Renee Samardak, OTD, M.Ed., OTR, CDP

Assistant Professor

Renee Samardak, OTD, M.Ed., OTR, CDP, is an assistant professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Rehabilitation Sciences. She received her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word. She completed her master of education degree in occupational therapy at Springfield College. She completed her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy at Boston University. Her interests and research focus on using technology to increase health and well-being and decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness among older adults. She also has an interest in dementia care and education. She has a passion for advocacy, innovation, education and community engagement.

Renee has been an occupational therapy practitioner for more than 13 years. Clinical experience includes acute inpatient psych unit, ARU, outpatient adults, outpatient pediatrics, Pediatric Home Health, School-Based OT, VA Community Living Center (long-term care) and the VA Caregiver Support Program. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. She is pursuing certification in Skills2Care, an evidence-based intervention supporting dementia care partners, aligning with her research and teaching in caregiver support, aging in place and occupational engagement among older adults. Professional memberships include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA), & Texas Geriatric Society (TGS). She enjoys traveling, going to the beach, sewing, reading, drawing, coloring, collecting house plants and spending time with family.