Faculty
Dr. Bozec's dedication to occupational therapy spans over 23 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rockford University in 1998, her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University in 2001, and her Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in 2019. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her advanced practice certificate in neuroscience from Thomas Jefferson University and her Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist status since 2013. Dr. Bozec's extensive experience with adult clients across the rehabilitation spectrum covers acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient, day rehabilitation, and driver's rehabilitation programs. Beyond the classroom, she finds joy in her work in driver's rehabilitation and is a certified driving instructor in Illinois.
Dr. Bozec's scholarly interests reflect her comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy. Her research focuses on upper extremity motor recovery through task-specific training interventions, implementing assessments into clinical practice, knowledge translation, and implementation science integrating research into clinical practice. Her current research includes exploring occupational intervention diversity in home exercise programs and therapist perspectives on diversity in interventions. Dr. Bozec's expertise in this area is well-established, as she has presented nationally and locally on neurological interventions for evidence-based practice, occupational therapist perspectives on diversity in upper extremity motor interventions, and manual development in knowledge translation.
Prof. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Health Science with a concentration in Neurologic Rehabilitation from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP), Provo, UT. As an evidence-based practitioner, he has extensive clinical experience of more than 25 years working with adults in outpatient, rehab centers, and home health. He also worked with children with Cerebral palsy for a few years in India. He has held many management positions as a rehab director and has previously been an entrepreneur.
Prof. Kumar has developed a hand outcome measure, The Chicago-Quick Hand Function Test (C-QHFT), to assess hand function and impairment. C-QHFT incorporates pincer grasp, shift, finger-to-palm translation, stabilization, palm-to-finger translation, fine motor coordination, voluntary release, dexterity, and psychomotor in its test performance. It measures hand function comprehensively yet quickly. Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, geriatric rehab, quantitative research, and validation of outcome measures encompassing psychometric properties of assessment tools are the areas of his interest and expertise. He co-authors "Clinical Summary of Functional Disorders," published in PTNow (APTA) in Jan. 2022.
Dr. Audre Omdahl Chaput has been an occupational therapist for 40 years. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in OT and returned to work on a master's degree while teaching as a full-time faculty member. She received her doctoral degree in OT with an education elective track from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She has assisted in teaching/facilitating for several years at the University of St. Catherine’s in St. Paul, Minnesota and has piloted her Case Based Learning course at the University of Minnesota. Her latest position was Assistant Professor at St. Augustine University in St. Augustine, Florida.
She has been an owner of a pediatric rehab agency in Minneapolis for 23 years. She is founder/pioneer of NovaCare for Kids. In addition, she has worked at a home health agency as a skilled practitioner.
Dr. Chaput is SIPT certified with additional training as an observer for the SIPT and is SI treatment certified. She has served on the Avoidable Re-hospitalization Committee. She has served on committees with MOTA and initiated the development for the first policy/procedure manual for Occupational Therapy Private Practice for the DHS in MN. Dr. Chaput has sponsored a Special Children’s summer camp for 16 years, and has developed other community children’s programs. She has been a guest speaker for multiple National and International organizations.
Publications include a self-help book and has written a course and manuscript for Case-Based Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills. She received the SERTOMA SILVER award for writing “Infant Stimulation Program” that is utilized by the international education department.
Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Eads earned her OTD from Creighton University. Her primary areas of interest include assessment and intervention in pediatric practice, specializing in feeding, sensory processing, and movement disorders. Her clinical experience includes early intervention, school-based settings, outpatient clinics, feeding, assistive technology, and community practice. She supports team based evaluations for feeding clinic and medical and autism diagnostics. She is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program at 91ÖÆƬ³§. She teaches courses
with focus on occupational therapy foundational content, pediatrics, evidence-based practice, and occupational justice.
Dr. Eads is an experienced home evaluator and has also provided services to adults with developmental, intellectual, and sensory disabilities. Dr. Eads has worked with the Brookfield Zoo to increase accessibility for individuals with autism by recommending environmental modifications, adaptations, and high and low technology supports to improve safety and participation. Inspired by her doctoral research in the Dominican Republic, Dr Eads continues to explore occupational therapy in emerging practice areas to increase participation and engagement for marginalized populations.
Teresa Morreale earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Clarke University in 2004 and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2012. She has over ten years of clinical experience providing occupational therapy in outpatient, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation settings for a wide range of diagnoses. Her background also includes several years of professional experience prior to her career in occupational therapy, where she worked at a public health nonprofit organization and at a career and technical education company. She enjoys bringing clinical experience to the classroom and applying academic experiences to inform and improve her clinical practice.