Nancy Dooley

Nancy R. Dooley, Ph.D., OTR/L, CDP, FAOTA, is a Professor and Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) since 2019. With over 25 years of clinical experience in mental, physical, and cognitive rehabilitation, she specializes in occupational therapy for marginalized populations including homeless families and individuals with dementia. Her academic leadership includes developing Rhode Island's first OT master's program and prior faculty roles at a Massachusetts state university.

Dr. Dooley holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac College and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Occupational Therapy from New York University. Her research focuses on functional cognition assessment (e.g., Tile Tray Assessment development) and improving quality of life for dementia patients and caregivers. She actively contributes to professional organizations like the Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Association, advocating for non-pharmacological pain management policies.

Her publications emphasize clinical education innovations, fieldwork supervision strategies, and interventions for aging populations. Recent work explores theoretical frameworks for student clinical training while continuing her long-term focus on dementia care and caregiver support systems. Professional affiliations include Therapy Missions and Providence Village, reflecting her commitment to global and community-based occupational therapy initiatives.

Dr. Dooley's career bridges clinical practice, education, and policy advocacy, consistently emphasizing the profession's role in enhancing daily life participation for vulnerable populations. Her educational contributions include course development for foundational occupational therapy principles and advanced clinical practice modules.