Dr. Ellis is a change agent within occupational therapy, revolutionizing conversations about sexuality and relationships within OT education and professional development. Kathryn is well aware that addressing occupations of sex and relationship participation will only become a standard of care within OT through education and community. Kathryn got her start at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 2011, where she developed the Military’s first Occupational Therapy Sexuality & Intimacy Clinic. She has experience addressing sex with patients in acute care, acute rehab, behavioral health, and sex therapy private practice, where she works currently in Delaware. 

Kathryn founded The Institute for Sex & Occupational Therapy in 2016 to share knowledge and ignite conversation within the profession. In 2018, she drove the Institute to become an AOTA Approved Provider and began offering continuing education which in 2023 became the Certified Sexuality OT (CSOT) program. Her efforts have empowered 1,000s of OT professionals to confidently and effectively integrate discussions of sexuality into their practice, enhancing client outcomes and the power of occupational therapy.

In addition to being a clinician and educator, Kathryn is a researcher, consultant, author, and pleasure advocate! Kathryn was the lead instructor and clinical mentor for multiple interdisciplinary training projects, including, The Minneapolis VA Brain Injury Unit, Medstar Hospital in DC, and The Olena Pinchuk Ukrainian Veterans Sexuality Training Program. She is honored to be the Keynote Speaker for Columbia OT Program’s 2025 Janet Falk-Kessler Distinguished Lectureship and Day of Scholarship, Northern Rehabilitation 2025 International Conference in Porto, Portugal, and the 2025 OT Pelvic Health Summit in Mesa, AZ.

If you’re interested in booking Kathryn for a speaking engagement or to develop a sexuality training for your healthcare team, contact Kathryn.