Diana Feldhacker, Ph.D., O.T.D., OTR/L, BCPR

Chair, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

515-271-1355 (Office Phone)

Areas of Expertise

Curriculum Development, Neuroscience, Occupational Science, Pediatrics, Physical Rehabilitation, Program Development

About

Dr. Feldhacker graduated from the Creighton University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. In 2021, she graduated with her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science from the University of South Dakota with training in teaching, curriculum development, leadership, and research. She joined DMU in 2021 as the Founding Program Director and Chair of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. She holds a board certification in physical rehabilitation from the American Occupational Therapy Association and also has certifications in Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) BIG, CarFit, and the SOS Approach to Feeding. She has academic and administrative experience in Master’s and Doctorate Occupational Therapy programs and practice experience in multiple rehabilitation settings across the lifespan. Dr. Feldhacker’s research focuses on occupational participation within a variety of populations and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She is passionate about ensuring OTD students at DMU are provided the highest quality education which prepares them to be confident, competent, and compassionate leaders and change agents for our profession and our world.

Service and Community Involvement

Dr. Feldhacker holds several professional memberships, including with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. She has served as a faculty mentor for the Doctoral Capstones and research projects of numerous Doctor of Occupational Therapy students. She has served in multiple volunteer capacities focused on service to the poor and marginalized. Dr. Feldhacker has engaged in professional service as a peer-reviewer for scientific journals, including the International Journal of Human Rights and Healthcare, the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, and the Journal of Occupational Science.

Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, Health Science, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Bachelor of Science, Health Science, Creighton University, Omaha, NE

Research

Dr. Feldhacker’s recent research has focused on the role of occupational therapy in disease self-management for individuals with type 2 diabetes as well as systematic reviews of effectiveness of occupational therapy services. She regularly engages in scholarship related to teaching and learning within occupational therapy education. She has received internal grant funding to support projects focused on student education in a variety of areas.

Publications and Presentations

Published Intellectual Contributions

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Ikiugu, M. N., Lucas Molitor, W., & Feldhacker, D. R. (2022). The feasibility of interventions based on meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations in enhancing perceived health and well-being. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health. doi: 10.1080/0164212X.2022.2042454

Feldhacker, D. R., & Greiner, B. (2022). Evaluating course design for significant learning among a blended cohort of occupational therapy students. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6(1), 1-31. Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol6/iss1/1

Feldhacker, D. R., Molitor, W. L., Jensen, L., Lohman, H., & Lampe, A. M. (2022). Occupational therapy and the IMPACT Act: A systematic review Part 2. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76, 7601180030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049324

Lucas Molitor, W., Feldhacker, D. R., Lohman, H., Lampe, A. M., & Jensen, L. (2022). Occupational therapy and the IMPACT Act: A systematic review Part 1. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76, 7601180020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049044

Feldhacker, D. R., Lohman, H., & Bracciano, A. (2021). A topic paper on flexor tendon repair: A theoretical and evidence-based approach. Rehabilitation Medicine, 31(5), 372-380. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1329.2021.05004

Patterson, A., Feldhacker, D. R., Greiner, B., Russell, M., & Bergen, V. (2021). Telehealth and occupational therapy education. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 5(4), 1-23. Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol5/iss4/6

Feldhacker, D. R., Cosgrove, R., Feiten, B., Schmidt, K., & Stewart, M. (2021). The relationship between retained primitive reflexes and scholastic performance among early elementary students Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2021.1959482

Hickey, J. & Feldhacker, D. R. (2021) Primitive reflex retention and attention among preschool children. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2021.1910606

Feldhacker, D. R., Wesner, C., Yockey, J., Larson, J., & Norris, D. (2021). Strategies for Health: A game-based, interprofessional approach to teaching social determinants of health: A randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Interprofessional Care. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2020.1850660

Ikiugu, M. N., Feldhacker, D. R., Lucas Molitor, W. (2020). Psychometric properties of the Meaningful and Psychologically Rewarding Occupation Rating Scale: A pilot study. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 35(4), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2020.1852148

Feldhacker, D. R., & Doll, J. (2020). An interprofessional approach to diabetes management in primary care: What OTs should consider for older adults. SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 5(1), 23-26.

