Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA is an award-winning occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in the rehabilitation field, primarily with individuals with and without disabilities across the lifespan in schools, hospitals, clinics, and community-based settings. She holds a PhD in Special Education in Early Childhood, a Masters in Occupational Therapy, Bachelors in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in counseling, Diploma in Massage Therapy, and various professional certifications, including assistive technology, telehealth, yoga, qigong, and sensory integration. Dr. Jackson received the American Occupational Therapy Association 2022 Award of Merit, the hightest award in the industry, and was simultaneously recognized in the Roster of Fellows.

Dr. Jackson has also obtained numerous certifications, including assistive technology, UI/UX design, telehealth, health and wellness, yoga, qigong, sensory integration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is an active member of several professional associations and executive boards, serving in leadership roles. Dr. Jackson has a passion for research with a focus on health and education equity, early intervention, special education, and Autism. She is a leader, speaker, advocate, educator, author, scholar, trainer, technology entrepreneur, and consultant with international experience. Dr. Jackson excels at developing people and programs through creating simplified curriculum and content, as well as providing innovative solutions!

Wellness has always been important to Dr. Douglene Jackson, having been an athlete as a young child and in college. In today’s fast-paced world, the focus on wellbeing has become more relevant than ever. Organizations and individuals are recognizing the need for balance and are increasingly investing in wellbeing programs that promote healthy lifestyles, mental resilience, cohesive communiteis, and supportive environments. These initiatives not only enhance individual health outcomes but also build stronger, more cohesive communities. By prioritizing wellbeing, we can create a foundation for longer, healthier lives and generate a ripple effect that benefits families, workplaces, and society at large.

Having firsthand experience as a healthcare provider and consumer of healthservices, Dr. Jackson leverages her lived experience with autoimmune diseases and professional expertise to improve life for individuals and organizations. Through focused activities, workshops, and wellbeing programs, she helps others develop skills and prioritize wellbeing. Using a lens of health and education equity, the programs provided through GIFTS Institute focus on physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing. Dr. Jackson has extensive training and earned certifications in various wellbeing practices, including massage, meditation, yoga, qigong, tai chi, reiki, breathwork, and sound healing. She offers personalized retreats, including wellbeing weeks and weekends for individuals and organizations.