technical College)

Research Focus:
Her work explores the relationship between critical thinking skills and certification exam performance in occupational therapy students. She has pioneered case-based learning models to enhance clinical reasoning and level II fieldwork readiness.

Scientific Contributions:
As a contributor to the National OT Certification Exam Review & Study Guide (9th ed, 2021) and co-author of the Section II: Principles of successful test-taking, she has shaped national exam preparation standards. Her 2022 publication in the National Physical Therapy Examination Review & Study Guide further reinforces her expertise in assessment design.

Awards & Honors:

• Teaching Excellence Award (2018-2019)
• Heritage Award (2014)
• Alumni Excellence Award (2012)
• Golden Apple Award (2007)
• Teaching Excellence Award (2004-2005)

Professional Leadership:
Dr. Inda has delivered multiple national presentations on item writing and exam construction, including a 2-hour seminar at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference in 2022. Her HRSA-funded PromOTe Success Scholars program demonstrates her commitment to diversity in healthcare education.