Brenda Prosser

Dr. Brenda Prosser, DrOT, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC, CEIM, CPST
Trine University – Brooks College of Health Professions
BS, Western Michigan University; DrOT, Valparaiso University
260-702-8006 | prosserb@trine.edu

My primary role as the OTD program is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator is to facilitate the development of student capstone projects. I closely collaborate with students, faculty, and community expert mentors to ensure each project is meaningful and reflects the OTD curriculum. In addition, I teach pediatrics and a unique course focused on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

I began my clinical career working with children as a school-based occupational therapist (OT) and quickly realized I wanted to focus my career working in pediatrics. I transitioned to Indiana’s early intervention program, First Steps, where I had amazing opportunities to build relationships and support not only the children and infants I worked with, but also their families. After 13 years with First Steps, I briefly transitioned into acute care, working with adults. Shortly after this transition I was presented with an opportunity to work in the NICU.

The NICU quickly became my passion as an occupational therapist. I dedicated numerous hours to developmental care education and presented on many developmental care topics. I also created and led the NICU Developmental Care Committee and contributed to many evidence-based, quality improvement projects while working in the NICU. In 2019 I became a Board-Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT), earned my Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapist Certification (NTMTC) in 2017, and have been a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) since 2016.

I began my career in academia in 2017 as a guest lecturer and eventually taught occupational therapy full-time. My classes are dynamic, and students are provided with immersive, multi-sensory learning opportunities. I am dedicated to supporting my student’s transformation into engaging, competent, and safe future occupational therapists.

When I am not working, I love to travel, especially to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. I enjoy knitting, playing my autoharp, and spending time with friends and family.