Maud Makoni

Dr. Maud Makoni, OTD, MA, CHT, is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at North Central College in Illinois and a Certified Hand Therapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Drawing from extensive practice and fieldwork education across multiple settings, she brings a grounded, real-world perspective to her teaching and scholarship.

Dr. Makoni earned her post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where her occupation-based hand therapy project received the Scholarship and Teaching Award. She also holds a Master's degree in Higher Education Leadership from North Central College. Her academic preparation reflects her commitment to excellence in both clinical practice and higher education.

Currently, she teaches courses in physical dysfunction, leadership, research, and occupational therapy specialties. Her work emphasizes high-impact educational practices that immerse students in authentic clinical and community-based experiences while they are still in training. Her scholarship focuses on entry-level healthcare professionals' preparedness to enter practice with a holistic understanding of the individuals, groups, and populations served by occupational therapy.

Passionate about advancing the profession while remaining rooted in the transformative power of the occupation, Dr. Makoni's work bridges practice, education, and advocacy. She has served as an Illinois Representative Assembly member to the American Occupational Therapy Association for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year. She is also the Board Chairperson for Women of Dominion, a faith-based women's empowerment organization, and the founder and director of Girls Let's Talk. She is a speaker, workshop presenter, author, and certified marriage mentor who has supported couples alongside her husband.

Raised by middle-class African parents grounded in the philosophy of Ubuntu, a worldview centered on belonging, dignity, and shared humanity, Dr. Makoni was shaped by values of moral integrity, hard work, character, and competence. These foundations continue to guide her leadership and mentorship. She believes in authenticity and lives by the principle her parents imparted: always be yourself. Growth may occur in many directions, but core values remain constant.

Dr. Makoni is the wife of Kumbi, the mother of Matida, Mazvita, and Kudzi, and the mother-in-law of Ethan. Family remains central to her identity and informs her commitment to service, mentorship, and community building. Outside of academia, she enjoys spending time with family, participating in physical wellness activities such as Zumba, Pilates, and kickboxing, and reading and journaling. She firmly believes that passion is shareable and that meaningful work inspires others to lead with purpose.

Philosophy of Teaching

Dr. Makoni believes in collaborative learning that fosters innovation and forward thinking in occupational therapy. Her teaching philosophy integrates principles of pedagogy and andragogy, recognizing that adult learners are self-directed, motivated, and responsible for their educational decisions. She values the lived experiences students bring to the classroom and views prior learning as foundational to effective knowledge translation.

She strives to align teaching methods and learning environments with the evolving needs of students. A collaborative, inclusive, and equitable classroom atmosphere, supported by active learning strategies and shared experiences, is central to her approach. Her commitment to evidence-based practice is informed by client perspectives, interprofessional collaboration, clinical expertise, and research.

Dr. Makoni believes that all voices matter in shaping the future of healthcare and that education is a powerful tool for preparing competent, compassionate practitioners who serve with integrity.

Selected Scholarship

The research is conducted collaboratively with the program's NCC OT alumni and outgoing seniors. This allows our students to publish and present at conferences. 

Courses Taught

Physical Dysfunction Theory

Physical Dysfunction Intervention

Assessment Theories

Assessment Application

Theories in OT

Specialties in OT

Geriatrics in OT