About me
Rachel Batten, PP-OTD(c), MSOT, OTR/L, ASDCS, PRIS is an occupational therapist, educator, and emerging scholar specializing in pediatric practice, neurodiversity, and sexuality as a meaningful occupation. With over five years of clinical experience and a strong background in leadership and program development, she is committed to advancing holistic, client-centered care that promotes participation, autonomy, and quality of life.Rachel is currently a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy candidate at Indiana University, where her work focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and community-engaged research. Her doctoral capstone centers on developing an occupational therapy–informed sexual health education framework for neurodivergent adolescents, aiming to bridge critical gaps in accessibility, safety, and participation in sexuality-related occupations.Clinically, Rachel practices in pediatric settings, where she provides comprehensive, individualized interventions targeting sensory processing, motor development, self-regulation, and functional independence. She has extensive experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and mentoring fieldwork students, as well as leading rehabilitation services in prior management roles. Her leadership experience includes implementing evidence-based programming, facilitating team development, and expanding community outreach initiatives.In addition to her clinical work, Rachel serves as adjunct faculty, contributing to the education and mentorship of future occupational therapy practitioners. Her scholarly contributions include research on sexuality content in occupational therapy education, with work presented at professional conferences and published in peer-reviewed literature.Rachel’s professional interests include early intervention, mental health, pediatrics, and the integration of sexuality into occupational therapy practice. She is an active member of national and international professional organizations, including the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).Through her clinical practice, research, and advocacy, Rachel is dedicated to challenging stigma, expanding the scope of occupational therapy, and advancing inclusive approaches to health, identity, and participation across the lifespan.
