Quinnipiac University
Nicole A. Fidanza

Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

Program Director of Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Fidanza is a Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Director of the Entry-level OTD Program at Quinnipiac University. She has focused her practice on working with older adult clients across the continuum of rehabilitative care. Her teaching focuses on gerontology, neurorehabilitation, occupation and health, and professionalism. Her current scholarship is focused on the connection between social participation, frailty, and well-being amongst community-dwelling older adults. In 2019, she developed 'Opportunity to Thrive: The Fidanza Method to Enrich Older Adult Social Health' for The Towers at Tower Lane. This program addresses the frailty via secondary prevention; it is a part of The Towers' Proactive Partner Model, which places the resident at the center of services designed to meet their needs at no cost.

Education

  • BS, Quinnipiac University
  • MOT, Quinnipiac University
  • OTD, Quinnipiac University

Areas of Expertise

  • Public Health & Global Public Health
  • Neurology/Neuroscience
  • Health & Wellness
  • Neurorehabilitation/Neurosurgery
  • Geriatrics/Gerontology/Ageing

Organization

  • Occupational Therapy

Office Location

  • Medicine, Nursing, Health Sci 362M

Mail Drop

  • NH-HSC

Experience

Quinnipiac University

Program Director, Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Hamden, CT

2023 - Present

Quinnipiac University

Programs Coordinator- BSMOT, BSOTD, PBOTD

Hamden, CT

2023 - 2023

Quinnipiac University

BS/MOT Program Coordinator, Upper Division

Hamden, CT

2021 - 2023

Quinnipiac University

Clinical Assistant Professor

Hamden, CT

2018 - Present

Quinnipiac University

Visiting Faculty

Quinnipiac University

2018 - 2018

Quinnipiac University

Adjunct Faculty

Quinnipiac University

2011 - 2017

Selected Publications

Addressing Hoarding in Senior Housing: Non-traditional Fieldwork II

Basso, J. & Fidanza, N.

28(8) OT Practice 25-28 Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac UniversityAugust (2023)

Chapter

Quintessential Occupational Therapy: A Guide to Areas of Practice

Fidanza, N. A. & Frank-Hirsch, M.C.

Skilled Nursing Facilities 1st ed. Thorofare, NJ (SLACK Incorporated 2023)

Invited Speaker

What is an Age-Friendly University?

Fidanza, N., Molony, S., Jacobson, S., & Fedus, D.

Quinnipiac University Alumni Weekend 'Golden Bobcat' Luncheon, Hamden CT, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Promoting Nutrition Management to Address Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex

Fidanza, N., Bruno, M., Caron, M., Mobilia, M., & Weinstein, J.

AOTA Inspire 2023, Kansas City, MO, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Invited Speaker

Opening Remarks

Fidanza, N.

Livability 2023: Our Aging Landscape, Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

Opportunity to Thrive: A Community-based Program for Frailty in Senior Housing

FIdanza, N.; Rzepka, D., & Basso, J.

AOTA Specialty Conference: Connecting Community & Occupational Therapy, Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Promoting Nutrition Management to Address Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex

Fidanza, N., Bruno, M., Caron, M., Mobilia, M., & Weinstein, J.

ConnOTA 2023 Annual Conference , VIrtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Radio Interview- WICC Melissa in the Morning- Holiday Tips for Caregivers of those with Dementia

Fidanza, N.

Quinnipiac University12/4/2023 (2023)

Invited Speaker

Opening Remarks

Fidanza, N.

The Journey to Livable Communities: Inclusive, Innovative, Intergenerational , Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

We Didn't Expect It to Be So Different: Two Educators Discuss Their Transition From Adjuncts to Full-Time Professors

Akselrud, R. & Fidanza, N

AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Secondary Prevention of Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex: How to Create Health Literate Educational Handouts for Older Adults

Fidanza, N., Baker, A., Bastos, S., DiGiacinto, J. & Scotto, M.

AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Age-friendly University Initiative: Advancing Age Inclusivity within Higher Education

Fidanza, N., Oakes, C.E., & Zakrajsek, A.G.

AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Invited Speaker

Panel Discussion: Age-friendly Universities in Connecticut

Fidanza, N., Fannelli, L., Andreoletti, C., & Oakes, C.

AARP Connecticut's Virtual U: Pathways to Living in an Age-Inclusive Society, Quinnipiac University (2021)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Addressing New Resident Frailty Through Pathways and Education

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., McLoone, M., Nelson, H., & Vendetti, A.

AOTA Inspire 2021 Annual Conference , Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University (2021)

Peer Reviewed Poster

An Exploration of Social Participation Amongst Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., & Bondoc, S.

AOTA Inspire 2021 Annual Conference , Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University (2021)

Invited Speaker

Social Participation, Frailty, and Aging: Current Research & Implications for Occupational Therapy

Fianza, N.

University of Connecticut Department of Public Health, Course PUBH 5497-F44: Critical Health Issues Facing the U.S., Farmington, CT (2020)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

Determining the Needs of Newly Transitioned Residents in an Assisted-Living Facility: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., & Godusky, K.

2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA (cancelled), Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Determining the Needs of Newly Transitioned Residents in a Senior Living Facility: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., & Godusky, K.

ConnOTA 2020 Spring Conference, Hartford, CT, Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Social Participation Amongst Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: Short, Spontaneous, Superficial

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., & Bondoc, S.

2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA (cancelled), Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

From Sink or Swim to Smooth Sailing: How to Best Support Newly-Graduated OTs Working in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Fidanza, N. & Bondoc, S.

2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA (cancelled), Quinnipiac University (2020)

Invited Speaker

Welcome Remarks

Fidanza, N.

AARP Connecticut's Fraud Watch Network presents ‘When Trust is Betrayed: A Cautionary Tale To Combat Elder Abuse’, Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

Determining the Needs of Newly Transitioned Residents in a Senior Living Facility: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., & Godusky, K.

Connecticut Public Health Association 2019 Annual Conference , Plantsville, CT, Quinnipiac University (2019)

Professional Designation