Kristen Keech

Dr. Kristen Keech is an occupational therapist passionate about advancing care and advocating for survivors of brain injury. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She is recognized as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST) by the Brain Injury Association of America.

Kristen’s clinical expertise is in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, with a special focus on disorders of consciousness. She developed the Conscious Care Model, an evidence-based, interdisciplinary framework designed to improve early consultation, clinical application of practice guidelines, documentation, and transitions of care. Her initiatives also include the development of a TBI Sleep-Wake Bundle, aimed at reducing agitation and minimizing use of mechanical restraints to enhance functional recovery during acute hospitalization.

Beyond her clinical role in the acute hospital setting, Kristen is an adjunct instructor and serves on her state’s Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board. Her scholarly work emphasizes evidence-based practice, knowledge translation, implementation science, and quality improvement, and she regularly shares her expertise through continuing education courses, peer-reviewed publications, podcasts, and conference presentations.

Her contributions have been recognized nationally, earning her the prestigious 2024 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Impact Award for leadership, innovation, and client-centered care in rehabilitation and advocacy for survivors of brain injury.