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College of Health, Human Services & Nursing                                     
Department of Occupational Therapy

Lecturer

310-243-2726
eito@csudh.edu

EDUCATION

2013
Master of Arts, Occupational Therapy | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California

2012
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California

2012
Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California

BIO

Emi Ito, OTR/L, BCPR, CHT, CLT, CEAS, is a licensed occupational therapist and faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú, Dominguez Hills. She brings over a decade of clinical experience with a primary focus on outpatient hand therapy, upper-extremity rehabilitation, and physical rehabilitation across inpatient and outpatient settings.

Her professional background includes advanced specialization in hand therapy, lymphedema management, and ergonomics. She completed a year-long AOTA-approved hand therapy fellowship and is board certified in physical rehabilitation. Emi’s teaching and clinical philosophy emphasizes compassionate, client-centered, and occupation-based care, integrating evidence-based practice with cultural humility and occupational justice.

Emi has extensive experience as a fieldwork educator, clinical instructor, presenter, and community educator. She is committed to mentoring future occupational therapists and fostering inclusive learning environments that value diversity, equity, and applied clinical reasoning.

CREDENTIALS & LICENSURE

• Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR/L)

• California Board of Occupational Therapy License #13922 (Expires December 2025)

• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

• AOTA Board Certified in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)

• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)

• Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS)

• NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapist

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center – Torrance, California
Occupational Therapist, Outpatient & Inpatient Rehabilitation
January 2014 – June 2017; September 2018 – Present

• Provide occupational therapy services for orthopedic, neurological, upper-extremity, and lymphedema conditions across inpatient, outpatient, and ICU settings

• Collaborate in interdisciplinary case reviews and treatment planning

• Lead evidence-based initiatives including OT journal clubs, in-service education, and protocol development

• Develop Epic documentation tools and assist with system-wide documentation improvements

• Serve as clinical instructor for Level I occupational therapy students

• Implement orthotic fabrication in acute care settings

• Support departmental operations including scheduling and inventory systems

FELLOWSHIP

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine – Sugar Land, Texas
Hand Therapy Fellowship (AOTA-Approved)
July 2017 – August 2018

• Completed advanced training in upper-extremity rehabilitation under mentorship of certified hand therapists and hand surgeons

• Conducted outcomes research on scapholunate ligament repair

• Participated in orthopedic surgeries, labs, lectures, and community outreach

• Completed portfolio for AOTA Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation

ARTICLES IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS

• Ito, E., & Stein, P. (2023). Postpartum Wrist Pain. ASHT Times, 30(4), 1, 4–5.

• Ito, E. (2019). A Day in the Life of an Outpatient Hand Therapist. Myotspot.com

• Ito, E. (2019). Global Collaboration and Friendship: About the Companion Clinic Program. ASHT Times, 26(4), 9–10.

• Ito, E., Benchic, M., Newman, R., & Cooper, C. (2019). Compassionate Care in Hand Therapy. ASHT Times, 26(3), 16–19.

REFEREED PRESENTATIONS & CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

• Compassionate Care in Hand Therapy: What’s Love Got to Do With It?
  Instructional Session, ASHT Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., 2019

• Preparing for the CHT Exam
  HTCC Exam Prep Panel, ASHT Annual Meeting, 2019

• Effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Post-Stroke
  Poster Presentation, AOTA Annual Conference, 2013

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

• Lymphedema Therapy: Where Do We Start? — MedBridge Webinar, 2024

• Multiple invited clinical presentations on hand therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, lymphedema management, splinting, stroke rehabilitation, and joint protection (2015–2018)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & LEADERSHIP

• Member, American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) International Committee (2018–Present)

• Community health education and outreach through workshops, health fairs, refugee health assessments, and international service