Kessler

Dr. Dorothy Kessler

Position(s)

HSPRI Associate Faculty

Contact Info

Dr. Kessler is an Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy and Associate Director, Occupational Therapy Program. She trained as an occupational therapist at the University of Manitoba and received her MSc. at Dalhousie University. She completed her PhD at the University of Ottawa. During her Doctoral studies, Dr. Kessler was the recipient of the CIHR Vanier Canada Scholarship. Dr. Kessler did postdoctoral fellowships in Primary Care at the Bruyère Research Institute and at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. Dr Kessler is a recognized trainer for Occupational Performance Coaching which is a key focus of her research.

Queen’s University School of Rehabilitation Therapy, in partnership with Providence Care, announced the honorary appointment of Dr. Kessler as Scientist in Rehabilitation at Providence Care. Dr. Kessler’s two-year term began on July 1, 2024. The Scientist in Rehabilitation is a jointly funded position dedicated to advancing interprofessional, non-physician-led research across Providence Care. The role will strengthen the capacity of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals at Providence Care to contribute as research partners together with client and patient groups.

Research Interests

Dr. Kessler’s research focusses on understanding the experiences of people living with chronic health conditions, as well as developing and testing of interventions and models of care to improve community reintegration and participation in personally valued activities among people with chronic health conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s’ disease. Her research is centered on interventions and approaches that engage and empower the person to manage their care.

Team

Research Interests