Dr. Emily Waller is a 2024 Presbyterian College OTD graduate. After completing her undergraduate degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences, Emily explored many career paths including ABA therapy and early intervention which ultimately brought her to OT. Emily loves OT because it is a holistic healthcare profession which highlights meeting clients where they are. Emily is passionate about accessible community programming and pediatrics which lead to the creation of her capstone project, the While You Wait program. The program was designed to connect PC-OTD with the rural pediatric Clinton community.

"I am an occupational therapy educator, researcher, and co-host of the While You Grow podcast. Passionate about rural health, pediatric occupational therapy, and higher education, I specialize in neuroanatomy, neuromuscular anatomy, and pediatric development in an OTD program. My research focuses on innovative teaching strategies and student engagement in OT education. I am also the author of Pebbles' Great Adventure, a children’s book inspired by my work in pediatric occupational therapy. Outside of my career, I cherish time with my husband and our three children while balancing my roles as an educator, clinician, and parent."

“I graduate from College of Charleston with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. I am currently a doctoral occupational therapy student at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC and will be graduating in May 2025. I have two cats named Willow and Winston with my fiancé Christopher, who I spend most of my time with. I am passionate about occupational therapy and children which inspired this capstone project. I am excited to share important, evidenced-based information for caregivers, occupational therapists, and students on all things pediatrics and occupational therapy.”