Sensory Integration Education

Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA has been an occupational therapist for over 20 years. Dr. Lyons founded and operated a private therapy firm for over 10 years. She developed and founded Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and became the first Black Indigenous American woman to serve as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Currently, she is the Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice Access & Belonging and Governance. Dr. Lyons is the former Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Varleisha continues to lecture internationally and has authored four books, one of which is a bestseller. She has dedicated her time to mentoring underrepresented individuals and desires to help shift others toward growth and healing despite traumatic experiences or diagnoses. Her research spans various disciplines and professions with grant funding in the areas of community-based services and interprofessional education and care. Through such efforts she has guided several into the profession of occupational therapy and supported families across the nation through her volunteer efforts. Her areas of expertise include neuroanatomy, self-regulation strategies across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma responsive approaches. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this presentation belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. Varleisha D. Lyons PhD, OTR/L is employed by the American Occupational Association.