Feldhacker, D. R. & Lucas Molitor, W. (2020). Improving visual field awareness among collegiate softball athletes: A randomized trial. Rehabilitation Medicine, 30(1), 26-33. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1329.2020.01007

Feldhacker, D. R., Lucas Molitor, W., Athmann, A., Boell, M., Kaiser, A., Musch, A., & Willhite, L. (2019). Efficacy of high-performance vision training on improving the reaction time of collegiate softball athletes: A randomized trial. Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, 4(3). doi: 10.25035/jsmahs.04.03.06

Feldhacker, D. R. & Lucas Molitor, W. (2019). Pilot study of an occupational therapy Dynavision D2 protocol for enhancement of visual performance among collegiate athletes. Annals of International Occupational Therapy, 2(2), 69-78. https://doi.org/10.3928/24761222-20190218-02

Ikiugu, M. N., Lucas Molitor, W., Feldhacker, D. R., Gebhart, C., Spier, M., Kapels, L., … Gaikowski, R. (2018). Guidelines for occupational therapy interventions based on meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations. Journal of Happiness Studies, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-0030-z

Mu, K., Peck, K., Jensen, L., Bracciano, A., Carrico, C., & Feldhacker, D. (2016). CHIP: Facilitating interprofessional and culturally competent patient care through experiential learning in China. Occupational Therapy International, 23(4), 328-337.

Book Chapters

Wesner, C., Feldhacker, D. R., & Lucas Molitor, W. (2019). Teaching quality of life and well-being in public health. In G. Tonon (Ed.) Teaching quality of life in different domains. New York City, NY: Springer

Feldhacker, D. R., Cerny, S., Brockevelt, B., & Lawler, M. J. (2018). Occupations and well-being of children and youth. In L. Rodriguez de la Vega & W. N. Toscano (Eds.) Handbook of leisure, recreation, physical activity, sports, and quality of life. New York City, NY: Springer

Published Abstracts

Feldhacker, D. R., Cosgrove, R., Feiten, B., Schmidt, K., & Steward, M. (2021). Relationship between retained primitive reflexes and scholastic performance. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(Supplement_2), 7512505164p1.

Lucas Molitor, W., & Feldhacker, D. (2019). OT and interprofessional collaborative practice in low-vision service delivery in rural, micopolitan, and urban practice settings. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(Suppl. 1).

Presentations

Hove, K., & Feldhacker, D. R. (2022). Iowa Physician Assistant Society Conference: USA, “Collaborative Care with Occupational Therapy,” IPAS: USA, Des Moines, IA (May 3, 2022).

Feldhacker, D. R., Molitor, W. L., Jensen, L., Lohman, H., & Lampe, A. M. (2022). 2022 AOTA Annual Conference: USA, “A Systematic Review of Research Evidence Supporting Value-Based Outcomes Resulting from Occupational Therapy Intervention,” AOTA: USA, San Antonio, TX (April 1, 2022).

Feldhacker, M., & Feldhacker, D. R. (2022). 2022 AOTA Annual Conference: USA, “Active Learning and Occupational Therapy Theory: A Mixed Methods Study of a Course Redesign,” AOTA: USA, San Antonio, TX (April 1, 2022).

Jewell, V., Feldhacker, D. R. (author only), Russell, M., Jung, S., Collins, H., & Lohman, H. (2022). 2022 Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association Conference: USA, “Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy Telehealth Interventions,” NOTA: USA, Omaha, NE (March 26, 2022).

Feldhacker, D. R., Shin, J., & Qi, Y. University Assessment Symposium, “The Closer the Better: Alignment and Assessment from Micro to Macro,” Creighton University: USA, Omaha, NE. (November 6, 2020)

Patterson, A., Russell, M., Feldhacker, D., & Greiner, B. 2020 AOTA Education Summit, “Student Responses to Telehealth Education: Outcomes from Lecture and Lab Teaching Modules,” AOTA: USA, Virtual. (October 16, 2020)

Begley, K., Feldhacker, D. R., Hoffman, J., Niski, J., Thinnes, A., & Tolman, J. “Lessons Learned from Virtual Teaching,” Creighton University: USA, Omaha, NE. (May 26, 2020).

Feldhacker, D. R., Shin, J., & Qi, Y. Teaching and Learning Center, “The Closer the Better: Alignment and Assessment from Micro to Macro,” Creighton University: USA, Omaha, NE. (March 26, 2020) (Canceled)

Feldhacker, D. R. NOTA Conference 2020, “Primitive Reflexes and Occupational Therapy: What, When, Why, and How,” Methodist College: USA, Omaha, NE. (February 29, 2020).

Hulse, B., & Feldhacker, D. R. (author only) PAEA 2019 Education Forum, “Strategies for Health: An Interprofessional Game for Teaching Social Determinants of Health,” PAEA: USA, Washington, DC. (October 11-12, 2019).

Feldhacker, D. R. Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference, “Strategies for Health: An Interprofessional Game for Teaching Social Determinants of Health,” University of Nebraska Medical Center: USA, Omaha, NE. (August 2, 2019).

Jensen, L., Thinnes, A., Feldhacker, D. R., & Blanchard, S. Innovation in Occupational and Physical Therapy Education Summit, “Get Real: Use of Simulation and Reality-Based Learning and Assessment,” Creighton University: USA, Omaha, NE. (June 28, 2019).

