Renee Rains, OTD, OTR/L

Professional Background

Renée Rains, OTD, OTR/L, is the doctoral capstone coordinator as well as a clinical assistant professor for the entry-level doctoral program in occupational therapy. She joined the faculty at KU Medical Center in July 2023 and teaches the capstone courses and capstone-related content throughout the curriculum. Topics include professionalism, needs assessments, program evaluation, scholarly writing, literature reviews and scholarly dissemination which support the capstone planning, implementation and dissemination processes.

Prior to joining the faculty at the KU Department of Occupational Therapy Education, Rains was a pediatric clinician working in private practice, home health and school-based therapy settings. She continues to be passionate about working with children, families and caregivers across multiple settings to support meaningful occupational engagement.

Rains is also engaged in transnational occupational therapy education. Her work with the Faculté des Sciences de Réhabilitation de Léogâne (FSRL) at the Université Épiscopale d’Haïti (UNEPH) drives her current research. She volunteers as faculty and faculty liaison at FSRL and sits on the Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation board of directors.

Academic Background

Rains earned a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas in 2023, a master's degree in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 1999, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Texas Woman’s University in 1997.

Research

Overview

Rains’ research and clinical practice efforts focus on evidence-based occupational therapy education and transnational occupational therapy education. She also is studying the impact of chronic pain on occupational engagement and active in the areas of school-based practice as well as in supporting pediatric clients across and between practice settings.