Blanche Leeman, EdD, OT/L, CHT

Dr. Blanche Leeman joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as an Associate Professor in the Flex Occupational Therapy (OT) program in 2023. Prior, Dr. Leeman was a contributing faculty member in the Post-professional OT program as a capstone advisor.

Dr. Leeman started her occupational therapy career in 1997, working in hand therapy and earning the designation of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). After spending more than 10 years as a full-time CHT, Dr. Leeman widened her focus to include neurological and orthopedic clients in an acute/inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

She has been in academia full time since 2012 while continuing to work in a hand therapy clinic. Dr. Leeman has taught courses that include kinesiology, upper extremity, prosthetics, orthotics, adult physical dysfunction adult theory and patient education. She has presented on a state, national and international level on creating assistive devices for the upper extremity using 3D printing. The study of 3D printing and how occupational therapists can use this technology to facilitate function for clients is a passion of Dr. Leeman.