Sheri Ferland

Sheri Ferland is an Associate Professor and Capstone Coordinator in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Johnson & Wales University (Providence campus), where she has served since 2021. Her academic roles include teaching, mentoring doctoral capstone projects, and coordinating clinical education. She holds an OTD from Boston University (2011) and a B.S./M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire.

With 16+ years of clinical experience in acute rehabilitation and home health, Ferland specializes in neurologic rehabilitation, geriatrics, and physical dysfunction. Her scholarly interests focus on improving quality of life for Parkinson’s disease patients through program development, interprofessional collaboration, and community wellness initiatives. She has pioneered fieldwork collaborations with non-traditional sites like Rock Steady Boxing, where she serves as a certified educator.

Ferland is LSVT BIG certified and a certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach. She contributes to institutional governance as a member of the College of Health & Wellness Outcomes and Assessment Committee. Professional affiliations include the American Occupational Therapy Association, Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Association, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Her teaching portfolio spans courses in occupational therapy practice, kinesiology, pedagogy, and capstone research. Ferland emphasizes experiential learning, stating, “It is my goal as an educator to provide opportunities for students to touch and feel the curriculum by providing real life context and facilitating an interactive approach to learning.”