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Dr. Kelly Taylor is an Interim Program Chair, Associate Professor, and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator of the Occupational Therapy Program at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University - Paducah Regional Campus. She received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, focusing on adult neurorehabilitation across the continuum of care. She has also earned a Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kentucky and is a graduate of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science in 2011. Dr. Taylor has special research interests focused on increasing participation in physical activity and exercise in persons with physical disabilities as well as enhancing independence and participation of persons with acquired neurological injuries. She is also interested in investigating and promoting the health and well-being of healthcare graduate students and faculty members. Prior to her current faculty appointment, she was a practicing clinician working with adults with various neurological conditions including traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. She has worked at facilities in St. Louis, MO and the nationally-renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, as an inpatient occupational therapist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist. Dr. Taylor also served as a Clinical Research Specialist for the Occupational Therapy Program at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, MO, working with adults with various physical disabilities, where she continues to serve as a Translational Research Consultant.

Dr. Candace Alvey is an assistant professor in the occupational therapy program at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University - Paducah Campus. She received both her BSOT (2009) and MSOT (2010) from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana. She received her DOT (2018) from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. Dr. Alvey has been practicing OT for the past 8 years with experience in acute, subacute, outpatient, and long-term care settings. She has special interest in research concerning the geriatric population with focus on oral care and the effects of poor oral hygiene on the health and well-being of those living in a skilled nursing facility. Dr. Alvey is a National rated women's gymnastics official where she officiates competitions through the collegiate level. Dr. Alvey had the honor of being selected to officiate both the 2018 Southeast Conference Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, and the 2018 Regional Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wesley Belt is an Instructor in the occupational therapy program at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University – Paducah Regional Campus. Wesley is a graduate of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State’s Exercise Science program (2022) and completed the accelerated Exercise Science to MSOT program through the university. A graduate of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program 4th cohort (2023), Wesley has since been practicing occupational therapy for 3 years while specializing in outpatient orthopedic pathology of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. He also holds a Level One certification in Functional Dry Needling through Evidence in Motion. Most recently, Wesley has worked in the outpatient pediatric setting, assisting children with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and Down Syndrome. Wesley also works PRN with a local skilled nursing facility, assisting patients regain their functional independence in their desired occupations. Wesley has a special interest in advocating for occupational therapists as an important part of the care team for patients with orthopedic pathologies.