Dr. Denise Dermody

Dr. Dermody joined the first Allen College MS in OT cohort during the inaugural semester of the program in August of 2015 fresh from pediatric practice since 2003. She been an OT for 19+ years, including her work in academics since 2015. Her primary clinical practice area is early intervention and school-based pediatrics, as well as outpatient and hospital-based pediatrics. She has also practiced in a variety of rural and urban settings including acute care, outpatient, skilled-nursing, long-term care, and home health. Dr. Dermody’s primary clinical and research interests are in pediatrics, especially related to childhood development, sensory processing, early intervention/school-based service, feeding, assistive technology, classroom design for learning. She is also interested in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Dr. Dermody has been the Allen College MS in OT Program director since August of 2019. She most recently participated in the AOTA Leadership Institute to become a Credentialled Leader in Academics.

Joined Allen College: 2015

Education:
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2016)
Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy, College of St. Catherine (2002)
Bachelor of Science (Biology), Iowa State University (1997)

Professional Certifications:
Credentialed Leader in Academia (CLA)

Professional Memberships:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Iowa Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA)

Teaching Concentration:
Pediatric Populations, Early Intervention and School-Based Pediatric Services, Assistive Technology, Research

Scholarship/Research:
Dr. Dermody’s areas of research include pediatric school-based services related to fine motor skill development, assistive technology/classroom seating and feeding and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She has presented her research at national and state conferences.

Community/College Service:
Iowa Representative to the AOTA Representative Assembly
AOTA Representative to the IOTA Executive Board

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Allen College?
I love the opportunity I have at Allen College to make a true difference in the world of occupational therapy. It is breathtaking to watch as new OTs are born, as their eyes truly start to open into the amazingly diverse world that is OT. I am proud that we can offer students a small, supportive family here at Allen College to learn, practice and create their career in and then be there to see them take flight. Imagine all the great things they will do for others as OTs…Amazing!!!