Ph.D. Child and Family Development, University of Georgia, 2005

M.A. Behavioral Science, University of Houston, 1990

B.S. Occupational Therapy, University of Texas, 1982

A.A.S. Applied Sciences, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, 1976

2005       Graduate Certificate Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies

University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Alvarado is Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences,  Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga. Her teaching experience across several states and in Georgia includes: Advanced Practice Electives in Global Health Perspectives (International study abrod), Vision, Clinical education, Cultural competence, and she is a resource in her community on Sensory Integration. Her research interests include the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and families, early intervention, sensory processing abilities – auditory and visual sensory processing, Latino families, and international fieldwork education. She also served as Brenau University Institutional Review Board Chairperson

Dr. Alvarado co-owns Essential Therapy Services, Inc. in Cumming since 2007 and Lula, Georgia which provides clinic-based, home health, and school-based occupational therapy as well as physical and speech therapy. She has held several offices in Georgia Occupational Therapy Association, currently serving as President. Her community experience is dedicated to increasing awareness of issues affecting families and their children with disability. She is bilingual in Spanish.

Dr. Alvarado is a native Texan whose parents emigrated from Mexico in the 1940’s and comes from a family of ten children. The notion of family influence on an individual is important in her work with children and families. As a professional in this regard; she views her role as one who facilitates the capacity of families to understand and thus, nurture the abilities of their children and family members. Irma loves nature, hunting and fishing, and gardening; she is a member of the Cumming Garden Club.

“I believe the health and well-being of the family is central to propagating healthy relationships around the world. Understanding one’s self is necessary for opening one’s heart and mind to others. This understanding is essential for relating to and accepting the views of others as affecting how they live their lives.”

Dr. Alvarado can be contacted by email for Brenau University business at ialvarado@brenau.edu, or phone at 678 707 5000.