Kelly Hartwick

Kelly Hartwick serves as Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Instructor I in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Arkansas, where she integrates clinical expertise with academic instruction.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Occupational Therapy, University of Central Arkansas (1998)
• Graduate Certificate in Low Vision, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2021)
• Post Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2022)

Dr. Hartwick's research focuses on the intersection of visual and neurological impairments, with particular emphasis on:

• Adult neurological rehabilitation following cerebrovascular accidents
• Low vision evaluation and treatment protocols for acquired brain injury populations
• Functional independence strategies for clients with visual deficits
• Driving assessment methodologies using simulation technology for neurological impairment cases

With 18+ years of diverse clinical experience spanning school systems, hippotherapy, skilled nursing facilities, acute care, and outpatient settings, she applies Neuro-Developmental Treatment certification (2005) to stroke rehabilitation. As an educator, she has mentored fieldwork students for over 15 years, emphasizing translational application of clinical skills to academic training while advancing occupational therapy practice through specialized neurological and vision rehabilitation approaches.