Karen M. Keptner PhD, OTR/L
An OT researcher
Always working on something new
I have been an occupational therapist for over 20 years and consider myself a general practitioner since I have worked with children through older adults with both physical and mental health conditions. In 2014, I received my PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics so that I can do research to help patients and the OT profession. The training from my PhD has put me in a unique position - to do my own research from conception to completion - and help others do the same. I know the clinical side of things because of my varied clinical experience. I know the research end of things from my research training and success with publication. I love both the challenge and adventure of research! This page provides a snapshot of the many things that keep me going - including teaching where I am able to pass on knowledge to the next generation of therapists!
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Karen M. Keptner PhD, OTR/L
OT and Researcher
For inquiries email: kkeptner@gmail.com
The power of occupation
Looking at occupation is a constant in my work, whether it is through the restorative nature of occupation or the power of occupation to heal. The strength of my experience lies in the breadth and depth of the approaches I have used throughout my life to answer questions about occupation. Learn more about my ongoing research, teaching, and consulting projects below.
Post-secondary students
I study how occupation impacts college students - from undergraduate to PhD. Many undergraduate students are unsatisfied with their current occupational performance so I work with college students on campus college campuses to address occupational challenges. I work on projects related to anxiety and sensory modulation, belonging and career, and the impact of OT on students.
OT student experiences
I love to travel and want OT students to get the experience of immersing themselves in a new culture while learning. I have two travel experiences designed specifically for OT students. First, I designed a course for OT students to learn about and experience Navajo culture while providing a service on the Navajo Nation. In addition, I have created an NBCOT® exam prep course in Costa Rica. OT students get to relax, adventure, and experience Costa Rican culture while prepping for their exam.
Occupations in transition and inmate needs
A new collaborative project I am working on is to look at the needs of women in a transitional correctional facility. The first phase included education of the mental health staff on sensory processing and the impact of incarceration and trauma on the sensory systems. As part of that work, we designed a sensory cell at a facility that has been well received. Now, we are studying how occupation fits into the inmates immediate transition periods before and after release and sensory processing among female inmates.
Consult and advisory activity
I have taught nationally on dementia and acute care for therapists. I have consulted on small-scale clinical research studies in OT. I have served on task groups through the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the American Occupational Therapy Association. In addition, I have been an expert witness on multiple cases related to service provision by occupational therapists. Finally, I have experience with product development for rehabilitation.
