Melissa Schaeffer

Dr. Melissa L. Schaeffer is a licensed and board-certified pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience in neurorehabilitation, sensory processing, orthopedics, vision, executive functions, and social skills training. She has worked in a range of pediatric settings, including medical-surgical units, NICU, acute inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, schools, and home-based care.

Since 2020, Dr. Schaeffer has served as a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University, where she teaches in both the entry-level and post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs. Her academic and research interests include school-based practice, post-secondary transitions for students with disabilities, sensory integration, culturally sensitive practice/Global Interprofessional Education (Global IPE),  and the development of professional behaviors in academic students.

She developed and leads a longitudinal professional behavior program designed to foster clinical reasoning, leadership, and effective communication among graduate students. Dr. Schaeffer also contributed to the development of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s updated board certification in pediatrics and remains active in community-based clinical practice.

Dr. Schaeffer has presented her work nationally and secured grant funding to support children with disabilities, including initiatives for sensory gym development, OT in Primary Care, assistive technology, and parent education programs.