Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP

Professor Sabel recognizes that occupational therapists are uniquely skilled to support individuals facing a wide range of challenges. Their deep understanding of medical conditions, neurology, psychology, assistive technology, and the impact of physical and social environments on function equips them with a distinctive ability to enhance occupational performance.

Building on this perspective, Professor Sabel explores how integrating occupational therapy with Eastern traditions—such as Yoga, Tai Chi Quan, and meditation—and Western approaches—such as the Feldenkrais Method—can improve a person’s capacity to engage in meaningful occupations. He brings this integrative approach to his teaching at Downstate.

In addition, he has developed an experiential movement curriculum that helps students embody their understanding of anatomy and kinesiology. This hands-on approach allows students to feel the difference between efficient and inefficient movement patterns, while also illustrating how kinesiology concepts can guide functional movement and support daily occupational performance.

Throughout his academic career, Professor Sabel has remained active in clinical practice, working with individual clients and leading community-based programs focused on fall prevention, pain management, pelvic health, mindfulness, and breath.

Education:

• Master of Arts, Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, New York
• Master of Public Health, Community Health Practice Module, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York

Advanced Trainings or Credentials:

• Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, 2006
• Annadottir OT-ADL Neurobehavioral Evaluation (A-ONE) Instrument, 2001
• The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, 2000

Honors and Awards:

• Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation, Board Member
• Appointed to the State Board for Occupational Therapy, 2018 - present.
• Honorary Membership Award given by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, October 2022.
• President’s Award given by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, November 2021.
• Merit Award for Service given by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, November 2020.
• Merit Award for Practice given by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, November 2018.
• The Dr. Donald Schert Faculty Excellence Award, College of Health-Related Professions, Downstate Medical Center, 2017.
• Abreu Award, Metropolitan District of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, 2007.
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association Certificate of Recognition, 2003, 2005.

• Sabel, R., Caruso, C., Lin, A., Forchhemier, I., Percoco, K. (2022). Easy does it: a zoom group program for older adults with urinary incontinence. Today’s Geriatric Medicine, 15(6), 14-17.
• Sabel, R., Balton, K., Reyes, I., Rozas, K., Serebryansky, B. (2021). Easy does it: an occupational therapy-based fall prevention program. Today’s Geriatric Medicine, 14 (1), 14-17.
• Sabel, R., Gallagher, B. (2015). Occupational therapy interventions for pelvic floor disorders. OT Practice, 20 (10), 20-21.
• Sabel, R., Gallagher, B. (2014). We-wi ("without effort"): using tai chi chuan to promote occupational therapy performance. OT Practice, 19 (7), 16-19.
• Sabel, R., Gallagher, B. (2012). Meditation: a mindful approach to promoting occupational performance. OT Practice, 17 (11), 17-18.
• Gallagher, B., Sabel, R. (2008). The Right Path: Restorative yoga can provide a potent rehab intervention. Advance for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants, 19 (2), 24-27.
• Sabel, R., Gallagher, B. (2007). Restorative Yoga: an integrative approach to promote occupational Performance. OT Practice, 12 (19), 16-21
• Sabel, R., Gallagher, B. (2006). Peak performance: a breath therapy program to promote occupational performance. OT Practice, 11 (1), 15-19.
• Sabel, R., Gallagher, B. (2005). Restorative yoga. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners, 20 (21), 50-52.
• Tewfik, D., Sabel, R. (2004). Testimony: advocacy in action. OT Practice, 9 (20), 13-16.

Professional Interests:

• Fall prevention
• Movement strategies to improve occupational performance for clients with movement disorders
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Chronic pain and geriatric inter-professional education