Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS

Cara Koscinski earned her post-professional doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2019 at Rocky Mountain University, a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University in 1997; and BS in Health Sciences at Duquesne University in 1996. Cara earned her certification as an Autism Specialist in 2021 through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. She is a former professor at the University of St. Augustine’s MOT and OTD programs and currently mentors OTD students’ capstone projects through the University of Florida, Texas Woman’s University, and many others. Cara also provides occupational therapy services, advocacy, and consultations as The Pocket Occupational Therapist. She enjoys speaking and delivering keynote addresses and courses to therapists, teachers, and through CEU organizations such as PESI and OccupationalTherapy.com.

Cara utilizes and teaches others about trauma-informed approaches and has received an award for her work in this area. Her website www.PocketOT.com contains a blog, products for kids, is AOTA-approved for delivering PDUs, and helps caregivers learn advocacy and using strengths-based approaches for their children.
Cara is a mother to her own two adult autistic sons. Not only does she understand therapy, but she is able to appreciate the unique perspective of the caregiver. This is evident in her additional training and drive to seek new and fun ways to help children to achieve their goals. When she could not find comprehensive books to help guide her, Cara decided to write her own! She has published six books for caregivers and therapists and wrote a chapter for the Autism in Lockdown book. Her books sell worldwide and have won multiple awards. Book seven about the Train Model for Executive Function is being released in spring of 2023.