New Instructor Welcome: Teddie Buchner

Throughout her career, Teddie Buchner has been inspired by the difference rehabilitation professionals can make in the lives of children. However, it was her time spent as a clinical instructor and guest speaker for university programs that led her to full-time teaching. “While engaging in clinical instruction for several universities in Michigan and participating in their programs as a frequent guest speaker, I discovered a love for teaching and program development,” she explains.

Tell us a bit about yourself, Teddie.

I grew up just outside of Toronto but lived for a number of years in the United States, in both West Virginia and Michigan. My undergraduate and master's degrees are both from Grand Valley State University. I will be defending my dissertation research this fall and will graduate from Nova Southeastern University with my PhD in occupational therapy.

What led you to a career in rehabilitation sciences?

I've worked with children with a variety of physical, emotional and developmental challenges for over 40 years and had the opportunity to observe rehabilitation professionals. I saw the difference these clinicians made in the lives of the children that I supported and I wanted to do the same in my career.

What made you decide to become an instructor with the faculty?

While engaging in clinical instruction for several universities in Michigan and participating in their programs as a frequent guest speaker, I discovered a love for teaching and program development. This inspired me to complete my PhD and transition to teaching full time.

If you have a particular interest or specialty, please tell us about it.

I've spent most of my OT career working in community mental health settings. I have worked with adults, but focused my practice on supporting children with mental health challenges, eventually specializing in developmental trauma, maternal mental health and infant/pediatric mental health.

What are you looking forward to in this new role?

I am very excited about getting to know the faculty here at the University of Alberta, meeting the OT students and learning how I can best contribute to the students' knowledge and love of OT.

When you aren't teaching or in a clinic, where is your favourite place to be?

I love hanging out with my family. My partner and I have three children and we all enjoy attending live sporting events and cheering for our favourite teams when watching on television.  I enjoy reading and started quilting during the pandemic, so you might find me in my sewing room surrounded by little scraps of fabric, or curled up in a chair reading a good thriller.