Education
BSW, Westfield State University
MOT, Bay Path University
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University
Background
Dr. Morin earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Westfield State University. Her passion for mental health and vulnerable populations led her to receiving her Master of Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University. Dr. Morin completed her post-professional doctorate at Chatham University where her research focused on the effectiveness of a stress reduction program for current and former foster youth pursuing post-secondary education. She is an active member of the Massachusetts Occupational Therapy Association (MAOT) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She is currently serving as the Academic Representative on MAOT.
Dr. Morin has worked in various clinical settings, primarily in mental health and non-traditional/emerging community-based practice areas. She has practiced in home health (traditional and behavioral health divisions), residential youth programs, early intervention, school-based, senior centers, adult congregate housing, transitional support programs, psychosocial clubhouses, and assisted living facilities. Dr. Morin’s research interests include promoting life skill development of foster youth and developing stress management resources for current and former foster youth to optimize their performance in meaningful occupations and activities. She also has strong interests in the following areas: promoting the overall health and well-being of first responders, emerging practice settings, the use of the Kawa Model as a professional development tool and its impact in clinical settings, trauma-informed care, caregiver support groups, and strategies to promote self-directed learning and professional development among students. Dr. Morin’s research on the efficacy of a stress management program for foster youth has been published. She has presented her research at MAOT and AOTA conferences. Dr. Morin’s teaching areas include: Leadership in Global Health, Group Interventions & Therapeutic Use of Self, Occupational Performance: Mental Health, Assessment: Theory & Measures, Community-Based OT Practice, and Level I Fieldwork. She strives to educate students on the impact they can make on local and global levels when working with vulnerable populations and utilizing a health promotion and prevention lens. In her spare time, Dr. Morin enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends; cheering on her favorite sports teams; and facilitating laughter yoga sessions.
