Christine Linkie joined the Department of Rehabilitation Science at UB as a clinical assistant professor in spring 2021. Before joining UB, Linkie taught as adjunct faculty in the Occupational Therapy program at Gannon University, where her teaching topics included mental health, occupational science, activity analysis, leadership and research guidance. Linkie’s experience includes serving as a senior occupational therapist in public schools and program director in community-based psychiatric rehabilitation, as well as working as an occupational therapist in early intervention, sensory integration and outpatient clinic settings. 

My teaching philosophy is based on transformational learning: a cognitive, social and emotional process by which students not only develop skills but also undergo a change in how they think about the world. My goal is for students to merge their new knowledge with their developing identities as professionals who have a sense of who they want to be. As an educator, I strive to create a classroom environment that promotes respect and inclusivity, fosters collaboration and creativity, and blends high standards with inspiration. Reflection and critical thinking are cornerstones of the development that results from transformational learning. I aim for students to develop empathy, intellectual curiosity, confidence in their skills, courage to challenge their assumptions and appreciation for the many ways in which they can increase the well-being of their clients and for our world. As an educator, I want students to continue to be adult learners whose critical thinking, interpersonal and clinical skills allow them to transform their empathy and curiosity into action.

Linkie currently teaches courses in mental health special topics, evaluation and treatment of neurological and cognitive conditions, home-based occupational therapy assessment and intervention, Level I community-based fieldwork, and research guidance.