Quinnipiac University
Clinical Associate Professor
Hamden, CT
2024 - Present
Nicole A. Fidanza
Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Program Director of Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Nicole A. Fidanza
Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Program Director of Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Fidanza is a Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Director of the Entry-level OTD Program at Quinnipiac University. She has focused her practice on working with older adult clients across the continuum of rehabilitative care. Her teaching focuses on gerontology, neurorehabilitation, occupation and health, and professionalism. Her current scholarship is focused on the connection between social participation, frailty, and well-being amongst community-dwelling older adults. In 2019, she developed 'Opportunity to Thrive: The Fidanza Method to Enrich Older Adult Social Health' for The Towers at Tower Lane. This program addresses the frailty via secondary prevention; it is a part of The Towers' Proactive Partner Model, which places the resident at the center of services designed to meet their needs at no cost.
Education
- BS, Quinnipiac University
- MOT, Quinnipiac University
- OTD, Quinnipiac University
Areas of Expertise
- Public Health & Global Public Health
- Neurology/Neuroscience
- Health & Wellness
- Neurorehabilitation/Neurosurgery
- Geriatrics/Gerontology/Ageing
Organization
- Occupational Therapy
Office Location
- Medicine, Nursing, Health Sci 362M
Mail Drop
- NH-HSC
Courses
-
OT 532 Neurorehabilitation in Occupational Therapy
Fall 2025 -
OTD 512 Applied Neuroscience in OT Practice
Fall 2025 -
OTD 525 OT for Adults and Older Adults II
Spring 2025 -
OTD 531 Leadership and Change
Summer 1 2025 -
OTD 580 Fieldwork Level IIA
Summer 1 2025 -
OTD 790 Doctoral Project Seminar
Spring 2025 -
OTM 512 Applied Neuroscience in OT Practice
Fall 2025
Experience
Quinnipiac University
Program Director, Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hamden, CT
2023 - Present
Quinnipiac University
Programs Coordinator- BSMOT, BSOTD, PBOTD
Hamden, CT
2023 - 2023
Quinnipiac University
BS/MOT Program Coordinator, Upper Division
Hamden, CT
2021 - 2023
Quinnipiac University
Clinical Assistant Professor
Hamden, CT
2018 - 2024
Quinnipiac University
Visiting Faculty
Hamden, CT
2018 - 2018
The Dodd Law Firm, LLC
Home Safety Consultant
Cheshire, Connecticut
2018 - 2019
UCONN Health Center, John Dempsey Hospital
Per Diem Occupational Therapist
Farmington, Connecticut
2014 - 2015
Quinnipiac University
Adjunct Faculty
Hamden CT
2011 - 2017
Genesis Rehabilitation Services
Staff Occupational Therapist
Naugatuck, Connecticut
2011 - 2018
Genesis Rehabilitation Services
Per Diem Occupational Therapist
Naugatuck, Connecticut
2009 - 2011
Saint Mary’s Hospital
Staff Occupational Therapist
Waterbury, Connecticut
2008 - 2011
Selected Publications
Peer Reviewed Poster
Ensuring OT's Role in Sleep: Embedding Sleep Concepts Throughout an OT Curriculum
Sanders, M., Carlson, A.N., Fidanza, N., Glennon, T., Majeski, K., Nadeau, B., Strange, V., Van Oss, T., Wescott, E., & Latella, D.
AOTA Inspire 2025, Philadelphia, PA, Quinnipiac University (2025)
Peer Reviewed Presentations
Exploring the Creation & Impact of an Academic–Community Partnership in Senior Housing
Fidanza, N., Wescott, J., Samson, A., & McConnell, M.
AOTA Inspire 2025, Philadelphia, PA, Quinnipiac University (2025)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Opportunity to Thrive: A Unique, Effective Community-based Program to Address Frailty in Senior Housing
Fidanza, N., & Frost, G.
AOTA Inspire 2025, Philadelphia, PA, Quinnipiac University (2025)
Invited Speaker
Quinnipiac Golden Bobcat Luncheon- Ageism and Health
Fidanza, N., & Blood, K.
(2024)
Invited Speaker
TV interview (live)- Fox 61 Morning Show- Ageism Awareness Day
Fidanza, N.
(2024)
Invited Speaker
Radio Interview- WICC Melissa in the Morning- Ageism Awareness Day
Fidanza, N.
Quinnipiac University (2024)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Using Data Analytics to Address Fall Prevention in a Senior Housing Complex
Fidanza, N., Cruz, M., Harrison, C., Landau, C., & McDonald, S.
