Suzanne Rappaport, OTD, OTR/L
PP-OTD Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Occupational Therapy Program
School of Health Professions
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 has woven her circus background into a community program that offered a unique blend of occupational therapy and circus arts. She also contributed to adaptive sports education and trained volunteer adaptive instructors, and previously directed a program dedicated to serving food to the homeless. Currently, she serves as a Trustee on the NYSOTA Board and as the Post-Professional Education Committee Member of AOTA’s Commission on Education.
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.
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
- Rappaport, S. (2025, July 9). Empowering resilience: How occupational therapy supports autistic adolescents with depression. Autism Spectrum News
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Rappaport, S. (2025). Culturally responsive practice. In K. Jacobs (Eds.), Management and administration for the OTA: Leadership and application skills, 2nd ed. Slack, Inc.
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Rappaport, S. (2024, January 10). Supporting sensory diversity: Building inclusive classrooms. Autism Spectrum News
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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
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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