Ruth Schemm

Ruth L. Schemm, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Dean and Professor Emeritus, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
Vice Chair-Board of Supervisors, Warrington Township, Bucks County PA (Term of office - 2020-2026)
Email: 2horse2dog@gmail.com (personal), rschemm@warringtontownship.org (elected office)

Municipal leadership: Focus on preserving open space and passive recreation in township of 25,000 residents in suburban area outside of Philadelphia, PA. Routine responsibilities include oversight of township land use, zoning, protective services, recreation and safety, roads and storm water management. Recently appointed as one of 10 Directors to BCATO (Bucks County Association of Township Officials).
Occupational Therapy academic experience: Educational administrator and manager (Dean, Program Chair and Program Planner). Scholar (38 publications, editor, reviewer). Professor (taught OT, Public Health, liberal arts courses at entry level and graduate levels), supervised Ph.D. and OTD research projects. Served in a variety of governance roles at 3 universities.
Clinical experience: Home Visiting Therapist in urban neighborhoods (1970-1974) and after retirement (2015-2018).
Non-Academic Leadership roles: Park and Recreation, Open Space and Environmental Advisory Boards, Chair POTA and Commonwealth of PA Licensure Board and variety of AOTA, AOTF and NBCOT committees. Chair of governance boards of 2 equestrian focused non-profit organizations that serve at risk youth.

Implementing policies that promote open space, passive recreation, dark skies, greenways and protection of birds, wildlife and native plants.
Chair, Board of Directors, Work to Ride a 503 (c) non-profit that uses equine activities to foster school success and provide a “home away from home” for at-risk urban youth. See (https://worktoride.net and https://worktoride.net/photos-and-videos/)
2 rescue dogs, 1 horse and 2 cats as well as stewardship of 18-acre property.

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