Dr. Meira Orentlicher is Associate Dean, Research and Faculty Scholarship, and Professor in the School of Health Sciences. She guides the SHS’ research and scholarship initiatives, including research funding and grantsmanship. She oversees faculty development in research and scholarship and supports faculty and students in developing proposals, publishing scholarly work, and navigating research compliance. A Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Dr. Orentlicher earned her PhD in Occupational Therapy Research from New York University. She teaches research methods in the post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program and is deeply committed to advancing evidence-based practice.

Dr. Orentlicher’s own research centers on participatory action approaches, with a focus on the transition experiences of young adults with disabilities and their families. She has published widely and presented nationally on transition planning, person-centered practices, and school-based occupational therapy. Dr. Orentlicher serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention. She is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA), recognized for her impactful contributions to transition research.

Education

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC)
• New York University, New York, NY. Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy
• New York University, New York, NY. Master of Arts in Advanced Occupational Therapy with Specialization in Developmental Disabilities/Pediatrics
• The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Areas of Expertise

Transition from school to adult life for students with developmental disabilities, students with autism, person-centered planning, and school-based occupational therapy

Honors and Awards

• The Dr. Beatriz Colon Abreu Recognition Award (2023), New York State Occupational Therapy Association
• Women Leadership Honor (2012, 2019), Hebrew Institute of White Plains
• Service Commendation (2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2012), American Occupational Therapy Association
• Outstanding Mentor Award (2018), American Occupational Therapy Association
• Vera Jean Clark Brown Service Award (2016), Occupational Therapy Department, Touro University
• Alumna of Note (2016), American Friends of the Hebrew University
• Roster of Fellows (2015, American Occupational Therapy Association
• SIS Quarterly Wall of Fame Editor (2015), American Occupational Therapy Association
• Distinguished Leadership Award (2014), Occupational Therapy Department, Touro University

Publications

• Schwind, D., Orentlicher, M. L., & Handley-More, D. (2025). Using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to Address Activities of Daily Living, Rest and Sleep. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 17 (4). https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2025.2455273
• Horbacewicz, J., Molinsky, R., & Orentlicher, M. L. (2024). From I to We: The Evolution of Individual Students From Seven Health Professions Programs to a Functioning Interprofessional Team. Journal of Allied Health, 53 (4), 253–262. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/shs_pubs/359
• Handley-More, D. S., Orentlicher, M. L., & Schwind, D. B. (2024). Introduction to Tiered Interventions in Schools: Tiered Strategies for Student Success Column. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 17 (1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2337482
• Orentlicher, M. L., & Handley-More, D. (2024). Introduction and Guidelines: Tiered Strategies for Student Success Column. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 16 (4), 405-408. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2023.2330764
• Schwind, D. B., Orentlicher, M. L., & Handley-More, D. (2024). Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Occupational Therapy Interventions for Play, Leisure, and Social Participation. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 17 (3). https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2398331
• Orentlicher, M. L., & Dapice Wong, S. J. (2020, November 15). Engaging clinicians as primary investigators in an academic program: A model for increasing scholarship in occupational therapy practice [Presentation]. New York State Occupational Therapy Association 2020 Virtual Conference.
• Orentlicher, M. L., Frattarola-Saulino, M., Perry, K., & Obermeyer, I. (2020, November 13). Personal and policy considerations for planning and implementing self-directed supports and disability benefits: Results from action research [Presentation]. Social Policy and Disability Symposium, Fordham University.

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