Mary O'Donnell, OTD, OT, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy in the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. Dr. O’Donnell is a proud IHP alum, having graduated in the first cohort of post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy students in 2022. Dr. O’Donnell completed her undergraduate and Master’s education at Boston University. Her Doctoral capstone project focused on advocacy and policy to improve access to early intervention services for young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. Dr. O’Donnell is passionate about advocacy and founded the MAOT “Advocacy in OT Practice” special interest group in 2022. Dr. O'Donnell's clinical and scholarly interests include pediatric rehabilitation, infant and maternal health, policy and advocacy, adaptive sports and community-based practice.
- BS, Therapeutic Studies, Boston University, Boston, MA
- MS, Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
- OTD, Post Professional, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- Pediatrics
- Policy and advocacy
- Community-based practice
Dr. O'Donnell has published numerous papers - some titles are highlighted below. You can view a complete listing of Dr. O'Donnell's publications in her CV.
Advocating for change to meet the developmental needs of young children experiencing homelessness.
In addition, Dr. O'Donnell regularly presents at conferences and industry events. Please see her CV for a complete list of presentations.
Building a state-level virtual hill week: Tips for grassroots advocacy at American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) INSPIRE National Conference, Orlando, FL.
An occupational therapy-focused accessible maternal health web resource at American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) INSPIRE National Conference, Orlando, FL.
Interprofessional OT and CSD Pediatric Screenings in an Academic Clinical Center at 2023 IPEC Poster Fair, Virtual.
An occupational therapy focused maternal health web resource at Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy Annual Conference. Norwood, MA.
An interprofessional approach to assessing clients for health impacts of climate change at Nexus Summit 2023, Virtual.
