Division of Applied Health and Wellness
Kristen Bacon, O.T.D., OTR/L
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Program Director of Occupational Therapy
Academic Credentials
- Chatham University
- O.T.D.
- Utica College
- M.S.
- Syracuse University at Utica College
- B.S.
Biography
Dr. Kristen Bacon began her career working as an occupational therapy assistant in 2003 while attending the weekend program at Utica College. After graduating in 2006 with a B.S. from Syracuse University at Utica College and M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Utica College in 2007, she then earned a post-professional clinical doctorate from Chatham University in 2011.
Dr. Bacon has presented at several national occupational therapy conferences and currently volunteers for organizations including AOTA and NBCOT. She is working on AOTA’s Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and a Flipped Learning 3.0 Certification, Level I. Her professional focus includes the adult and geriatric populations with a special interest in TBI and orthopedics.
Dr. Bacon began her academic work as adjunct professor for Keuka College in 2014. Since then, she has continued on as full-time academician and is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Bacon was appointed to faculty development committee, is co-advisor for the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE), a national occupational therapy honor society, and completed a three-year term for Sigma Lambda Sigma (SLS) advisor the college wide honor society.
Michele Bennett ’05 M’06, O.T.D., OTR/L
Professor of Occupational Therapy
Division Chair for Applied Health & Wellness
Academic Credentials
- Chatham University
- O.T.D.
- Keuka College
- M.S.
- Keuka College
- B.S.
Biography
Dr. Bennett graduated from Keuka College in the first OT master's program. After college she worked in local hospital and rehabilitation sites serving children to older adults. As she transitioned from rehabilitation sites to teaching she completed her post-professional clinical doctorate at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 2013.
Dr. Bennett has presented topics at national conferences that have included international, interprofessional service learning, program evaluation/outcome reporting and fieldwork level I experiences in emerging areas of practice. Dr. Bennett is currently Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and remains active working with adults in their homes as a per-diem therapist for Visiting Nursing Association/Kaleida Health in the Steuben County region. Dr. Bennett joined the Arc of Yates board of directors for a three year term.
Professional Interests
Adults with developmental disabilities, middle to older adult populations, and professional development of the OT students of Keuka College.
Jessica Chapman ’18 M’19, OTR/L
Instructor of Occupational Therapy and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Academic Credentials
- Keuka College
- B.S. in Occupational Science
- Keuka College
- M.S. in Occupational Therapy
- Beloit College
- B.A.
Cassie Hey ’04 M’07, D.B.H., M.S., OTR/L
Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Academic Credentials
- Arizona State University
- D.B.H.
- Keuka College
- M.S.
- Keuka College
- B.S.
Beth Jordan, O.T.D., OTR/L
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Academic Credentials
- Chatham University
- O.T.D.
- Utica College
- M.S.
- Syracuse University at Utica College
- B.S.
Biography
Dr. Beth Jordan is an experienced occupational therapist and associate professor at Keuka College, where she blends decades of clinical expertise with a commitment to education, research, and interprofessional collaboration. She has worked extensively in early intervention, CPSE, school-based services, and private practice.
Dr. Jordan spent more than a decade as a senior OT at a developmental evaluation center, gaining deep expertise in neurodevelopment, assessment, and neurocognitive dysfunction. At Keuka College, she is actively involved in institutional service, serving on college committees, collaborating across divisions, and chairing the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Dr. Jordan serves as the New York State Ambassador for NBCOT, volunteers with NBCOT and AOTA, and contributes as a pediatric subject matter expert on NBCOT’s exam development committee. She presents regularly at professional conferences and is engaged in research to strengthen OT education and practice.
In 2025, Dr. Jordan received Keuka College’s Excellence in Advising Award. She also hosts the podcast OccupaTionally Speaking: Insights from an OT, where she explores innovation and real-world challenges in occupational therapy.
Her philosophy is rooted in understanding not just “what is the matter—but what matters most to the people.”
Carrie Roberts ’02, O.T.D., OTR/L
Associate Vice President for Experiential Education and Wellness
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Professor of Occupational Therapy
Academic Credentials
- Chatham University
- O.T.D.
- Keuka College
- B.S.
Biography
Dr. Carrie Roberts has been an occupational therapist for over 15 years, with experience in various areas of practice including the hospital and nursing home, with a greater focus in pediatrics birth-21 years old. She graduated from Keuka College with a degree in occupational therapy; she also graduated from Chatham University in 2013 with her clinical occupational therapy doctoral degree in which her research focus was related to children with Autism Spectrum. Dr. Roberts was an adjunct professor for Keuka College before joining the Occupational Therapy program full time in 2013.