College of Saint Mary OT Directory
Find and connect with occupational therapy alumni and currently enrolled students from College of Saint Mary—and learn more about the program and faculty!
About College of Saint Mary OT Program
The occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program at College of Saint Mary prepares you to deliver services that help people improve their lives. As an occupational therapist, you will be able to help patients develop and maintain vital living and working skills. Occupational therapists evaluate physical and mental abilities, track progress and design therapy programs.
CSM’s new doctoral degree focuses on the development of clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education and theory development. In addition, students must complete two 12-week field work experiences along with a 14-week doctoral experience that culminates in a scholarly project.
College of Saint Mary OT Faculty
Below is a list of the College of Saint Mary faculty and staff. Find out more information about all of the faculty here!
Tara Ruppert, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Director, Occupational Therapy Program
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Ellie Cusic, OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Jaime Garafalo-Peterson, OTD, OTR/L
Director of Clinical Education
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Maureen Hoppe, Ed.D., MA, OTR/L, CHSE
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator
Whitney Rubin, OTD, OTR/L
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Mary Smith, Ed.D., MOT, OTR/L
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Kristan Pilakowski, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Adebimpe Obembe, DPT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Kayla Hoge OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Doctoral Capstone Coordinator
Nicole Chipy EdD, OTR/L CLT
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Certified Lymphedema Therapist