An Occupational Perspective on Leadership: Theoretical and Practical Dimensions

Sandra Dunbar-Smalley, DPA, OTR/L, FAOTA, completed her undergraduate degree at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California; her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from New York University in New York City; and her Doctor of Public Administration degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The last degree exposed her to organizational behavior, leadership, management, and strategic planning content, all of which have influenced her work in occupational therapy.

Sandra is currently the provost at AdventHealth University. She was previously the assistant dean of professional development and education in the College of Health Care Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. Her responsibilities included the coordination of the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence, which incorporates a Leadership and Management Academy for faculty who desire to develop and improve their leadership skills. Sandra's belief that everyday leadership provides numerous opportunities to encourage personal and professional growth has been reinforced by the process of compiling another edition of An Occupational Perspective on Leadership: Theoretical and Practical Dimensions.

Kristin Winston, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, completed her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. She went on to complete a Master of Education degree at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, with a specialization in early childhood special education. Kristin's PhD in occupational therapy was earned at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was while studying at Nova Southeastern University that Kristin first had an opportunity to explore the topic of leadership under the guidance of Sandra Dunbar-Smalley, who continues as a leadership mentor. Kristin currently serves as program director and associate professor in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of New England where she continues to study and teach leadership concepts. She has held several formal leadership positions in clinical, academic, and community organizations and has also participated in informal leadership opportunities in those settings. Kristin is a graduate of the College of Health Care Sciences Leadership and Management Academy at Nova Southeastern University and the American Occupational Therapy Association Academic Leadership Institute.