Educational History
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), August 2023 Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY M.S., Occupational Therapy, 2016 Florida International University, Miami, FL M.S., Higher Education Administration, 2008 University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY B.S., Health & Human Services, 2006
Professional Highlights
Dr. Joanne Oates-Toussaint is a licensed Occupational Therapist and educator with extensive experience across pediatric, school-based, home-care, and telehealth settings. Her work bridges clinical practice, higher education, and global health through curriculum development, teaching, and community-engaged program leadership.
Dr. Oates-Toussaint also serves on ACOTE’s Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, contributing to national quality assurance in occupational therapy education.
Research
Dr. Oates-Toussaint’s research focuses on global health, culturally responsive education, and workforce capacity-building. Her doctoral dissertation, Advancing Cultural Competence in Occupational Therapy: Evaluating an International Fieldwork Curriculum in Jamaica, examined the impact of immersive global learning on OT students’ cultural competence and professional development. She continues to engage in program evaluation and applied research related to autism education, population health, and international capacity-building, with findings disseminated through conference presentations and grant-funded initiatives.
Personal Highlights
Dr. Oates-Toussaint enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
Fields of Expertise
- Occupational therapy practice (pediatric, school-based, home-care, telehealth)
- Population health and social determinants of health
- Autism education and inclusive classroom practices
- Global health and international program development
- Culturally responsive teaching and curriculum design
- Program evaluation, accreditation, and academic service
- Interprofessional education and workforce development