Academic and Professional Training
A career shaped by advanced academic training, interdisciplinary neuroscience research, complex clinical practice, professional education and more than 25 years of occupational therapy experience.
Training spans across the fields of occupational therapy, psychobiology, behavioural neuroscience, rehabilitation sciences, and functional neuroimaging. This interdisciplinary foundation supports a comprehensive understanding of how injury, cognition, behaviour, environmental factors and everyday demands interact to influence real-world function and occupational performance.
DOCTORAL EDUCATION
PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
Doctoral training at the University of Toronto focused on sex-specific changes following concussion, alterations in neural organization and the influence of injury on time away from work. The research integrated brain imaging, rehabilitation science and vocational outcomes.
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO · 2014–2019
GRADUATE EDUCATION
MA in Psychology
Graduate study in psychobiology and behavioural neuroscience examined the role of the basal forebrain cholinergic system in cortical reactivity and sleep–wake states. This work established a strong foundation in brain–behaviour relationships and experimental neuroscience.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 1999–2000
A multidisciplinary academic pathway supporting evidence-informed assessment, rehabilitation and clinical analysis.
PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
BSc in Occupational Therapy
Foundational occupational therapy education emphasized functional performance, rehabilitation, therapeutic intervention and the relationship between health conditions and participation in everyday life. Academic distinctions were earned throughout the program.
UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI · 1991–1995
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
Neuroimaging, Neuroinflammation & Gender Health
Postdoctoral work included functional neuroimaging, neuroinflammation, cognitive neuroscience and sex- and gender-informed brain health research. Training was completed within St. Michael’s Hospital and University Health Network research environments.
ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL · UHN
ADVANCED CLINICAL TRAINING
2012
Designated Capacity Assessor
Training through Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General to assess capacity in relation to property and personal-care decision-making.
2011
AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment
Advanced education addressing musculoskeletal and neurological impairment-rating principles within forensic and disability contexts.
2006–2007
Life Care Planning
Postgraduate education in long-term care needs, future service requirements, equipment, support and cost projections following significant injury.
2005
Progressive Goal Attainment Program
Training in structured rehabilitation approaches supporting activity resumption, function and return-to-work.
2003
Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator
Certification in standardized functional testing and analysis of physical abilities in relation to work and everyday demands.
1998
Neurodevelopmental Treatment
Postgraduate Bobath training focused on neurological rehabilitation, movement analysis and therapeutic handling.
PAST LEADERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to clinical standards, concussion guideline development, editorial review, professional education, research leadership and knowledge translation across occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
Advisory Work
Member of the Expert Consensus Group contributing to the third edition of the guidelines for concussion, mild traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms (ONF)
Clinical and research representative for OSOT in the review of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s mild TBI program of care
Contributed as a member of the Standards of Practice Advisory Group with the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals.
Leadership and advisory roles within the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists
Editorial Contributions
The Journal of Life Care Planning
Rehab Pro
BMC Systematic Reviews
Mentorship and Knowledge Translation
Teaching roles at the University of Toronto have supported graduate learners in occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences.
Cognitive Rehabilitation and Neuroscience
Core Occupational Therapy Curriculum courses
Ethics in Private Practice