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Strengthening Leadership And Expanding Engagement: Enhancing Volunteer, Participant, And Donor Involvement In Michigan Victory Games, Abbey Smith

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) addressed organizational development and community engagement within the Michigan Disability Sports Alliance (MiDSA), an adaptive sports nonprofit serving individuals with physical disabilities. The project is relevant to occupational therapy (OT) through its focus on promoting participation, health, and inclusion in meaningful occupations such as sport. A key gap identified was the lack of structured resources to support leadership, inconsistent outreach methods, and limited strategies to reduce barriers for participants, volunteers, and donors.

The objectives of this DCE included developing a centralized data management portal, creating a standardized community outreach presentation, establishing clear board role frameworks, …

Wmu Board Of Trustee Board Meeting, Thursday April 16 2026, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda

Approval of the Minutes (February 12, 2026 and March 10, 2026)

Remarks by the Chair of the Board

Remarks by the President

Updates by the Faculty Senate President

Updates by the Western Student Association President

Updates by the Graduate Student Association President

Investing in WMU’s Future: Collaborating with University Advancement

WMU/AAUP Scholarship for First Generation Students

Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• WMU Non-Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policies

Consent Items

• Liquor License: College of Aviation, November 6, 2026
• Utility Easement from Consumers Energy: Valley Oaks
• Scholarship or Endowment Amendment – Bernadine P. Carlson
• Curriculum Proposals …

Creativity And Generosity: From Therapy To Canvas, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Teresa Grzeslo, a retired occupational therapist and artist from Chicago, IL, created the artwork for the Spring 2026 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The acrylic painting, Wetland Heron (2023), features a great blue heron with its characteristic piercing gaze and elegant form, standing still in a marshland environment among tall grasses and shallow water. Painted using only her right side while seated in her wheelchair at home in her art studio, the painting’s rich textures and detail reflect careful observation and a reverence for birds and wildlife. Grzeslo’s artistic practice began after developing multiple sclerosis (MS), …

The Occupation Of Dance And Its Potential Effects On Trauma, Magan Higgins Gramling

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Trauma is a complex phenomenon. Because of its subjective nature, it can be defined in a variety of ways depending on the health care provider being asked. Though there are various forms of trauma, most definitions are comprised of components that establish its broad understanding of an emotional response to a disturbing incident. Trauma is a subjective experience and can occur in any setting, to any person. How trauma is stored in the body is less subjective though, with most experts understanding it not only lives in the brain, but also in the very cells affecting health and wellness on …

Perspectives On An Unconventional Partnership Between Occupational Therapists And Pediatric Dental Professionals, Marissa Holsonback, Reeti Douglas, Leslie Gazdeck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Pediatric clients with disabilities are at increased risk for dental problems, including periodontal disease. Developmental delay and sensory processing dysfunction hinder acceptance of the stimulating dental environment and engagement in oral care routines at home. This health disparity is magnified by many dental professionals’ lack of training and confidence with children who have special needs. The holistic occupational therapy scope of practice is inclusive of oral care, pediatric diagnoses, sensory integration, and behavior management, allowing occupational therapists to collaborate with pediatric dental professionals to address the oral health disparity. This perspective manuscript provides occupational therapists with an evidence-supported understanding of …

Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators’ Perceptions Of Ot Student Rapport-Building Abilities During Level Ii Fieldwork, Carson Elwell, Tylar Fallaw, Ryan Harley, Abby Key, Kathleen Maley, Ryan M. Carrick

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The aim of this study was to inform Occupational Therapy (OT) practice and future OT educational content through identification of rapport- building components. Fieldwork educators are uniquely positioned to assess OT students’ abilities and readiness for client rapport building during fieldwork.

Methods: A descriptive survey of 55 fieldwork educators (FWEs) investigated skills that FWEs consider necessary for OT students to build client rapport at a Level II fieldwork experience. A Qualtrics survey assessed FWEs’ perceptions of OT student rapport- building readiness components at the beginning of Level II fieldwork.

Results: Data from 55 responses revealed that …

The Use Of Gamification In Occupational Therapy Education, Chris Mulligan, Leslie Bennett, Donald F. Graves

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Gamification is an approach to game-based learning, also called educational games. These fun supplemental tools are infused into K-12 and higher education curriculums. This study aimed to discover faculty and student perspectives and explore gamification or game-based learning in accredited occupational therapy graduate programs through the lens of faculty (n = 47) and students (n =54). The primary researcher distributed two anonymous surveys: Survey 1 to current faculty and Survey 2 to students in occupational therapy programs, examining their use of game-based learning tools. The findings revealed that most faculty (n = 38, 85%) and students (n = 48, 92%) …

Occupational Therapy Student Performance In Level Ii Fieldwork Before And During A Global Pandemic, Ann M. Marsico, Cara A. Lekovitch, Ketki Raina

