2023 Scholarly Project and Capstone Presentations For the Degree of Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Members of the UToledo Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Class of 2023 presented their final projects in partial fulfillment of their doctoral degrees, on May 2-4, 2023.
SCHOLARLY PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS
Each presenting student is allotted 15 minutes with five for discussion (questions
and comments welcome). Presentations were attended by program students and faculty,
college members, and guests. Presentations were recorded with in-room lecture capture
system. Recordings are available through the links below. For questions, please
contact alexia.metz@utoledo.edu
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 2023 Scholarly Project Presentations
Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Before Versus During the COVID-19
Pandemic
Diala Abou-Dahech
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Back to Top
Education about Older Adults in Occupational Therapy Compared to Other Health Professions
Educational Programs
Logan Boley
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Back to Top
Joint presentation:
The Value of Creative Play: How Children Coped in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Effect Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Young Children's Play
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Screen Time
Sophia Burroughs, Cameron Cahill, and Sarah Neeper
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Joint presentation:
Direct Service Providers, Families and Individuals' Perspectives on the Transition
to Adulthood for Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Mackenzie Calvert, Haley Dorris, and Sahara Hardin
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Program Graduates' Perceptions of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Experience
Taylor Chaffins
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Social Isolation and Loneliness: Effects on Mental Health of Older Adults
Hannah Hoops
Scholarly Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Joint presentation:
Rediscovering Meaningful Engagement in Occupational Therapy Practice
Jamie Jastatt, Bailey King, Carlie Kruse, and Hannah Schweitz
Scholarly Presentation
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Meaningful Engagement: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Occupational Therapy
Practitioners Following a Continuing Education Course, A Pilot Study
Clara Keyes Ehrman
Scholarly Presentation
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Joint presentation:
Influence of Custom Splint Post Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty: Pain and Satisfaction
Influence of Custom Splint Post CMC Arthroplasty
Caterina Langlois & Rachel Smithberger
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Perceptions of the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Gabrielle Matlack
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Intergenerational Contact Approach: Reducing Ageism Amongst Occupational Therapy Students
Madison Morgan
Scholarly Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
The Effects of Physical Leisure Occupations on the Mental Health of Older Adults
Hope Poolos
Scholarly Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Educational Settings from the Perspective of Educational
Professionals and Staff
Allison Recker
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Class of 2023 Capstone Presentations
Integrating Occupational Therapy into The Perrysburg Cancer Center: Pain and Fatigue
Management Program
Diala Abou-Dahech
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Mercy Health- Perrysburg Cancer Center
Site Mentor: Courtney Andryc OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Developing a Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program in Central Ohio
Logan Boley
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Nationwide Children's Hospital Westerville Close to Home
Site Mentor: Kristin Fisher, MOT, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in LGBTQ Older Adults through Story Telling:
A Program Development Plan
Sophia Burroughs
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Howard Brown Health
Site Mentor: Cecilia Hardacker, MSN, RN, CNL and Martin J. Gorbien, MD, MHL, FACP
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Fine Motor Skills in Preschoolers: Utilizing the RTI Approach in the Classroom
Cameron Cahill
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Mad River Early Childhood Center
Site Mentor: Ms. Denise Campbell, MS, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Meaningful Sensations: A Sensory Education Program for Early Intervention and Preschool
Staff Members
Mackenzie Calvert
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Childhood League Center
Site Mentor: Ashley Brown, OTR/L, and Julie Jackson, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Classroom connections: Pushing into the Early Childhood Classroom
Taylor Chaffins
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Willard City Schools
Site Mentor: Nicole Hufford, MOT, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Advocating for Greater Inclusion for Girls with Disabilities at Girls on the Run of
Northeast Ohio
Haley Dorris
Capstone Presentation, Advocacy Plan
Site: Girls on the Run of Northeast Ohio
Site Mentor: Robyn Cutler
Faculty Mentors: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Addressing Cultural Humility and Implicit Bias in Health Care
Sahara Hardin
Capstone Presentation, Course Development
Site: University of Toledo
Site Mentors: Nicole L Stotz OTD, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Nicole L Stotz OTD, OTR/L
¡Limpiar con Sentido!: A Program Development Plan
Hannah Hoops
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: CRECER - Ibarra, Ecuador
Site Mentor: Elaine Keane, OTD, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Social Connection: A Social and Living Skill Program Development Plan for Young Adults
Jamie Jastatt
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Rec2Connect
Site Mentor: Jennifer Knott
Faculty Mentors: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Resilient Rockets: An Occupation-based Program for College Students
THRIVE: Skills for Living Well as Terps, A Program Development Plan
Clara Keyes Ehrman
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: The University Health Center, University of Maryland, College Park
Site Mentor: Sarah Wilson MPH, MSW, CHES
Faculty Mentor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
The Successful Aging Program: A Program Development Plan
Bailey King
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Triangular Processing, Inc.
Site Mentor: Kathleen Shaw, LSW, CEO
Faculty Mentors: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L
Making SENSE of Sensory Processing: A program modification plan
Carlie Kruse
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Toledo Public Schools
Site Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L & Elizabeth Wargo, OTD, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Advocating for Occupational Therapy, Workers' Compensation, and the Relationship
Caterina Langlois
Capstone Presentation, Advocacy Plan
Site: Encova Insurance
Site Mentor: Randall L. Short, DO
Faculty Mentor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Resting Well. An Occupational Therapy Program for Sleep
Gabrielle Matlack
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: The Victory Center
Site Mentor: Hattie Lykowski and Dianne Barndt
Faculty Mentor: Laura Schmelzer, PhD, OTR/L
Mountain Movers: A Program Development Plan for Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding
Madison Morgan
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Site Mentor: Brandon Merry, Senior Program Manager
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Branches to Success: Life Skills for Youth in Foster Care
Sarah Neeper
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: National Youth Advocate Program
Site Mentor: Jennifer Lowery, LPCC-S
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Advocating for a holistic approach to promote optimal outcomes in children
Hope Poolos
Capstone Presentation, Advocacy Plan
Site: Nationwide Children's Hospital- Toledo Autism Services
Site Mentor: Ashley Heilman, OTD, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, OTD, OTR/L
Allison Recker
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: University of Toledo Counseling Center
Site Mentor: La Tasha Sullivan, PhD., LPCC-S
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Life Skills 101: A Program Development Plan
Hannah Schweitz
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Greater Toledo
Site Mentor: Kristen Zientek
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, PhD., OTR/L
Program Modification Plan in the Functional Wellness Program
Rachel Smithberger
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: UTMC Functional Wellness Program and UTMC Inpatient Recovery Services
Site Mentor: Ally Baar, OTD, OTR/L
Faculty Mentors: Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L