Ryan Lavalley

Education

• PhD, 2019, Occupational Science, UNC-Chapel Hill
• M.S., Occupational Therapy, Xavier University, 2013
• B.A., Concentration in Human Occupation, Minor in Peace Studies, Xavier University, 2011

Credentials

• MOT
• OTR/L
• Licensed Occupational Therapist in North Carolina

Awards and Honors

• Brueggeman Fellowship, Xavier University
• Dorothy Day Award, Xavier University

Selected Publications and Presentations

• “Community Practice and Population Oriented Approaches to Occupational Therapy”
  Guest Lecture, Xavier University, HOCS 323 – Occupational Justice
  April 10, 2015
• McQuiddy, V. A., Scheerer, C. R., Lavalley, R., McGrath, T., & Lin, L. Normative values for grip and pinch strength for 6- to 19-year-olds. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2015.03.018
• Busbee, E., Dumas, S., Lavalley, R., & Riley, A. (2013). In Hall-Clifford R. (Ed.), NGOs and civil society: How common hope programming supports the educational transition in Guatemala. National Association for the Practice of Anthropology- Occupational Therapy Field School.

Research Interests

I am interested in studying and exploring the emergence of community and social change through occupation that occurs at a population and group level. I hope to explore how communities form, adapt and respond to new influences and members, and how these changes influence unity and disunity within those communities. I hope to develop a richer understanding of these phenomena to better inform and facilitate community-based Occupational Therapy Practice and potentially larger social progress.

Affiliated Groups

• Coordinator and Faculty member for the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology – Occupational Therapy Field School (NAPA-OT)
• Consulting Therapist for the Orange County Department on Aging

Career Goals

As I explore the theoretical and philosophical perspectives within Occupational Science, I have become interested in developing theory and research regarding communities, groups, and populations, especially those who are non-traditional for Occupational Therapy practitioners. This theoretical development will assist in describing and understanding how communities and groups emerge, change, and adapt over time through occupation. I hope to continue researching communities and working within community-based practice areas to support a rich and informed approach to social problems and challenges within this realm.

Hobbies

Hiking, Outdoors, Camping, Photography, Swing Dancing

Other Fun Facts

I proudly hail from the great state of West Virginia.