Position:
Program Director MSOT Weekend and Assistant ProfessorLocation:
Health Professions Building 2004Email: lleigh@berxwedan.net
Educational History:
Post-Professional OTD, Shenandoah University (2023); M.S., Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University (2011); B.S., Psychology, Shenandoah University (2010)
Fields of Expertise:
- Certified Aging in Place Specialist: Skilled in home safety evaluations and environmental modifications to support independence across the lifespan and aging in place.
- Dementia and Neurodegenerative Care: Expertise in working with individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s, and other neuro-related disorders, providing tailored interventions to improve function, mobility, and quality of life.
- Women’s Health: Focused on occupational therapy interventions for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and supporting the transition to co-occupations in parenting.
- Occupational Balance and Wellness: Committed to helping individuals across the lifespan achieve occupational balance and enhance their overall well-being through evidence-based practices.
Professional Highlights:
Dr. Leigh brings over 13 years of experience as an occupational therapist, with a diverse clinical background spanning care from infancy to geriatrics, including end-of-life care. Her expertise includes aging in place, dementia care, environmental modifications, and women’s health. She began her journey in academia as an adjunct instructor before transitioning to a full-time role focused on fieldwork education in 2021. While no longer in a fieldwork coordinator position, Dr. Leigh remains deeply passionate about fieldwork education and is dedicated to supporting students in bridging the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. Dr. Leigh is committed to enhancing occupational balance and well-being, empowering clients to lead meaningful lives and mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists through innovative, evidence-based teaching.
Publications:
Leigh L, Skuthan A. The Effect of IVF Treatments for Infertility on Occupational Balance. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research. 2025;45(1):12-20. doi:10.1177/15394492241267255
Presentations:
Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy (2024) Blacksburg, VA: Presentation “Demonstration of Knowledge through Assessments of Practical Skills”
Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (2023) Virginia Beach, VA: Poster presentation “The Effect of IVF Treatments for Infertility on Occupational Balance: A Qualitative Study”
Innovation Summit for Health Professions Education (2023) Virtual: Poster Presentation “Demonstration of Knowledge through Assessments of Practical Skills”
American Occupational Therapy Association (2011) Philadelphia, PA: Panel Presentation “Hybrid learning: A future in occupational therapy education”
American Occupational Therapy Association (2011) Philadelphia, PA: Poster Presentation “Promoting disability awareness and occupational and social justice through a community-based not-for-profit arts organization”
Personal Highlights:
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and gardening!