Distinguished in Excellence and Education Award Recipients

2022 Recipient: Debbie M. Fisher, OTR, MSOT, CHT

Debbie Fisher received her Bachelor of Arts and secondary teaching certificate, double majoring in psychology and biology, from the University of Texas at Austin. She later received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She has been an occupational therapist for over 20 years and a Certified Hand Therapist since 2006.

Debbie currently works for Baylor Scott & White Institute of Rehab in Cedar Park, Texas with a primary focus on orthopedic and neurological conditions. In addition to working in the outpatient setting, Debbie has taught and authored multiple continuing education courses across the country. She has a passion for teaching and has lectured for companies including Saebo, Aveanna, Summit Professional Education, Rehab Education, Genesis Rehab, and Select Medical. She has lectures on topics including orthotic fabrication, telerehabilitation, taping, stroke rehabilitation, and the unique use of magic and juggling as a therapeutic treatment tool.

Debbie has been invited to speak for several occupational therapy schools and state, national, and international hand therapy conventions. Additionally, she presented at David Copperfield's International Project Magic Convention to discuss the therapeutic use of magic in the hand therapy setting.

Debbie has been published in journals and several of her original treatment techniques are included in the 3rd edition of Orthotic Intervention for the Hand and Upper Extremity.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three boys, coordinating the Austin Cotillion, and traveling the world with her husband, Cody Fisher, an international lecturer and magician.