Michael Fantuzzo

Associate Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor
412-365-1339
Eastside - 254

Hometown: Lower Burrell, PA
Joined Chatham: 2025

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Mike Fantuzzo graduated from Duquesne University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. He received his post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University and obtained his Board Certification in Geriatrics from the American Occupational Therapy Association. Dr. Fantuzzo has worked for over 14 years in the field in various settings including outpatient pediatrics, acute care, inpatient rehab, school-based pediatrics, early intervention, home health, and senior living communities. He began in academia as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for four years prior to coming to Chatham and has presented research at the state and national levels. He has been involved with the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association as the Treasurer and Vice President for six years. Dr. Fantuzzo is married and has three sons. He enjoys spending time with his family, coaching basketball and baseball, and traveling.

ACADEMIC AREAS OF INTEREST

Fieldwork education, advocacy and leadership, aging in place, evidence-based practice, geriatric fall prevention, home modifications.

PERSONAL AREAS OF INTEREST

Coaching high school basketball, spending time with family, and traveling.

EDUCATION
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University, 2013
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Duquesne University, 2011
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Duquesne University, 2010
ORGANIZATIONS
  • American Occupational Therapy Association, Member, 2006
  • Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Member, 2006
CERTIFICATIONS
  • Credentialed Academic Leader, 2023
  • Board Certification in Geriatrics (BCG), 2020
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, 2011
  • Pennsylvania State Licensure, 2011
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
  • Luchynsky, M. & Fantuzzo, M. (2024). Holistic Course Design for Occupational Therapy Programs. Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Erie, PA.
  • Fantuzzo, M., Virone, M., Swope, K., Best, C., & Bischak, E. (2024). Building Resilience Through Peer Supports and Self Care Strategies for Level II FW Students: A Blueprint for Success. Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Erie, PA.
  • Fantuzzo, M., Virone, M., Swope, K., Best, C., & Bischak, E. (2024). Building Resilience Through Peer Supports and Self Care Strategies for Level II FW Students: A Blueprint for Success. American Occupational Therapy Association, Orlando, FL.
  • Fantuzzo, M. & Gault, A (2023). AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation Changes & Scoring Impact. Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Pittsburgh, PA..
  • Fantuzzo, M., Cook, A., & Strouse, A. (2022). The Benefits of Non-Traditional Level I Fieldwork.  Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Lancaster, PA.
  • Fantuzzo, M. & Schmeltz, B. (2022).  Fieldwork Component and Capstone Experience: Discussing Differences with Site Educators.  Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Lancaster, PA.
  • Fantuzzo, M. & Gesmond, L. (2019).  The Benefits of Medicare Part B versus Medicare Part A Occupational Therapy Services Delivered in the Home.  Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, King Of Prussia, PA
  • Fantuzzo, M. & Lewis, C. (2019).  LSVT BIG Program.  What is it? And what are the effects?  Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, King Of Prussia, PA.
  • Fantuzzo, M.  (2017). What are the Effects of Sensory Integration Techniques in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  American Occupational Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, March 30, 2017.
  • Fantuzzo, M.  (2014). What are the Effects of Sensory Integration Techniques in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, King of Prussia, PA, October 31, 2014.
  • Fantuzzo, M., Crist, P., & Okraszewski, E.  (2011). Occupational Performance Changes and Habit Modifications Associated with Significant Weight-Loss Following Bariatric Surgery. American Occupational Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, April 15, 2011.
  • Karpieniak, A., Crist, P., Yeaman, L., Fantuzzo, M., & Okraszewski, E. (2011). Changes in Occupational Competence and Values during Weight-Loss Following Bariatric Surgery. American Occupational Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, April 15, 2011.
  • Karpieniak, A., Crist, P., Yeaman, L., Fantuzzo, M., & Okraszewski, E. (2011). Changes in Occupational Competence and Values during Weight-Loss Following Bariatric Surgery. American Occupational Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, April 15, 2011.
  • Yeaman, L., Crist, P., Karpieniak, A., Fantuzzo, M., & Okraszewski, E. (2011). Changes in Quality of Life Associated with Significant Weight-Loss at Three Month Intervals Across the First Twenty-Four Months Following Bariatric Surgery. American Occupational Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, April 14, 2011.
  • Fantuzzo, M., Crist, P., Sullivan, S., Anzaldi, K. & Okraszewski, E. (2010).  Adaptive occupational competence and changes in activity values associated with significant weight-loss following bariatric surgery.  American Occupational Therapy Association, Orlando FL, April 29, 2010.
  • Crist, P. Sullivan, S, Kasper T, Hoover, D, Anzaldi, K, Fantuzzo, M. (2009) Occupational Performance Changes Secondary to Extreme Weight Loss.   Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, October 7, 2009.   
  • Crist, P. Sullivan, S, Kasper, T., Hoover, D, Anzaldi, K, & Fantuzzo, M. (2009). Occupational performance changes secondary to extreme weight loss.  Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Pittsburgh, PA, October 31, 2009.