Research Summary
Danielle's scholarship has focused on investigating the impact and value of the OT doctoral capstone and establishing evidence-based resources for capstone coordinator and capstone site mentors. In addition, she has conducted research on the use of family-centered principles to address sensory needs of children with autism within the early intervention setting and the application of lifestyle medicine principles in pediatric occupational therapy practice.
Education
- BS, Psychology, University of Utah
- MOT, Occupational Therapy, University of Utah
- OTD, Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah
Biography
Danielle Friberg is a licensed occupational therapist with experience in pediatric practice, including early intervention, outpatient, and NICU follow-up settings. She graduated from the University of Utah with her Master's in Occupational Therapy in 2011 and her Post-Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on the use of family-centered practices in early intervention when addressing the sensory needs of children with autism. In 2018, Friberg transitioned to full-time academia, working in the roles of Assistant Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator at West Coast University and Keck Graduate Institute. Friberg became a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2021. In 2023, she returned to Utah where she is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies where her primary responsibility is development, oversight, and delivery of the pediatric coursework. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Utah Occupational Therapy Association, and Occupational Therapy Association of California.