Sharon McCloskey, Ed.D., MBA, OT/L, CTP
Office Location
Sharon M McCloskey, Ed.D., MBA, OT/L, CTP has a career spanning nearly 40 years in occupational therapy. Her extensive experience includes roles as a Clinical Assistant Professor since 2002 and, in the past ten years as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Her occupational therapy practice has primarily focused on pediatrics and mental health, with significant involvement in public and private schools, early childhood settings, sensory integration clinics and community-based programs. Beyond her occupational therapy expertise, Dr. McCloskey is also a certified trauma practitioner, actively working in clinics to support children and youth who have faced adversity and early life trauma. Her current occupational roles include walking, cooking, photography, travel, and playing with grandchildren.
Dr. McCloskey’s vision for occupational therapy education is to cultivate excellence in students by fostering a dynamic learning environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and compassionate care. She is committed to empowering students with cutting-edge knowledge, hands-on experiences, and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of occupational therapy. Through collaborative relationships with excellent faculty and staff, community partnerships, research initiatives, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion, Sharon’s aspiration is to graduate skilled and empathetic occupational therapists who set the standard for excellence in healthcare, education and wellness, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Degrees & Certifications
- Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership (Ed.D.), University of Hartford, CT, USA (2019)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of New Haven, CT, USA (2007)
- Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland (1985)
Professional Licensure
- Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Occupational Therapy License: 000923
Additional Certifications
- Certified Trauma Practitioner (CPT), Certification # #285-26404
- ARC Certification for Children and Adolescents
- Certification in Play Therapy for Trauma
- Certification Parts 1 and 2 of the EASI (Evaluation of Sensory Integration)
- Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator
- AOTA Credentialed Leader in Academia, 2018-present
- Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator
Teaching Responsibilities
- OT 546 Human Occupation and Activity Analysis
- OT 547 Clinical Lab, Pediatrics
- OT 549 PBL; Pediatrics and Adolescence
- OT 528 Clinical Lab, Mental Health
- OT 527 Problem Based Learning, Mental Health
- OT 530 Groups
- OT 505 Health Policy & Law
- OT 607 Leadership & Management
- OT 578 & OT 608 – Capstone Advisor
Awards & Fellowships
- 2020 Dean’s Service Award, College of Health Professions, Sacred Heart University
- 2019 Faculty Fellow, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Sacred Heart University
- 2019 AOTA Academic Leadership Award, American Occupational Therapy Association
- 2019 Joanne Andershonis-Reich Research Award, University of Hartford
- 2016 Award of Merit, Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association
- 2015 Award of Service, Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association
- 2014 Award of Service, Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association
- 2013 Service Commendation, Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association, Government Affairs Committee
- 2013 Service Commendation, American Occupational Therapy Association, Response to Intervention Work Group
- 2012 Service Commendations, American Occupational Therapy Association, Response to Intervention Work Group
Research & Grants
Research Interests for Education
- Occupational Therapy Education
- Service-Learning
- Development of cultural competence and humility
Research Interest for Practice
- Impact of trauma and ACEs on learning and participation in schools
Grants
- Center for Compassionate Care, Grant, Sacred Heart University, AY 2023-2024. Cunningham, K.E., Drew, S.V., McCloskey, S., Rainville, K., & Ross, C. (2023). Our Dyslexic Children: Understanding Parents’ and Caregivers’ Experiences Raising and Advocating for Children with Dyslexia
- ACT Grant received, AY 2022-2023. McCloskey, S. & Gunther, C. (2022). Diversity and inclusion in OT education through a professional learning community.
- ACT Grant received for American Veteran’s Archeological Recovery (AVAR) project, 2019. Halperin, L., Hegge, J., & McCloskey, S. (2019). Archaeology for War Veterans: Non-Traditional Level 1 Fieldwork Experience for Occupational Therapy Students.
- CHP and CON Dean’s Award for Interprofessional Education, 2015. Goncalves, S., & McCloskey, S. (2015). High reliability organizations, and patient safety collaboration with undergraduate nursing and graduate occupational therapy students.