Donald Kallembach

Donald E. Kallembach, OTD, MA, MS, OTR/L is Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Saint Mary. Dr. Kallembach earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College, a Master of Arts in Healthcare Ethics from Saint Louis University, and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. Before entering the occupational therapy profession, he worked in residential and day treatment programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities and chronic mental health conditions. Since becoming an occupational therapist, he has practiced across a wide variety of clinical settings, including community-based rehabilitation, mental health, acute care, skilled nursing, and low vision rehabilitation. This breadth of clinical experience informs his teaching, scholarship, and leadership in occupational therapy education. Prior to joining the University of Saint Mary, Dr. Kallembach served in academic leadership roles directing occupational therapy programs and contributing to curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and student success initiatives. Now entering his 20th year in higher education, his academic interests include health care ethics, clinical reasoning, leadership, documentation, professional identity formation, and preparing students for contemporary occupational therapy practice. Outside of the university, Dr. Kallembach enjoys playing in a Kansas City blues band and participating in other musical opportunities throughout the region. He brings a lifelong passion for music, theater, and education to both the classroom and the stage.