2024 scholarly project and capstone presentations for the degree of occupational therapy doctorate
UToledo Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) students presented their final projects in partial fulfillment of their doctoral degrees, Tuesday, April 30th, Wednesday, May 1st, and Thursday, May 2nd, 2024.
Scholarly Project Presentations
Capstone Presentations
Presentations were held in the Collier Building on the Health Science Campus, in six time periods, each with two concurrent sessions. Each presenting student was allotted 15 minutes with five for discussion (questions and comments welcome). Presentations were recorded via an in-room lecture capture system.
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 2024 Scholarly Project Presentations
Joint presentation:
Rediscovering Meaningful Engagement in Occupational Therapy Practice
Libby Ball, Sevahna Crofford, and Sarah Miller
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Graduate Perceptions of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone
Justen Bowser
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Exploring Mental Health and Occupational Performance in Students Participating in
a Collegiate Marching Band as a Serious Leisure Pursuit
Michael Browder
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
The Importance of Serious Leisure Pursuit: Participation in Silver Sneakers and Impact
of Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Devyn Carder
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Investigating the Role of Interprofessional Education in Increasing Professional Identity
of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students
Elizabeth German
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Investigating Interprofessional Education Simulation Experiences for Occupational
Therapy Students and the Potential of Simulation Activities as Level I Fieldwork
Tiffany Hemminger
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Administration of the PDCB in the Midwest United States
Sydney Hohman
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Serious Leisure Pursuits: Occupational Balance and Identity While Participating in
a Collegiate Marching Band
Amy Lohse
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Joint presentation:
The Influence of the Number of Toys in the Environment on Children’s Play
Marianna McClure, Katelyn Mueller, and Nina Zarek
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Alexia E. Metz, Ph.D., OTR/L
Needs of Individuals and their Family Members with IDD in Transitions to Adulthood
Sarine Misirliyan
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Joint presentation: Influence of Custom Orthosis Post Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthroplasty
Sarah Mowery, Jake Slemmons, and Megan Stevenson
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Laura Schmelzer, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Analysis of Parent Education Materials for Prone Positioning Implementation in Infants
Lindsay Schweller
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: Alexia E. Metz, Ph.D., OTR/L
An Investigation of Adult Participants’ Perceptions of Their Leisure Pursuit Engagement
in an Adaptive Sports Program
Alex Brough Suter
Scholarly Project Presentation
Research Advisor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Class of 2024 Capstone Presentations
Vision and Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy: A Case Study
Libby Ball
Capstone Presentation, Case Study
Site: The Brodie-Wargo Vision and Sensory Therapy Center
Site Mentor: Elizabeth Wargo, OTD, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Cultural Considerations in Occupational Therapy
Justen Bowser
Capstone Presentation, Course Development
Site: The University of Toledo’s OTD Program
Site Mentor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Faculty Mentor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Integration of an OT as a Mental Health Provider within the Intercollegiate Sports
Medicine Team: An Advocacy Plan
Michael Browder
Capstone Presentation, Advocacy Plan
Site: University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, and Other MAC Universities
Site Mentor: Dr. Sarah Long PhD, AT, ATC and Dr. Dani Pecar Ed.D, LPCC, CMPC, CPT,
CGFI
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Improving the Healthcare Continuum Through Lifestyle Medicine: Role of Occupational
Therapy in Chronic Care Self-Management Education
Devyn Carder
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Lima Memorial Health System
Site Mentor: Nathan Schroeder, OTR/L, CSRS
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, Ph.D., OTR/L
Addressing Burnout and Co-Regulation Strategies: A Foster Parent Training Program
Through an Occupational Therapy Lens
Sevahna Crofford
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: The Buckeye Ranch
Site Mentor: Amy Nims MA, PCC-S & Myndee Miller MSW, LSW
Faculty Mentor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
