Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

2022 Scholarly Project and Capstone Presentations For the Degree of Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Members of the UToledo Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Class of 2022 presented their final projects in partial fulfillment of their doctoral degrees. 

SCHOLARLY PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS

Some members of the class of 2022 presented their scholarly projects in 2021.  Their presentations were held virtually. Presenters recorded 15-minute video presentations. Links to streaming presentations were posted to UToledo’s online learning management platform, and they are given below. After viewing presentations online, OTD program faculty, students, and guests met via videoconference for discussion, allotting 5 minutes per presenter. Discussions were not recorded.

Curriculum Design

A curriculum is both an artifact that transmits time honored values, beliefs, and principles and a dynamic framework to meet contemporary and future societal and professional needs. The faculty of the UToledo Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Program plan, implement, and systematically evaluate the OTD curriculum using four organizing elements: Practice, Advocacy, Research, and Autonomous Decision Making (PARADM). The curriculum prepares occupational therapists who are competent, ethical, and life-long learners.

Scholarly Projects

The 2018 Standards for an accredited educational program for the Occupational Therapist, officially adopted by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, require that graduates of OTD programs have the ability to design and implement a research study. In conducting an individualized research project, the OTD student learns to appreciate the process of scientific inquiry and gains valuable insight for evidence-informed practice. Working with their faculty advisors, OTD students conduct research that advances knowledge and practice in occupation-based therapeutic approaches. Scholarly project presentations represent the culmination of a 12-credit hour course series. Written disseminations of each project are available through the catalog of Mulford Library.

Capstone Experience

Given dynamic patterns of occupational therapy practice, the future will require therapists to be autonomous decision makers. The Capstone Experience prepares OTD students by allowing them to plan and pursue a highly individualized semester of study at a self-selected site. The student receives mentorship of an on-site mentor as well as an academic faculty mentor. The capstone experience is introduced and planned throughout the didactic curriculum. It occurs as a 12-credit-hour course load in curriculum’s final semester, after 24 weeks of full-time supervised fieldwork. It is a full-time, 15-week, on-site experience including practicum with a major project, mentored studies, and a written dissemination. Capstone project types reflect the PARADM curriculum design, including Case Study, Program Development Plan, Program Modification Plan, Course Development, Advocacy at the Organizational Level, Advocacy at the Journal Level, and Research. Written disseminations of each project are available through the catalog of Mulford Library. 

For questions, please contact alexia.metz@utoledo.edu

Class of 2022 Scholarly Project Presentations

Exploring the Relationship of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Young Adults’ Mental Health and Wellness to Occupational Engagement in Music as a Serious Leisure Pursuit
Samantha Louise Abrass
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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The Effectiveness of MAX Intervention in Reducing the Impact of Fatigue in Individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury
Kylie E. Asmus
Research Advisor: Ketki D. Raina, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
And 
Assessing the Effect of the MAX Intervention on the Severity of Fatigue in Individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury
Alaena Fridrich
Research Advisor: Ketki D. Raina, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Joint presentation

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Feasibility of Utilizing Ecological Momentary Assessment when Measuring Fatigue for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross Sectional Study
Kasey L. Balog
Research Advisor: Ketki D. Raina, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Presentation

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Student Perceptions of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone
Abigail Eileen Bernard
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Presentation

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Using Non-Traditional Settings in Level I Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Placements: The Practitioner Perspective
Paige Beveridge
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Presentation

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Readability of Sleep Materials for Breast Cancer Survivors
Heather Nicole Biltz
Research Advisor: Ketki D. Raina, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
And
Readability of Sleep Hygiene Patient Education Materials for Breast Cancer Survivors
Gina Holmes
Research Advisor: Ketki D. Raina, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Joint presentation

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Evaluating Mental Health Concerns and Coping Strategies of Female Undergraduate Engineering Students at a Mid-Size Public University
Hannah Charville
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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The Interaction of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Play and Their Sensory Processing Pattern
Madeline Grace Hines
Research Advisor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
And
The Difference in the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Play Between Only Child Families and Sibling Families
Gabrielle E. Latreille
Research Advisor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Joint Presentation

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Family Members Perspectives of Students with ASD Participation in Dog Agility
Kelsey Nicole Honsberger
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Presentation

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Older Adult Consumers’ Perspectives of Medical Marijuana
Kristy N. Longo
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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Exploring Gender Differences in Time-Use, Meaningful Engagement,and Well-being
Gabrielle Elise Mosiniak
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
And
Examining Well-being and Meaningful Engagement across Genders
Scott N. Peters
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Joint Presentation

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A Qualitative Investigation into Occupational Therapy Professionals’ Perspectives of Patient use of Medical Marijuana
Julia A. Ostrosky
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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Does Participation in A Continuing Education Unit Focused on Infusing Meaningful Engagement into Practice Increase the Use Of Meaningful Engagement in Everyday Practice?
Grace Robinson
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Presentation

