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Suzanne Rappaport

Suzanne Rappaport, OTD, OTR/L

PP-OTD Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Occupational Therapy Program
School of Health Professions

Education
  • Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD), Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
  • Master of Science (MS), Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
Personal Statement

Dr. Suzanne Rappaport, OTD, OTR/L, blends her artistic roots with her passion for occupational therapy (OT) to create innovative therapeutic approaches. Originally trained as a painter and photographer, she transitioned to circus arts, teaching recreational adults, school children, and people with disabilities. This journey inspired her to pursue OT, recognizing its potential to enhance physical and emotional well-being through creative movement.

Dr. Rappaport, a multifaceted professional, seamlessly integrates her academic pursuits with clinical work, specializing in pediatric mental health and supporting adolescents and young adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. Her expertise extends beyond traditional clinical settings, as she weaves her circus background into a community program that offers a unique blend of occupational therapy and circus arts. Simultaneously, Dr. Rappaport contributes to adaptive sports education and trains volunteer adaptive instructors. Notably, she also directs a program dedicated to serving food to the homeless. 

Driven by an unwavering commitment to social and occupational justice, Dr. Rappaport leverages her platform to enlighten others about the powerful societal influences that shape our world. Her podcast, OT JEDI, serves as a catalyst for learning, growth, and accountability within the field of occupational therapy.

  • Rappaport, S. (2024). Culturally responsive practices. In K. Jacobs (Eds.), Management and administration for the OTA: Leadership and application skills, 2nd ed. Slack, Inc.

  • Rappaport, S. (2024, January 10). Supporting sensory diversity: Building inclusive classrooms. Autism Spectrum News

  • Rappaport, S. (2019). Motivation for leadership: An evaluation of rationale and characteristics of leadership identity.  American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 73. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO1024

  • Rappaport, S. (2014). Circus arts and occupational therapy: Gaining great performance. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 77(8) p. 23-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226140770S802