Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sandra Dunbar-Smalley

Dr. Sandra Dunbar-Smalley (Sandee) received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University, her Masters of Art degree from New York University and her Doctorate in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Sandee is currently the Vice President of the AdventHealth Leadership Institute in Orlando, Florida, where she oversees numerous leadership development programs. Sandee served for four years as the Provost of AdventHealth University, which followed over twenty years at Nova Southeastern University as an Occupational Therapy faculty member, Chair and then Assistant Dean in the College of Healthcare Sciences. Sandee developed the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence at Nova Southeastern University to train faculty members in research, teaching/learning principles and leadership/management aspects of higher education.

Sandee’s occupational therapy career has included positions in three different hospitals, various outpatient clinics and home health. Her love of pediatrics has led to the creation of many innovative family centered care programs, including programs for women in drug rehabilitation and pregnant teens, in addition to writing a textbook on Occupational Therapy Models for Pediatric Practice.

Sandee is also the author and co-author of leadership books, An Occupational Perspective of Leadership (3 editions), geared towards enabling others to easily apply leadership theory in everyday clinical and classroom experiences. Sandee has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to effective leadership practices, including creating a clear vision and supporting others in achieving organizational goals. She is a believer in Servant Leadership and the benefits of helping others to professionally develop to be their best selves.

Sandee has received many academic and service awards, including three Golden Apple awards for her teaching excellence. She enjoys mentoring and has been rewarded by seeing several mentees become leaders in the occupational therapy profession.

Sandee is married to Arnold Smalley, CEO of Small World Solutions, a corporate training business. She also has one young adult son, Jaden, and one young adult step-daughter, Alyssa. Some of Sandee’s favorite occupations are shopping, swimming, trying new restaurants, community service, traveling, reading and writing.