FACULTY PROFILE
Caren Schranz DrOT, MS, OTR/L
ILOTA 2019 OT of the Year
"Occupational Therapy is a profession that I am passionate about and I am committed to providing a strong learning platform for students to become future OT practitioners. I currently serve as the Chair & Program Director of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Governors State University. I view this role as a leader of the department and mentor for faculty.
I have been at GSU since the start of the OT program since 1996. I have served as an Adjunct Professor, Unit B Lecturer, Unit A Assistant Professor, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Associate
Professor. I have taught in the College of Health and Human Services in the Department of Occupational Therapy, in both the Post Professional Doctor (DrOT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Programs.
I hold a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University, Chicago, IL and a Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Governors State University.
I continue to serve children and families in a clinical role as well. This work is extremely rewarding as I try to make a difference in the lives of children. I have an active research agenda which is focused primarily on children and families and understanding how to support participation in everyday life activities. Coaching caregivers to generate strategies to support children with disabilities in play is a strong focus of mine. This allows me to collaborate with families in local communities to hopefully bring about a change in their lives.
I have publications related to my work. Some additional research of mine is on student learning and progression. In 2020 I wrote a grant and was awarded a United States Federal Government HRSA grant – Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students for 2.66 million. These funds are dispersed directly to students to support their education. I have seen the impact this has made on their ability to get a college education.
I enjoy presenting my work at international, national and state conferences and advocating for the OT profession. I value my leadership ability and the impact I have on faculty development and student learning!"
- Caren M. Schranz
View Caren Schranz CV