Julia Wilbarger, PhD, OTR/L

Julia received a BS in physiological psychology from UC Berkeley, an MS in occupational therapy from Boston University, and a PhD in developmental cognitive neuroscience from the University of Denver, Colorado. She has practiced as an occupational therapist in early intervention with high-risk and developmentally delayed infants and toddlers, in the public schools and in private practice. At The Children’s Hospital, Denver, she served as a clinical specialist in sensory integration. She joined the faculty at Dominican in the occupational therapy department as an associate professor in 2013. Julia has done extensive research, published and presented on issues of sensory processing, sensory modulation disorders, and sensory integration in children. Her research is focused on the study of affective and sensory processing in a range of clinical populations.

Education

University of Denver, PhD, Developmental Psychology, specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

University of Denver, MA, Developmental Psychology

Boston University, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, MS, Occupational Therapy

UC Berkeley, BA, Psychology

Research Interests

Julia's research focuses on the study of affective and sensory processing in a range of clinical populations. Current research includes validating the underlying mechanisms of sensory defensiveness. Additional lines of research include using a practice-based evidence approach to examine the effectiveness of interventions for sensory processing, sensory modulation disorders, and sensory integration in children. 

Honors and Awards

• Advisor to the Korean Association for Sensory Integration 
• Polish Sensory Integration Society, Honorary Member
• Pi Theta Epsilon, Occupational Therapy Honor Society
• Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence, American Occupational Therapy Foundation
• Service Award, American Occupational Therapy Association