Lucas Molitor, W., & Feldhacker, D. R. 2019 AOTA Annual Conference: USA, “OT and Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Low-Vision Service Delivery in Rural, Micropolitan, and Urban Practice Settings,” AOTA: USA, New Orleans, LA. (April 6, 2019)

Feldhacker, D. R., & Lucas Molitor, W. 2019 AOTA Annual Conference: USA, “Sport Performance and Emerging OT Practice: High-Performance Vision Training Using a Theoretical and Evidence-Based Approach,” AOTA: USA, New Orleans, LA. (April 4, 2019)

Ikiugu, M. N., Lucas Molitor, W. (author only), & Feldhacker, D. R. (author only) Conference of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA, “Guidelines for Assisting Individuals Identify Personally Meaningful and Psychologically Rewarding Occupations for Incorporation into Individual Lifestyles,” SSO: USA, Lexington, KY. (Oct 12, 2018).

Ikiugu, M. N., Lucas Molitor, W. (author only), & Feldhacker, D. R. (author only) Conference of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA, “Development, Validity, and Reliability of the Meaningful and Psychologically Rewarding Occupation Rating Scale (MPRORS),” SSO: USA, Lexington, KY. (Oct 12, 2018).

Lucas Molitor, W. & Feldhacker, D. R. ACRM 95^th Annual Core Conference, “Efficacy of High-performance Vision Training to Enhance Sports Performance Among Collegiate Softball Athletes,” American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine: USA, Dallas, TX. (October 2, 2018).

Feldhacker, D. R. (author only), Yockey, J., Wesner, C. A., Peterson Larson, J. C., Norris, D. S., & Sudhagoni, R. (author only) South Dakota Public Health Association Conference, “Strategies for Health: An Interprofessional Game for Teaching the Social Determinants of Health,” SDPHA: USA, Sioux Falls, SD. (June 19, 2018).

Mu, K. (Presenter & Author), Jensen, L. (Author Only), Bracciano, A. (Author Only), Peck, K. (Author Only), Carrico, C. (Author Only), & Feldhacker, D. (Author Only), WFOT Congress 2018, “Facilitating Interprofessional and Culturally-Competent Patient Care through Experiential Learning in China,” World Federation of Occupational Therapy: South Africa, Cape Town. (May 23, 2018).

Feldhacker, D., Lucas Molitor, W., Athmann, A., Boell, M., Kaiser, A., Musch, A., & Willhite, L., Department of Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, “Efficacy of High-performance Vision Training on Improving Reaction Time of Collegiate Softball Athletes: A Randomized Trial,” University of South Dakota: USA, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2018).

Lucas Molitor, W., Feldhacker, D., Aune, T., Gee, A., Rowland, T., & Willett, H. Department of Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, “Occupational Therapy and Collaborative Low Vision Care in Rural Settings,” University of South Dakota: USA, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2018).

Feldhacker, D., & Yockey, J., Teaching Prevention 2018: Reimagining Population Health Education, Practice and Research, “Strategies for Health: An Interprofessional Game for teaching the Social Determinants of Health,” Association for Prevention Teaching and Research: USA, Philadelphia, PA. (April 9, 2018).

Feldhacker, D., Lucas Molitor, W., Athmann, A., Boell, M., Kaiser, A., Musch, A., & Willhite, L., School of Health Sciences Research Conference, “Efficacy of High-performance Vision Training on Improving Reaction Time of Collegiate Softball Athletes: A Randomized Trial,” University of South Dakota: USA, Vermillion, SD. (April 6, 2018).

Feldhacker, D. R., Yockey, J., Wesner, C. A., Peterson Larson, J. C., Norris, D. S., Sudhagoni, R. School of Health Sciences Research Conference, “Strategies for Health: An Interprofessional Game for Teaching the Social Determinants of Health,” University of South Dakota: USA, Vermillion, SD. (April 6, 2018).

Lucas Molitor, W., Feldhacker, D., Aune, T., Gee, A., Rowland, T., & Willett, H. School of Health Sciences Research Conference, “Occupational Therapy and Collaborative Low Vision Care in Rural Settings,” University of South Dakota: USA, Vermillion, SD. (April 6, 2018).

Feldhacker, D., Lucas Molitor, W., Athmann, A., Boell, M., Kaiser, A., Musch, A., & Willhite, L., IDEAfest, “Efficacy of High-performance Vision Training on Improving Reaction Time of Collegiate Softball Athletes: A Randomized Trial,” University of South Dakota: USA, Vermillion, SD. (April 5, 2018).

Awards and Honors

Des Moines University

2022 – Proclamation by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds per request of Dr. Feldhacker, April 2022 as Occupational Therapy Month, signed April 26, 2022

Creighton University

2020 – Fr. Don Driscoll Ignatian Teaching Award
2020 – Educator of the Year, Campus Class of 2022
2020 – Educator of the Year, Campus Class of 2021

University of South Dakota

2018 – Early Career Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence
2018 – Champions of Inclusive Excellence Award, School of Health Sciences Cultural Competency Committee