Meryl Marger Picard
Murray Hill
Summary
Dynamic Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Seton Hall University, skilled in lesson plan creation and student engagement through experiential and traditional learning methods. Proven track record in mentoring and enhancing wellness programming, while maintaining subject matter expertise in mental health and group process. Successfully contributed to curriculum development and accreditation efforts, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Seton Hall University, School of Health and Medical Sciences
01.1999 - Current
- Taught courses in Reflection in Practice, Theory, Wellness & Health Promotion, and Group Process in the old curriculum. Will teach Occupation Centered Practice for Mental Health Across the lifespan, Group Process for Occupation-Centered Practice, Wellness and Health Promotion for Occupation-Centered Practice, Fieldwork 1: Behavioral Health, Community Health, Mental Health, Professional Development Reflection Seminar I and II.
- Built strong rapport with students through experiential learning activities, mentoring service-learning wellness projects in the community including Car-Fit and Disaster Preparedness, used team-based learning to build collaboration skills, and provided academic advisement.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter in pedagogy and clinical content areas to support evidence-informed teaching by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to occupational therapy.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on admissions, curriculum development, and accreditation requirements.
- Contributed to university and school goals by serving on various committees including SHMS Student Performance Review Committee, Graduate Studies Committee of the Faculty Senate (through May 2025), and search committees for new faculty as assigned.
Rehabilitation Team Leader/Glenside Nursing Home
NovaCare, Inc.
06.1994 - 12.1998
Project Coordinator
International Center for the Disabled, Substance Abuse - Traumatic Brain Injury Program
06.1987 - 05.1994
Development of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury. RSA Comprehensive Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention Center Project, 1991-1994. Responsible for development and implementation of grant projects including training, conferences, printed materials, and treatment program, meeting project deadlines, hiring staff to fulfill project needs. This was the first SA-TBI program in the tri-state area. Served as Program Director for the new program.
Program Director
International Center for the Disabled
1989 - 1990
- Scheduled and supervised seven interdisciplinary staff and one administrative assistant, chaired meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Recruited and trained staff to upgrade collective team skills.
- Mentored team members for professional development.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations for the Cognitive Rehabilitation Day Treatment Program and Vocational Services for TBI.
- Direct treatment for a caseload of clients with TBI/ABI.
Vocational Services Coordinator
International Center for the Disabled
1987 - 1989
Responsible for the development, implementation, and coordination of vocational services for an outpatient head injury program using a supported employment model. Supervised vocational staff working in the Cognitive Rehabilitation Program. Provided individual, couples, and group therapy and activities under my social work license and occupational therapy license. Created a Transitional Vocational Program as an interim step between the CRP and clients' employment, volunteer, or educational opportunities. Served as the Services Coordinator for an RSA Demonstration Project.
Senior Occupational Therapist
St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center
1981 - 1985
- Specialization in upper extremity orthopedics and hands. Created a lower-extremity splinting and orthotic program for patients following reconstructive foot surgery. Revised the post-mastectomy program and worked on the hospice unit, rheumatology and upper extremity amputation clinics. Implemented an O.T. chronic pain program. Co-management of inpatient rehabilitation services, staff and student supervision.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and monitoring progress.
- Coordinated successful discharge planning meetings with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure smooth transitions from hospital to community or home settings.
Education
Ph.D. - Health Sciences
Seton Hall University
South Orange04-2012
Master of Social Work - Social Work
New York University
New York, NY05-1987
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
New York University
New York, NY01-1979
Skills
- Lesson plan creation for current and new courses
- Student engagement through experiential learning
- Subject matter expertise in mental health, reflection, and wellness and health promotion
- Mentoring
Certification
Occupational Therapy NJ License 46TR00088000, 9/4/23 – 9/30/25
Occupational Therapy NBCOT Certification 1/1/79 – 3/31/26
ACUE Effective Teaching Certificate: 9/23 – 5/24
Experiential Fellows Program (SHU): 9/24 – 5/25
Contemplative Pedagogy Leadership Seminar (SHU): 1/2020 – 5/2022
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) certificate: 9/9/24 – expires 9/9/26
Car-Fit Event Coordinator Refresher Training: 2/13/24
CITI Refresher Training Social and Behavioral Research: 3/5/2025 – expires 3/5/2028
Timeline
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Seton Hall University, School of Health and Medical Sciences
01.1999 - Current
Rehabilitation Team Leader/Glenside Nursing Home
NovaCare, Inc.
