Riqiea Kitchens PhD, OTR, BCPR, CSRS, FAOTA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy in the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Health Professions and joined UTMB in 2019. Dr. Kitchens earned her B.S. in Biology from Jackson State University, her M.S. in Occupational Therapy the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her PhD in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Kitchens holds advanced certifications as a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and is Board Certified in Physical Rehabilitation through the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Dr. Kitchens has clinical experience in adult physical disabilities and neurological rehabilitation across settings and has developed a stroke self-management program for medically underserved stroke populations. She is an experienced Occupational Therapy educator with expertise in course and program development. Dr. Kitchens’ scholarship is focused on topics of stroke, self-management, chronic conditions, health promotion, and implementation science. Additionally, she is interested in topics of belonging, inclusion, mentorship, and leadership in occupational therapy. Dr. Kitchens has been recognized as the March 2023 UTMB Academy of Master Teachers Educators of the Month, Texas Occupational Therapy Association Clinical Educator of the Year, and the 2025 American Occupational Therapy Roster of Fellows. She currently serves as the president of the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus.
Teaching Interest
- Clinical Conditions
- Neurological Practice
- Professionalism
- Stroke Self-Management