Matia Gjellstad, EdD, MS, OTR/L

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

About Me

I am an assistant professor in the occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Mary. I am a double alumnus of the University of Mary with a Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Administration and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.

Why I’m At Mary

I felt a calling to come back to the University of Mary as teaching faculty in the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences. I have a passion for supporting the development of clinical reasoning and skills for future health care professionals. I am proud to be part of a Christian, Catholic, Benedictine university that prioritizes servant leadership and development of the whole person to contribute to the greater good.

Expertise

I have practiced primarily in areas of school-based practice as well as child and adolescent mental and behavioral health. I have also continued practice in acute, inpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing settings on a PRN basis. My research emphasis has been on interdisciplinary collaborative practices for successful client outcomes.

2021 — "Collaborative Strategies for General Educators and School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners," ND Department of Public Instruction Webinar Series.

2021 — “3:1 Model of Occupational Therapy Service Delivery,” [Poster]. Michael G. Parker Research & Scholarship Colloquium.

2021 — “Collaborative and SMART Goal-Writing,” ND Department of Public Instruction Webinar Series.

2020 — “Sensory Processing Strategies: Tools & Strategies for the Classroom,” ND Kindergarten Teacher Association Annual Conference.

2020 — “Sensory Processing Strategies: Research and Purpose,” ND Kindergarten Teacher Association Annual Conference.

Education

EdD (Educational Leadership and Administration): University of Mary, 2020
MS (Occupational Therapy): University of Mary, 2012
BS (Psychology): University of North Dakota, 2010