Dr. Natasha Smet, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, joined our Occupational Therapy Program in Fall 2024 as Associate Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. She brings over a decade of diverse clinical experience across pediatrics settings, and a strong background in academic leadership, curriculum development, and accreditation across all levels of OT education.
Dr. Smet holds an OTD from the University of Toledo and a BS in OT from Mount Mary University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education Leadership at Colorado State University. Her academic career began in 2016, progressing to full-time roles and leadership positions, including Program Director and Director of Curriculum.
A recognized scholar and editor of the 6th edition of Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants, Dr. Smet focuses her research on children and youth, neurodivergent adult learners, and social justice. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences and an active contributor to continuing education.
Named a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Dr. Smet is licensed in Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon, and remains involved with several state and national professional organizations. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, cooking, swimming, watching women’s sports, and spending time with her spouse, child Z, and their dogs Bennie, Stella, and Jax.