06.1994 - 12.1998
Project Coordinator
International Center for the Disabled, Substance Abuse - Traumatic Brain Injury Program
06.1987 - 05.1994
Program Director
International Center for the Disabled
1989 - 1990
Vocational Services Coordinator
International Center for the Disabled
1987 - 1989
Senior Occupational Therapist
St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center
1981 - 1985
Ph.D. - Health Sciences
Seton Hall University
Master of Social Work - Social Work
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
New York University
Awards
Award for Excellence in Service Learning SHMS, 4/22/24
Award for Excellence in Service-Learning University, 4/22/24
Service
University
Graduate Studies Committee of the Faculty Senate, 9/2021-5/2025.
Planning Committee for Contemplative Week (2023, Summer 2023). Contemplative Week, September 18-22.
DSS ergonomics consultation for a student in another division of the university, 2/2025 – 3/2025.
SHMS
Committee member MHA faculty search. Completed search and recommendations to department. March 2024.
SPRC: Member representing OT, 9/2023 – 5/2025. Assistant Chair SPRC beginning 9/2025.
Ergonomics seating consultation and recommendation for member of SHMS: 5/2025
Narcan Supply distribution: spearheaded acquisition of Narcan supplies to SHMS departments providing supplies for students, along with the training link, Fall 2024.
Department
OT Admissions Committee: 2022 – ongoing.
Curriculum Committee Member: Committee created the 64-credit MSOT in collaboration with OT faculty; implementation Fall 2025.
Self-Study Member old curriculum (All)
ACOTE accreditation visit (All)
ppOTD Committee Member: Design ppOTD with other faculty. Creation in process.
IPHS Guest Lecture Introduction to OT: Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Professional
AOTA Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Community of Practice (COP) member.
Community
Disaster Preparedness Education to participants. West Orange Senior Services, 11/21/24, West Orange Public Library.
Car-Fit NJ: only OT member of a State of NJ committee, Office of the Attorney General, NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, to bring Car-Fit to older adults in the entire state.
Car-Fit event coordinator, delivery annually to two different communities annually.
Recent Presentations
Picard, M. (2023, October 22). Are you and your clients ready? The role of OT in natural disaster preparedness [Short Course Presentation]. New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) 2023 Annual Conference, Union, NJ.
Picard, M. (2023, September 18). Faculty panel on experiential learning. Seton Hall University Center for Faculty Development, South Orange, NJ.
Continuing Education Courses will be furnished upon request.
Continuing Education will be furnished upon request
Two-Day Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop [PESI]. 8/14/25-8/16/25, 12.5 CE.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence into OT Practice [AOTA], 6/2/2025, 1.25 PDU
Optimizing Mobility and Community Engagement for Older Clients [OT.com], 5/23/25, 2.0 PDU
2023 ACOTE standards for occupational therapy education (doctoral and masters) [AOTA]. 5/16/23, 1.0 PDU.
The Ethical and Professional Obligation to Address Driving when Delivering Occupational Therapy Services [AOTA], 5/16/2025, 1.0 PDU
Introduction to GenAI and Chatbots for Healthcare Professionals [OT.com], 5/13/25, 1.25 PDU
Cultural Humility in Occupational Therapy Practice [AOTA]. 5/5/2025, 1.5 PDU
Creating a “Sensory Safe” Evacuation Plan [OT.com], 1/27/25, 1.25 PDU
Addressing Mental Health in the Home: Guidance for the OT Practitioner [OT.com], 1/10/25, 1.25 PDU
Implementing the Cognitive Behavioral Frame of Reference in Outpatient Care for Youth with Mental Health Conditions [OT.com], 1/10/25, 1.25 PDU
Assessment Guidelines and Tools for the Trauma Informed Therapist [OT.com], 9/12/24, 2.5 PDU
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills for Occupational Therapy Practitioners Working With Adolescents [OT.com], 6/17, 2024, 1.25 PDU
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