Shannon Roux (MAT)(She/Her/Hers)

After 6 years of experience as an elementary special education teacher in the inclusion setting, I have observed how neurodiverse classrooms can lead to more equitable academic outcomes for students with disabilities and support the socio-emotional development of all students. However, I have also witnessed the significant challenges and barriers that teachers, Occupational Therapists, and administrators face in fostering an environment that allows students to reach their full potential.

I transitioned to the PhD program to explore my interests in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory regulation, and environmental modifications. My long-term research interests include exploring sensory and environmental interventions to identify the highest leverage supports for students with and without ASD in the inclusion classroom. I hope that this work will not only create better outcomes for students but could also improve longevity and work satisfaction for teachers.

I am currently working in the TEM Research Lab (Tailored Environmental Modifications) under the guidance of Dr. Stein Duker. Current projects aim to investigate the efficacy of environmental modifications to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, and Dental Fear and Anxiety in the dental environment. My goal is to apply the insights gained in this work to the educational setting, furthering my commitment to supportive and effective learning environments for all children.

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ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org.

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. All states require licensure to practice; a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® OTR certification examination or attain state licensure. Program results from the NBCOT® can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.