Nardia Aldridge, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP, DTM
Dr. Nardia Aldridge is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where she has served since 2016. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Aldridge brings a deep commitment to advancing occupational therapy through scholarship, teaching, leadership, and community engagement. Her work centers on promoting equity in education and healthcare, with particular attention to older adult populations, culturally responsive care, and mentorship of underrepresented students.
Dr. Aldridge holds a Ph.D. in Health Services with a concentration in Health Care Administration from Walden University, a Master of Science in Gerontology from Hofstra University, and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from CUNY York College. She is a licensed occupational therapist in Florida and New York and a Board-Certified Telepractice Specialist.
At NSU, Dr. Aldridge teaches across the entry-level OTD, and post-professional programs, leading courses in research, adult interventions, and professional development. She is an active mentor to doctoral students and has chaired and served on multiple dissertation committees. Her scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications on systemic racism in occupational therapy education, belonging, interprofessional education, and culturally relevant care. She has presented nationally and internationally at conferences including WFOT, AOTA, NYSOTA, and FOTA.
Dr. Aldridge is the recipient of numerous awards, including the distinguished Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) designation in 2025 for her sustained contributions to leadership, education, and service, the 2024 Jerry Bentley Practitioner Award of Excellence from the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, and the 2023 Award of Recognition from the Florida Occupational Therapy Association.
She currently serves on the AOTA Board of Directors and is a member of the steering committee for the first Master of Occupational Therapy program at the University of the West Indies. She is also the founder of Tähti’s Social Club, a wellness initiative created in honor of her late mother that promotes meaningful leisure, social connection, and cultural celebration for Caribbean older adults.
Dr. Aldridge is widely recognized for her mentorship of students and junior faculty, especially those from historically marginalized communities. She is passionate about cultivating a sense of belonging and purpose in her students and is known for creating inclusive learning environments that challenge and inspire. Through her leadership and service, NSU students gain access to global health initiatives, community-based learning experiences, and a strong professional network committed to social responsibility and excellence in occupational therapy.
Her service to the profession extends beyond academia. Dr. Aldridge is the Eastern Regional Coordinator for the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, a founding member and current president of the South Florida Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, and a preceptor of NSU’s longstanding Jamaica Medical Outreach Trip, which provides free healthcare services to underserved communities in Jamaica. She is also the founder and president of Shark Tank Toastmasters, a university-based club she established to foster professional communication, leadership development, and confidence among NSU employees and the community.
Dr. Aldridge is a proud U.S. Army veteran, Distinguished Toastmaster, and advocate for inclusive education and healthcare practices. She lives her mission of "empowering through education and service" and continues to uplift future practitioners through teaching, mentorship, and global outreach.