Why Is Occupational Participation Crucial for Individuals in Palliative Care?

Heather Javaherian, OTD, OTR/L

Heather Javaherian is a Professor of Occupational Therapy and Program Director of the Entry-level Doctor of Occupational program at Loma Linda University. She graduated with her master’s degree from D’Youville College in 1996 and her doctorate from Creighton University in 2004. She is working on her health coach certificate at Loma Linda University, School of Public Health. Her research and practice areas include intimate partner violence, end-of-life care, ergonomics, health and wellness, and education. Dr. Javaherian is passionate about qualitative studies exploring people’s lived experiences to inform practice. She provides pro bono services and supervises graduate students in domestic violence settings, ergonomics, and at the Thursday Night Clinic. She is part of Roots Down, Inc., which serves survivors of domestic violence. Dr. Javaherian coordinates interprofessional education opportunities in the occupational therapy program. She teaches classes involving education, theory, occupation across the lifespan, health, research, and lectures on various specialized topics. She participates in several interprofessional education initiatives. Dr. Javaherian has presented at regional, state, and national levels and has authored several publications. She has served the profession nationally as editor in the Education special interest section and at the state level as a regional director in Ohio. She now serves as Vice President on the Executive Board of the Occupational Therapy Association of California. In April 2019 Dr. Javaherian was named to the Roster of Fellows of the American Occupational Therapy Association.