Assistant Professor
Division of Occupational Science
and Occupational Therapy
4092 Bondurant Hall – CB #TBA
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Office Phone: (919)-962-5444
Email: raheleh_ghasseminia@med.unc.edu
Education
- MS Occupational Therapy,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - BS Biology,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Personal Statement
My past 9 years of OT experience have been in the training and education of young adults, adults and older adults with acute and chronic neurologic conditions. This training and education occurred as part of an integral interdisciplinary team and extended to my clients’ families and care providers who would ultimately be carrying over this education upon return to the community. As an assistant professor with UNC’s Division of OS/OT, I will help develop and teach clinical content and will develop model clinical practices that demonstrate the power of occupation-centered work that maximizes function and quality of life. My clinical work will be focused in the areas of helping clients and their caregivers adapt to and negotiate the sequelae of their acute or chronic neurologic conditions in order to maximize their quality of life in their communities. In my teaching pursuits, I hope to demonstrate the strength of occupation-based, client-centered therapy as well as teach students how to harness and use the idea of the therapeutic use of self to enhance the therapist–client relationship.
Courses Taught (Current)
OCCT 757
OCCT 767
Research, Clinical and Community Service Interests
- adults with acute and chronic neurologic conditions
- advancing community based occupational therapy practice
- transitions from traditional medical settings to the community
- wheelchair seating and positioning to maximize function and well-being
- client-caregiver training and education
- neurogenic bowel and bladder management training and education
- sexual function in individuals with neurologic conditions
Recent Lectures
- UNC Division of Occupational Therapy, Occupational Science Chapel Hill, NC – 01/20/2015
“Ethical Approaches to Sexuality in Occupational Therapy” - UNC Division of Occupational Science, Masters Program
Chapel Hill, NC – 03/2012-Present
“Occupational Therapy’s Role in SCI Evaluation and Treatment” - UNC Health Care Rehabilitation Center, PM&R Residents
Chapel Hill, NC – 10/2009-Present
Annual lecture “Interdisciplinary Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation”
- UNC Health Care and PM&R Spinal Cord Injury Conference
Chapel Hill, NC – 11/2009-Present
Annual lecture “Interdisciplinary Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation” - North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association support group series:
Fall 2013
Co-guest speaker with Dr. Kristy Borawksi –
Sexuality after SCI
