Occupational Therapy
: Department of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Metz joined the Occupational Therapy Department in 2007. 

RESEARCH
Dr. Metz seeks to contribute to our understanding of the neurological basis of sensory processing disorders, most specifically tactile defensiveness.  She is working to set up a research program that will utilize state-of-the-art techniques to measure neural activity in response to touch stimuli that indicate how processing is different in typical people compared to those who find non-harmful touch to be aversive.

This year, she is also advising the projects of four Occupational Therapy doctoral students who are focusing on occupational engagement in children.  Soon, these students will be seeking research participants!!  Stay tuned to this site for recruiting information!

Cherie Grillot: Participation in Play and Leisure Occupations in Children who have a Sibling with Autism 
Kristin Schafer: The Effect of Pretending on Play with Distasteful Messy Substances
Eddie Severhof: The effect of choice on occupational engagement in children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction
Kristen Welcome: The Effect of Thematically Related Toy Play on Engagement in Storybook Reading in Children with Hearing Impairment

TEACHING
Dr. Metz received a Center for Teaching and Learning grant in 2007.

OCCT702 Occupational Therapy Models of Practice II, In this course, Dr. Metz provides an introduction to the nervous system, with emphasis on the neurological basis of human occupation and the effects of neurological conditions (disease, injury, and mental illness) on occupational performance.  The course includes lectures ranging from the physiology of neurons to systems-level neuroscience.  Students are engaged in studying the scientific literature as it relates to Occupational Therapy practice and perform a dissection of a human brain!
OCCT704 Occupational Therapy Models of Practice IV, In this course, Dr. Metz introduces knowledge specific to Occupational Therapy practice with pediatric populations, including psychosocial, cognitive, and physical development; child- and family-centered practice; and the occupations of children.  Several models of practice used in pediatric Occupational Therapy are introduced or reviewed including psychosocial, acquisitional, play, and sensory integration.  Students have the opportunity to practice conducting an assessment with a typically developing child at the University’s own Apple Tree Nursery School.
OCCT805 Occupational Therapy Models of Practice V, This course is team-taught with Drs. Kopp Miller and Rice.  It focuses on occupational performance throughout the lifespan, including psychosocial aspects of disease and disability, as well as, prevention of occupational impairment.  In this course, Dr. Metz provide students with several opportunities to interact with children and parents of children with special needs, including hosting a panel of parents from the community and organizing an opportunity to engage in therapeutic occupation with children with intense special needs at the Anne Grady Day Program, Prescribed Pediatric Center.  In addition, she teaches regarding the development and remediation of the lifelong occupation of handwriting. 

CLINICAL PRACTICE
In the summer of 2008, Dr. Metz provided Occupational Therapy services at the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio’s Extended School Year program at the Speech and Hearing Clinic on the University’s main campus.  The program provided speech, academic, behavioral and occupational therapy services to 30 children and served as a training site for speech and occupational therapy students.

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
Dr. Metz enjoys time with her family, particularly the joys and challenges of raising twins.  When she and her husband get a chance, they enjoy going to the movies, cheering for the Chicago Cubs (among other sports loyalties), skiing, and dining out.  She has recently begun gardening and knitting. 

CURRICULUM VITAE ON REQUEST