Kendra Sheard, OTD, OTR/L
Helping people reclaim the activities that matter most.
Dr. Kendra Sheard is a visual-cognitive neuro-occupational therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping patients recover from concussion, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other neurological conditions. Her passion is helping patients overcome the visual, cognitive, and functional challenges that interfere with work, school, driving, reading, and everyday life.
"I am passionate about using my occupational therapy practice to empower patients to direct the state of their own health through recognizing barriers to wellness and embracing health-promoting lifestyles."
Her Story
Dr. Sheard has dedicated her career to neurological rehabilitation, treating individuals with complex neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Functional Neurological Disorder, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and ALS. She combines evidence-based occupational therapy with individualized rehabilitation plans designed to restore meaningful participation in everyday life.
As part of the Virginia Neuro-Optometry team, Dr. Sheard specializes in neuro-occupational therapy, integrating vision, cognition, visual perception, and functional rehabilitation into comprehensive treatment programs. She works closely with Dr. Jacqueline Theis to help patients whose visual dysfunction affects reading, work, balance, learning, driving, and independence as well as visual-cognitive training for sports performance.
Her approach extends beyond symptom management. She teaches patients practical strategies that empower them to understand their symptoms, build healthy routines, and regain confidence in their daily activities.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Sheard
Patients appreciate Dr. Sheard’s compassionate, collaborative approach to rehabilitation. She believes successful therapy begins with understanding each person’s goals, whether that means returning to work, succeeding in school, driving again, caring for family, returning to elite level athletic endeavors, or simply enjoying everyday activities without fatigue or dizziness.
Every treatment plan is individualized and designed to address the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
Areas of Expertise
✔ Concussion & Post-Concussion Syndrome
✔ Vision Rehabilitation
✔ Neuro-Occupational Therapy
✔ Visual Processing Disorders
✔ Cognitive Assessment & Rehabilitation
✔ Multi-Sensory & Dual-Task Integration
✔ Stroke Rehabilitation
✔ Hemineglect & Visual Field Loss Rehabilitation
✔ Return-to-Work Rehabilitation
✔ Sports Vision Performance
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re recovering from a concussion, managing a neurological condition, or struggling with vision-related difficulties that affect daily life, Dr. Sheard works closely with our interdisciplinary team to develop individualized treatment plans focused on helping you achieve your goals.
Schedule an appointment today to learn how neuro-occupational therapy can help you return to the activities that matter most.
Education
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Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy — Chatham University
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Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Magna Cum Laude — Penn State University
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Associate of Applied Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa — Pennsylvania College of Technology
Teaching & Research
Selected Publications
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Sheard, K.L, Lape, J.E., and Weissberg, K. Occupational Therapy-Led Delirium Management in Long-Term Acute Care: A Pilot. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. February 2022.
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Arbesman, M. and Sheard, K. Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy-Related Interventions for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2014.
Dr. Sheard has presented nationally and statewide on neurological rehabilitation and has served as adjunct faculty and guest lecturer for the Mary Baldwin University Health Sciences graduate programs in occupational and physical therapy.
She is also the co-author of peer-reviewed publications on occupational therapy interventions and neurological rehabilitation.