Allison Ellington

Allison Ellington is the founding director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Virginia. Ellington began her career as an occupational therapist in Charlottesville, specializing in neurological rehabilitation, and serving clients in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Early in her career, she discovered her passion for educating students through her experiences as a fieldwork educator for many universities.

In 2013, Ellington moved into higher education full-time when she served as the founding director of clinical education for the OTD program at Mary Baldwin University, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences. Then, in 2017 she was appointed as the director of that OTD program.

Ellington's research and scholarship has focused on best practices in occupational therapy education as well as numerous clinical topics. Most significantly, she has been part of a research team for 15+ years developing virtual reality solutions for upper extremity motor impairments experienced by adults after a stroke.

Ellington has served on many professional committees and groups. Her current service work is focused on increasing awareness of the occupational therapy profession among middle and high school students. She created the Promote OT Challenge and is serving as the national coordinator and Virginia coordinator for the Challenge.

When not working, her favorite occupations (activities that give meaning and purpose to her life) include enjoying the beautiful Virginia outdoors, reading, nurturing her flower beds, and enthusiastically cheering at her children's activities.

OTD, Chatham University, 2015
M.S.O.T., Ithaca College, 2007
B.S., Ithaca College, 2006

• Occupational therapy education
• Professionalism in occupational therapy
• Promoting occupational therapy among middle and high school students
• Use of virtual reality for movement impairment after stroke
• Occupational therapy assessment and intervention among neurological populations