Dr. Aurelia Alexander

EMAIL: aurelia.alexander@famu.edu
PHONE: 850-561-2018
OFFICE: Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy
Lewis-Beck Bldg., Room 311

Monday/Wednesday - 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Thursday - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

OTH 5033 Concepts in Occupational Therapy - Mon. Wed. - 8:30 am - 10:00 am
OTH 6727 Competency in Occupational Therapy II - Online

Bio

Aurelia K. Alexander is Interim Director and Associate Professor at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in the Occupational Therapy program. She has practiced occupational therapy for 32 years in the areas of acute care, outpatient rehabilitation (pediatrics), neonatal intensive care nursery (Level III), and academic education. She received a credential in the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) for Effective College Instruction in 2021-2022. Dr. Alexander holds certifications in Neonatal Oral Motor Skills (NOMAS) and Kinesio Taping for Pediatrics and Adults. Her clinical and research interests are in the areas of pediatric occupational therapy, feeding and eating; student success in test preparation and clinical preparation, Hip Hop and Black Excellence and access to therapeutic services.
Dr. Alexander is a member of the University Athletic committee. She is an advisor for the Student Occupational Therapy Association, FAMU chapter. Dr. Alexander is a member of the Leon County chapter of The Charmettes, Incorporated, where she is the local treasurer and the national Sergeant at Arms. She is a member of the Ladies Art and Social Club with her beloved mother. She is a proud legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority of 34 years, where she participates in committees of Health, Protocol, Scholarship and Awards, and Founders’ Day, as well as the variety of national program initiatives. Currently, she is participating in the Empower Our Families program. Dr. Alexander is a life member of FAMU National Alumni Association. Dr. Alexander enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Areas of Interest

Student Success in Test Preparation
Student Success in Clinical Preparation
Student Success with Hip Hop and Black Excellence
Pediatric Occupational Therapy with Client and Family Centered Focus
College Football
Reading
Traveling

Education

Chatham University - December 2012
OTD - Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Capstone Title: Effectiveness of Online Test Preparatory Course on Mock Registration
Examination Scores for Occupational Therapy Students at a Historically Black College and University
Boston University - September 2007
M.S. in Occupational Therapy
Thesis Title: “Effectiveness of Artificial Oral Feeding Methods in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)”
Florida A&M University - August 1991
B.S. in Occupational Therapy
University of Florida - August 1989
Associate of Arts

Work History

Associate Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, 2016-Present
Student Success Coordinator, School of Allied Health Sciences, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Division of Health Science, 2023-Present
Assessment Coordinator, School of Allied Health Sciences, Dean’s Level, School of Allied Health Sciences, 2023-Present
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, 2008-2016
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Occupational Therapist, 1991-2008
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital – Tallahassee, FL
Consultant Occupational Therapist, 2005-2008
Children’s Home Society, Tallahassee, FL

Academic Accomplishments

Certification in Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) for Effective College Instruction; May 2022
Certification Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS) License199932; 1999-2025
Certification Kinesiotaping Adult and Pediatric; 2008-Present
Featured Faculty in Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) for Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning; Embracing Diversity in Your Classroom; 2021
Member, Special Events Advisory Committee, City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs, 2020-Present
Secretary and member of the Board of Directors, National Society of Allied Health, 2018-Present

Awards

2009 Distinguished Alumnus, Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL

GRADUATE FACULTY STATUS

Graduate Faculty Status Appointment, January 2019

FEATURED FACULTY

Featured Faculty in Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) for Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning; Embracing Diversity in Your Classroom; 2021
Featured Faculty in Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) for Active Student Engagement; video faculty for Developing Rubrics and Checklists and Embracing Diversity in Your Classroom; 2016

Courses Taught

OTH 5205 Pediatrics in Occupational Therapy
OTH 5205L Pediatrics in Occupational Therapy Lab
OTH 5935 Interventions in Occupational Therapy
OTH 5033 Concepts in Occupational Therapy
OTH 6727 Competency in Occupational Therapy II
OTH 6830 Community Models: Mental Health
OTH 6833 Community Models: Practicum

Publications

Crowther VB, Davis Weaver J, Green-Weir RR, Moton BA, Simmons MV, Alexander AK, Weatherspoon MA, Nash B, Jones JG, Robinson C. Factors Associated With Food Insecurity Among a Community-Based Sample of Older Adults in a North Florida County. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine. 2024;10.doi:10.1177/23337214231221328
Crowther, V.B., Davis Weaver, J., Green-Weir, R., Moton, B., Simmons, M., Alexander, A., Weatherspoon, M., Nash, B., Jones, J., Robinson, C. Understanding Food Insecurity among Community-Based Older Adults. Journal of Applied Gerontology [Under review, May 11, 2023].
Nash, B., Jones, J., Alexander, A., and Etheridge, J. (2022). Platform Presentation "The Utilization of Virtual Tools for Allied Health Education during a Pandemic: A Guide" Journal of the National Society of Allied Health, Volume 19, Number 1. Summer/Fall 2022.
Jones, J., Alexander, A., Etheridge, J. (2022). Platform Presentation "Student Perceptions of a Hip Hop Based Community Models Level I Fieldwork for Level II Fieldwork Preparedness: A Case Study" Journal of the National Society of Allied Health, Volume 19, Number 1.

