Professional interests

• Technology in mental health occupational therapy
• The development of professionalism in OT and other health professions
• The application of theory to practice
• Technology in graduate and professional education

Education

• 1999: Ph.D. in Education, Instructional Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
• 1985: M.S. in Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
• 1972: B.A. in Art, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia

Selected Publications

Referred

Sicat, B.L., Kreutzer, K.O., Gary, J., Ivey, C., Marlowe, E.P., Pellegrini, J.M., Shuford, V.P., and Simons, D.F. (2014). A collaboration among health sciences schools to enhance faculty development in teaching. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 78(5), 102. doi: 10.5688/ajpe785102.

 

Simons, D.F., Richardson, J., Baron, J., & Knicely, K. (2002). Online learning: Perspectives of students and faculty in two disciplines-occupational therapy and teacher education. Occupational Therapy in Health Care,14, (2).

Simons, D.F. (1998). Legislation and technological advances influencing the development of assistive technology. IT Journal On-line. Department of Instructional Technology, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia available http://etext.virginia.edu/journals/itjournal/1998

Lowman, D.K., Simons, D.F., Shepherd, J.T., Dougherty, J.T., Ernouf, H.S., & Hundley, B.S. (1999). The role of the occupational therapist in the school setting: Services to students with complex health care needs, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(9), 519-523.

Lewicki, E.L., Smith, S.L., Cash, S.H., Madigan, M.J.& Simons, D.F. (1998). Factors influencing practice area preference in occupational therapy, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 14(4), 1-19.

Doyle, R.G., Madigan, M.J., Cash, S.H. & Simons, D.F. (1998). Academic factors and changes in practice area of preference, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 14(3), 1-19.

Franklin, D. (1986). A comparison of the effectiveness of values clarification presented as a personal computer program versus a traditional therapy group: A pilot study.  Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 6, 39-51.

Book and/or Chapters

Simons, D.F. (2005). Adolescent development. In A. Cronin and M.B. Mandich (Eds.) Human development and performance throughout the lifespan. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.

Simons, D. F. (1999). The psychological system in adolescence. In S.M. Porr & E.B. Rainville (Eds.), Pediatric therapy: A system’s approach. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.

Grant Activity

• Principal Co-Investigator, Implementing the Achieving Healthcare Professionalism Smartphone application (AHP APP) Across Nine Allied Health Disciplines, VCU School of Allied Health Grant 2014-2015.
• Principal Co-Investigator, Development of the Achieving Healthcare Professionalism Smartphone application (AHP APP), VCU School of Allied Health Grant 2014-2015.

Key Professional Service

• Representative from Virginia to the American Occupational Therapy Association Representative Assembly  (2011 to present)
• Virginia Occupational Therapy Association Board Member (2011-2013)
• Virginia Occupational Therapy Association Consultant to the Board (2013 to present)