Michelle Colletti, PhD, OTR/L

 

Dr. Colletti earned her PhD at Pacifica Graduate Institute in depth psychology by examining the role neurophysiology plays in how children with severe autism form attachments. She joined the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Saint Mary in August of 2025. Dr. Colletti serves as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and teaches Human Development Across the Lifespan, Occupational Therapy in Children and Youth and all of the preparatory capstone courses. She has published a chapter in a scholarly publication, “A Holistic Model and Treatment of Severe Autism” in, Understanding Autism: Perspectives, Assessment, Interventions, and The Journey Towards Inclusion. She has always been drawn to occupational therapy's holistic view of health and healing. This has led her to study the alternative complementary modalities of reflexology, craniosacral and polarity therapy to complement her occupational therapy training. She has utilized these interventions in treatment both with adults and children. A few of Dr. Colletti's meaningful occupations are sharing meals with friends, the pursuit of all things spiritual, and playing with her cats.