Kate Hayner

Kate Hayner is a Professor and Department Chair in Occupational Therapy at Samuel Merritt University (SMU), where she has taught for 30 years. She pioneered two Community Participant Labs and developed innovative programs in physical dysfunction treatment. Her academic leadership and clinical contributions have shaped OT education across US institutions.

• 1999: Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology (University of San Francisco)
• 1990: Master of Arts in General/Clinical Psychology (Eastern Illinois University)
• 1986: Dual Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and Behavioral Psychology (Western Michigan University)

Her research focuses on post-stroke rehabilitation, constraint-induced movement therapy, clinical reasoning systems for balance assessment, and biomechanical interventions for ankle mobility. She emphasizes community-based participatory models for both adult and pediatric rehabilitation.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in stroke recovery interventions, with key work on therapeutic taping methods and comparative effectiveness of movement therapies. Articles span 2003-2016, showing sustained contributions to neurorehabilitation practices.

• 2011 American Occupational Therapy Conference Research Initiative Scholars' Award
• 2000 Community Service Recognition (111.75 free OT service hours)
• 1999 Best Teacher of the Year (SMU)
• 1991 Best Teacher of the Year (SMU)

As a long-serving Department Chair, she has mentored numerous students and shaped SMU's professional development framework. Her work bridges clinical practice, academic leadership, and community service through innovative research and teaching models.