Nichel Brunder-Allen, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CLT

Dr. Nichel Brunder-Allen is an innovative occupational therapist with a passion for education and fostering relationships. She began her career in 2013 in an outpatient hand clinic treating a variety of post-surgical patients. As a staff occupational therapist with Orlando Health, Dr. Brunder-Allen found her passion, working with individuals with lymphedema and lymphedema-related symptoms. Through interventions and community outreach, she has fostered relationships with healthcare professionals, members of the community and patients allowing the establishment of community-based programs focused on education for underserved populations.

Dr. Brunder-Allen holds a specialization in lymphedema and assists in the certification of lymphedema therapists, plays an active role in an Orlando-based special interest group and serves as a mentor. She has experience in treating in a variety of settings, including acute inpatient rehab, outpatient adult rehab, home health, hospice and skilled nursing settings. After working as an outpatient therapist for five years, Dr. Brunder-Allen decided to obtain a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy to demonstrate her passion and commitment to furthering the profession and to show other health care professionals the distinct value of occupational therapy.

Dr. Brunder-Allen volunteers regularly with oncology-related causes and youth groups. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021 and was promoted in December 2023 to her current role.