MSOT Fort Lauderdale Campus
Dr. Christina M. Sanford, DrOT, OTR/L, Full-Time Faculty (Program Director)
Dr. Christina M. Sanford earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Her clinical experience includes inpatient rehabilitation and acute care, where she worked with adult and geriatric populations experiencing orthopedic and neurological conditions. She has served on Institutional Review Boards at both Broward Health and Keiser University and has participated in interdisciplinary committees focused on stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Since joining the Keiser University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program in 2016, Dr. Sanford has been committed to preparing the next generation of occupational therapists through evidence-based teaching, mentorship, curriculum development, and program innovation. Her academic and administrative experience includes student success initiatives, accreditation and compliance processes, faculty development, assessment, and program management. As an educator and leader, Dr. Sanford is passionate about fostering a culture of professionalism, lifelong learning, and compassionate, client-centered care. She is dedicated to advancing the occupational therapy profession by supporting students, faculty, and academic programs in achieving excellence and reaching their highest potential. Dr. Sanford is an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Dr. Husny Amerih, PhD, OTR/L, CKTI (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Amerih practiced as an occupational therapist for 29 years. He is an expert clinician with advanced training in Assistive Technology, Kinesiology, Mental health, Physical agent modalities, and Lymphedema. He worked as OT at various local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Dr. Amerih has also worked as an OT Professor and Program Director. He brings 14 years of full-time academic experience, including teaching, administration, and faculty and program management. Dr. Amerih developed curricula and syllabi for multiple introductory and advanced courses at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. He has mentored many junior faculty and multiple doctoral students and conducted more than 27 peer-reviewed publications at local, national, and international venues.
Dr. Jennifer P. Moffitt, OTD, MOT, OTR/L (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Moffitt has extensive pediatric experience, working with children from NICU through transitional services, in all settings such as outpatient clinics, home health, school-based, and hippotherapy. She also has many years of experience treating adults in acute care hospital settings, working in trauma, neuro, ICU, and orthopedic care. Dr. Moffitt received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Marymount University in 2025, and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. She lives in South Florida with her husband and two sons, and enjoys reading, writing, and yoga.
Dr. Laura A. Reyes, OTD, MOT, OTR/L (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Laura A. Reyes is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Keiser University Ft. Lauderdale’s MSOT Bridge Program and has been in this role since the program’s first cohort. Dr. Reyes received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. For her doctoral capstone, Dr. Reyes was able to create alternative community-based occupational therapy options for Level II Fieldwork experiences in response to how the pandemic impacted student placements. Her passion for working with the medically complex population and assistive technology has resulted in the opportunity to speak nationally. As the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Dr. Reyes works with community affiliates on establishing and enhancing their organization’s fieldwork programs and mentoring students.
Catherine Somers, MSOT, OTR/L (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator)
Professor Somers earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Keiser University in 2021. She has almost 10 years’ combined experience as an occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapist in school-based pediatrics with additional experience in outpatient pediatrics and adult rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. Catherine is most passionate about reflex integration therapy, which fueled her Master’s Capstone and additional professional development in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI), Ready Body Learning Minds, and Brain Body Mapping. Prior to assuming the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator role, Catherine served as an Occupational Therapist and Fieldwork Educator for Pinellas County Schools, where she supervised and mentored Level I and Level II occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students, collaborated with university fieldwork coordinators, and provided evaluation, coaching, and professional development support. She has also contributed to occupational therapy education through guest lectures, continuing education presentations, and staff training initiatives.Catherine earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Keiser University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and receiving multiple honors for academic excellence, leadership, and fieldwork performance. As a former President and Vice President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association, she developed a strong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and student success.In her role as Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Catherine is dedicated to cultivating meaningful academic-clinical partnerships, supporting student professional growth, and ensuring high-quality fieldwork experiences that prepare future occupational therapy practitioners for successful and impactful careers.
MSOT Fort Myers Campus
Kevin Bobos, OTD, MA, MS, OTR/L (MSOT Program Director)
Dr. Bobos serves as Program Director for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Keiser University – Fort Myers campus. Dr. Bobos has a BS in Fitness/Exercise Science; MA in Physical Education; MS in Occupational Therapy; and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Dr. Bobos has worked in every clinical practice setting as an occupational therapist. He has taught At Gannon University and South University in their OTD program, at St. Augustine University in the MSOT program and was the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor at South University in their OTA program. Dr. Bobos’ clinical passions are orthopedics, neurology, and hands.
Dr. Sarah Cernat, OTD, OTR/L (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator/Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Cernat serves as faculty and academic fieldwork coordinator for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Keiser University – Fort Myers campus. Dr. Cernat has a BS in Human Biology with a specialization in Bioethics, Humanities and Society from Michigan State University and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, graduating with highest scholastic achievement. Dr. Cernat has published an NHS NIH registered systematic review in
Revista Argentina de Terapia Ocupacional and completed various presentations at Florida Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conferences. Dr. Cernat has varied experience in clinical work specializing in geriatrics, low vision rehabilitation, and pelvic floor therapy.
