Melissa Sevestre

Melissa Sevestre, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, has been an occupational therapist for over 18 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education with a focus on intellectual disabilities from the University of Central Florida. She spent three years teaching individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism before pursuing occupational therapy. Dr. Sevestre completed her master’s in occupational therapy at Nova Southeastern University in 2007 and earned her PhD in occupational therapy in June 2025.

Dr. Sevestre began her career in a sensory integration clinic, where she worked with individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and developmental disabilities. She also treated several children with trichotillomania, anxiety, and behavioral concerns. She later transitioned into the school system while also working concurrently in a private occupational therapy clinic. Dr. Sevestre went on to serve as an occupational therapy assistant program director at a university for eight and a half years before moving into an adult day program for individuals with IDD. In this role, she collaborated closely with staff and the psychosocial department to enhance programming and develop a specialized curriculum for participants.

Currently, Dr. Sevestre is an Assistant Professor at Jacksonville University, where she teaches a variety of courses, including Mental Health and Occupational Therapy.

Dr. Sevestre is also the mother of a son who was born three months premature and spent 94 days in the NICU. Her son was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before his sixth birthday. This personal journey gives Dr. Sevestre a unique perspective on working with children—balancing both the lens of a clinician and the lived experience of a parent.