Program Faculty and Staff

Sherrilene Classen, PhD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA is Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida (UF). Dr. Classen, an academic leader, is an internationally funded prevention-oriented rehabilitation scientist with expertise in fitness-to-drive issues in at-risk drivers through the lifespan with content expertise in clinical assessments, driving simulators, on-road assessments, and autonomous vehicles. She has established SmartDriverTM (2017), a clinical driver rehabilitation program at UF, and developed the 14-credit Post-Professional Certificate in Driver Rehabilitation Therapy—with UF being the sole university in the U.S. teaching this program. Dr. Classen applies a public health, rehabilitation science, and clinical perspective to illuminate the depth and breadth of driver rehabilitation as a specialty area. Since 2002, she has received competitive external funding (totaling >$15 million) from U.S. federal agencies, industry, foundations, state departments, and international agencies. She has (co)authored over 230 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and special journal issues; is the editor of a handbook on driving simulation; and has presented over 350 papers at scientific conferences. Dr. Classen is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Gerontological Society of America, an inductee of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation’s Academy of Research, and Chair of the National Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists Research Committee (2022-2024).

Beth Anderson Gibson, OTR/L, CDRS is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida. She is the manager of the UF SmartDriver™ Rehab program which provides driver rehabilitation services to the community. She instructs in the Driver Rehabilitation Therapy certificate program. She is participating in driving related research initiatives through the Institute for Driving, Activity, Participation and Technology (I-DAPT). Ms. Gibson is a licensed and registered occupational therapist, and certified driver rehabilitation specialist . She completed her BS in occupational therapy at the University of New Hampshire. Ms. Gibson has worked in driver rehabilitation for over 28 years providing comprehensive driver evaluations and training to clients across the age spectrum with an emphasis on low- and high-tech equipment. She currently serves on the professional development and research committees and the speakers bureau of the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). She is a former ADED executive board member and has been awarded for her volunteer service to that organization. She has provided continuing education presentations on driver rehabilitation topics including adaptive driving equipment and wheelchair/vehicle compatibility both locally and at national conferences such as ADED and RESNA. Her clinical practice experience includes SCI, TBI, MS, CVA, neuropathy, amputees, muscular dystrophies, MCI, dementia and young adults with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, ASD, ADHD, MID and learning disabilities. She has worked in inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, hospital outpatient and private practice settings in the Atlanta area and has provided driver rehab services in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama.