Dr. Surfas, Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California is a specialist in the area of pediatrics and currently services as the Director of Occupational Therapy at the USC University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) based at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She is an active
clinician with the Boone Fetter Autism Clinic, an Autism Treatment Network site which operates as a diagnostic,
clinical and research center for autism and other Neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. Her recently appointed role with the UCEDD, has primarily addressed a nationally prevalent gap in occupational therapy services for children with mental health needs, while providing awareness and education, along with direct and consultative services which has quintupled since her inception. A new relationship with local Head Start programs has developed into presentations of continuing education lectures and brochure materials on the topics of autism and sensory integration in the classroom for educators and the families they serve. She has taught child development in the Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science Department at the University of Southern California, along with continuing education in advance practice for sensory integration, autism, and interdisciplinary assessments. Her
recent publication, A. Jean Ayres: The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration, is now available as a teaching tool for professionals and families as a model of dedication, leadership, and achievement of excellence in life.
Current Roles
• Assistant Clinical Professor Clinical Occupational Therapy, Division of OS/OT, USC, 2010-present
• Occupational Therapy Director, 2010 - present, USC UCEDD at CHLA
• Lead Occupational Therapist with Boone Fetter Autism Clinic at CHLA
Education
• OTD, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California
• Advanced Practice S.I.P.T. Certification, Los Angeles, CA
• MA, Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California
• BS, Psychology, Lake Forest College, IL
Areas of Interest
• Creating a hub for pediatric occupational therapy mental health practice
• Providing education about occupational therapy across health care disciplines
• Advocacy for interdisciplinary training model
• Actively investigate relationship of sensory integration and autism
