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Susan Persia, OTD, MS, OTR/L

  • Assistant Professor
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Affiliated Programs

Education

  • OTD
    Thomas Jefferson University (PA)
  • MS, Occupational Therapy
    Thomas Jefferson University(PA)
  • BA, Psychology
    Temple University (PA)

About Me

My name is Sue Persia, and I am excited to share in the Pride.
 
I earned my BA in psychology from Temple University, my Master's degree in occupational therapy (OT) at Thomas Jefferson University East Falls (formerly Philadelphia University), and my post-professional doctorate at Thomas Jefferson University. My capstone project was the development and feasibility study of a mindfulness program for OT practitioners experiencing burnout. As a first-generation college graduate, I appreciate Widener's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility. 
 
I have specialized in pediatrics and women's health as an OT clinician. I hold specialty certifications in aquatic therapy and Ayers sensory integration. I have completed advanced studies in pelvic health and perinatal care with Herman & Wallace Institute and the Institute for Birth Healing. I am also a certified yoga teacher and incorporate yoga into my treatments as appropriate. I also teach regular yoga classes and wellness workshops.
 
As an OT educator, I strive to create safe and inclusive learning communities where students and faculty can learn, share, and form relationships. I also strive to model balance and self-care in addition to professional behaviors, clinical reasoning skills, therapeutic use of self, and lifelong learning. My teaching approach and the Widener culture foster students to be self-aware, culturally responsible, client and community-centered, and holistic in their practice approach. This sets the foundation for our emerging occupational therapists to become innovative and influential practitioners and leaders. 
 
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my son play ice hockey, studying yoga, traveling, binging on a new streaming series, good food, and strong coffee. 

Research Interests

My research interests include: (a) mindfulness to reduce burnout in occupational therapy practitioners and students, (b) scholarship in teaching in learning, including contemplative pedagogy and learner-centered feedback, and (c) the role of yoga and mindfulness in promoting well-being across the lifespan, encompassing individuals with varying abilities.

Publications

  • Persia, S. M., & Carroll, A. P. (2024). Feasibility of Mindfulness at Work: A continuing education program for occupational therapy practitioners experiencing burnout. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8 (1). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol8/iss1/13
  • Lingelbach, S. & Persia, S. (2022). The burnout conversation: Part one. NJOTA Newsletter.
  • Lingelbach, S. & Persia, S. (2022). The burnout conversation: Part two. NJOTA Newsletter.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • NBCOT
  • AOTA
  • POTA
  • NCOTA
  • FLOTA
  • Yoga Alliance