Zahava L. Friedman

Dr. Zahava L. Friedman serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean University, where she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Friedman has dedicated much of her career to pediatric occupational therapy, working in both public and private school settings. Her commitment to early childhood development is further demonstrated by her collaboration with the New York City Early Intervention system from 2008 to 2017, where she provided essential services to children aged 0-3 in their homes. In addition to her extensive clinical background, Dr. Friedman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), which allows her to integrate sensory and behavioral frameworks into her practice effectively. Her research interests are centered around the synergies between occupational therapy (OT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA), interprofessional collaboration in schools, and the development of engaging student learning experiences. Dr. Friedman is particularly passionate about advocating for neurodivergent learners in higher education settings, ensuring that they receive the support and resources necessary for success. Dr. Friedman is actively involved in collaborative research efforts with occupational therapy researchers at various universities, contributing to the advancement of the field. Her dedication to interprofessional collaboration is exemplified by a grant she received from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, which supports an interprofessional therapy program designed to serve families in her local community. Her contributions to the field extend beyond her research and teaching. Dr. Friedman has shared her insights and findings at international, national, and statewide conferences, where she has been a sought-after speaker. Her scholarly work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, further establishing her as a respected voice in the field of occupational therapy and behavior analysis. Through her work, Dr. Friedman continues to make significant strides in improving the educational experiences and outcomes for students, particularly those who are neurodivergent. Her commitment to fostering collaboration among professionals in educational settings underscores her dedication to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.