Dr. Halliwell’s occupational role include:  Sister, Daughter, Friend, Educator, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver (pet), Yogi, and Enthusiast for Arts, Cooking, and Outdoor Activities.

Dr. Halliwell began her occupational therapy career in 2012 as a graduate of the Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Over the past nine years, the majority of her clinical experience across various pediatric settings including school based, clinic based, home services for the pediatric population and early intervention populations. Dr. Halliwell’s professional background with a blend of experience in social work, brain and spinal cord injury, psychiatrics, and pediatrics has inspired her the holistic approach to Occupational Therapy practice and the philosophy of facilitating meaningful occupational engagement for clients in context. Throughout her clinical career, Dr. Halliwell has tenaciously pursued continuing education through varied coursework and attendance at local and national conferences and has also completed numerous trainings with the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. in order to learn how to use equine movement (hippotherapy) as a treatment tool.

Dr. Halliwell’s strong drive for maintaining and expanding her professional competency while integrating current research literature inspired her return to academics to complete her Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus in Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2019. Her thesis research focused on a phenomenological exploration of sleep for families of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Dr. Halliwell returned to Seton Hall University as an adjunct professor in 2020 teaching pediatric and introductory coursework. Dr. Halliwell joined the team at Monmouth University in January 2021 to help continue to develop the new OTD program.

 In her free time, Dr. Halliwell enjoys live music, taking and teaching yoga classes, hiking, and cooking. She deeply values spending time relaxing and recharging with her family and friends.

Education

Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy, Seton Hall University

Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science, Seton Hall University

Research and Scholarship Interests

• Families
• Sleep
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Young Adult Transition
• Multisensory Environments

Publications and Peer Reviewed Presentations

Halliwell, N., Podvey, M., Smith, J. D., Harris, K., Sylvester, L., & DeGrace, B. W. (2021). Experience of sleep for families of young adults with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.043364

Halliwell, N. (2021, July 1).  Monmouth University Hosts Virtual Educational Event: What Does It Mean to Have Your Car Fit?. New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Newsletter, 6(3).

Halliwell, N., Podvey, M., Sylvester, L., Smith, J., Harris, K. DeGrace, B. (2020, December) Experience of Sleep for Families of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Video recorded poster presentation at the American Association of Occupational Therapy Children and Youth Specialty Conference, Held virtually

Halliwell, N., Podvey, M., Sylvester, L., Smith, J., Harris, K. DeGrace, B. (2020, March). Experience of Sleep: Families of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Accepted poster presentation at the Annual Conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association 2020, Boston, MA.

Halliwell, N., Harris, K., Smith, J., DeGrace, B. (2019, April). Experience of Sleep: Families of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presentation at the 9th Annual College of Allied Health Research Day, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Mernar, T. J., Halliwell, N., Ramos, E., Ryan, C., & Simon, E. (2012, April). Autonomic nervous system functioning as a correlate to health and recovery. Poster presentation at the 16th Annual Petersheim Academic Exposition, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. 

Mernar, T. J., Halliwell, N., Ramos, E., Ryan, C., & Simon, E. (2011, October). Autonomic nervous system functioning as a correlate to health and recovery. Poster presentation at the 38th Annual New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Kean University, Union, NJ.

Awards and Honors

2016    Recipient, US Department of Education OSEP Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities

2012     Recipient, School of Health and Medical Sciences Research Award                        
2010     Recipient, Mary Lousie Doyle Panhellenic Award for Outstanding Service        

Professional Activities and Memberships/Certifications

Member – American Occupational Therapy Association

Member – New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association

Member – National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Member – Order of Omega Honor Society

Registered – National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists

Licensee – New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Occupational Therapy Council

Certified – New Jersey Department of Health Early Intervention System Provider

Certified – New Jersey School Occupational Therapist

Grant Support

University of Oklahoma Health Science Center College of Allied Health: Research and Creativity Grant in support of doctoral thesis