Maribeth Clifton, OTD, is a new faculty member at UNMC.
- Name: Maribeth Clifton, OTD
- Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy Education, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, UNMC College of Allied Health Professions
Research/professional interests: My interests focus largely in the area of behavioral and mental health among children and youth, particularly amongst marginalized communities or those who have been exposed to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. In addition, my research interests include the scholarship of teaching and learning, such as the impact of inclusion and belonging on learners in institutions of higher education. Other scholarly activities of interest focus on community-based intervention and programming, systems change and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion.
How I fell in love with occupational therapy: My interest in the profession started when I was working with a client in the community who mentioned they were receiving OT services. I fell in love with the holistic approach that considers all aspects of a person — mind, body and spirit.
Education:
- Doctor of occupational therapy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri
- Bachelor of science in physiology, minor in psychology, University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming
- Associate of science, Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Memberships:
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity
Three things people may not know about me:
- I am a singer.
- I am named after my grandmother, Mary Elizabeth, aka Maribeth.
- Before falling in love with OT, I wanted to be a dentist.