Jane O’Brien

Jane Clifford O’Brien, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Westbrook College of Health Professions at the University of New England, Portland, Maine. She received a master of science in occupational therapy at Boston University and a doctorate in public health with a concentration in the neurobehavioral basis of motor control from the University of South Carolina. Clinically, Dr. O’Brien has over 20 years of experience working with children and youth in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home health, outpatient pediatric centers, and a diagnostic center. She is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. Dr. O’Brien has conducted research and presented on issues such as play and playfulness, motor control and motor learning, assistive technology, therapeutic reasoning, fitness and nutrition programs, and the application of the Model of Human Occupation in pediatric practice. She has an extensive publication history in examining the issues of children with disabilities, including numerous journal articles, book chapters, and four textbooks (Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents, Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants, Introduction to Occupational Therapy, and Occupational Analysis and Group Process).