Varleisha Lyons

Dr. Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, FNAP, is a distinguished occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She is currently the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Access & Belonging, and Governance. Previously, she served as Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Dr. Lyons is the founder of Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and made history as the first Black Indigenous American woman to serve as Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. She also founded and operated a private therapy firm for over a decade. An internationally recognized speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Lyons has written four books and lectures globally on topics including neuroanatomy, self-regulation across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma-responsive care. Her research spans multiple disciplines, with grant funding supporting community-based services and interprofessional education and care. Deeply committed to mentorship and advocacy, Dr. Lyons has guided numerous individuals into the occupational therapy profession and supported families nationwide through her volunteer work. Her mission centers on empowering underrepresented communities and fostering growth and healing in the face of trauma and adversity.