Catherine (Cathy) Gardner, OTD, MPA, OT, FAOTA

Clinical Director

Cathy Gardner, Clinical Director and Occupational Therapist at OTC, Inc., plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, timely therapy services across all levels of management and service. With over 42 years of experience in clinical practice, administration, and management, Cathy has been an integral part of OTC for more than 25 years, shaping the organization’s service delivery and fostering a culture of excellence.

As Clinical Director, Cathy provides direct oversight and mentorship to our team of therapists, collaborating closely with the Executive Director to address both clinical and administrative matters. She frequently travels to school districts across New Jersey, offering hands-on clinical supervision and support.

Cathy's expertise spans various service areas, including the development and management of specialized programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in multiple counties throughout New Jersey.

Demonstrating her dedication to advancing the field, Cathy earned her Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a focus on transitional planning for high school students with special needs. Her doctoral research, published in March 2020, has been accessed internationally, reflecting its global impact. She presents her work on designing safety plans for students with special needs and the role of occupational therapy in Emergency Preparedness at state, regional, and national conferences.

Cathy's leadership extends beyond her role at OTC. She has served as President of NJOTA, Chair of the Education Committee, and as the New Jersey Alternate Representative to AOTA. Her contributions to the profession have been recognized with multiple honors, including the NJOTA Award of Merit in Developmental Disabilities and the Award of Merit in Administration.

Cathy was recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association for her contributions to the field in the areas of administration and advocacy being awarded a Fellow by AOTA. Her dedication to ensuring that therapists provide best practice is also evident in her being on faculty for a local OTA college where she teaches the Pediatrics and Adolescent course and she is Team Chair for the national accreditation body of occupational therapy programs ACOTE (Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education).

Cathy’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her dedication to supporting individuals with diverse needs continue to inspire those around her and elevate the quality of care provided by OTC, Inc.