Libby Hladik, PhD, OTR will join the occupational therapy program as an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Hladik brings five years of academic experience and five years of clinical experience in addition to her education as a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow in the Czech Republic. Her research abroad focused on the social inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in children’s museums and cultural institutions.
“This Fulbright experience has given me a lot of perspective on the complex systems shaping how families and our local cultures influence how children with developmental disabilities participate in the community."
Upon working for 10 years as a theater artist and producer, Hladik switched to the therapeutic profession of occupational therapy to work with people through their meaningful occupations.
“I am passionate about training OTs who raise questions about justice and inclusion with their clients, within their communities, and towards a more just society."
Most recently, Hladik earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin and has previously worked with children with autism, developmental disabilities and delays, and adults with intellectual disabilities. She hopes that GW OTD students will gain the skills to be trailblazing and collaborative leaders that build scientific evidence and explore new ways to enable occupation.
Libby Hladik, PhD, OTR will begin serving in this role in June 2025.
