Quiara Smith

Programs and Courses Taught

Occupational Therapy Program (MOT and OTD)

OCCTH 640/641 Fieldwork Level II A/B

OCCTH 740/741 Fieldwork Level II A/B

About Me

Quiara Smith has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist for over 13 years in both California and Hawaii working in various settings including hospitals, schools, an equine center providing hippotherapy as a treatment tool, and outpatient clinics. Quiara has experience working with adults and pediatrics. Her extensive pediatric experience encompasses serving infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with various medical conditions and diagnoses. 

Education

BA Sports Sciences (2006)- University of the Pacific
MA Occupational Therapy- (2009)- Samuel Merritt University 
OTD- Post professional doctorate of occupational therapy (2024)- Elizabethtown College

Teaching Interests

Fieldwork
Pediatrics (pediatric pelvic health, infant massage, trauma informed care, and child development)

Scholarly Interests

Research interest: 
*The benefits of infant massage on maternal and infant mental health
*Pediatric pelvic health interventions for children with bowel and bladder dysfunction and toileting difficulties. 

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

AOTA member
Infant Massage USA member
 

Community Service

*Developing and facilitating infant massage classes to underserved communities to support infant and maternal mental health
*Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy with a Holistic and Integrative Approach
* Animal Assisted Interventions in Occupational Therapy Practice

Honors & Awards

Beamer Award Recipient 2022/2023 Academic Year