Denise Donica

Name and Contact

• Denise K. Donica, DHSc, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA

Training and Advanced Certifications

• Doctor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy

• Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice

• CLASI Certification in Ayres Sensory Integration, 2022

• AOTA Board Certified in Pediatrics, 2009-2024

• Level 1 Certified Handwriting Specialist, Learning Without Tears, 2006

Area(s) of Expertise

• Pediatric occupational therapy especially school-based practice

• Handwriting and keyboarding skills

• Handwriting readiness

Awards and Honors

• 2021 – East Carolina University: Centennial Award for Excellence in Service

• 2020 - Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society Inductee                                                      

• 2016 - American Occupational Therapy Association: Roster of Fellows “Contributions as Scholar, Educator, and Professional Servitude”                                                              

• 2013-2022 - East Carolina University: Servire Society Inductee (100+ annual hours of service)                             

• 2009-2010, 2012-2020, 2022 - East Carolina University: Health Sciences Author Recognition Award, William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library                                                                                  

• 2015 – American Occupational Therapy Association: Service Commendation for Member of Certification Renewal Ad Hoc Committee

• 2014 - East Carolina University, College of Allied Health Sciences: Dean’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Service     

• 2014 – North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association: Award for Outstanding Practice in the Area of Community Service                                                                                    

• 2014 – North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association: Award for Outstanding Practice in the Area of Pediatrics

• 2013 - American Occupational Therapy Association: Recognition of Achievement Award “Outstanding Contributions in Handwriting Research and Education”

• 2013 - American Occupational Therapy Association: Service Commendation for Member of Pediatrics Phase II Panel

• 2012 - American Journal of Occupational Therapy: Research Scholars Initiative

• 2011 - AOTA Champion honor for advocacy of occupational therapy

Leadership Accomplishments and Passions

• Program Director and Chair of the East Carolina University Department of Occupational Therapy (2019-present)

• NBCOT Occupational Therapy Eligibility Determination Consultant (2012-2015, 2022-present) 

• AOTA Credentialed Leader in Academia (2020)

• East Carolina University Chancellor’s Leadership Academy (now Leadership Development Academy) graduate (2015)

• BB&T Faculty Leadership Fellows Program Participant (2018)

• BB&T Active Learning & Leadership Program participant (2017)

• North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy member including chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer (2012-2020)

• Occupational Therapy in Health Care, Associate Editor (2012-present)

• North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference Planning Committee member (2009)

• AOTA Media Expert (2019-present)

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