Dr. Lisbet Montero, OTR/L, ASDCS, CPRCS (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Montero has over 7 years of experience in the pediatric occupational therapy field, including early intervention and pediatric outpatient services. She also has experience in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings with adults and the geriatric population. She attained her occupational therapy clinical doctorate (OTD) at Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University. Dr. Montero is a Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist and a Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist. She also completed the SOS Mentorship and is a Qigong Massage Trainer. Dr. Montero is the founder and CEO of Mindful Occupational Therapy, an outpatient clinic in Lee County serving children and adolescents with various conditions, including but not limited to autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, complications related to prematurity, and other developmental disorders.
Dr. Megen Myers, OTD, OTR/L (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Myers is an occupational therapist with more than 11 years of experience working with adults and older adults. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ashland University in 2011, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Gannon University in 2014, and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in 2017. Her clinical expertise is in adult and geriatric rehabilitation, with special training in Parkinson’s disease treatment as an LSVT BIG–certified therapist. She is also actively involved in volunteer work supporting the senior community. Dr. Myers has completed research on technology use among older adults and is currently studying maternal mental health, with a focus on “mom guilt” and role identity in mothers. She has been a faculty member with the Keiser University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program since 2022.
Dr. Cassandra Gehret, OTD, OTR/L, CLT (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Gehret is a Professor in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Keiser University – Fort Myers Campus. She began her academic career as an adjunct professor for fieldwork placement before transitioning to full-time faculty in March 2025. An experienced clinician, she has practiced across acute care, skilled nursing, memory care, NICU, outpatient pediatrics, home health, and rehabilitation settings. Dr. Gehret earned her OTD from the University of Montana (2025), MSOT from Keiser University Fort Lauderdale (2019), and OTA from Keiser University Tampa (2014). Her professional interests include curriculum design for fieldwork readiness, integration of therapeutic use of self, and innovative strategies to promote cognitive and functional engagement in diverse client populations.
MSOT Jacksonville Campus
Dr. Cindy Erb, OTD, MSH, OTR/L, CNDT, CLT (Program Director)
Dr. Erb serves as Program Director for the Keiser University MSOT Bridge Program in Jacksonville. She teaches courses in professional development, leadership, evidence-based practice, and emerging areas of occupational therapy while supporting students throughout their academic and professional journey.Dr. Erb earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree from South University in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration (MSH) from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She also holds both an Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional advancement.With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Erb has practiced in diverse settings including neurorehabilitation, orthopedics, hand therapy, driver rehabilitation, oncology, and lymphedema management. Her transition into higher education began as an adjunct instructor and continuing education provider, and she has since held academic appointments across multiple states, contributing to curriculum development, program leadership, accreditation, and student mentorship.Dr. Erb’s scholarly interests focus on expanding occupational therapy practice and supporting innovation within the profession. Her current research and mentoring activities include driver rehabilitation, virtual reality applications in stroke recovery, occupational therapy protocols for concussion management, military trauma, and the development of emerging practice areas through student capstone projects.
Kendyl Beuttenmuller, OTD, OTR/L, PPCC, AMHC (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Beuttenmuller earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.Dr. Beuttenmuller has worked across different settings to include inpatient care, outpatient pediatrics, and sensory integration therapy for the pediatric population. She has also worked as a Center Manager for a large outpatient clinic with adult and pediatric PTs, SLPs, and OTS. She currently holds credentials in Pediatric Post Concussion Syndrome and Adult Mental Health.Dr. Beuttenmuller gained research experience through her doctoral capstone, during which she implemented an educational program for parents and caregivers of children with sensory processing deficits. This experience also prepared her to mentor other OTD students as they developed and wrote their capstone projects.
Dr. Pamela Howe, PhD, OTD, OTR/L (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Howe is a faculty member at Keiser University’s Jacksonville campus, where she teaches adult evaluation and intervention, research ethics, policy, and administration. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Howe is passionate about preparing students to become thoughtful, skilled, and engaged occupational therapists who are ready to navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare environment.Throughout her academic career, Dr. Howe has developed curriculum for associate, master’s, and doctoral-level programs and has served in leadership roles including Program Director, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator. She has also served as an AOTA Doctoral Capstone Mentor, Chairperson of the Florida Occupational Therapy Education Consortium (FLOTEC), and Florida Occupational Therapy Association Special Interest Section Chair for Fieldwork and Capstone Education.Dr. Howe has presented and published at state, national, and international venues on topics including fieldwork education, doctoral capstone education, ethics, leadership, and higher education. She holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration, and her professional interests include occupational therapy education, ethical leadership, experiential learning, disability inclusion, and the development of future practitioners.
