Supporting School Leaders: A Case Study To Explore Leadership Development Through The Lens Of Adult Learning Theory, Jenny Douglas

Educational Policy Studies Dissertations

The role of the school leader is critical to school success and has been identified as second in impact only to the classroom teacher. School leaders face many challenges in this role, including stakeholder concerns, instructional leadership issues, and difficulties balancing work and personal life due to stress and excessive work hours. These concerns, combined with a lack of ongoing support, can lead to issues of burnout and turnover. These issues have a negative impact on schools and create concerns with maintaining an adequate supply of school leaders.

Guided by three research questions, purposive sampling was utilized to select a …

Care Pathway Of People With Frontotemporal Dementia (Ftd) Living In States That Have Expanded Medicaid Under Aca Vesus Those Living In States That Have Not., Catherine Scipion

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: The care pathway of people with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is strongly influenced by differences in health insurance coverage. Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been demonstrated to impact the care pathway of adults with chronic conditions such as cancer, mental health disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Yet, no study has focused on its impact on the care pathway of people with FTD. This study hypothesized that people living in states that have expanded Medicaid under ACA have better care pathway outcomes than their counterparts.

METHODS: I analyzed self-reported data of caregivers for people …

Assessment Of A Multidisciplinary Feeding Program's Caregiver Education Material Through The Application Of Health Literacy Principles, Mary Thomas

Public Health Capstone Projects

The current capstone project examines the health literacy level of a Multidisciplinary Feeding Program’s Day Treatment Information Sheet. This material is disseminated to caregivers of autistic children after completion of the child’s feeding evaluation, which is conducted to determine eligibility for admission into the program. The current caregiver material was assessed using the CDC’s Clear Communication Index and Patient Education Measurement Assessment Tool, which are health literacy tools used to measure the understandability, communication level, and actionability of caregiver materials in written communication methods. After the Day Treatment Information Sheet was assessed and a score from each tool was produced, …

Distributed System For Meshnet, Pratyush Reddy Gaggenapalli

Computer Science Theses

This thesis explores the integration of Meshnet models with distributed learning techniques to enhance MRI brain scan analysis, with a focus on optimizing brain tissue segmentation while maintaining secure distributed systems. Through refining Meshnet's architecture and training strategies, the goal is to enhance accuracy in identifying brain segmentations. Distributed learning strategies, particularly centralized aggregation, are investigated to enable collaborative model training while ensuring data privacy. Additionally, Coinstac is integrated for secure gradient aggregation from diverse nodes, facilitating collaborative analysis without compromising confidentiality. Implementation of a serverless architecture using public clouds extends global accessibility while upholding robust security measures. The primary …

Understanding Individual Differences In Executive Function In Older Adults, Gabriell Champion

Psychology Theses

Aging is associated with declines in executive function leading to difficulties performing everyday tasks. To combat aging declines, many studies investigate varying rehabilitation interventions. Although improvement on task performance has been noted, improvement on other tasks remains inconsistent. The current study sought to replicate Miyake and Friedman’s (2012) Unity and Diversity (U&D) model including physical activity as a predictor across a sample of older adults. Two models were computed to estimate three latent variables: Common EF, Updating, and Shifting. Model 1 replicated Miyake and Friedman’s bifactor model. Model 2 was a structural model that included physical activity as a separate …

Development Of A Peer-Led Community Program To Improve Social Engagement Between Older Adults With And Without Dementia, Ashley Sciandra

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Social isolation is a rising health issue among older adults with dementia and maintaining friendships with their peers without dementia. There are several interventions aimed at addressing social participation for older adults with dementia, however limited knowledge on peer-programs. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement peer-programming to improve social connectedness and sense of purpose between older adults with and without dementia within a retirement community. The capstone student developed and implemented a seven-week peer-program which included dementia education and meaningful social activities. Three themes developed from the implementation of the program: Meaningful Moments, Educational Empowerment, …

Program Development Addressing Sex And Intimacy In Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Rebecca L. Parker

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Background: Some studies have shown that up to 75% of people with an acquired brain injury (Grubić Kezele et al.) have sexual dysfunction (O’Shea et al., 2020) and yet only 23% of healthcare professionals address sex and intimacy in the ABI population (Low et al., 2022).

