Occupational Therapy

Rebecca Ahlfeld

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

(865) 686-5957

rahlfeld@tnwesleyan.edu

Bio

Dr. Rebecca Ahlfeld is a dual-licensed physical and occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience spanning clinical practice, higher education, and community engagement. She is dedicated to advancing evidence-based, inclusive, and hands-on approaches to occupational therapy through education and scholarship. She strives to prepare future practitioners to think critically, work collaboratively, and promote equitable participation for all individuals.

Dr. Ahlfeld earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University. She holds active Tennessee licenses in both physical and occupational therapy and maintains multiple professional certifications. Her research and professional presentations address topics such as dementia care, inclusivity in occupational therapy education, and the psychosocial effects of social media among adolescents. Her commitment to excellence in teaching has been recognized through the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Foundation’s Excellent Educator Award (2022) and Tennessee Wesleyan University’s New Faculty Incentive Award (2021). Away from campus, she enjoys traveling with her family and cheering her daughter on at rock climbing competitions.

Courses

  • OCT 509

    Functional Anatomy

  • OCT 613

    Pathologies & Interventions I

  • OCT 701

    Modalities & Upper Extremities

  • OCT 722

    Research & Leadership in Occupational Therapy Practice III: Master’s Thesis Implementation

  • OCT 822

    Research & Leadership in OT IV

Publications

  • Moore, S., Freeman, S., Spataro, M. & Ahlfeld, R., PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT. (2025, September 12-14). Impact of music on engagement with dementia patients. [Poster Presentation]. 2025 TNOTA Conference, Jackson, TN.

  • Baron, K., OTS, Keathley, J., OTS, Cox, J.B., OTS, Roque, E., OTS, Ahlfeld, R., PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT., & Hopkins, S., OTD, MOT, OTR/L. (2024, September 13-15). The effects of social media on middle school aged students. [Poster Presentation]. 2024 TNOTA Conference, Nashville, TN.

  • Hudson, A., OTS, Akwalia, R., OTS, Ahlfeld, R., PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT & Hopkins, S., OTD, MOT, OTR/L. (2024, September 13-15). Are there gaps within newborn education for parents and are occupational therapy prepared to fill the gap? [Poster Presentation]. 2024 TNOTA Conference, Nashville, TN.

  • Massey, C., Tubb, C., Corn, L., Ahlfeld, R., PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, & Hopkins, S., OTD, MOT, OTR/L. (2024, September 13-15). Do occupational therapy graduate programs adequately prepare students to treat sexual and gender minority (SGM) clients? [ Poster Presentation]. 2024 TNOTA Conference, Nashville, TN.