Brittany Adams - Department Chair & Program Director

Education

BS Health Studies, Utica College
MS Occupational Therapy, Utica College
Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University

Background

Dr. Brittany Adams joined the faculty at Western New England University in 2017 as an inaugural faculty member of the program and was appointed Program Director and Chair in 2022. Prior to this, Dr. Adams worked in multiple settings, primarily with the adult and aging population and in management positions. These settings include skilled nursing, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health, as well as some work as a travelling occupational therapist. She also has experience working in school-based occupational therapy. Dr. Adams is an active member of AOTA and serves as the Vice President for the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy (MAOT).

Dr. Adams's primary areas of clinical interest include neurorehabilitation, physical disabilities, and seating and positioning, with an emerging interest in driving rehabilitation. Dr. Adams engages learners in the classroom-laboratory setting teaching a foundational skills-based course and a leadership/entrepreneurship course. Additionally, Dr. Adams is serving as faculty mentor and guiding students through the development of our student-led pro bono OT center called the BEAR PAW (Bringing Equity Accessibility and Rehabilitation to People Achieving Wellness) Center. Dr. Adams’ scholarly agenda is focused in three areas: student development through the practical hands-on application of knowledge; clinical excellence through practice in emerging areas that are integral to the future of the profession; and innovative practices in higher education through an inclusive lens. To promote occupational balance, Dr. Adams enjoys traveling, camping, and most of all, spending time with her husband, Nick, sons, Jack and Weston, and dog, Denver.