Laurie Vera
Assistant Professor
Academic Appointment(s)
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Occupational Therapy
- LVERA@augusta.edu
- (706) 721-3641
- EC 2334
Education
Certifications
-
NBCOT
2009
-
MoCA Certification
MoCA, 2021
-
OTL
Professional Licensing BRD, 2020
-
OTL
Professional Licensing BRD, 2009
Awards & Honors
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
-
OTHP 6105
Assessment & Documentation
-
OTHP 6001
Fieldwork I B
-
OTHP 7009
Fieldwork II Experience A
-
OTHP 6000
Fieldwork 1A
-
OTHP 6003
Fieldwork I D
-
OTHP 6100
Foundations of OT
-
OTHP 6002
Fieldwork I C
-
OTHP 7010
Fieldwork II Experience B
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests focus on preparing future occupational therapists to become skilled, reflective practitioners through strong foundational instruction and meaningful experiential learning. As the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and an Assistant Professor in the MSOT program at Augusta University, I integrate evidence-based assessment, ethical documentation practices, and clinical reasoning with real-world fieldwork preparation. I am particularly interested in cultivating high-quality fieldwork experiences and supporting students as they develop professionalism, communication, and client-centered care.
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- Working with older adults who have cardiovascular conditions, 2022
Book, Chapter in Textbook-Revised
Research Interests
My research and clinical interests center on advancing occupational therapy practice in pediatric and acute care settings and supervising students in innovative educational models that integrate OT and literacy within nontraditional school environments. I am particularly interested in studying rapport-building as a foundational therapeutic skill and examining best practices in fieldwork education to support student readiness and success. My work aims to enhance both clinical outcomes and the quality of OT education by strengthening the connection between evidence, teaching, and practice.
Department Service
College Service
-
Faculty Council
2021 - 2026
Role: Committee Member
-
Research Council
2021 - 2023
Role: Committee Member
-
OT Alumni Committee
2019 - 2023
Role: Committee Chair
-
Speech Language Pathologist Search Committee
2022 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
-
Student Grievance Committee
2022 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
Professional Service
-
Georgia Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Consortium
2026 - 2028
Role: Chairperson
-
Georgia Consortium for Fieldwork Education
2019 - 2026
Role: Committee Member
-
AOTA
2024 - 2024
Role: Reviewer
Public Service
-
Family YMCA Camp Lakeside
2020 - 2026
Role: Board Member
-
Family YMCA of Greater Augusta
2021 - 2023
Role: Committee Member
-
Family YMCA Camp IVEY
2015 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
-
Junior League of Augusta, Georgia
2011 - 2020
Role: Other
