Quick Reference Dictionary For Occupational Therapy

Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, FAOTA, is a past president and vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association and a 2005 recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Akureyri in Akureyri, Iceland. Dr. Jacobs is a clinical professor and the program director of distance education post-professional programs in occupational therapy at Boston University, Boston, MA. She earned a doctoral degree at the University of Massachusetts, a Master of Science in occupational therapy at Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  

Dr. Jacobs’ research examines the interface between the environment and human capabilities. In particular, she examines the individual factors and environmental demands associated with increased risk of functional limitations among populations of university and middle school-aged students, particularly in notebook computing and backpack use (http://people.bu.edu/kjacobs/index.shtml).  

In addition to being an occupational therapist, Dr. Jacobs is also a certified professional ergonomist and the founding editor of the international journal WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation.   

Dr. Jacobs is a faculty-in-residence and lives in an apartment in one of the dormitories at Boston University. She is the mother of three children—Laela, Joshua, and Ariel—and the amma (grandma in Icelandic) to Sophie Redd. She balances work with occupations such a cross country skiing, kayaking, photography, and travel.   

Laela Jacobs, OTR/L, received her degree in occupational therapy from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL. She practiced as the rehabilitation coordinator/manager at Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, MA for the past 8 years and continues to work for Therapy Resources Management. Laela has expertise in reimbursement and vestibular, neurological, and orthopedic rehabilitation.   

Laela and her husband, Craig Simon, are the proud parents of Sophie Redd, born May 21, 2008. Laela’s interests include travel, theater, and spending time with her family.