Biography

Elizabeth Yerxa (1930- ) Born August 18, 1930 in Pasadena, California, is one of three siblings. A reflective thinker, reader, and naturalist, Yerxa pursued a deeper understanding of community adaptation of disabled persons. A disciplined researcher, who pondered the deeper questions, Yerxa brought scholarship, science and a philosophical understanding to the profession and the direction of the profession. Graduating from the University of Southern Californian in 1952, under Margaret Rood’s tutelage as an undergraduate student, “Betty,” became enthralled with the life-force energy that Rood emoted when teaching and working with patients. Her clinical career began in 1953 as a therapist at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles. With an early interest in teaching, Yerxa was an instructor in occupational therapy at the College of Puget Sound, 1955-56. This led to her accepting the position of Educational Coordinator in Occupational Therapy, at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, in California 1956- 1967.. Seeking more education, Yerxa earned a Master of Education and Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology from Boston University, 1968, 1971 respectively. Returning West, she accepted the post of Research Coordinator in Occupational Therapy, Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, 1971-1976. Returning to her USC alma mater, she accepted the position of Chairperson of Occupational Therapy in 1976, to retire in 1988 as Emeritus Professor. Credited with conceptualizing a Ph.D. at the University of Southern California that evolved to a global Occupational Science, Yerxa’s insight and many accomplishments are not readily matched.