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a program to address sex and intimacy in the ABI population by developing education, training, and resources for clinicians, families, and patients.

Outcome: Deliverables included educational handouts, focus groups, Ex-PLISSIT training, and enhanced tools for clinicians to utilize to address sex and intimacy in …

Canine-Assisted Support: Adapting A Facility Dog Program To Address Developmental Milestones In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) At Children’S Healthcare Of Atlanta (Choa), Kathryn M. Verdeyen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a purposeful, planned, and organized therapeutic approach guided and executed by health, education, and human services professionals, with a primary aim of improving the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotional well-being of the individual receiving the therapy (Silvia & Osório, 2018). In a study that concluded that AAT significantly improved children’s response to pain, decreased irritability, and decreased stress, Silvia and Osório (2018) detail how facility dogs have been utilized in a variety of units to decrease stress and increase positive sensory experiences with infants and children. While existing research emphasizes the positive impact of facility dogs …

Support Group On Neurodivergent Affirming Care For Spanish-Speaking Caregivers, Daniela Castro

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This study addresses the unique challenges faced by Spanish-speaking families with neurodivergent children in accessing culturally relevant support and guidance. Recognizing the barriers posed by language, limited resources, and cultural differences, the study aims to culturally adapt a parent training group curriculum to enhance accessibility and availability of support. The purpose is to empower parents, reduce stress, and improve the overall well-being of both parents and children through culturally tailored interventions. Methods involved a needs assessment through interviews with experienced occupational therapists and surveys with Spanish-speaking parents, leading to the adaptation of the curriculum and virtual group sessions facilitated by …

The V.O.I.C.E Workshop: A Verbal Outreach And Interpersonal Communication Empowerment Workshop For The Staff At An Lgbtq+ Homeless Program, Nayla A. Long

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Youth who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community often end up homeless and without a support system due to rejection. Fortunately, Montrose Grace Place (MGP), a non-profit organization, that serves the LGBTQ+ homeless youth in Houston, Texas gives them the support that they need due to these unforeseen circumstances. MGP has made it a priority to give these youth a comfortable environment, however, they do face some barriers. Currently, the organization has police security during their outreach nights, which can at times result in an uncomfortable environment for some youth. This capstone project utilizes an occupational therapy stance to …

Optimizing Physical Readiness: Development Of An Effective Individualized Exercise Program For Injured Cadet Soldiers To Reduce Regression Of Performance Skills And Further Injury During A Profile, Angela Nguyen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Injuries among military personnel have become an increasingly worrisome issue, extensively documented over time. Reports have shown that only 85% of active-duty soldiers were deemed deployment-ready, with only 70% of Guard and Reserve forces meeting the same readiness criteria. Among these injuries, a significant majority (75%) are reported to be musculoskeletal in nature. Physical training injuries have comprised over 50% of Army injuries, with musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) ranking as the most common type. Moreover, there is a need for preventative measures that target individualization to reduce injuries in this population and should start early in their careers. The Reserve Officers’ …

Designing And Assessing An Evidence-Based Support Resource For Parents Of Children Included In Special Education In A Small, Rural School District, Mirage Sanders

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to address educational gaps and enhance parental involvement in a small, rural school district by designing and evaluating an evidence-based parent support resource, the IEP Meeting Guide. The existing problem centered around observed gaps in parental knowledge and confidence, particularly in advocating for academic support during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. The research question focused on assessing the outcomes of designing and evaluating such a resource within the context of a rural school district. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving the creation of the IEP Meeting Guide and subsequent assessment through surveys among parents, educators, and …

