MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
October 8, 2021
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Mendelson:
In accordance with section 2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law
2-142; D.C. Official Code 1-523.01), and pursuant to section 206 of the District of Columbia
Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985, effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; D.C. Official
Code 3-1202.06), 1 am pleased to nominate the following person:
Dr. Gillian Rai
35" Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
(Ward 2)
for reappointment as an occupational therapist licensed in the District member of the Board of
Occupational Therapy, for a term to end April 16, 2024.
Enclosed you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-mentioned
nominee together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Councils earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please do
not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayors Office of Talent and Appointments,
should the Council require additional information.
Sincaely,
Murigl Bower
 at the request of the Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To confirm the reappointmentofDr. Gillian Rai to the BoardofOccupational Therapy.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the Boardof Occupational Therapy Gillian Rai Confirmation
Resolution of 2021.
Sec. 2. The Councilofthe District of Columbia confirms the reappointment of:
Dr. Gillian Rai
35" Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
(Ward 2)
as an occupational therapist licensed in the District memberofthe Board of Occupational
Therapy, pursuant to 206 of the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985,
28 effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; D.C. Official Code 3-1202.06), for a term to end
29 April 16, 2024.
30 Sec. 3. The Councilof the District of Columbia shall transmit a copyof this resolution,
31 upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Officeof the Mayor.
32 Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
 March, 2018
Dr. Gillian Rai, M.Ed., OTR/L
Owner, Founder SubLime Kidz, LLC
Contents
SUMMARY...
A. EDUCATION.
POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATION COURSE:
B, POSITIONS wrens . 3
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYCLINICAL WORK EXPERIENCE. n sens3
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYACADEMIC WORK EXPERIENCE...
TAUGHT COURSES wesnonn
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, COURSE DESIGN
C. RESEARCH vn
RESEARCH INTERESTS sesso
DOCTORATE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (DOT) RESEARCH PROJECT.
BACHELORS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY RESEARCH (BOT) RESEARCH TOPIC wn
OTHER COMPLETED RESEARCH.
COMPLETED MENTORED STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS...
CONTRACTS, GRANTS AND SPONSORED RESEARCH
D. PUBLICATIONS...
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION
SELECTED NON-PEER REVIEWED ARTICLES.
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS.
E, PRESENTATIONS...
PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS.
INVITED PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATION:
INVITED NON PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS eo: 15
F. EDITORIAL RESPONSABILITIES. 17
G. CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES ATTENDED... 7
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS... 22
Gillian
A. Rai 1
 March, 2018
LICENSES.
H. SERVICE...
PROFESSIONAL OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE...
COLLEGE SERVICE...
FUTURE COMMUNITY INTERESTS.
1. OTHER SKILLS.
J. REFERENCES,
SUMMARY
Passionate and innovative Educator and Occupational Therapist (OT) committed to working
with children and families in diverse and multicultural settings, developing programs that
mitigate the effects of poverty related stress on learning, promoting self-efficacy and bridging
the gaps in urban, rural and impoverished communities.
Demonstrated history of over 20 years of combined experience working in general and special
education, early childhood, k to 12th grade, public health, the higher education industry and
clinical OT practice in the United States, South Africa and Ghana. Entrepreneur, skilled in
nonprofit organizations, Clinical Research, Leadership, and Grant Writing. Strong education
professional with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (Pediatrics) from Temple University, and
a Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement curricular, treatment plans and programs. Vast
experience with national and state education legislation and policies, planning and facilitating
local, state and regional workshops and training activities, coupled with extensive experience
working with school systems, school administration and personnel. Expertise in the
development, delivery and management of online education, the integration of effective teaching
and leaming practices in general and special education, including technology solutions to meet
the needs of all students. Strong ability to work as an interdisciplinary team member to deliver
technical assistance to educators and administrators in the area of general and special
education.
Proficient computer skills (PC and MAC). Excellent problem solving abilities. Excellent planning
and organizational skills. Effectively able to prioritize and multi-task. Possess excellent
communication and people skills. Excellent writing skills. Ability to work independently as well as.
within interdisciplinary team environments. Possess a commitment to research, publication and
teaching.
| believe in the whole child, honoring the extensive range of attributes that the human brain and
mind has to offer. My mission is to extend compassion, cooperation, commitment and creativity,
and to enable individuals, families and communities that | work with, to leave with a feeling of
accomplishment and eagerness for the world around them.
