معرفی
Dr. Nicole Halliwell serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Monmouth University, where she joined in January 2021 to develop the OTD program. Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences (Pediatrics) from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2019), a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University (2012), and a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science from Seton Hall University. With over nine years of clinical experience across pediatric settings, brain/spinal cord injury, psychiatrics, and social work, she integrates holistic approaches to occupational engagement.
Dr. Halliwell's educational background includes:
- Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy, Seton Hall University
- Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science, Seton Hall University
Her research centers on family experiences within Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly sleep patterns and young adult transition. She employs phenomenological methods to explore lived experiences, emphasizing multisensory environments and contextual occupational engagement. Clinical expertise in pediatrics and hippotherapy informs her holistic philosophy, focusing on meaningful client-centered practice through evidence-based approaches and continuing education.
Publication trends highlight her focus on autism and sleep research, with the 2021 American Journal of Occupational Therapy article establishing foundational work on family sleep experiences. Conference presentations (2019-2020) expanded this research nationally, while her 2021 newsletter contribution addressed driver rehabilitation. Earlier work (2011-2012) examined autonomic nervous system correlates to health recovery, demonstrating longitudinal research continuity in physiological and psychosocial aspects of occupational therapy.
Dr. Halliwell has received significant recognition including:
- 2016: US Department of Education OSEP Personnel Development Grant
- 2012: School of Health and Medical Sciences Research Award
- 2010: Mary Lousie Doyle Panhellenic Award for Outstanding Service
As an OTD program faculty member, she teaches psychosocial and pediatric courses while mentoring through doctoral thesis research. Her University of Oklahoma Research and Creativity Grant supported the seminal sleep study for families of young adults with ASD. She maintains active clinical certifications including NBCOT registration and New Jersey occupational therapy licensure.
Dr. Halliwell collaborates within the American Occupational Therapy Association and New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association networks, contributing to professional development initiatives. Her work on school-based consultation, sensory modulation, and community living supports demonstrates applied research integration within Monmouth University's OTD program framework.
