Theresa Berner, PT
Occupational Therapist
Conditions and expertise
- Occupational Therapy
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Neuromuscular Diseases
Locations
- University Hospital
About
- Gender
- Female
Biography
I am an occupational therapist and Rehabilitation Clinical Manager at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I have more than 25 years’ experience in seating and positioning and Adult Neuro Rehabilitation. I have been certified by RESNA as an assistive technology professional (ATP). I am responsible for Assistive Technology center and the Adaptive Sports Institute. I am also a clinical instructor at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Ohio State and oversees the OT Neurologic Fellowship Program. I am a member of the Clinician Task Force and I was recently appointed to the United Spinal Board of Directors. I have participated in presentations across the country at many national and international conferences.
My career mission is to bridge research, policy, and practice so that wheelchairs are not just devices, but lifelines to dignity and independence. In my daily work, I see how proactive, equitable, and evidence‑based service delivery can fundamentally change the lives of wheelchair users, including those in rural, underserved, and minority communities who often face systemic barriers to accessing CRT. I am passionate about the role of the clinician as part of the complex rehab team to advocate for the needs of the patients. Engagement in the OT program directly advances that mission by strengthening the scientific foundation needed for early detection of emerging musculoskeletal risk, individualized wheelchair configuration, and preventative, follow‑up-driven models of care.
Highlights
- Certification: Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP), RESNA
- 2022 Samuel McFarland Mentorship Award; Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), Arlington Virginia
- 2018 Ohio State 2018 Outstanding Clinical Partner Award. The Ohio State University OT Division
- 2017 Values in Action Award. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
- 2016 TLC Distinguished Clinical Award, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals
- 2016 Certificate of Appreciation for extraordinary contributions to the advancement of Occupational Therapy in the state of Ohio. Ohio Occupational Therapy Association
Conditions and expertise
- Neuromuscular Diseases
- Occupational Therapy
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- MOT
- Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH, United States
- BS - Child Development
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
News and media
My news coverage
Consulting and related relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Theresa Berner has reported no relationships with companies or entities.