Mary Beth Kadlec, OT, ScD, OTR is an Assistant Professor in the Department Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute for Health Professions providing clinical training experiences and conducting research with occupational therapy doctoral students. She developed an interprofessional training and practice experience called the SENCE (Supporting and Empowering Neurodiverse Children Everyday) Program, along with Sarah Friel, Assistant Professor, IHP CSD. Dr. Kadlec is developing Mentorship Circles and supports for Occupational Therapy Practitioners who provide behavioral health and mental health services for individuals, families and communities across the lifespan. Dr. Kadlec is also currently a Team Leader on the ECHO Autism Project, Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, a state-funded training for the Massachusetts Youth Mobile Crisis Teams on developing supports and access to services for youth with autism and intellectual disabilities and their families.
Dr. Kadlec has extensive experience in the areas of pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disorders, intentionally working in all clinical settings where youth receive services: neonatal intensive care units (NICU), pediatric intensive care units (PICU), early intervention programs (EIP), early childhood programs, elementary schools, outpatient clinics, summer programs and camps for youth with autism spectrum disorders, residential facilities for adults with developmental disabilities, consultations to emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric and mental health units, as well as private practice. Her focus has been on expanding occupational therapy’s impact through interprofessional clinical practice, interprofessional education and research demonstrating how occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to advance the human condition in any environment by applying our knowledge to support children to be successful within the context of their families and communities.
