Rebecca Simon

About Rebecca Simon

Rebecca L Simon, Ed.D, OTR/L, FAOTA is a Professor and former Associate Dean of the College of Health and Wellness at Johnson & Wales University. She is the former Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at JWU. Dr. Simon received her BA in Health Care Administration from Stonehill College, her MS in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University and her Doctorate in Education from Northeastern. Rebecca has been recognized as a fellow of the American Occupational Therapist Association (AOTA)for her contributions nationally to fieldwork and in her capacity as a leader in local, regional and national organizations related to occupational therapy. She is an active member of AOTA and former treasurer, public relations chair, membership chair, and communications chair of the RI Occupational Therapy Association (RIOTA). She is the current AOTA Academic Leadership Council Fieldwork (AFWC) Chair, sitting on the AOTA Commission on Education as a part of this role. Her clinical practice has focused on pediatrics with specialty in sensory integration. In addition to her roles in academia, she maintains a private practice which provides occupational therapy consultation and services to families with children who have special needs.Scholarly activity includes research and publications within the profession of occupational therapy related to fieldwork, assessment and post-secondary education. Her doctoral dissertation focused on use of a faculty community of practice to support students with mental health issues within the college environment.Presentations include state and national conferences, as well as a variety of seminars for families and caregivers of children with special needs.As a professional, a wife, a mother of three boys, a leader and an active member in local organizations, her goals are always to integrate personal and professional experiences for the betterment of students, clients, and the community at large.

Experience

1. Professor

   Higher Education

   Dec 2025 — Present

   Masters in Occupational Therapy Program

Education

• Northeastern University

  Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

  2017 — 2019

• Stonehill College

  BA, Health Care Administration

  1991 — 1995

• Tufts University

  MS, Occupational Therapy

  1995 — 1997