Kayla C. Abraham

Kayla C. Abraham is an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), based in Jackson, Mississippi. She holds a BS in Occupational Therapy from Northeast Louisiana University (1997) and an MA in Gerontology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (2000). Her career spans over two decades, including roles as an Instructor at UMMC from 1999 to 2007 before transitioning to her current position in 2007. Dr. Abraham’s research interests focus on gerontology, occupational therapy in healthcare and educational settings, disaster preparedness, and evidence-based practice. She actively engages in presenting findings related to these areas at institutional and national conferences, such as the American Occupational Therapy Association Education Summit.

Her professional affiliations include membership in the Mississippi Occupational Therapy Association, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and national honor societies like Alpha Eta and Pi Theta Epsilon. She has served as a faculty advisor for the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon (2008–2010) and held leadership roles in gerontology honor societies. Additionally, she contributes to departmental committees including MOT Fieldwork, Curriculum & Evaluation, Strategic Alliances, and School of Health Related Professions Admissions and Research Affairs.

Teaching responsibilities include directing courses like OT638 (Research and Evidence-Based Practice III), OT639 (Research Proposal II), and others across multiple semesters. Her community service extends to roles such as Board Member and Treasurer of the Mississippi Makos Swim Team (2023–present), volunteer at the Webster Animal Shelter, and involvement with the Mississippi Girlchoir and St. Andrew's Parent Association.