She/Her/Hers

Dr. Tami Sander Atkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Carolina State University, a Master of Science from Thomas Jefferson University, and a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Her doctoral work examined how responsible AI integration can make evidence-based practice education more accessible and occupation-centered for diverse learners—a conviction that flows directly into how she teaches.

She approaches the classroom with three foundational beliefs: students have the right to feel safe, to experience meaningful engagement, and to have their passions ignited. Grounded in positive psychology and Fredrickson's Broaden and Build Theory, she understands psychological safety as the prerequisite for learning—when students feel secure, positive emotions like interest, inspiration, and pride naturally follow. From that foundation, she designs inclusive, multimodal learning experiences that connect purpose, meaning, and course content to real-world practice, helping each student engage fully in the occupation of learning. The result, she believes, is not only future-skilled clinicians but confident, intentional practitioners.