Audrey L. Zapletal, OTD, OTR/L, CLA, CHSE

She / Her / Hers

Teaching Associate Professor

Contact Information

Audrey L. Zapletal

901 Walnut Street
Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Email Audrey Zapletal

215-951-2532

She / Her / Hers

Teaching Associate Professor

Education

OTD, University of Southern California, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Los Angeles, CA
MS, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Recent Publications

  • Baird, J. M., Van Oss, T., Hoppe, M., Prast, J., Zapletal, A. L., & Raina, K. (2025). Student Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Simulated Versus Clinical Experiences in Learning Clinical Skills. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (3). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss3/6
  • Zapletal, A.L., Bell, K.A., Sanchez, A. et al. LGBTQ+ Inclusion: A Pilot Interdisciplinary Professional Development Program for Faculty, Clinicians, and Administrators in Higher EducationInnov High Educ (2023). 
  • Zapletal, A.L., Baird, J. M., Van Oss, T.; Prast, J., Hoppe, M., & Herge, E. A. (2022). Simulation for Health Professionals: Manual for Development & Implementation.  Philadelphia: SLACK
  • Schaaf, R. C., & Zapletal, A. (2010). Mastering Neuroscience: A Laboratory Guide. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
  •  Zapletal, A., Clements, M., Kumar, P., Merz, J. & Bellis, C. (2021). Using Standardized Patients in the Occupational Therapy Curriculum. AOTA Education Special Interest Section Quarterly, 6(1), 8-11.
  • Baird, J. M., Prast, J., Hoppe, M., Zapletal, A., Herge, E. A., & Van Oss, T. (2018). Clinicians and Educators: A Partnership in Simulation. OT Practice, 23(19), 12-14.
  • Zapletal, A., Vesey, M., & Johnson, C. R. (2018). Promoting Evidence-Based Practice Within Clinical-Academic Partnerships. OT Practice, 23(17), 24-25. 
  • Reynolds, S., Watling, R., Zapletal, A., & May-Benson, T. A. (2012). Sensory Integration in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Education: A Preliminary Report. AOTA Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly, 35(4), 1-4.
  • Schaaf, R.C., Benevides, T. & Zapletal, A. (2010). Chapter 2: Neurobiological Basis of Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview. In H.M. Kuhaneck & R. Watling (Eds.), Autism: A Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Approach, (3rd ed.). Bethesda, MD: AOTA.

Certifications

  • Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator [CHSE]: Society for Simulation in Healthcare, 2025
  • Credentialed Leader in Academia [CLA]: American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017
  • National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist: Pennsylvania
  • Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Certification
  • Advanced Certification in Sensory Processing Disorders Level I: Sensory Processing Disorders Foundation with Dr. Lucy Jane Miller
  • Credentialed Leader in Academia, American Occupational Therapy Association

Professional Societies

  • Member, Society for Simulation in Healthcare
  • Member, World Federation of Occupational Therapists
  • Member, American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Member, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association
  • Past Advisory Board Member, Camp Dream Street, Mississippi

Research & Clinical Interests

  • Understanding the impact of using standardized patients and high-fidelity simulation encounters in occupational therapy education
  • Evaluating instructional methods and methods of developing teaching teams to enhance occupational therapy education and training
  • Enhancing participation of children with physical disabilities in a camp setting

Awards & Honors

  • 2025 Jefferson’s Nexus Magazine: Inclusive Education, Healthier Outcomes: The Faculty-Led Program Shaping LGBTQ+ Care by Marilyn Perkins; Inclusive Education, Healthier Outcomes: The Faculty-Led Program Shaping LGBTQ+ Care
  • Honorary Service Award, Camp Dream Street, Utica, Mississippi for long-standing continued service and contributions, 2018
  • Fred and Sadye Abrams Award for Excellence in Laboratory Teaching, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 2011
  • Thomasina Award for Bravery in Teaching, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 2007
  • Appreciation Award, KS&A (Knowledge, Support and Action) Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2008
  • Rookie of the Year Award, KenCrest Adult and Children's Services, Philadelphia, PA, 2001
  • Florence G. Hunter for Professionalism, Boston University, Sargent College, Boston, MA, 1999