Jackson Biography

Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA

Douglene Jackson is an award-winning occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in health, well-being, and rehabilitation working across the lifespan in schools, hospitals, clinics and community-based settings. She is CEO/Founder of GIFTS Institute, where she leverages her expertise and technology to improve life for individuals, communities, and organizations internationally.

Jackson excels at developing people, programs and institutions through innovative, engaging, and effective approaches that provide solutions and promote success. She is a world-renowned speaker, trainer, researcher, author, leader, and advocate who is committed to leadership, mentoring, and volunteering, holding positions on professional association and community organization boards.

Being a person who embraces living a balanced life, Jackson is a well-being warrior who enjoys traveling and spending time in nature, while also hosting retreats so others can join in on the experience. As an international speaker, Jackson has presented at national and international conferences, given keynote addresses and lectures to prestigious organizations, and has a TedX Talk encouraging others to rise above imposter syndrome.

Jackson holds a PhD in special education in early childhood, a masters in occupational therapy, bachelors in rehabilitation services with a concentration in counseling, diploma in massage therapy, and various professional certifications, including AI consultant, assistive technology, UI/UX design, DEI, telehealth, yoga, qigong, mindfulness and sensory integration.

She is a dynamic informational and motivational speaker, having international experience consulting and providing training. Jackson is also passionate about social justice, equity, accessibility, and advocacy, having certifications and experience helping organizations to critically analyze their systems and create positive change.  

She received the 2025 Dr. Lela Llorens Award of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as recognition for her leadership and service to the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Additionally, Jackson has received the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Award of Merit and was simultaneously recognized to the AOTA Roster of Fellow in 2022. Jackson was also awarded the Florida Occupational Therapy Association Louise Samson Leadership Award in 2022 and acknowledged as an individual awardee of The Miami Foundation's Racial Equity Fund in 2000. She is currently the AOTA’s Alternate Delegate to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and is active in international health and well-being endeavors.