Jennifer Bolay, OTD
Dr. Jennifer Bolay joined East Tennessee State University in August 2025 and is an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program. Her primary area of practice is pediatrics, specifically the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), focusing on feeding, swallowing, lactation, and motor/sensory development. Dr. Bolay's passion for OT and neonates extends beyond the U.S. into East Africa, where she has dedicated many years to building partnerships with community and government organizations to support education and advocacy for neonatal and pediatric care in rural Kenyan communities.
Professional memberships include American Occupational Therapy Association, Tennessee
Occupational Therapy Association, Utah Occupational Therapy Association, National
Association of Neonatal Therapists, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy.
Credentials include Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT), International Board-Certified
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Neonatal Touch and Message Therapist Certification
(NTMTC).
Education:
In progress- dissertation phase, Ph.D. in Health Sciences, Rocky Mountain University
of Health Professions
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD), Nova Southeastern University- Tampa
Post-Master’s Certificate in Professional Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University
M.Ed. in Low-Incidence Disabilities, Vanderbilt University
B.S. in Special Education, University of South Florida
Courses Taught:
Foundation of OT II
Human Development and Performance Across the Lifespan
Practice Skills: Pediatrics
Community-Based Interprofessional Practice I (co-instructor)
Directed Evidenced-Based Project
Doctoral Capstone Project
Research Interests:
Neonatal brachial plexus Injuries
Discharge practices of NICU interprofessional teams
Neonatal care in rural communities in developing countries
Caregiver involvement in the NICU