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An Investigation into the Health Implications of University Students’Marijuana Vaping
Kassidy Lyn Roe
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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Exploring the Relationship of Meaningful Engagement and Well-Being Between Ethnic Groups
Erin Torrance
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Class of 2022 Capstone Presentations

STILS: Supporting Transitions and Independent Living Skills in the Foster Care System 
Samantha Louise Abrass
Program Development Plan
National Youth Advocate Program 
Site Mentor: Jennifer Lowery LPCC-S 
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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C.R.E.A.T.E. Opportunities Program: A return-to-work program for individuals diagnosed with cancer
Kylie E. Asmus
Program Development Plan
Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio
Site Mentor: Jean Schoen 
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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Treating Stroke in a Neurorehabilitation Outpatient Setting Through Occupational Therapy using the Task-Oriented Approach
Kasey L. Balog
Case Study
ProMedica Neurology Outpatient
Site Mentor: Robyn Pitock OTR/L and Ann Johnson OT/L 
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Addressing Sensory Experiences and Needs in the School Environment (A SENSE)
Abigail Eileen Bernard
Program Modification Plan
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland Alternative Education Program
Site Mentors: Amanda Stohrer, OTR/L, ATP and Megan Badgley, OTR/L 
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Durable Medical Equipment Training & Education for Consumers & Caregivers (DME TECs) Program
Paige Beveridge
Program Development Plan
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo
Site Mentor: Sarah Heldmann, BS, COTA/L, ATP 
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Engaging Fully: An Engagement Program for Memory Care Residents & Staff
Heather Nicole Biltz
Program Development Plan
O'Neill Healthcare North Olmsted
Site Mentors: Jeff Lehner, DPT and Mary Makulinski, MT-BC 
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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Addressing Sensory Needs in Community Settings Through Strategic Exposure in a Controlled Environment
Hannah Charville
Program Development Plan
ProMedica Finnegan Family Autism Center
Site Mentor: Catina Harding, MSW 
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Making Occupations Pawsible
Alaena Fridrich
Program Development Plan
Canine Companions North Central Training Center
Site Mentors: Gwen Dudek, Program Director and Adrena Spreacker, Training Manager 
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Advocating for the Role of Occupational Therapy on an Interprofessional Team in the Care of Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Madeline Grace Hines
Advocacy at the Organizational Level
Cystic Fibrosis Center of Northwest Ohio
Site Mentor: Bruce Barnett, MD 
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Interdisciplinary Worker’s Compensation Program
Gina Holmes
Program Modification Plan
Athletico Physical Therapy
Site Mentor: Alicia Schwipps, PT, DPT, OCS 
Faculty Mentor: Richelle Gray OTD, OTR/L, CDP
Presentation

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Tiny Transitions, an Occupational Therapy Program Development Plan for NICU parents
Kelsey Nicole Honsberger
Program Development Plan
ProMedica Special Care Clinic
Site Mentor: Eileen Quinn, MD 
Faculty Mentor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Presentation

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Building, Engaging in, and Learning Life Skills (BELLS) Program
Gabrielle E. Latreille
Program Development Plan
Braley & Thompson: Independent Living Program
Site Mentor: Laura Hutchison, BSW 
Faculty Mentor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Healthy Relationships
Kristy N. Longo
Course Development Plan
Toledo Transition (T2) Program
Site Mentor: Zach Daugherty, CTRS 
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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The Role of Occupational Therapy with Medically Complex Individuals
Gabrielle Elise Mosiniak
Course Development Plan
Advanced Specialty Hospitals of Toledo & The University of Toledo
Site Mentor: Kristin Roberts, OTD, OTR/L 
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Let’s Bee Friends Social Camp
Julia Ostrosky
Program Modification Plan
Beelieve Pediatric Therapy
Site Mentors: Audrey Dwinnell, OTD, OTR and Marilu Flores, OTR, Therapy Director 
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Occupational Therapy & Human Trafficking: A Course Development Plan for Occupational Therapy Personnel
Scott N. Peters
Course Development Plan
Human Trafficking & Social Justice Institute
Site Mentor: Celia Williamson, PhD
Faculty Mentor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Presentation

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Exploring the Benefits of Utilizing Adaptive Yoga as an Occupational Therapy Intervention within Inpatient Rehabilitation
Grace Robinson
Case Study
Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital
Site Mentor: Katherine Sauersmith, MOT, OTR/L, RYT 200-hour 
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Presentation

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Advocacy Plan at the Organizational Level: Aphasia Awareness for Healthcare and Public Service Workers
Kassidy Lyn Roe
Advocacy Plan at the Organizational Level
Stroke Life Center
Site Mentor: Cindy Roshon 
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Courageous Vocational Program
Erin Torrence
Program Development Plan
Courageous Community Services
Site Mentor: Laura Kuhlenbeck, Executive Director 
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Presentation

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Last Updated: 1/31/23