Erin Tyre, MSOT, OTR/L (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator)
Professor Tyre earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Science degrees from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA in 2010.Professor Tyre continues to have a vibrant clinical career alongside her academic fieldwork coordinator position. She began her clinical career in adult orthopedics and later moved into pediatrics. She has practiced in outpatient, acute care, school-based, early intervention, and home health. The academic fieldwork coordinator position is her first appointment in academia, and she enjoys bridging the didactic curriculum to the clinical setting to prepare students for a successful transition. Professor Tyre has taken extensive courses in Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Sensory Integration, and feeding techniques, and she draws upon this knowledge and her clinical experience to bring meaningful, real-world application into the classroom. Her teaching philosophy combines experiential, student-centered, and transformative learning within a hybrid educational model. She believes students learn best when they actively engage with course content, connect new knowledge to authentic clinical situations, and reflect on their experiences.
MSOT Miami Campus
Dr. Tara Casimano PhD, OT/L (Program Director)
Dr. Tara Casimano brings over 35 years of expertise spanning pediatric occupational therapy, academic administration, scholarship, mentorship, and leadership within the profession. Her clinical expertise spans the continuum of pediatric care, including NICU, early intervention, school-based practice, orthopedic rehabilitation, and transitional services. She has worked as an early intervention provider, school-based therapist, and senior pediatric therapist in a renowned orthopedic hospital in New York City. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Casimano served as both professor and director of an occupational therapy program at a private college in New York, where she mentored future practitioners, scholars, and leaders in the profession. She has also served as an expert reviewer and expert witness, supporting client safety, ethical practice, and quality healthcare outcomes. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to scholarship, mentorship, leadership, professional service, and academic excellence. Dr. Casimano earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida and her PhD from Trident University International in Cypress, California. She holds advanced certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and is Board Certified in Pediatrics (BCP) through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Dr. Casimano calls both Long Island, New York, and Naples, Florida, home. In her free time, she enjoys watching college sports, playing beach volleyball and pickleball, traveling, and spending time with her four adult children and beloved fur babies.
Dr. Melanie Austin, DOT, MPA, OTR/L, CPC (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Austin brings over 25 years of clinical, academic, and professional experience, specializing in community-based mental health, lifestyle wellness, and health promotion program development. Dr. Austin has served as a professor at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level and founding program director of a thriving online doctoral program. She is passionate about teaching and empowering students and clinicians seeking to promote health, educate, and lead, to make a meaningful impact for individuals, communities, organizations, and societal health. Dr. Austin explores research and conducts presentations on the benefits of having a sense of purpose in life for meaningful success and well-being. She is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), earned a Post-Professional Doctorate in OT (DOT), Temple University, PA, Masters in Public Administration (MPA), Baruch College, CUNY, and Bachelor of Science in OT (BSOT), NYIT, NY, where she also served as a professor, Faculty Athletics Representative, and former student-athlete track and field NCAA All American. She is a mom, grandmom, enjoys nature, inspirational crafting, listening to music, and facilitating wellness & empowerment workshops for girls and women.
Dr. Stephanie Ye, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CMOT, CSCS (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Ye joins the university faculty with over a decade of specialized experience in orthopedic and hand therapy. She worked in outpatient hand therapy within hospital and private settings, such as in sports medicine clinics and directly with hand surgeons. Her volunteer work as an elected board member on the American Society of Hand Therapists’ (ASHT) Upper Extremity Institute highlight her commitment to education, evidence-based practice, and peer mentorship. Dr. Ye is also an online educator for students and OT/PTs on an online CEU course platform as part of their Hand, Upper Extremity, and Orthopedics Series. Dr. Ye received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the Florida International University and her OTD from Eastern Kentucky University. She holds advanced certifications as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Certified Manual Occupational Therapist (CMOT), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Dr. Ye was a competitive bodybuilder and personal trainer. These experiences fuel her lifelong passion for health and wellness. Outside of the classroom, she is an at-home potter, avid reader, and mother to her children and five pets.
Marisa Oberstein MS, OTR/L (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator)
Ms. Oberstein brings over 20 years of multidisciplinary healthcare experience to occupational therapy education, with degrees in Occupational Therapy (MS, Nova Southeastern University), Healthcare Administration (BS, Florida International University), Nursing (AA, Miami Dade College), and Massage Therapy (Florida College of Natural Health). Her clinical background includes pediatric occupational therapy across outpatient clinics, schools, PPECs, and skilled nursing, supporting children and young adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, early intervention, and mental health needs. As an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, she mentors students through the transition from classroom to clinical practice. Ms. Oberstein views fieldwork as a transformative journey, emphasizing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and reflective practice to shape empathetic, confident therapists. Areas of expertise include executive functioning, school-based OT, maternal and mental health, sensory integration, sexuality in OT, family collaboration, advocacy, and interprofessional teamwork.
