Kari DeFreest

Specialty: Occupational Therapy

Kari is an occupational therapist who is passionate about empowering patients and providers through education. In addition to her clinical practice, she works with occupational therapy education programs and students to promote excellence in the next generation of therapy providers. Kari has clinical interests in rural health care, chronic pain management, and hand therapy.

Kari earned a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy at Loma Linda University and a doctorate in occupational therapy with a certificate in executive leadership at the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Kari is passionate about bringing exceptional care to the residents of rural and remote communities. Kari has 30 years of clinical experience, predominantly in rural healthcare settings, as well as regulatory enforcement with the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certificate Division.