Promoting Action Observation In Stroke Rehabilitation By Facilitating Knowledge Translation, Madison Medina

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Occupational therapists can improve stroke survivors’ hand and arm movement and participation in daily activities through action observation (AO). AO involves watching another person’s hand or arm complete a movement or task. While research supports the use of AO with stroke survivors, there is a delay in applying the information from AO research studies to stroke rehabilitation. Also, limited AO videos are available to occupational therapists which makes applying AO challenging. The purpose of this capstone project was to increase awareness of AO and access to AO videos for stroke survivors, occupational therapists, and researchers. Collaboration with experts on AO …

The Development Of Sensory And Coregulation Techniques To Improve Self-Regulation For Children Who Were Affected By Lockdown During Covid, Nicole May

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

The closure of schools and the resulting transition to virtual learning during COVID-19 greatly impacted young children, leading to increased irritability, aggression, and anxiety; however, no standardized protocol exists for addressing these behavioral challenges. The objective of this project was to develop a program focusing on sensory and coregulation techniques to enhance self-regulation among children who were socially and/or emotionally affected by lockdown during COVID. Caregiver surveys indicated a need for supplemental sensory input for the child’s emotional regulation and social engagement; as well as supportive strategies for parents to facilitate communication and co-regulate effectively. Interviews with occupational therapists highlighted …

The Effects Of Parental Income Level On Sensory Processing At A Low-Income Daycare, Camden Lorys

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This paper examines the impacts of parental income level on the sensory processing abilities of children. Additionally, the capstone project involves providing education to daycare personnel so they are better equipped to handle sensory-related behaviors in their day-to-day classroom operations. Often, negative behaviors are a byproduct of sensory dysregulation. “Sensory processing” refers to one’s ability to take in sensory information (i.e. sounds, sights, smells, etc.) from the environment, process it, and use it to guide our behaviors. “Dysregulation” refers to the state of imbalance in the nervous system, leading to feelings of discomfort and, for children, problematic behaviors that may …

Utilizing An Occupational Therapy Perspective To Develop A Business Plan For A Neurodiversity Affirming Special Education School, Jillian Turner

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

The neurodiversity movement, a transformative force in education, challenges pathologizing views and advocates for the recognition and celebration of neurodivergent individuals. Originating as a social and civil rights movement, it has evolved with increased awareness, influential figures, and core principles emphasizing acceptance and inclusivity. Despite successes in awareness, professional development, and inclusive policies, challenges persist, including limited awareness, insufficient training, and social stigma. Ongoing areas of improvement involve comprehensive training programs, increased resources, and promotion of inclusive assessment practices. The movement's impact extends beyond education, shaping societal perceptions and policies. This literature review highlights progress and emphasizes the ongoing need …

Ot2b: The Creation Of A Targeted Pre-Professional Club And Educational Intervention To Increase Awareness Of And Interest In Occupational Therapy In A Diverse And Non-Traditional Undergraduate Student Population, Molly T. Rowland

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Advocating for the profession of Occupational Therapy (OT) is important to help grow the profession, solidify professional identity, and to make the public aware of the services provided by OT. Advocating is also important to help increase the diversity of the profession, especially as there is a growing need for OT practitioners. Minority and non-traditional students often require more education about careers, and benefit from hands-on experiences and resources in pursuit of graduate school. Georgia Gwinnett College has a primarily minority and non-traditional student base, with many students interested in pursuing graduate school. Currently, there are few resources available for …

Occupation-Based Intervention For Individuals Who Have Experienced Tbi And Ipv: Role Of Ots And Neurological Assessments, Alyssa Hope Waters

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Abstract

Background: This capstone project examines the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) within the framework of occupational therapy (OT). It aims to develop targeted OT interventions to address the complex needs of individuals impacted by these intertwined challenges.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project is to describe the role of occupational therapists in implementing an occupation-based course focused on building self-efficacy in various occupational performance areas (as defined by AOTA) for individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of intimate partner violence (IPV). Additionally, this project will explain a …

