Riqiea F. Kitchens

Riqiea F. Kitchens is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy within the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), serving as Interim Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for the OTD program.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Jackson State University
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Madison
• PhD in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University

She holds Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR) and Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) credentials through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Her research focuses on implementing stroke self-management programs for medically underserved populations, addressing chronic conditions, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in occupational therapy education, with clinical expertise spanning adult physical disabilities and neurological rehabilitation across diverse settings.

Dr. Kitchens actively contributes to the profession through memberships in the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, Texas Occupational Therapy Association, and American Occupational Therapy Association, where she serves in multiple capacities. She has disseminated her work through presentations and publications at local, state, national, and international levels.

As Interim Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, she guides OTD students through capstone projects while teaching courses in neurological interventions, stroke self-management, and conditions across both entry-level and post-professional programs.