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Share thisFaculty Spotlight: Kathleen “Kathy” Stoklosa, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Education:
Post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Rocky Mountain University, Provo, UT
Master of Public Administration from SUNY College at Brockport, NY
Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Buffalo, NY
What brought you to Roberts?
Over the past few years, I have been observing the development of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program. I've been encouraged by the investment of the Roberts administration in the recruitment of faculty and renovating Smith Hall to accommodate the program with state-of-the-art facilities.
I am eager to teach at a Christian, faith-based college where expressing my beliefs is welcomed and even encouraged.
When did you start becoming interested in Occupational Therapy?
I became interested in occupational therapy long ago when my undergraduate college roommate introduced me to the field. I was intrigued by the opportunity to build a career in the health profession that encourages creativity and impacts the quality of life of the individuals it serves.
I continue to work as a clinician at a local hospital and outpatient clinics to remain up to date on interventions and new approaches to care. Being an OT educator for over 18 years has been incredible and I am thankful that I found occupational therapy as a profession.
My career of over 35 years as an OT has been rich with the rewards of serving people and families of all ages, across many settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and in-home care. Preparing future occupational therapists allows me to make the greatest impact on exponentially more people!
What is an interest you have outside of teaching?
I am interested in health and fitness and enjoy swimming, walking my dogs, and riding my exercise bike. I enjoy reading and have been in a book club with friends for over 10 years. My family is fortunate to have a house on Honeoye Lake so boating and kayaking are activities I enjoy when the weather cooperates!
How do you serve your community?
In the community, I am a mentor to many local clinicians of various rehab disciplines to help them meet their personal and professional goals.
I serve on the Advisory Board of the Bryant & Stratton College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, as the OT intraprofessional partnership is an invaluable aspect of our profession.
I am particularly interested in individuals with Parkinson's Disease, so I participate in Parkinson’s Foundation events, including Moving Day and the local Symposium that educates and supports individuals living with PD, their families, and carers. Last, I serve as a local reviewer of PD grant applications for the development of community programs across New York State.
What recent work would you like to highlight?
I have recently presented at the National Parkinson’s Foundation Symposium on Strategies for Living Safely at Home with Parkinson’s Disease. Blending evidence-based interventions with creative home-based adaptations by individuals living with PD results in many options that impact the performance of activities of daily living.
If you could make everyone understand one thing about Occupational Therapy, what would it be and why?
OT is a health profession that differs from other therapies by providing client-centered care through occupation-based interventions. Working as an OT is not working at all; it is a joy to serve people and improve the quality of their daily lives.
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