Mary A. Khetani, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Mary A. Khetani, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is a distinguished occupational therapist, rehabilitation scientist, and academic leader based in Chicago, Illinois. She currently serves as Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the PhD Program in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago. With a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, Dr. Khetani’s work focuses on transforming how young children with disabilities and their families participate in meaningful daily activities to achieve health and well-being. Her leadership reflects a principled dedication to mentoring across differences, advancing equitable academic environments, and building strategic partnerships that amplify the impact of research and education.
Dr. Khetani’s career began in clinical practice after earning her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California, where she worked extensively with infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in both home- and center-based settings. Motivated by gaps in how clinical information was gathered and used, she pursued advanced training and earned her Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences from Boston University. Her lived experience as a parent, combined with her clinical and research expertise, has shaped her interdisciplinary approach to early childhood intervention, developmental evaluation, and evidence-based practice.
Since entering academia in 2011, Dr. Khetani has built and sustained a robust, externally funded research enterprise while progressing through faculty ranks. Her scholarship integrates research, mentorship, and knowledge translation to develop future leaders in occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences. Known for her strategic thinking and commitment to access and excellence, she continues to influence the field through innovative research, policy engagement, and the cultivation of inclusive scholarly communities that advance opportunities for children, families, and practitioners alike.
• ScD
• OTR/L
• FAOTA
• Boston University - ScD
• Rongoli Dance Company
• Foundation for Art and Culture (supporting Indian South Asian classical dance)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of purpose, perseverance, and community. As a leader working at the margins, I have been committed to advancing access and inclusive excellence in spaces where I was not traditionally expected to belong, shaped by my upbringing in an immigrant household marked by economic and personal challenges. Education became my pathway forward, and I take pride in building a sustained research enterprise, securing long-term funding, and mentoring the next generation to advance our field. Equally important is the foundation of my family—growing alongside my husband as first-generation academics and guiding our daughter, a student-athlete pursuing STEM, has deeply influenced both my professional perspective and personal fulfillment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come through the example and mentorship of Mellisie Iyengar, my dance guru and founder of the Rangoli Dance Company in Los Angeles. Through learning this art form as an adult alongside my daughter, I gained a deeper appreciation for discipline, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence. Her commitment to quality and authenticity showed me that meaningful work—no matter the scale—can be both impactful and deeply fulfilling. That experience has reinforced the importance of passion, precision, and staying grounded in purpose as I navigate my own professional journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to value not only independence, but also interdependence. Early in your career, there is often a strong emphasis on distinguishing yourself, but it is equally important to stay grounded in your purpose—your “why”—and to seek opportunities where collaboration and shared impact are prioritized. Some of the most meaningful and rewarding work comes from being fully engaged in collective efforts that are larger than any one individual. Adopting a “we over me” mindset does not diminish your unique contributions; rather, it amplifies them. I’ve seen, both in my professional work and through my daughter’s experience as a team athlete, that long-term success is often less about individual talent and more about character, collaboration, and the ability to contribute meaningfully within a team.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on creativity, mentorship, community, and continuous growth. Rediscovering my passion for Indian South Asian classical dance as a young adult shaped a deep appreciation for artistic expression, discipline, and excellence—values that continue to influence how I mentor and lead in my academic career. I am deeply committed to uplifting others, inspired by mentors who saw potential in me before I could fully see it in myself, and I strive to do the same for those I guide. Beyond my professional life, I value connection and balance—whether through supporting the arts, being present as a sports mom, building community with my husband as we enter a new life stage, or embracing creativity in everyday moments like cooking and personal hobbies.