Elizabeth Sherman, PhD, OTR/L
She/Her/Hers & They/Them/Theirs
Elizabeth is a licensed occupational therapist (MOT, OTR/L) and owner of Heart of Gold, Pittsburgh Therapy Project LLC. They specialize in supporting Autistic and neurodivergent community members across the lifespan.
Elizabeth is especially interested in disability justice & advocacy, emotional-relational development, sensory health and wellness, collaborative, transdisciplinary support for family systems, and trauma-sensitivity.
Elizabeth is an active, life-long learner and completed her PhD in Fielding Graduate University’s Infant and Early Childhood Development program, with an emphasis in Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, as well as Reflective Practice/Supervision and the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (D.I.R.) Model. Elizabeth received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at West Chester University and graduated with Honors in 2014. They received their master’s in occupational therapy (MOT) degree from Chatham University in 2016. They have experience practicing occupational therapy in early intervention, school-based settings, and specialty pediatric outpatient clinics as well as small community hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health.
In addition to her clinical work, Elizabeth is core faculty in the OT department at Carlow University. Elizabeth teaches courses on mental health occupational therapy practice, environmental modifications and community-based work, and the doctoral capstone series.
Along with their professional work, Elizabeth is an Autistic adult and super thrilled to be informed by her lived experience of navigating personal and professional spaces as a neurodivergent person. They are committed to increasing access to trauma-informed and identity-affirming healthcare for the Autistic community across the lifespan. When they are not practicing, Elizabeth is happiest being with their dog Hunny, exploring their favorite Pittsburgh parks & neighborhoods together, gardening, cooking, canning, or cozied up together under a blanket with a cup of tea.