AOTA Inspire 2024, Orlando, FL (2024)
Peer Reviewed Presentations
Exploring the Impact of an Academic/Community Partnership in Senior Housing (short course)
Fidanza, N., Wescott, J., Samson, A., & McConnell, M.
ConnOTA 2024 Annual Conference , Virtual (2024)
Peer Reviewed Presentations
Its Raining Cats & Dogs and Parakeets & Rabbits: The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond in Older Adults
Barrett, C., Cataldo, M., Fidanza, N., Hall, J., & Hubbard, J.
New England Resident Service Coodinators (NERSC) Conference 2024, Uncasville, CT (2024)
Invited Speaker
Opening Remarks
Fidanza, N.
Breaking the Age Code: How Your Age Beliefs Determine How Long & Well You Live with Becca Levy, North Haven, CT, Quinnipiac University (2024)
Chapter
Interprofessional Perspectives for Community Practice: Promoting Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life.
Fidanza, N.
Promoting Social Health of Older Adults 1st ed. (SLACK Incorporated 2024)
Addressing Hoarding in Senior Housing: Non-traditional Fieldwork II
Basso, J. & Fidanza, N.
28(8) OT Practice 25-28 Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac UniversityAugust (2023)
Chapter
Quintessential Occupational Therapy: A Guide to Areas of Practice
Fidanza, N. A. & Frank-Hirsch, M.C.
Skilled Nursing Facilities 1st ed. Thorofare, NJ (SLACK Incorporated 2023)
Invited Speaker
What is an Age-Friendly University?
Fidanza, N., Molony, S., Jacobson, S., & Fedus, D.
Quinnipiac University Alumni Weekend 'Golden Bobcat' Luncheon, Hamden CT, Quinnipiac University (2023)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Promoting Nutrition Management to Address Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex
Fidanza, N., Bruno, M., Caron, M., Mobilia, M., & Weinstein, J.
AOTA Inspire 2023, Kansas City, MO, Quinnipiac University (2023)
Invited Speaker
Opening Remarks
Fidanza, N.
Livability 2023: Our Aging Landscape, Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)
Peer Reviewed Presentations
Opportunity to Thrive: A Community-based Program for Frailty in Senior Housing
FIdanza, N.; Rzepka, D., & Basso, J.
AOTA Specialty Conference: Connecting Community & Occupational Therapy, Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Promoting Nutrition Management to Address Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex
Fidanza, N., Bruno, M., Caron, M., Mobilia, M., & Weinstein, J.
ConnOTA 2023 Annual Conference , VIrtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)
Invited Speaker
Radio Interview- WICC Melissa in the Morning- Holiday Tips for Caregivers of those with Dementia
Fidanza, N.
Quinnipiac University (2023)
Invited Speaker
Opening Remarks
Fidanza, N.
The Journey to Livable Communities: Inclusive, Innovative, Intergenerational , Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2022)
Peer Reviewed Presentations
We Didn't Expect It to Be So Different: Two Educators Discuss Their Transition From Adjuncts to Full-Time Professors
Akselrud, R. & Fidanza, N
AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Secondary Prevention of Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex: How to Create Health Literate Educational Handouts for Older Adults
Fidanza, N., Baker, A., Bastos, S., DiGiacinto, J. & Scotto, M.
AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Age-friendly University Initiative: Advancing Age Inclusivity within Higher Education
Fidanza, N., Oakes, C.E., & Zakrajsek, A.G.
AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)
Invited Speaker
Panel Discussion: Age-friendly Universities in Connecticut
Fidanza, N., Fannelli, L., Andreoletti, C., & Oakes, C.
AARP Connecticut's Virtual U: Pathways to Living in an Age-Inclusive Society, Quinnipiac University (2021)
Peer Reviewed Poster
Addressing New Resident Frailty Through Pathways and Education
Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., McLoone, M., Nelson, H., & Vendetti, A.
AOTA Inspire 2021 Annual Conference , Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University (2021)
Peer Reviewed Poster
An Exploration of Social Participation Amongst Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities
Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., & Bondoc, S.
AOTA Inspire 2021 Annual Conference , Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University (2021)
Invited Speaker
Welcome Remarks
Fidanza, N.
AARP Connecticut's Fraud Watch Network presents ‘When Trust is Betrayed: A Cautionary Tale To Combat Elder Abuse’, Quinnipiac University (2020)