PP-OTD Student Profiles

Doctoral Project Title: Fieldwork Educator Needs to Support Neurodivergent Occupational Therapy Students

Practice experience
Neurological rehabilitation in acute, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient and community settings

Current clinical and research interests
Innovation in occupational therapy education; Fieldwork education; Stroke and brain injury rehabilitation; Chronic condition self-management; Caregiving as an occupation

Education
2006 – BS in Occupational Science, Saint Louis University 2007 – MS in Occupational Therapy, Saint Louis University

Background
Michelle grew up in Northwest Indiana and developed a passion to become an occupational therapist in high school after observing her grandma in a therapy session. Michelle has practiced in neurological rehabilitation across settings ranging from inpatient to community. Michelle also assists in the education of entry-level occupational therapy students at Washington University in St. Louis. Michelle now enjoys living in Saint Louis with her two children, and delights in travel, running, reading, writing and baking in her free time.

Reason for entering PP-OTD program
Michelle is excited to earn a post-professional OTD degree. Michelle loves practicing occupational therapy and wants to improve her understanding and translation of evidence that informs her work, and she wants to contribute to evidence that establishes the value of occupational therapy. Michelle wants to enhance clinical knowledge and experience to foster inspired and passionate occupational therapy learners. Michelle is eager to increase participation in academic instruction while also being a leader in clinical practice.

Doctoral Project Title: Fostering a Culture of Evidence-based Practice in a School-based Occupational Therapy Setting

Practice experience
School-based, acute, home-health, and inpatient-rehabilitation practice

Current clinical and research interests
Pre-vocational skills; Assistive technology; Dyslexia; Artificial Intelligence; Trauma-informed care

Education
2013 – MA in Special Education, University of Kansas
1997 – BS in Occupational Therapy, University of Kansas

Background
Suzanne is a Kansas native, who currently lives in the Kansas City area in Overland Park, Kan. After graduating from OT school in 1997, Suzanne spent the first half of her career working with adults, particularly enjoying the challenges working with clients recovering from stroke and traumatic brain injury. Suzanne was fascinated by the brain’s ability to repair and enjoyed the relational aspect of working with clients and caregivers. The latter half of Suzanne’s career has been devoted to working primarily with K-5 students. Suzanne has felt energized by her role helping students to better access their educational environment and setting her students up for success as they mature into adulthood. Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband and blended family, including seven children and twp grandchildren.

Reason for entering PP-OTD program
Over the course of her career, Suzanne has endeavored to continuously learn and grow as a clinician to not only serve her clients but also to help equip therapists new to the profession. Earning her PP-OTD will allow Suzanne to continue a journey of lifelong learning, broadening her skills in evidence-based practice methods and positioning her to opportunities within academia.

Doctoral Project Title: MOMS ABOUND: Promoting Health and Well-being in Mothers of Children with Disabilities

Practice experience
Pediatric and adult inpatient rehabilitation, home care, and outpatient clinic based services; Continuing education program development; Individual education plan consultation

Current clinical and research interests
OT and disabilities advocacy, Maternal and caregiver health and well-being, Continuing education, Program development

Education
1997 – MS in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis
1996 – BA in Psychology, Maryville University, St. Louis

Background
Rebecca earned her master's degree occupational therapy degree from Washington University in 1997. She has worked with adult and pediatric populations in a variety of rehabilitation settings. Throughout her career, her primary focus has been on children, families, and caregiver education. She has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and program development. Her perspective for patient care and advocacy evolved after becoming a parent to a child with Down syndrome, and as she engaged in volunteer and leadership roles within the Down syndrome community. She currently provides private occupational therapy as well as educational and IEP consulting services to families and other professionals.
Rebecca lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband and three busy teenage children.

Reason for entering PP-OTD program
The intersection of personal and professional experience has led Rebecca to redefine her purpose and pursue work that focuses on promoting the meaningful doing, being, and belonging of both caregivers and occupational therapy practitioners. She seeks to learn best practices in education, leadership, and program development that will advance her skills and interests in teaching, advocacy, and promotion of health and well-being. She aspires to serve in academia and provide mentorship to future practitioners that will shape the occupational therapy profession.