Kellie Sawyer, OTD, OTR/L has been appointed the associate program director for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at GW. Sawyer joined the SMHS Department of Health, Human Function and Rehabilitation Sciences in 2023 during the OTD program’s development.
“Kellie represents the GW OT philosophy and carries it forward in her work to advance our mission and vision, which is what we hope for with our graduates,” said program director, Roger Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA, on her selection.
Sawyer is an assistant professor and capstone advisor on research topics related to implicit bias in occupational therapy practice and education, and aging in place for adults. She teaches in the Systems and Advocacy, Neuroscience for Rehabilitation, Movement Science, Occupational Therapy for Adult Rehabilitation, OT and Technology, and Case Analysis II courses.
“I am thrilled about Dr. Kells' new role! Her calming presence and unwavering support, especially as my capstone advisor, have made a lasting impact on my experience. She embodies the perfect balance of professionalism and relatability, empowering students to reach their full potential,” said Collese Daley, a third-year OTD student.
“Dr. Kells has proven to be knowledgeable, diligent, and adaptable as she handles everything that is given to her with grace and enthusiasm. She has quickly become an integral part of the culture in our program due to her approachable and supportive nature. What I admire most about Dr. Kells is her commitment to supporting, caring for, and challenging her students as she consistently goes the extra mile,” said Fatima Koroma, a third-year OTD student.
“Kellie truly exemplifies the mission and vision of the GW OT program in her courses, research, and as the advisor for the GW Student Occupational Therapy Association and OT program’s Equity committee. Kellie is committed to the advancement of the profession by being a change agent,” echoed Sheila Moyle, OTD, MOT, OTR/L.
Sawyer’s clinical experience includes working with adults and older adults with neurological, orthopedic, general medicine, respiratory, and cardiac injuries and illnesses along the continuum of care.To keep her skills sharp, Sawyer regularly provides healthcare services at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in acute care.
Sawyer’s dedication to making impactful changes to the profession is evident on a local, national, and global scale. Recently, she presented at the Occupational Therapy Association of Ghana Annual Scientific Conference on “Practical Strategies to Center Occupational Justice in Occupational Therapy Education.”
When reflecting on advocacy work and making efforts to improve client-centered care in complex, interconnected, and well-established systems, Sawyer said, “We can't have the expectation that in two months we're going to disrupt it and break it down. We must identify our sphere of influence and work towards changing that.”
Sawyer argues that advocacy takes various forms within occupational therapy and a tangible example is to support clients by urging for the right equipment or making modifications to increase their ability to live as they intend. She believes that a culturally humble approach to providing healthcare requires listening to clients’ needs without allowing external pressures of productivity to overrule engagement with the client.
“GW is very aligned with my personal values in the sense that they are taking issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and making it a central focal point of the curriculum and not an afterthought. I am thankful for the opportunity to support the operations of this great program to ensure its success and longevity for many years to come,” said Sawyer.
As a GW Alum of the post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, Sawyer received her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a Master’s degree from James Madison University.
Sawyer began serving in the role as of February 1, 2025.