Summer/Fall 2022

DuCasse, A., Staples, A., Bird, B., Palm, M., Alexander, A., & Kornblau, B. (2020). The Effects of Pets on Chronic Pain. AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(S1), NA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A631787044/HRCA?u=tall22798&sid=googleScholar&xid=f2d4 c75d
Kornblau, B., Robertson, S., Mbiza, S., Mottley, S.-C., Clark, H., Lang, K., & Alexander, A. (2020). Autism and Pain: How Autistic Adults Perceive Pain...2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO4801
DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (Eds.) (2018). Preparing for The Occupational Therapy National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting: 45 Days and Counting. (2^nd ed.) Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Edwards, A., Burke, M., Linster, A., Alexander, A., Kornblau, B. and Oliveira, D. (2017). How parents with disabilities view or define quality of life. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2017. Vol 71 (4), Supplement 1.
Thompson, S., Morris, K., Smith, R., Kornblau, B., Alexander, A. and Mbiza, S. (2017). Patients’, caregivers’, and parent’s perception of occupational therapists. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2017. Vol 71 (4), Supplement 1.
Jehl, E., Solger, E., Weaver, C., Oliveira, D., Kornblau, B., Mbiza, S. and Alexander, A. (2017). Chronic pain patients’ perceptions of treatments that decrease pain and increase function.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2017. Vol 71 (4), Supplement 1.
Alexander, A. & Thornton, A. (2015). “STD Awareness among College Students”. Journal of the National Society of Allied Health. Spring/Summer 2015.
Alexander, A., Perryman, M., and Rivers, P. (2014). “Development and Effectiveness of a National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Examination Preparatory Course.” Journal of Health Care Finance

Presentations

Crowther, V.B., Davis Weaver, J. A, Green-Weir, R. R., Moton, B.A., Simmons, M.V., Alexander, A.K., Weatherspoon, M.A., Nash, B., Jones, J. & Robinson, C. (2023, November 13). Understanding the Nature of Food Insecurity Among Community-based Adults[poster]. American Public Health Association 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo. Atlanta, GA.
Jones, J. & Alexander, A. (2023). Let’s Get It: Exploring Hip Hop maturation, cultural leisure, and Black excellence. Society for the Study of Occupation Annual Conference. St. Louis, MO.
Jones, J. & Alexander, A. (2023). Loaded bases: Using a Nipsey Hussle metaphor to explore student determination in OT fieldwork. National Society of Allied Health Annual Conference. Platform Presentation. Montgomery, AL. The Future of the Allied Health Professional Workforce, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL.
Crowther, V.B., Weaver, J.D., Green-Weir, R. R., Moton, B.A., Simmons, M.V., Alexander, A.K., Weatherspoon, M.A., Nash, B., Jones, J. & Robinson, C. (2023, March 31). Exploring Food Insecurity Using a Multi-Dimensional Approach. National Society of Allied Health Annual Conference and Meeting, The Future of the Allied Health Professional Workforce, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL.
Nash, B., Jones, J., Alexander, A., and Etheridge, J. (2022, March 10-12). Platform Presentation "The Utilization of Virtual Tools for Allied Health Education during a Pandemic: A Guide" National Society of Allied Health annual conference. Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
Jones, J., Alexander, A., Etheridge, J. (2022, March 10-12). Platform Presentation "Student Perceptions of a Hip Hop Based Community Models Level I Fieldwork for Level II Fieldwork Preparedness: A Case Study" National Society of Allied Health annual conference. Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
Oliveira, D., Alexander, A. (2013). Evidence Exchange CAP, Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA), Daytona Beach, Florida. November 2013.
Alexander, A. (2012). Effectiveness of Online Course on Scoring of Mock Registration Examination for OT Students at HBCU, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. December 2012
Alexander, A. (2007). Bottle or Cup Feeding for the Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); Learning the Way Symposium, Boston University, Boston, MA. May 2007.

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Crowther, V.B., Weaver, J.D., Green-Weir, R. R., Moton, B.A., Simmons, M.V., Alexander, A. K., Weatherspoon, M.A., Nash, B., Jones, J. & Robinson, C. (2023, February 23 & 24).
Exploring Food Insecurity Using a Multi-Dimensional Approach [poster]. 16th Health Disparities Conference. Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA.
Crowther, V.B., Weaver, J.D., Green-Weir, R. R., Moton, B.A., Simmons, M.V., Alexander, A. K., Weatherspoon, M.A., Nash, B., Jones, J. & Robinson, C. (2023, April, 12 & 13). Exploring the Dimensions of Food Insecurity among Older Adults [poster]. Research Centers in Minority Institutions Consortium National Conference. Bethesda Marriott Hotel, Bethesda, MA
Jones, J., Mbiza, S., Alexander, A., Nash, B. (2020). Occupational therapy fieldwork boot camp: The effectiveness of comprehensive clinical review and use of the Kawa model to improve fieldwork readiness. Poster presentation accepted for 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Conference. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Mottley, S., Clark, H., Alexander, A., Jones, J. (2020). Fieldwork experience with emerging practice: Emphasis on Mental Health, National Society of Allied Health, Annual Conference, March 2021 (Virtual).
Alexander, A, Jones, J. (2018). Poster titled Community Based Occupational Therapy: A Model for Psychosocial Fieldwork in Emerging Practice Areas, American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, Utah. April 18-22, 2018