Announcing The 2026 Keynote Address 
Friday, November 13, 2026 - 9:15 am - 10:15 am 
Shirley A. Wells, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA 
Leading with Inclusion, Empathy, and Knowledge

Dr. Shirley A. Wells, OTD, MPH, FAOTA, is a distinguished occupational therapist, educator, scholar, and advocate whose career spans more than four decades of clinical practice and academic leadership. She has served the profession in numerous roles, including administrator, researcher, program developer, consultant, department director, and clinician in acute care, pediatric, and school-based settings.

Dr. Wells contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including designation as a Fellow of AOTA and Roster of Merit of TOTA, inclusion among AOTA’s 100 Influential People in Occupational Therapy’s 100-Year History, the Texas Occupational Therapy Association Academic Educator of the Year Award, and the inaugural Dr. Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

An accomplished author and international presenter, Dr. Wells has written extensively on ethics, leadership, culture, and diversity, including the widely used Culture and Occupation book series.

Dr. Wells is currently Professor Emeritus in the Department of Occupational Therapy at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where her legacy continues to shape the profession and inspire future generations of practitioners and leaders.