Bridging The Gap: Addressing Systemic Factors In Assistive Technology Provision Through Resource Creation And Stakeholder Engagement, Isabel Atkinson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) delves into the intricate dynamics of assistive technology (AT) provision, aiming to address existing deficiencies in the system and enhance outcomes for AT users. The project is centered on a nonprofit organization, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Inc. (FODAC), located in Tucker, GA, which specializes in repurposing and redistributing donated AT and durable medical equipment (DME) to individuals in need. Through an exploratory journey, the study identifies systemic obstacles within the AT delivery system, recognizing the complex interplay of stakeholders, settings, and institutions. Utilizing insights from literature and stakeholder engagement, the project evolves to …

The Effect Of A Psychosocial Occupational Therapy-Based Group On Self-Confidence And Perceived Life Satisfaction In An Outpatient Addiction Rehabilitation Center, Lindsay J. Hodge

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Due to the chronic effects and neurological basis of substance use disorder, medical and holistic interventions are needed to address the disorder. Individuals with substance use disorder feel an impact to their occupational functioning and overall engagement in daily activities and may lack the ability to participate in meaningful tasks without the use of substances. As the individual's substance of choice becomes their ‘primary occupation’, daily activities and routines can be removed or altered to make space for their chosen occupation. Occupational therapy takes a comprehensive approach to treatment and aims to treat all areas of occupational dysfunction, including those …

Adult Life Skills At Gigi’S Playhouse: Program Expansion & Individualization For Adults With Down Syndrome, Kaylee Kennedy

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

GiGi’s Playhouse is a national nonprofit organization that provides free resources, services, and support to individuals with Down syndrome, serving families from prenatal diagnoses through adulthood, in a community-based setting. This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) sought to further expand and improve upon current adult programming to address an existing identified area of need within a progressively increasing aging and adult population. In partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta, this capstone project included the careful selection and development of a program outline guide to expand the existing curriculum for the adult program known as “GiGi Prep.” The purpose of this capstone project …

Adaptedex: Community-Based Adapted Exercise Program For Adolescents With Physical Disabilities To Support Health Maintenance, Grace Mura

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This capstone project describes an adapted exercise program for adolescents with physical disabilities to promote health management in adolescents with physical disabilities developed in partnership with the Robert D. Fowler YMCA. The adapted program is mainly geared toward adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Three main objectives of this project included conducting a literature review, creating a program for Robert D. Fowler YMCA staff that included both education on CP and DMD and two adapted exercise modules for adolescents with physical disabilities, and participate in professional development of creating and facilitating a community group-based program. In …

Culinary Care For Individuals With Distal Radius Fracture To Improve Function In The Kitchen, Rebecca Cohen Dr.

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

With return to function as the primary goal of occupational hand therapy, it is imperative to create comprehensive and client-centered care that targets functional reengagement. However, the biomedical approach used within hand therapy primarily targets the treatment of body structures rather than the patient’s occupational performance. Hand therapy must transcend the mere remediation of the patient’s physical impairment or injury and harness creativity and client-centered care to address the performance deficits of each patient.

The purpose of this program was to incorporate occupation-based-interventions (OBI) into a traditional hand therapy clinical program to increase functional improvement and reengagement into the kitchen …

Enhancing The Experiences Of Family Caregivers And Formal Caregivers At A Non-Medical Model Caregiving Company: The Optimization Of Communication Practices, Sarah Curtis

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

The elderly population is rising and in conjunction, the concept of “Aging in Place” has maintained popularity among senior citizens as well. To achieve this goal, a combination of familial caregivers and formal caregivers is necessary to maintain care in the home. Consequently, the home care industry, which employs formal caregivers to provide caregiving services in the home, has risen in popularity. Unfortunately, communication breakdowns between familial and formal caregivers are common-place and can be attributed to a variety of sources. For example, the manner by which family caregivers and formal caregivers record information or write notes is fundamentally different. …

The Development Of Culturally-Appropriate Educational Materials To Facilitate Comprehension And Adherence To Occupational Therapy Interventions, Tyler Friefeld

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Title: The Development of Culturally-Appropriate Educational Materials to Facilitate Comprehension and Adherence to Occupational Therapy Interventions

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project is to enhance the engagement of the Hispanic population with occupational therapy (OT) services by developing translated educational resources that will support their ability to understand and implement their plan of care in a hospital.

