Kimberly Erler, OT, PhD
Associate Professor
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Kimberly Erler, OT, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Her research focuses on neurorehabilitation after stroke and brain injury, with an emphasis on family caregiver support and knowledge translation in clinical practice. She directs Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery and leads interprofessional initiatives to improve outcomes across the continuum of care. Dr. Erler earned her BS and MS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University and her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the MGH Institute. She is committed to advancing evidence-based, person-centered approaches in neurorehabilitation.

Presenting at the Nexus Summit:

This lightning talk will describe an initiative that promotes stroke caregiver health. Stroke survivors have a high rate of disability and significant chronic needs. Informal caregivers play a critical role in aiding the recovery process, preventing further strokes, and maintaining the stroke survivors’ involvement in their communities. Caregiving is an all-encompassing role, and stroke caregivers experience negative changes to their health and wellness. Physiological and psychological impacts include cardiovascular disease, risky health behaviors, depression, anxiety, stress, decreased…