Dr. Jillian Woodworth is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Michigan-Flint, which is the first OTD program in the state of Michigan.
 
She earned her Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2011 from Wayne State University and her Doctor of Occupational Therapy in 2016 from Nova Southeastern University.
 
Outside work, Jillian and her husband can be seen with a Great Dane at by their side, as they are foster parents for Great Danes that have been removed from their home.  She enjoys watching Detroit and collegiate sporting events, playing volleyball /soccer /basketball /tennis /any sport but golf, and spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and kayaking.   
 
Jillian says, “I went into occupational therapy because I wanted to dedicate my personal and professional life to addressing the vital importance of children's physical and psychosocial needs.  Occupational therapy, as a medium to do this, interested me because occupational therapists have the opportunity to be creative and innovative in the way they craft intervention strategies, research, and community involvement.  I have always been attracted to the field of occupational therapy by the wide range of opportunities it encompasses, and how meaningful the outcomes are for those we serve”.  Jillian is very passionate about the Arc of Mid-Michigan, an organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to participate and be fully included in their community. She serves on their Board of Directors.
 
Jillian moved from Downtown Detroit to the Flint-area in 2016 when she got an opportunity to participate in the program development aiding in the treatment of children ages 0-5 impacted by the Flint Water Crisis. She worked with a dedicated team of educators and therapists to create and implement a sustainable program for children and their families in this public health catastrophe.  The program has created a positive impact on improving the health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupation, early intervention, and providing families with the strategies/resources they required.  For more information on this project please visit: https://www.geneseeisd.org/resources/community/water_and_lead_info
 
Jillian asserts that she is a proud member of MiOTA and participates in the Flint Chapter meetings.  She states that membership in our state and national organizations is so important for advocacy, and keeping therapists informed with vital information for our profession.

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