Gillian A. Rai 2
 March, 2018
A. EDUCATION
2012 Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
(Specialization in Pediatrics)
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
2004 Master in Education
(Curriculum& Instruction/Early Childhood Special Education/Learning
Disabilities)
Virginia Tech VPU & SU, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
1994 B. Occupational Therapy, (Psych. Honors)
University of Durban Westville, (University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN), South
Aftica
POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATION COURSES
2017 The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable
Development. Co-hosted by the NYU Global TIES for Children Center, the
Harvard Center on the Developing Child, and UNICEF. An offering of
the SDG Academy, the education arm of the Sustainable Development Solutions
Network (the research and technical network advising the U.N. Secretary-
General on the development and implementation of the 2015-2030 global
Sustainable Development Goals).
2017 Course Design Institute, (CDI), George Washington University (GW), School of
Teaching and Learning (SoTL) May 22-26".
2016 Online Course Design: Quality Matters. Independent Applying the QM Rubric
(APPQMR), GW, July 6 ~ July 20th
2014-2015 Research Series: Certificate in Management of sponsored projects; Recruitment
of study subjects; Research Design and Methods I, Il. Virginia Tech Carillion
Research Institute (VTCRI), Roanoke, VA. November, 2014 ~August 2015.
2010 SENSORY INTEGRATION TREATMENT APPLICATIONS, final course taken in
the SIPT series. Taken as part of Doctoral coursework at Temple University,
Philadelphia, PA. Dr Moya Kinnealey, August.
2010 SENSORY INTEGRATION AND PRAXIS TEST (SIPT) ADMINISTRATION. A
week long course taken as part of Doctoral coursework at Temple University,
Philadelphia, PA. Course was taken again due to time that elapsed since taken in
2003. Dr Moya Kinnealey, June 23.
2003 SENSORY INTEGRATION AND PRAXIS TEST (SIPT) ADMINSTRATION. A 4-
day course part of the Sensory Integration certification process. Sensory
Integration International (SII), Torrance, California. This certification allows a
practitioner to administer and interpret the SIPT. Washington, DC.
Gillian A. Rai
 March, 2018
2002 PRR-Protective Response Regimen, A Therapeutic Intervention for Sensory
Defensiveness, Certificate of Proficiency, Developmental Concepts, Bonnie
Hanschu, March 22.
1997 SENSORY INTEGRATION THEORY AND PRACTICE. A 4-day course part of
the Sensory Integration certification process. Sensory Integration International,
(Sll) Torrance, California. Houston, Texas. Dr Steve Cool, Br Theresa May-
Benson, Sheila Frick.
B. POSITIONS
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CLINICAL WORK EXPERIENCE
2017-present Owner, Founder, SubLime Kidz, LLC
2017-present Pediatric Occupational Therapist, (Part time) Sensational Kids Therapy,
Washington, DC
2007-2011 Occupational Therapist, Center for Rehabilitation and Development, Blacksburg,
VA. (Pediatrics, 0-22 yrs) Evaluated and treated children diagnosed with a variety
of pediatric conditions, including developmental delays, sensory-motor
integration dysfunction, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism
spectrum disorders, neurological and genetic conditions. Early intervention (El),
early childhood special education (ECSE) and school age populations.
2008 Occupational Therapist/Consultant, MontgomeryCounty public schools. Provided
evaluations and consultations Early Childhood, K to 12" grade children and their
families in the Montgomery County, New River Valley, VA school district.
2003 Occupational Therapist, Professional Rehab Associates, Radford, A. Evaluated
and treated children diagnosed with various pediatric conditions, including
sensory integration dysfunction, autism, attention deficit, cerebral palsy, etc. in
early intervention, and school age population, in both home, school and clinic
environments. Supervised and mentored Occupational Therapists and Certified
Occupational Therapy Assistants.
1998-2002 Occupational Therapist, Professional Therapies of Roanoke, VA. Evaluated and
treated children diagnosed with a variety of pediatric conditions in private practice
and school systems, including developmental delays, sensory-motor integration
dysfunction, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, neurological
and genetic conditions. Early childhood, K-12" grades, Roanoke City Schools,
Involved with mult-disciplinary teams, child study, IEP"S (Individual Education
Plans), and IFSP's (Individualized family service plans). Supervised and
mentored OTR's and COTA's (certified occupational therapy assistant) and
OTIOTA fieldwork students. Delivered ongoing in-service training, presentations
and workshops to colleagues, school personnel and parents).
