Occupational Therapy Faculty and Staff

Dr. Blaschke joined Francis Marion University as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy in January 2026. She earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science, with a minor in Spanish, from Coker University. Her clinical and research interests include neurorehabilitation, evidence-based practice, upper extremity and hand rehabilitation, orthotic fabrication, and sensorimotor network research.

Prior to her role at FMU, Dr. Blaschke worked as a Research Occupational Therapist at the Medical University of South Carolina Stroke Recovery Research Center, where she helped design and implement clinical upper-extremity neurorehabilitation studies. During her time at MUSC, her research evaluated the effect of sensory impairment severity on the efficacy of Therabracelet, a novel rehabilitation device, in stroke survivors. Her work also examined the impact of the sensorimotor network on neuroplasticity and motor recovery following stroke, as well as the barriers, facilitators, and effectiveness of problem-solving consultations to improve home exercise program adherence. Dr. Blaschke’s research has been presented at regional, national, and international conferences, published, and recognized with multiple research funding, career development, and travel awards.

Dr. Blaschke has a passion for understanding the brain and neuroplasticity. This passion influences all aspects of her life, from conducting neurorehabilitation research and teaching OTD students to watching her son, Asher, learn and grow. In her free time, Dr. Blaschke enjoys going on walks with her family, playing with her son, coffee dates, and sharing meals with friends.

Roblin Fenters joined Francis Marion University in Summer 2023 and currently serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor of the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. Roblin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Charleston Southern University as well as Master and Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees from the Medical University of South Carolina. Roblin’s practice and research interests include spirituality as a client factor, neuro-rehabilitation, therapeutic-use-of-self, fieldwork education, work-life balance, and mental health.

Prior to her role at Francis Marion, Roblin worked in acute care at McLeod Regional Medical Center and in inpatient rehabilitation at MUSC Health Florence Rehabilitation Center (formerly Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital) where she assisted in the development of Intensive Care Unit training guides for new clinicians and facilitated transfer-training courses for non-clinical staff. Roblin has also served as a lecturer and adjunct faculty member at Presbyterian College for courses within her specialty area offered to its inaugural cohort.

Roblin grew up and still lives in Pleasant Hill, SC with her toddler. Roblin enjoys fishing and going to church with her family.

Karen Gittings is a professor of nursing and Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina. Dr. Gittings received her diploma in nursing from The Washington Hospital School of Nursing, Washington, Pennsylvania and her BSN from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. She earned her MSN with specialization in nursing education and her DNP at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a 2015 to 2016 Amy V. Cockcroft Fellow, achieved certification in online instruction in 2011, became a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) in 2013 and earned certification as an Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) with the inaugural group of test-takers. Dr. Gittings has extensive experience in critical care nursing and has been a certified critical-care RN (CCRN) since 1991.

Her areas of teaching and clinical expertise are medical–surgical nursing, critical care, and cardiac nursing. She has taught students across the curriculum in the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Dr. Gittings has co-authored three books and eight book chapters. Dr. Gittings has also presented nationally on multiple nursing education-related topics.

She is past president of Francis Marion University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, Chi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, and the Pee Dee Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She is a recipient of multiple Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards at Francis Marion University and the South Carolina Palmetto Gold Award (2005).

Biography

Dr. Rachelle Lydell joined Francis Marion University in September 2022 and currently serves as the Director and Assistant Professor of the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. Dr. Lydell is a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience and expertise in the field including founding Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and founding program director for an Occupational Therapy Assistant Bachelor of Science Program. Her clinical specializations include assistive technology and environmental adaptations, and treating various populations of all ages, including pediatric and adult patients with neurological impairment, cognitive, physical, developmental disabilities, and autism.

Dr. Lydell actively presents at local, state and national conferences with ongoing participation in the field of Occupational Therapy’s scholarship efforts to advance in the areas of Discovery, Integration and Teaching and Learning. Dr. Lydell’s clinical and research interests include research and evaluation, applying outcomes based/performance-based measurement to OT practice in education for knowledge retention and translation, program development, increasing access to underserved populations, health promotion, prevention & wellness, the coaching interaction style, community based, emerging areas of practice and related themes.

Prior to her role at Francis Marion, she worked at McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation, Carolinas Hospital (now known as MUSC), several elementary schools in the Pee Dee area and has also worked in private practice. Additionally, she has worked as a behavior therapist, case manager, certified personal trainer, fitness instructor, and wellness & lifestyle coach. Her unique and varied clinical experiences have allowed her the opportunity to work with diverse and underserved populations of all ages through private practice, acute care, inpatient, outpatient, early intervention, community based, public/population health and school-based settings.

Dr. Lydell is happy to call Florence her home once again after returning to the Pee Dee area after 7 years of living and practicing in various states across America. Dr. Lydell resides in Florence with her husband, her 8-year-old son and 6 year old daughter.

Terri McCall joined Francis Marion University in the Nursing Department as the Clinical Coordinator in August 2022. She then joined the Occupational Therapy Department in January 2024 where she currently serves as Administrative Assistant. Terri is a proud Alumni of Francis Marion University earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1994.

Terri grew up and still lives in Society Hill, SC. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, going to church and playing with her dogs.