Gina Tucker-Roghi, OTD, OTR/L, BCG

Gina has worked in geriatric practice throughout her career, specializing in the occupational needs of individuals with neurocognitive impairment and their caregivers. Gina developed The Abilities Care Approach(TM), an abilities-based dementia program for inter-professional healthcare teams in skilled nursing facilities. The program promotes health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals with dementia. Gina provides education and consultation to healthcare practitioners and facilities on the implementation of evidence-based best practices for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Gina has presented nationally on her work and the Abilities Care Approach has been implemented at facilities around the country.

With over twenty years of experience as a manager and leader within health care organizations, Gina empowers therapists to collaborate with key stakeholders and advocate for the needs of older adults within their organizations.

Education

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy 

University of Indianapolis, Master’s of Health Science in Occupational Therapy            

San Jose State University, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
 

Research Interests

Gina is interested in the psychosocial and cognitive aspects of geriatric occupational therapy. Individuals with dementia and mental health conditions who reside in long-term care communities face unique challenges related to the demands of a life lived within an institution. Gina seeks to identify gaps in occupational therapy practice and develop evidence-based interventions that can be implemented by the staff, caregivers, and families of individuals who reside in long-term care communities. 

Honors and Awards

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration: Geriatric Academic Career Award. Sept 2019 to June of 2023 for "Occupational Therapy and Inter-professional Education to Support Health, Well-Being and Quality of Life for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and Mental Illness."