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Cynthia Sheppard Bell

Position: Professor Department: Occupational Therapy

Contact Info

Office: FL Atkins Building, Rm 450 Phone: 336-750-3175 Fax: 336-750-3173

Biography

I have been an occupational therapist for over 30 years. My passion for the field pushed me to pursue my Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy, which I completed in 2006. I have spent a good portion of my career advocating for workforce diversity in occupational therapy and volunteer leadership in the profession. I have been an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In 2018 I was recognized with the esteemed honor of the Roster of Fellows (FAOTA), after serving a three-year appointment (2015-2017) on the national AOTA Volunteer Leadership Development Committee (VLDC),  AOTA Awards and Recognition Committee, and served for 12 years as the NC Representative or Alternate Representative to the AOTA Representative Assembly, as well as on Ad Hoc committees. In addition, I had several years of service on the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (NCOTA) board in a variety of capacities as well. I joined WSSU as part of the inaugural occupational therapy faculty in 1998. I am passionate about supporting older adults continuing to live life to their fullest and have experience and expertise in mild cognitive impairment, dementia care, and age-related low vision.

Educational Background

  • PhD, Nova Southeastern University
  • MS, Occupational Therapy, Western Michigan University
  • BA, Psychology, Miami University
  • Certifications- 2012, 2016, 2020 Dementia Care Specialist Certified Trainer, Crisis Prevention Institute
  • Designation- WSSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) Master Teacher (2012)
  • Certificate in Effective College Instruction-ACUE 2022
  • Adobe Instructor Course - WSSU CITI, 2022

Research and Project Interests

  • Interprofessional education
  • Knowledge Translation/Implementation Science
  • Fall Prevention
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
  • Elderly with low vision
  • Therapeutic cycling-Amtryke