Valerie Miller, PHD

My mission is to foster meaningful connections and advocate for the value of every individual, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, by leveraging my expertise in occupational therapy, community-based research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I am committed to creating innovative, inclusive solutions and empowering others through integrity, advocacy, and vulnerability.

Master of Science: Eastern Kentucky University 2013 (Occupational Therapy)

Bachelor of Arts: Georgetown College 2009 (Psychology)

PhD: University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky, 2022 (Rehabilitation Sciences)

I'm passionate about the inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the community. I have a heavy research focus on the transition-aged population transitioning between high school and adulthood.

Grant: #FY26 award Investigators:Clark, Jensine'; Miller, Valerie; Schwab-Farrell, Sarah 09-15-2025 -09-14-2026 Ohio Physical Therapy Association Co-Constructing the Rehabilitation Research Agenda for Adults with Cerebral Palsy Role:Collaborator 1500.00 Awarded Level:Non Profit

Peer Reviewed Publications

Will, M.N., Currans,, K., Smith, J., Weber, S., Duncan, A., Burton, J., Kroeger-Geoppinger, K., Miller, V., Stone, M., Mays, L., Luebrescht, A., Heeman, A., Erickson, C., & Anixt, A.  (2018). Evidence-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 1-17

Miller, V.P., Leigers, K., Howell, D., Kitzman, P., & Ault, M.  (2022). Using social network analysis to measure social inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. . Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 25

Ault, M.J., Slocum, V., Collins, B.C., Leahy, M.M. and Miller, V.  (2021). Perceptions of faith leaders on the inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in their communities . Journal of Disability and Religion.

Miller, V.P., & Skubik-Peplaski, C.  (2020). A systematic review of supports for participation in faith settings for individuals with disabilities. . Inclusion , 8 (2)

Miller, V.P., Sampson, M. & Howell, D.  (2024). The use of adult coaching interventions to support children with disabilities in occupational therapy: A Literature review . Occupational Therapy in Healthcare, 1More Information

Miller, V.P., Howell, D., & Kitzman, P.  (2025). The Effectiveness of an Occupational Performance Coaching Intervention with Volunteers to Support the Social Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Faith Settings: A Case Report. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 1-8More Information

Book Chapter

Miller, V.P., & McQuiddy, V.A. (2025). College life, transitioning, and success for neurodivergent individuals. . In The Handbook of Evidence-based Neuroinclusive Teaching, Course Design, and Student Support in Higher Education. Elsevier

Invited Presentations

Valerie Miller (01-04-2023. ) Improving Clinical Outcomes: Strategies for Managing Difficult Behaviors and Challenging Clients .Blount Memorial Hospital - Online, Other Institution. . Level:Department

Valerie Miller (09-15-2022. ) Increasing Social Inclusion for Children with Disabilities in Faith-Based Settings .University of Kentucky Research Seminar, Online.

Valerie Miller (05-05-2021. ) Understanding the Experiences of Faith-Based Volunteers Serving Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in their Faith Settings .University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences 20th Anniversary Celebration, Online.

Poster Presentations

Valerie Hill, Erin Wagner, Valerie Miller (03-27-2023. ) Results of the Healthy GOALS Efficacy Study of a Life-management Intervention on Engagement in Meaningful Activities and Quality of Life Post-stroke .American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO . . Level:National

Valerie Miller (09-28-2022. ) The Use of Adult Coaching to Support Children with Disabilities: A Scoping Review .Ohio Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Cincinnati Ohio. . Level:State

Miller V., Wolfer, K., & Goings, J. (11-11-2021. ) Complementary Perspectives: An Inter-Disciplinary Approach to Independent Living Skills .State of the Art Annual Conference, Online. .

Miller, V., Thompson, B., Schwarz A., & Cartrwight, B (04-16-2021. ) Understanding the Experiences of Faith-Based Volunteers Serving Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in their Faith Settings .University of Cincinnati Annual PRaISE Presentation, Cincinnati, Ohio. .

Miller V., Wolfer, K., & Goings, J. (10-08-2020. ) A Model for Interdisciplinary Synergy in Comprehensive Transition Programs .ThinkCollege Annual Director’s Meeting, Online. .

Symposium

Valerie Miller (10-18-2021. ) Does Every Child Have a Church? .Online.

2019 UC Mental Health Champion UC Student Government

University of Cincinnati (Faculty Grievance Committee ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 10-2023

Open Journal of Occupational Therapy Reviewer Type:Editorial Service Level:Prof. Org. 10-2023

Ohio Occupational Thearpy Association (Annual Conference Planning Committee ) Member Type:Service to Professional Associations Level:State 01-2022 -09-2022

University of Cincinnati (Mental Health Champion ) Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 01-2020

Academic - Health Sciences Building
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati  Ohio, 45267
Phone: 513-558-5122