Renee Samardak

Renee Samardak, OTD, M.Ed., OTR, CDP, is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Rehabilitation Sciences. She holds a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, a Master of Education in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word.

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of the Incarnate Word
• Master of Education in Occupational Therapy – Springfield College
• Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy – Boston University

Her research and clinical interests center on enhancing health and well-being among older adults through technology, reducing isolation and loneliness, and improving dementia care and caregiver support. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is currently pursuing Skills2Care certification, an evidence-based intervention for dementia care partners.

Renee has over 13 years of clinical experience across diverse settings, including acute inpatient psychiatric units, acute rehabilitation units, outpatient adult and pediatric clinics, pediatric home health, school-based occupational therapy, VA long-term care facilities, and the VA Caregiver Support Program. Her work emphasizes innovation, advocacy, education, and community engagement.

She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA), and Texas Geriatric Society (TGS).

Renee is passionate about teaching and mentoring future occupational therapists, integrating clinical expertise with research and advocacy to support aging populations and their caregivers. While no formal grants or student advisement details are listed, her career reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence and academic contribution.

She enjoys personal pursuits such as traveling, beach visits, sewing, reading, drawing, coloring, collecting houseplants, and spending time with family.