About EbD

Based in Ithaca, NY, Empowerment by Design (EbD) began as a partnership of Registered Occupational Therapists with a common vision of delivering unique services to our clients where they live and work.   EbD's core team of professionals has now grown to 5 OTs and a Registered Dietician, all experienced in improving human performance and environments.  Our broad spectrum of health care, fitness instruction, environmental accessibility, and ergonomics evaluation credentials and our ever-growing network of providers ensures a comprehensive approach and custom expertise for each client.

Empowerment by Design is...

Todd S. Baker, OTR/L, CEES
Principal, Cofounder  

A Registered Occupational Therapist in his 19th year of practice, Todd brings diverse rehabilitation expertise and clinical experience in the management of work-related injuries as a foundation for EbD's ergonomics and accessibility consultation.  He is a Certified Ergonomics Evaluation Specialist (CEES) with an advanced certification credential.  Todd is a nationally recognized expert in ergonomic seating and his work enhancement experience includes the development and implementation of injury prevention programs in university, industrial, small business, and office settings.  Todd coordinates the Cornell University Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program, directing campus-wide ergonomics assessment and training initiatives.

Carol has provided occupational therapy services in a wide variety of settings and contexts. Carol has been an assistant professor at three different colleges where she has taught kinesiology, home/community environmental modification, and clinical practice skills for older patients.

She offers a comprehensive knowledge of ergonomics and specializes in environmental design and modification for older workers and employees requiring accommodations. Carol is skilled in assisting persons with Age-Related Macular Degeneration regain safe independence in daily activities. Carol is credentialed by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health and Fitness Instructor.

Scott D. Jones, M.S., OTR/L, CAPS, SRES
Consultant

A unique combination of credentials--Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES-Maryland) and Licensed Maryland Home Improvement Specialist--and field experience enable Scott to deliver clinical, real estate, design and construction expertise to clients in all phases of environmental design and home modification.  In his graduate training, Scott worked for the Safe at Home Program sponsored by John's Hopkins University. He has since acquired, evaluated and adapted numerous homes to enable seniors and people with injuries or disabilities to live independently.

In addition to designing and implementing meaningful home improvements, Scott has also demonstrated the perspective to counsel both individuals and local governments to make sound decisions about their longer-term housing needs.  Scott has led continuing education courses on Universal Design and successfully purchasing a life-span home. He is also at the forefront of policy research having worked with the Howard County Office on Aging in developing their renowned Aging in Place Program.

Meredith MacLeod, OTR/L, CEAS

Meredith's occupational therapy background includes significant clinical experience in adult rehabilitation settings.  A Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, she delivers EbD's on-site work evaluation services and is a primary field consultant to the Cornell University Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program.  Meredith specializes in office ergonomics with experience in a wide variety of administrative, business service, and academic environments.  Meredith is also a valuable resource to clients in laboratory settings providing analysis and training to assist in injury prevention.

Julie Dorsey, MS, OTR/L, CEAS
Consultant

Julie is a Registered Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor of OT at Ithaca College with significant clinical and teaching experience in the field of adult rehabilitation.  She has helped many clients return to independent living after an injury or illness, emphasizing the safe transition back into the home and community. Julie's passion is in designing accessible spaces for all people, free from physical or other barriers.  She has conducted comprehensive college accessibility surveys and assisted in the creation of a campus accessibility map.

Julie is a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS) experienced in performing individualized workstation assessments in office, healthcare and manufacturing settings.  She specializes in the prevention of cumulative injury associated with art and craft work. 

Cristin S. Baker, RD, ACE 
Consultant

Cristin is a Registered Dietitian and group exercise instructor certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Cristin contributes nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle content and consulting to EbD's offering.  She also practices as a clinical dietitian in Ithaca, NY, and has been instrumental in promoting community awareness through cardiac health and childhood wellness programs. Cristin sits on the Southern Tier Dietetic Association's Board of Directors as Coordinator of National Nutrition Month.