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Natalie Perkins
Natalie Perkins
Dr. Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MBA, M.Ed, OTR/L, FIIE, FAOTA serves as Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of the Pacific. As a clinician, educator, researcher, and advocate, she is passionate about developing the next generation of occupational therapists while advancing inclusion, leadership, and innovation within the profession.
Dr. Perkins earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and Master of Education in Adult Education from Colorado State University, followed by a Master of Business Administration and a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Throughout her career, she has combined clinical expertise with a commitment to educational excellence, publishing peer-reviewed research, authoring textbook chapters, and presenting at state, national, and international conferences. Her TEDx talk, How Emotional Intelligence Can Enhance Education, highlights her work exploring the role of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection in both learning and healthcare environments.
A recognized leader in occupational therapy education, Dr. Perkins founded Pacific's OTD program and has cultivated partnerships across healthcare, education, technology, nonprofit, and community sectors to expand opportunities for students and increase the profession's impact. Her scholarship and service focus on emotional intelligence, student success, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and addressing systemic barriers within healthcare and higher education.
With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Perkins has worked across a variety of practice settings and holds advanced training in sensory integration, neurorehabilitation, ergonomics, and autism services. She is committed to helping students bridge classroom learning with real-world practice through meaningful mentorship, hands-on experiences, and community engagement.
At the heart of Dr. Perkins' work is a belief that occupational therapy has the power to transform lives and communities. She is dedicated to creating learning environments where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to become compassionate leaders who advance health, participation, and opportunity for all.
Dr. Perkins' research explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, therapeutic rapport, and educational outcomes. Her work examines how self-awareness, communication, and interpersonal skills influence client outcomes, student success, fieldwork performance, and professional development. She is particularly interested in identifying strategies that help healthcare providers and students build meaningful relationships, navigate complex environments, and achieve positive outcomes.
Her scholarship also focuses on occupational therapy education, mentorship, leadership development, and inclusive excellence. Dr. Perkins has led and collaborated on research examining student success, clinical reasoning, mentorship, and innovative approaches to preparing future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Perkins is the founder of TheraPERKS, an evidence-based emotional intelligence training designed to strengthen healthcare professionals. Her work is grounded in translating research into practical tools and experiences that enhance learning, improve care, and strengthen communities.
A recipient of multiple grants and awards, Dr. Perkins remains committed to community engagement, partnering with schools, clinics, shelters, and community organizations to create opportunities for service, mentorship, and student learning.