The P.I.E.R. Program: A Program Development Plan
Elizabeth German
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Prairie Heights Middle School
Site Mentor: Jennifer Holden
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
PMP: Increasing Occupational Therapy Presence in Oncology at Parkview Bryan Hospital
Tiffany Hemminger
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Parkview Bryan Hospital
Site Mentor: Christine Thomas, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
The SENSE Program in the Hillabrand NICU: A Case Study
Sydney Hohman
Capstone Presentation, Case Study
Site: Hillabrand NICU at Ebeid Children’s Hospital
Site Mentor: Hannah Talton, OTD, OTR/L, NTMTC & Katie Bochi, MA, SLP-CCC, NTMTC
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
The Expression Program
Amy Lohse
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Water for Ishmael
Site Mentor: Laurie Mitchell, Deputy Director of Education
Faculty Mentor: Beth Ann Hatkevich, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
An Advocacy Plan for Enhanced Interprofessional Collaboration Between Applied Behavior
Analysis and Occupational Therapy
Marianna McClure
Capstone Presentation, Advocacy Plan
Site: ProMedica Finnegan Family Autism Center
Site Mentor: Melissa Schlotterer, MA, BCBA, COBA
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, Ph.D., OTR/L
Together Titans: A Buddy System Incorporating Inclusion for Students with Disabilities
Sarah Miller
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Ottawa Glandorf Schools
Site Mentor: Trisha Klausing, MOT, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, Ph.D., OTR/L
Occupation-based hand therapy: A case study with a patient with joint hypermobility
Sarine Misirliyan
Capstone Presentation, Case Study
Site: Michigan Medicine - Burlington Building
Site Mentor: Mary Dumas, OTD, OTRL, CEAS, CHT
Faculty Mentor: Laura Schmelzer, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Transitioning from Military to Post-Secondary Education: A Course Development
Sarah Mowery
Capstone Presentation, Course Development
Site: Military Service Center
Site Mentor: Eric Buetikofer & Dana Bower
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, Ph.D., OTR/L
The Efficacy of Play-based Interventions: A Case Study
Katelyn Mueller
Capstone Presentation, Case Study
Site: Bridgeway Academy and Therapy Center
Site Mentor: Kaitlyn Starr, MOT, OTR/L
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
Sensory 101: A Program Expansion Plan for Ohio Early Intervention Services
Lindsay Schweller
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: Ohio Early Intervention Services
Site Mentor: Nicole Wilson, MOT, OT/L
Faculty Mentor: Alexia E. Metz, Ph.D., OTR/L
Improving Client Satisfaction and Outcomes Through a Pre/Post-Operative Occupational
Therapy Program for Upper Extremity Diagnoses
Jake Slemmons
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC) Orthopaedic Center
Site Mentor: Abdul Azim Mustapha, M.D., FRCSC
Faculty Mentor: Laura Schmelzer, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Wellness and Safety Program Development Plan
Megan Stevenson
Capstone Presentation, Program Development Plan
Site: Stroke Life Center
Site Mentor: Cindy Roshon & Valerie Diem
Faculty Mentor: S. Maggie Maloney, Ph.D., OTR/L
Enhancing Best Practices in Outpatient Neurorehabilitation: A Program Modification
Plan
Alex Brough Suter
Capstone Presentation, Program Modification Plan
Site: University of Toledo Medical Center Outpatient Clinic
Site Mentor: Alison Matson, PT, DPT, NCS
Faculty Mentor: Nicole Stotz, Ph.D., OTR/L
Advocating for the Role of Occupational Therapy in Hospice Care
Nina Zarek
Capstone Presentation, Advocacy Plan
Site: Bon Secours Hospice
Site Mentor: Diane Pelkey
Acknowledgments
This year, the OTD program has much to recognize and many to thank.
Dr. Laura Schmelzer was inducted into the American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows.
Ms. Peggi Szymanski joined the staff of the department as program secretary and has supported the program’s success through the year.
Dr. Nicole Stotz has served the OTD program in the role of Academic Fieldwork Coordinator through some of our most challenging times. Notably, she assured success of student placements through the restrictions of the pandemic. Her past success predicts future success as she transitions to an academic faculty role in the program.
Dr. Kelly Gelske has taught part-time for the program for over a decade, helping to maintain continuity of the curriculum during many phases of change. We are delighted to have her join us as our full-time Academic Fieldwork Coordinator.
While meeting the rigorous demands of the program, the OTD classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026 have demonstrated creativity, patience, resilience, and supportiveness. They form the center of the community around which the program is built. They reflect the future of our profession, and it is bright!