Anjali Parti, OTD, OTR/L, ACUE
Anjali Parti is an experienced occupational therapist, academic leader, and department chair with a strong background in rehabilitation sciences education and program development. She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) and is a registered/licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L), with additional credentials in higher education instruction. Her career spans clinical practice in pediatrics, geriatrics, and home health, as well as more than a decade in academic leadership roles focused on shaping occupational therapy education and expanding rehabilitation science programs.
Currently serving as Department Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas at Tyler, she oversees accreditation, curriculum design, faculty development, student success initiatives, and strategic program growth. Her leadership has contributed to the expansion of rehabilitation disciplines, including occupational therapy and speech-language pathology programs, while fostering interprofessional education across allied health fields. She is also actively involved in clinical practice and telehealth occupational therapy services, maintaining a strong connection between academic training and real-world clinical care.
Her professional interests center on occupational therapy’s role in mental health, women’s health, maternal and postpartum care, veterans’ services, and community-based rehabilitation. She is a committed advocate for student and faculty development, workforce readiness, and advancing the visibility of rehabilitation sciences within healthcare systems. Guided by a leadership philosophy of “always aiming to elevate,” she is dedicated to mentoring future practitioners, advancing evidence-based education, and strengthening the occupational therapy profession through innovation and collaboration.
• OTD (Doctor of Occupational Therapy)
• OTR/L (Registered Occupational Therapist – Licensed)
• University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Occupational Therapy/Therapist
• University of Florida – Bachelor of Health Science, Rehab Services
• Magna Cum Laude – University of Florida
• Graduated from Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA) Cohort 7
• Recognized leadership in UT Tyler School of Health Professions growth initiatives
• Contributed to #1 NBCOT pass rate recognition for UT Tyler OT program
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)
• Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA)
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
• FLOTEC (Florida Occupational Therapy Education Consortium)
• Humane Society involvement
• Child hunger initiatives
• Children’s hospital-related service
• Policy Committee Chair – UT Tyler School of Health Professions
• Faculty Senator – UT Tyler School of Health Professions
• Mental health advocacy roles within state occupational therapy associations
• Veteran suicide and mental health task force involvement (professional service initiative)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to early hands-on clinical and research experiences that showed me the real impact of occupational therapy, especially during stroke research when I was exposed to patient outcomes at a young age. That experience shaped my passion for the profession. I also credit my commitment to patient-centered care, continuous learning, and the guiding principle of always aiming to elevate others while growing as a leader.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to always aim to elevate. That mindset has guided me throughout my career in both clinical practice and academic leadership, reminding me to consistently improve myself while also supporting the growth of my students, colleagues, and programs.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering occupational therapy and healthcare academia to know that leadership roles are absolutely attainable, even for those balancing family and personal responsibilities. There are many different pathways in healthcare beyond being a physician, and every role contributes meaningfully. I also encourage being visible, relatable, and confident in showing that women can thrive in leadership while maintaining a full personal life.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field include strengthening accreditation processes, improving faculty recruitment and retention, and supporting student success. There is also a major opportunity in expanding rehabilitation sciences programs to meet workforce demands, while advancing interprofessional education across OT, PT, and SLP. Growth in mental health, maternal health, and community-based OT practice is also a key area of opportunity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are patient-centered care, helping individuals regain function and independence, and elevating others through mentorship and leadership. I also deeply value family, maintaining balance through spending time with my children, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally while remaining teachable.