Methods: A literature review supported the need for improved access of culturally-appropriate healthcare material for the Hispanic community. A needs assessment served to interview staff members at the capstone facility to gain knowledge about the current practices and available …

Supporting Students With Sensory Processing Differences In The Classroom: Development Of Educational Resources For Teachers, Morgan Paige Bouwkamp

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Sensory processing differences (SPD) refer to a condition in which an individual has difficulty interpreting and responding to sensory information that they receive. Research has indicated that 5-15% of children may experience SPD and that can negatively impact their ability to participate in a school setting. Despite the impact on classroom participation, there is limited research regarding teacher training and awareness on this topic. This capstone project sought to expand elementary teacher knowledge of SPD and classroom-based supports. The project consisted of the development of educational resources for teachers. These resources were developed by a three-step process, consisting of literature …

Perspectives On Youth Transition Services In Rhode Island: An Implementation Guide For East Greenwich High School, Margaux Officer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This study examines the pivotal transition from high school to adulthood for youth with disabilities, emphasizing the crucial acquisition of academic knowledge, independent living skills, work readiness, and self-determination. Despite federal and state policies mandating transition services to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities, this population continues to face lower rates of independence, marriage, financial literacy, and employment, highlighting the need for enhanced support.

To bridge this gap, this study investigates transition services at East Greenwich High School (EGHS) through interviews and focus groups with 33 stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and external personnel. Findings reveal recurring themes such as …

Developing A Practice Guide For Occupational Therapy Services Within A Novel Interdisciplinary Infant Mental Health Clinic In Atlanta, Georgia, Allyssa Bidwell

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Georgia faces a significant pediatric mental health crisis, with an estimated 126,000 out of 900,000 children aged 0–6 years old needing mental health services (IECMH State Issue Brief #1, 2021; IECMH State Issue Brief #2, 2023). The detrimental impact of toxic stress, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on a child's developing brain is well documented (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2005/2014; Nelson et al., 2020). Early exposure to trauma and toxic stress can lead to behavioral and emotional difficulties, developmental delays, and deficits in executive function, affecting occupational performance (Nelson et al., 2020). Despite the proven efficacy …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Concussion Care In Young Athletes, Julia E. Watkins

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Background: Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury impacts approximately 4 million individuals per year making it one of the most common brain injuries (Concussion statistics and facts: UPMC: Pittsburgh, 2023). Approximately half of these concussions result from sports or recreation (Concussion statistics and facts: UPMC: Pittsburgh, 2023). The extremely high rates of concussions in young athletes have become a public health issue (Concussion statistics and facts: UPMC: Pittsburgh, 2023). Although considered to be mild traumatic brain injuries, concussions can be serious, and symptoms can pose significant complications that may impact everyday functioning (Marar et al., 2012). Concussions can pose significant …

Navigating Diversity: A Thorough Review Of The Barriers And Facilitators For Retention Of Minority Clinicians In The Healthcare System, Jadia L. Bullock

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

The presence of minority healthcare professionals is crucial in addressing barriers to healthcare access and disparities in health outcomes experienced by underrepresented populations. Despite some progress, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans continue to be underrepresented in healthcare professions. Lacking diversity contributes to challenges in providing equitable healthcare services, as patients are more likely to delay or avoid care when they cannot find providers who understand their beliefs, culture, or life circumstances. About 60% of the largest healthcare professions are dominated by White individuals, concerns persist regarding equitable access to healthcare services and the need to promote diversity and …