Gillian A. Rai
 March, 2018
1997-1998 Staff Occupational Therapist, Theratx, Inc. at Royal Care of Erin, Skilled Nursing
Facility in Erin, TN. Evaluated and treated individuals with adult physical
conditions including Cerebral Vascular Accidents (CVA/Stroke), Hip
replacements, Parkinson's disease, Head Injury, Amputations and Orthopedic
conditions, Physical Rehab. Planning Treatment for each patient, Group work.
Participated in weekly Rehab Meetings, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary
teamwork.
1996-1997 Occupational Therapist, Private Practitioner at The Meryck Bennet Center,
Durban, South Africa. Evaluated and treated children diagnosed Sensory
Integrative dysfunction, developmental delays, learning disabilities, attention
deficit, cerebral palsy and autism. Planned and implemented individual and group
therapy sessions, which included visual perceptual training, gross and fine motor
activities, sensory motor integration.
1995-1997 Full time School Occupational Therapist and Private Practitioner, Kenmont
School for the Learning Disabled, k-12" grade, Fynnlands, Durban, South Africa.
Evaluated and treated school-aged children diagnosed with developmental
delays, specific learning disabilities, sensory motor integration dysfunction, and
attention deficit disorder. Individual child therapy, which included visual
perceptual training, gross motor and sensory motor integration training. Planned
and conducted gross motor, social skills and writing groups. Provided In-service
trainings, and workshops. Constructed and implemented in-house and
community outreach programs which provided assessment, treatment and follow
up service for children with disabilities at a nearby impoverished school.
1995 Staff Occupational Therapist, Ethembeni Schoolfor the Physically Disabled and
Visually Impaired, Inchanga, South Africa. Evaluated and treated school-aged
children with physical conditions, e.g. hip replacements, fractures, dislocations,
amputations, rickets, cancer, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, spina bifida, and
visually impairments, genetic and neurological conditions and developmental
delays. Created and conducted treatment groups and programs. Organized and
facilitated a horseback riding program. Multi and interdisciplinary teamwork
(psychologist, teachers, speech therapist, staff occupational therapists).
Implemented prevocational training, visual perceptual and gross motor training.
Built a vision assessment program for the children to be assessed for free at the
Dept of Optometry, University of Kwazulu-Natal.
1990-1994 Student Occupational Therapist, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban-Westville,
South Africa.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ACADEMIC WORK EXPERIENCE
2017 - Part-time faculty appointment: George Washington University (GWU), Milken
Institute School of Public Health, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences.
2017 Part-time faculty appointment, GWU Milken Institute of Public Health, Public
health Biology
2017 Course Designer, Rehab Essentials, Inc.
Gillian A. Rai
 March, 2018
2016-2017 Director, Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctorate Program, Visiting
Assistant Professor, GWU, School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS),
Clinical Research and Leadership. Management of the daily operations of
graduate level program, program review and evaluation of overall effectiveness,
personnel management and budgeting. Taught courses are listed below
2014-2015 Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS), Interim Program Director and
Assistant Professor. Department of Rehabilitation and Wellness, MSOT.
Taught courses are listed below. Managed program as per Accreditation Council
for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards. Oversaw the daily
operations of the OT Program. Organized, administered, implemented, and
evaluated the overall effectiveness of the OT Program. Program review and
planning. Personnel management and budgeting. Developed the online post-
professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Served on college committees -
Graduate Council, Research and Scholarship, Culture and Service. Participated
in community service activities. Conducted research and scholarship activities.
2009-2014 JCHS, Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation and Wellness, MSOT.
Taught courses are listed below. Served on committees -Graduate Council,
Research and Scholarship, Culture and Service. Participated in community
service activities. Conducted research and scholarship activities.
2003-2008 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA, Guest Lecturer, Undergraduate students.
Department of Teaching and Learning
Provided lectures and hands-on training in the areas of assistive technology and
sensory processing to general and special education student teachers.
2002-2008 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Research Project Associate/Severe Disabilities &
Assistive Technology Coordinator - Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE)
Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC). Department of Educational
Research and Outreach.
Provided support through multiple resources, media, and service delivery models
in response to requests made by teachers and or administrators on behalf of
students with disabilities. Worked as a team member to deliver technical
assistance to educators and administrators in the area of general and special
education, birth through 22, in 34 school divisions in southwest Virginia.
Integrated effective practices in general and special education, including
technology solutions into the curriculum to meet the needs of students with
severe disabilities. Coordinated and delivered individual and classroom
consultations in educational settings, and writing of consultative reports.
Coordinated and delivered regional tr