Kathleen Golisz
- Interim Dean, School of Health and Natural Sciences
- Professor, Occupational Therapy
Dr. Golisz is a professor emerita of the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program. She has over 30 years of experience in academia. Between 2021 – 2014 she served as interim Dean for the Mercy University School of Health and Natural Sciences. As Interim Dean of the School, she oversaw 8 undergraduate and 5 graduate programs, including over 80 faculty and 3,000 students across the Dobbs Ferry and Bronx campuses. She previously served as the Associate Dean for the School, Interim Program Director, and founding Director of Clinical Education for the Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy at Mercy University.
In 2017, Dr. Golisz was named a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association for her contributions to senior driving and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. During her career, Dr. Golisz presented over 30 national lectures and workshops on the topics of occupational therapy with clients with brain trauma and neurological disorders, cognitive rehabilitation, and driving rehabilitation. She co-authored a chapter on evaluation and intervention of cognition and perception in several editions of the Willard & Spackman Occupational Therapy textbook. She edited the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Self-Paced Clinical Course on Neurorehabilitation of the Client with Traumatic Brain Injury (2015) and authored the 2009 AOTA Traumatic Brain Injury Guidelines for Practice which were included in the National Guidelines Clearinghouse of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. She also co-authored the 2015 AOTA Traumatic Brain Injury Guidelines for Practice.
Dr. Golisz remains professionally active in issues related to older driver safety, serving as a member on the national CarFit Advisory board and as past chair of the Older Driver Family Assistance Network for the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Clinical Doctorate, University of St. Augustine
B.S., Occupational Therapy and M.A. Psychology New York University
Dr. Golisz is currently engaged in several research projects related to older driver safety.
Dr. Golisz taught several other courses in the OT program over her 30 years at the University including the OCTR 620 OT Leadership and Management course.
ARTICLES
Waldman-Levi, A., Golisz, K., Swierat, R. P., & Toglia, J. 2019 Scoping review: Interventions that promote functional performance for adolescents and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Australian Occupational Therapy Journal 1-11
Golisz, K. M., Waldman-Levy, A., Swierat, R., & Toglia, J. 2018 Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Case studies using everyday technology to support daily living skills British Journal of Occupational Therapy 1-11
Golisz, K. 2014 From the Desk of the Guest Editor—Occupational therapy and driving and community mobility for older adults American Journal of Occupational Therapy 68 654–656
Golisz, K. 2014 Occupational therapy interventions to improve driving performance in older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 68 662-669
Neville, M. & Golisz, K. 2014 Tips for living life to its fullest: Adults with traumatic brain injury American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Golisz, K. M. 2009 Father’s Hands: OT Reflections from the Heart. OT Practice
BOOKS
Toglia, J. P., Golisz, K. M., & Goverover, Y. 2018 Evaluation and Intervention for Cognitive Perceptual Impairments. Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy, 13th edition. Lippincott Philadelphia, PA.
Golisz, K.M. & Slater, D.Y. 2018 Ethical challenges in individuals with cognitive impairments Cognition, Occupation, and Participation Across the Lifespan, 4th Edition American Occupational Therapy Association Bethesda, MD.
Toglia, J., & Golisz, K. 2017 "Traumatic Brain Injury and Impact on Daily Life" Changes in the Brain: Impact on Daily Life Springer New York. 978-0-387-98187-1
Golisz, K. M., & Radomski, M. V. (co-editors) 2015 Traumatic Brain Injury: Interventions to Support Occupational Performance: Neurorehabilitation in Occupational Therapy Series (2nd edition) American Occupational Therapy Association Bethesda, MD.
Toglia, J. P., Golisz, K. M., & Goverover, Y. 2012 Evaluation and Intervention for Cognitive Perceptual Impairments Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy, 12th edition. Lippincott Philadelphia.
Toglia, J. P., & Golisz, K. M. 2012 Therapy for Activities of Daily Living: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives. Brain Injury Medicine: Principles and Practice Demos Medical Publishing New York.
Golisz, K. M. 2009 Practice guidelines for the client with traumatic brain injury American Occupational Therapy Association Bethesda, MD.
Awards
- Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association 2017
- Mercy University Teaching Excellence Award 2008
Grants
- Arc Westchester Joan Toglia, PhD, OTR, FAOTA Technology Project with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 2016
- Arc Westchester Joan Toglia, PhD, OTR, FAOTA Improving independent functioning and transition to work in young adults with autism or developmental disabilities 2015
- Graduate PACT Research Fellowship award to develop a research project with a graduate student 2012
Presentations
Golisz, K., & Stancanelli, J. November 2020 Using Clinical Simulation to Support Student Success in Level I Fieldwork, Panel presentation given at NY State Occupational Therapy Virtual Conference
Golisz, K., & Stancanelli, J. April, 2019 Can Office-Based Assessment Predict Older Driver Safety?, Annual Conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association New Orleans, LA
Golisz, K., Waldman-Levi, A., Schurek, K., & Weiss, E. April, 2017 Implementation of Technology With Task-Specific Approach To Promote Function Among Persons With Developmental Disabilities, American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference Philadelphia, PA
Swierat, R., Golisz, K., Jankus, J., & Proctor, P. October, 2016 Using Technology to Support the Lives of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Review of Different Approaches for Cognitive Supports, The Arc and Inclusion International’s 2016 National Convention & International Forum Orlando, FL
Golisz, K., Schurek, K., & Weiss, E. March, 2016 Tech Supports for Cognition and Learning, Arc of Westchester and Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, NY
Golisz, K., Roberto, D., Schurek, K., & Weiss, E. November, 2015 Technology to Support Independent Living Skills, New York State Occupational Therapy Annual Conference White Plains, NY
Golisz, K., & Collins, T. April, 2013 Defining Entry-Level Practice, Annual Conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association San Diego, CA