Karla D Reese

Karla Reese is a clinical assistant professor and the doctoral capstone coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at Cleveland State University. A practicing occupational therapist since 2003, she has extensive experience in skilled nursing, pediatric outpatient, and school-based settings. She holds a post-baccalaureate certificate in occupational therapy and a Master of Science in Health Sciences from Cleveland State University, and earned her Doctor of Health Sciences from Radford University in 2020, specializing in higher education and academia.

Dr. Reese serves as the Director of DEIJAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging) Initiatives for the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association. She is the co-host and co-producer of OT After Dark, an internationally recognized podcast focused on sexuality and intimacy for individuals with disabilities. Her scholarly work includes published book chapters and trade articles on sexuality and disability. She is also a CSU Equity Champion.