Cindy Anderson, OTD

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Coordinator of OTD Doctoral Capstone

Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

About Me

I began working as an occupational therapist in 1992 in an inpatient mental health setting providing psychosocial OT services for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing acute mental health disorders. I later worked for a home health agency, focusing on orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation as well as consulting services for individuals with disabilities. In 2004, I began teaching part-time in the occupational therapy department at the University of Mary. In 2008, I joined the faculty as the academic fieldwork coordinator and later transitioned to the doctoral capstone coordinator position.

Why I’m At Mary

While completing my OT degree, I was inspired by my professors and hoped to pursue a similar academic role someday. I began adjunct teaching at Mary and knew this was where I wanted to be. I am passionate about preparing the next generation of OTs in a community that promotes professional distinction, ethical practice, and serving others with compassion.

Expertise

I currently teach content on fundamentals of OT, anatomy and kinesiology, evidence-based practice, and group leadership. In my role as doctoral capstone coordinator, I mentor students on their capstone projects that reflect their professional interests and pursuits. I have conducted research in the areas of professional association involvement, health and wellness, and capstone student outcomes.

Anderson, C., & Iken, S. (2009). Impact of international service-learning. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 13(3): 127-132.

Anderson, C. (2021, Dec 11). Middle school mental health programming through an occupation-based lens. [Conference session]. AOTA Children and Youth Specialty Conference, Orlando, Florida.

Anderson, C. (2021, Oct. 23). Factors influencing student OT and OTA membership in state and national OT associations. [Conference poster session]. AOTA Education Summit, St. Louis, MO.

Anderson, C. (2021). Factors influencing Occupational Therapy State Association Membership: Leaders’ perspectives. [Conference poster session]. AOTA Annual Conference, Virtual.

Anderson, C. (2020, Oct. 03). Factors influencing Occupational Therapy State Association Membership: Leaders’ perspectives. [Conference session]. North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Bismarck, ND.

Anderson, C. (2020, Oct. 03). The lived experience of participation in state occupational therapy associations: Factors influencing active member involvement. [Conference session]. North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Bismarck, ND.

Anderson, C. (2018, Feb. 24). Occupational therapy education updates. [Conference poster session]. North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Fargo, ND.

Anderson, C. (2018, April 20). Factors influencing OT state association membership. [Conference poster session]. AOTA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.

Anderson, C. (2018, April 6). Incorporating evidence based practice. [Conference session]. Montana Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Billings, MT.

Anderson, C. (2015, April 18). Factors that influence preparedness to supervise an OT level II fieldwork student. [Conference poster session]. AOTA Annual Conference, Nashville, TN.

Anderson, C. (2013, April 26). Perceptions of care providers and healthcare professionals of physical activity of individuals with IDD. [Conference poster session]. AOTA Annual Conference, San Diego, CA.

Anderson, C. (2013, April 25). Structured group activities for adults with IDD in a day program: Effects on engagement and affect. [Conference poster session]. AOTA Annual Conference, San Diego, CA.

Education

BS (OT): University of North Dakota
MS (OT): University of Mary
OTD: University of St. Augustine