- Pamela
- Toto
- PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA
- Director of the Healthy Home Lab, Director of the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy Program and Professor
Biography
Pamela Toto is an occupational therapist, researcher and educator internationally recognized for her expertise in aging. She attributes her interest in working with older adults to having two strong and independent grandmothers and her “job” at the church bingo that began when she was just eight years old. Toto has over 30 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist providing services for older adults in the community and in long-term care settings. Additionally, she mentors students dually enrolled in the University’s Geriatric Certificate Program. A diehard Pitt alumnus and fan, Toto serves as faculty mentor for the University’s Interprofessional Geriatric Interest Group, the women’s Club Volleyball Team and the men’s Club Football Team.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh
- Master of Science in Healthcare Supervision and Management, University of Pittsburgh
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Awards
- University of Pittsburgh ROC Spirit Award, 2024
- Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award (Health Care Professional), Pennsylvania Geriatric Society, 2017
- Recognition of Achievement Award, American Occupational Therapy Association, 2016
Research Interests
- Implementation of evidence-based strategies to promote aging in place
- Behavioral change to prevent, delay and reduce disability in older adults
Publications
- Toto PE, Alchin T, Yanes C, Park J, Fields BE. “Implementing CAPABLE with care partners through an Area Agency on Aging: Identifying barriers and facilitators using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.”
- Perepezko K, Toto PE, Hitchcock M, Fields B. “Goal setting for aging adults and care partners: A scoping review. Innovation in Aging.”
- Forman D, Racette S, Toto PE, Peterson LR, Glynn NW, Pruskowski J, Byard T, Delligatti A, Lolley R, Mulckalreddy V, Perrera S, Lenze E, Rich. MW. Modified Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Older Adults (MACRO) Trial: Protocol changes in a pragmatic multi-site randomized controlled trial in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2022.112:106633.
