Dr. Randi Johnson Hanson, PP-OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Randi Johnson Hanson, PP-OTD, OTR/L, is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Occupational Therapy and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. She joined the college in July 2025 after a distinguished 27-year career as a practicing occupational therapist. Dr. Hanson’s transition into higher education came after completing her Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and she continues to maintain clinical expertise through pro bono clinics and community programs, ensuring that her teaching is informed by hands-on experience.
Her professional focus spans geriatric rehabilitation, adult mental health, assistive technology, and wheelchair seating and positioning. Dr. Hanson is passionate about helping individuals maintain independence through personalized interventions and adaptive equipment solutions. Her dedication to translating clinical scholarship into impactful practice was recently recognized with the Mary J. Bridle First Research Award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation for her doctoral capstone research, which will be presented at the AOTA Conference.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hanson has emphasized mentorship, empowerment, and advocacy. She credits her success to a supportive upbringing, influential teachers, and career-long mentors who encouraged ambition and resilience. She advises young women entering the field to approach the profession with an open mind and heart, to be assertive when needed, and to seek mentors while championing others. Dr. Hanson’s work and values reflect a deep commitment to compassionate care, professional growth, and fostering inclusive environments where both students and patients thrive.
• Mental Health First Aid Certification
• NBCOT Micro-credential in Adult Mental Health
• Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD)
• OTR/L (Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed)
• University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point — BA, Communications
• University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee — BS, Occupational Therapy
• Concordia University Wisconsin — MS, Rehabilitation Science
• University of Alabama at Birmingham — Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD)
• Mary J. Bridle First Research Award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (2025)
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)
• Montana Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA)
• Eagle Mount Billings - Adapted sports and recreation for people with disabilities
• YWCA Billings - Therapeutic groups at temporary women and families shelter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to several things. Number one is growing up in the 1970s with parents that fully supported any idea I had. I was never told 'you can't, won't, don't, couldn't, shouldn't, because you're a girl.' It was always encouraged. Even if I made a mistake, they were there to pick me up, dust me off, and say 'that was stupid, let's not go down that road again.' They were also there championing me when I needed it. I also had some teachers in my life who were just beyond influential to me, telling me that yes, I can do this, and I don't need to listen to people that are naysayers because they don't understand where I'm coming from. I could literally call up my 8th grade English teacher right now and have a two-hour conversation with her. I've never lost touch with her because she's just such an amazing woman. I had college professors all the way through my career like that too. My parents were both teachers, so I think it comes naturally, but having such a supportive environment, especially when women's liberation was this new ideal, made all the difference. I was raised in a family where it was me, my mom and dad, and younger sister, so my dad had three women in the house and was beyond supportive and encouraging. We never heard pejorative things. I can think of a few times when he went to bat for me, even with his colleagues at my high school where he taught, telling them 'you don't do this to any woman.' I miss him every day - it'll be three years on the 15th that he's been gone, but he's still here with me every single day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice came from teachers and mentors who consistently reminded me that I could achieve my goals if I remained focused, persistent, and open to learning. Having people believe in me and guide me professionally has been invaluable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
First of all, I would say come into this profession with an open mind and an open heart. I am a changed woman because of occupational therapy, and the change is all for the good. Understand that being bold is sometimes a good thing. I think for a long time some of us, like me, tend to get labeled opinionated or bossy, but no, I'm assertive and I'm actually taking control of my own locus and where I want to be. Don't be afraid of that as a woman, because for years that has been the dominant male business culture, and I find it refreshing that there's a bunch of us that are willing to champion other women because it's okay, and we've got your back. And I would also say, find yourself a mentor. I am blessed that I have had several over my career, and I am blessed that I am now able to mentor students. It is such a wonderful thing to realize that you've got somebody that you've met who just cares about you in a professional realm, that you can bounce ideas off of, that you can vent to. It just really makes a difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Support, encouragement, mentorship, openness, and the willingness to champion other women. I believe in fostering environments where people feel empowered, guided, and included.