Monique Dawes

Monique Dawes, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Johnson & Wales University's College of Health and Wellness since 2021. She transitioned to academia after over a decade in clinical practice specializing in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and travel therapy across acute care, home health, and community settings. Her scholarly work focuses on health equity, neurorehabilitation, and diversity initiatives in occupational therapy. She volunteers with Empower SCI, directing clinical programs and mentoring students, and actively participates in diversity committees at JWU and national organizations like COTAD. She has co-authored influential studies on substance misuse among sexual and gender minorities, leveraging her dual expertise in clinical practice and education.

• Education: OTD and B.S./M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Boston University
• Committees: JWU IDEA Group, OTD Admissions Committee, and multiple diversity-focused professional roles
• Teaching: Courses include Doctoral Capstone Projects, Fieldwork Simulations, and Neurorehabilitation Practice

Her research integrates clinical practice with systemic advocacy, addressing disparities in healthcare access and occupational engagement for marginalized populations. Collaborations include studies funded by JWU’s Provost Innovation Fund, emphasizing the intersection of discrimination and health outcomes in LGBTQ+ communities.