Autumn Servera
Assistant Professor
- Health Professions Building 265C
- autumn.servera@su.edu
- (540) 542-6237
Pronouns:
She/her
Educational History:
OTD, Shenandoah University; M.S., Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University; B.S., Psychology, Shenandoah University; Certificate in Spanish Interpreting, Shenandoah University
Fields of Expertise:
- Pediatrics (Settings: Inpatient Rehabilitation, Acute Care, Outpatient; Conditions: Acquired Brain Disorders, Spinal Cord Disorders, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, complex medical needs including Tracheostomies/Ventilators, Functional Neurologic Disorder)
- Neurological rehabilitation
Personal Highlights:
Dr. Servera’s clinical background is primarily in pediatrics and neurological rehabilitation, with more than a decade practicing in the hospital setting (inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, and outpatient rehabilitation). Her passions include teaching and clinical practice with the pediatric neurological population. Dr. Servera is a proud alumna of Shenandoah University.
Presentations
- “Backward by Design: Flipping the Script on Qualitative Research Education”; Accepted Poster Presentation, AOTA Inspire National Conference 2026
- “Sensory Processing and Parenthood”, Poster Presentation, VOTA Annual Conference 2025
- “Collaborative Community Partnerships: Experiential Learning for Occupational Therapy Students with the Houseless Population”; Poster Presentation, AOTA Inspire National Conference 2025
- “Predictive Factors of State Licensure Board Disciplinary Actions in Occupational Therapy”; Primary Speaker, MOTA Conference 2024
- “Team Teaching: The Good, the Bad and the Collab”; Poster Presentation, Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy 2024
- “Enhancing Inpatient Rehabilitation for Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) Using Child-Centered Education and Interventions”; Primary Speaker, AOTA Inspire National Conference 2023
- “Randall Children’s Hospital-Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy Inpatient Program”; Primary Speaker, Oregon Pediatric Therapist Special Interest Group, 2014
- “The Effect of Sensory Stories on a Community-Based Activity in Children with ASD”; Poster Presentation, VOTA Annual Conference 2010
Research:
- Martin, D., Fuller, H., Collins, M., Courtright, V., Joshi, M., Hubbard, K., Kretzer, F., Lantzy, C., Ragsdale, S., Servera, A., & Shanholtz, C. (2024). Predictive Factors of State Licensure Board Disciplinary Actions in Occupational Therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(6), 7806205070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050702
- Families’ Perceptions of Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation (IPR) to Promote Family-Centered Care and Support Community Reintegration: Mixed Methods Study (ongoing)
- “Examining the Lived Experience of Breastfeeding First-Time Mothers as it Relates to Sensory Processing” (faculty mentor, 2025-2026)
- Sensory Processing and Parenthood (faculty mentor, 2024-2025)
- Adaptive Technology and Sexual Intimacy (faculty mentor, 2023-2024)
- The Lived Experience of Occupational Therapists Practicing In The COVID-19 Global Pandemic; Post-Professional OTD Capstone (2021)
Quote:
Occupational therapy is where science, creativity and compassion collide.” Jessica Kensky, 2016 AOTA Welcome Ceremony Keynote Speech