Zachary Schafer, MS, OTR/L

Zack graduated with a Bachelor’s in psychology from Sacred Heart University (SHU) in 2015, before continuing at SHU to receive his master’s in occupational therapy in 2018.  After completing his master’s, Zack completed a post graduate OT Mental Health Fellowship Program at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where he published clinical research, taught at the university, and provided clinical care across UNC hospital’s inpatient psychiatry units. Zack continued to work as part of inpatient therapy team, specializing with adults with severe persistent mental illness (SPMI). In 2021 Zack joined Mountain Valley, where he served as milieu clinician before being appointed to the position Executive Program Director in the fall of 2022.

As an occupational therapist, Zack is passionate about the therapeutic use of activities to promote healing and the functional application of psychotherapy to improve participation, engagement, and meaning in everyday living.  Challenged by the practice limitations of the inpatient setting, Zack was drawn to Mountain Valley for its progressive, holistic, and experiential approach to treatment. Upon joining the team, Zack was enamored by the beautiful natural setting, passionate people, and clinical sophistication of the program. Zack is honored to be a part of the Mountain Valley family, where he can apply the holistic principles of occupational therapy and support the programs mission to help anxious youth live meaningful and engaging lives.

Originally a Massachusetts native, Zack now lives in Lebanon, NH with his wife Kevi and their two pets, Cosmo and Sunny. Zack and Kevi are both occupational therapists, who fell in love working alongside each other, helping others heal.  As a former collegiate athlete, Zack enjoys pushing his physical limits through a variety of activities such as yoga, hiking, and HIIT training. When he isn’t buzzing about, Zack enjoys spending time reading, reflecting, and spending time in nature.