Gillian A. Rai, DOT, M.Ed.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (540) 224-4731
E-mail: GARai@jchs.edu

Ms. Rai received her bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Durban-Westville, South Africa, where she was born and raised. She decided to visit the USA in 1997, as a result of her curious nature and a passion for learning. Through her travels, she decided to make VA her home, although still a South African at heart. 

While working as an Occupational Therapist in the school systems, Ms. Rai had a strong desire to understand the academic demands placed on children in the elementary school setting as well as the integration of effective practices in special education, including the provision of technology solutions into the curriculum & instruction to meet the needs of students with mild to severe disabilities, and decided to pursue a masters degree in education. She earned her Masters degree in Special Education (with a Learning Disabilities concentration) from Virginia Polytechnic University in 2004, where she also worked as full time faculty in a special education research program, teaching and providing consultations to schools in SW Virginia. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Rai continues to enjoy working clinically with children as well as creating, planning and facilitating workshops and training at state and national conferences. Ms. Rai is also SIPT certified with 16 years of combined practice and teaching experience here and abroad in the field of pediatric Occupational Therapy, serving children and families in private practice, school systems, early intervention, and many other settings. In keeping with her passion for learning, she joined the Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2009, teaching in both the OTA and OT programs. Ms. Rai is also currently pursuing her Doctorate in OT (Pediatrics) at Temple University.