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More Info [posted 2/22/26 4:00 p.m.]
Catherine Verrier Piersol, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP
She / Her / Hers
Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Director, Jefferson Elder Care
Contact Information
901 Walnut Street
6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
She / Her / Hers
Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Director, Jefferson Elder Care
Education
PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
MS, Boston University, Boston, MA
BS, Tufts University, Medford, MA
Recent Publications
- The cost of non-drug interventions that improve function and reduce dementia-related behaviors
- Effectiveness of Need-Driven Dementia-Compromised Behavior model-based interventions on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Implementing integrated care for older adults in primary health care: A systematic scoping review
- Approaches to Enhance Medication Adherence in Older People With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
- Exploring the Role of a Dietitian in an Early Intervention Program for People With Dementia and Their Care Partners: A Composite Case Series
Certifications
- National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy
- Licensed Occupational Therapist: Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Professional Societies
- Member, Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment
- Member, American Occupational Therapy Association
- Member, Gerontological Society of America
- Member, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association
Research & Clinical Interests
- Intervention research in neurocognitive disorders and caregiving
- Translation and delivery of evidence-based interventions into realworld settings for persons with neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers
- Caregiver appraisal of functional capacity in persons with neurocognitive disorders and its impact on safety, participation and care
- Person-environment-occupation fit and the impact on function and aging in place
Awards & Honors
- Fellow, National Academies of Practice, 2024, Lexington, KY
- Fellow of American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015, Bethesda, MD
- Stephen Heater Award of Outstanding Achievement, 2013, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA
- Jeanette Blair Writer’s Award, American Occupational Therapy Association, 2013, Bethesda, MD
- Award of Appreciation, Philadelphia University Occupational Therapy Program, Class of 2006, 2009, Philadelphia, PA
- Award of Appreciation, Philadelphia University Occupational Therapy Program, Class of 2003, 2006, Philadelphia, PA
- Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. Department of Labor, National Occupational Information Network, 2006, Washington, DC
- Occupational Therapist Award of Recognition, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, 1999, Philadelphia, PA
- American Occupational Therapy Association Service Commendation, 2003, 2006, 2011, Bethesda, MD
- Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Service Award, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2011, Philadelphia, PA