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted academic curricula and clinical settings, creating uncertainty about its impact on occupational therapy (OT) student learning, fieldwork performance, and competence. This study examined OT student performance during Level II fieldwork and the support required from the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) across prepandemic (2019), emerging (2020), and postemergence (2021–2022) periods in an accredited entry-level OT doctorate (OTD) program. The study used a retrospective observational study and employe secondary data analysis using the American Occupational Therapy Association Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (AOTA FWPE) from 2019–2022. Two-hundred and two OTD students from four cohorts at one institution participated. Student performance …

Exploring Stress Contagion: The Effect Of Faculty Stress Levels On Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Dana Kolbfleisch

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Research has indicated a relationship between faculty and students as it pertains to stress levels and subsequent well-being in occupational therapy (OT) programs (Grab et al., 2021), a potential indication of a stress contagion effect. This research aimed to determine if faculty stress levels affect student stress levels in OT graduate programs. The researcher used an ecological correlational study design with a nonprobability convenience sampling procedure. Faculty and students (n = 19 and n = 165, respectively) from 367 accredited OT graduate programs across the United States completed a survey consisting of demographic questions and the PSS-10. In addition, OT …

A Study Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Use Among Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students, Gustavo Reinoso, Rachel Allen-Mchugh, Thomas Decker, Yolanda Griffiths, Stacey Huffman-Main, Leslie Jackson, Ashley Murray, Jamie Rognes, Christine Urish

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into higher education, yet little research explores its use among entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students. This study developed a scale to assess AI usage and perceptions, examining differences across academic years. Eighty OTD students from a mid-sized urban university completed a 44-item survey refined using a Delphi method with nine faculty experts. Exploratory factor analysis identified three subscales—Efficiency and Adaptability, Academic Integrity Concerns, and the Student-Professor Divide—accounting for 46.04% of the variance (Cronbach’s α = .72–.93). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant effects of academic year on subscale scores (Wilks’ Λ = .822, …

Ethically Integrating Ai In Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Learning And Practice For The Future, Amy Sadek, Sabrina Gowette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s and is gaining traction in higher education and among health care professions. In this era of technology, it is imperative we equip both educators and students to have tech centric skills to support learning, improve efficiency, and enhance skills. Faculty and students alike need to be able to understand the ethics behind using digital information, such as that from AI tools and sources. As educators and students become more reliant on technology, and specifically AI, it is imperative not to lose the human connection in education. Educators are an integral part …

Doing Drag: Exploring The Experiences Of Drag As An Occupation For Performers In California, Alicia Montes, Anna Ranario, Lilibeth Rosales, Eileen Spahle, Nathan Gelman, Laura Greiss Hess, Karen Mccarthy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Drag is a performative art where individuals explore identity, challenge societal norms, and foster community through exaggerated gendered performance. Drag in the United States is facing potential restrictions and remains underexplored in occupational science and occupational therapy literature.

Methods: This qualitative study explored the experiences of drag performers in California, applying an occupational perspective through the framework of form, function, and meaning. Five drag performers were interviewed. Reflective thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data.

Findings: Identity was the central theme, interconnected with form, belonging, non-belonging, meaning and motivation, and resistive occupation. Findings highlight drag …

Addressing Feeding And Eating Issues With The Pediatric Population Using A Telehealth Service Delivery Model: A Case Report, Lyndsay Fait, Raegan Furman, Devani Emery, Bryan M. Gee

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report reviews the implementation of telehealth-based occupational therapy interventions for pediatric feeding issues in a client with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It highlights the use of a synchronous telehealth service delivery model to address sensory-based feeding issues.

Method: A single-patient case report was conducted, outlining the occupational therapy process with an 11-year-old male with ASD and ARFID who receives most nutrition through G-tube feedings and presents food selectivity. Telehealth sessions were conducted via Zoom, with occupational therapy assistant students providing interventions under faculty supervision.

Results: Telehealth interventions were successfully implemented to …

Empowering Parents Through Occupational Therapy And Primary Care Partnerships: A Feasibility Study, Maureen M. Fischer, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Partnerships between occupational therapists and primary care providers may increase parents' accessibility to needed information to support their children’s development and promote occupational engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and potential impact of occupational therapy-led parent education sessions in pediatric primary care.

Method: We designed a mixed methods feasibility study with two individualized parent education sessions within 2 weeks. The study took place at a pediatric primary care practice. Convenience sampling was used to recruit nine parents who met these criteria: parent/caregiver of a child 3 years of age or under, 18 years of …

Face And Content Validity Of The Corbett-Targeted Coin Test: A Survey Of Users And Experts, Carla Floyd-Slabaugh, Jeanine Beasley, Kaitlyn Anstey, Kasey Bowman, Kaitlyn Hesse, Lauren Mannes, Samantha Vansumeren, Kirk Anderson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Corbett-Targeted Coin Test (CTCT) is unique in that it measures dexterity with in-hand manipulation and proprioceptive target placement, but it lacks established face and content validity (CV).

Methods: Two mixed methods surveys were created and piloted, one for face validity (for users of the tool) and another for CV (for content experts), each using a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended comments. Quantitative data analysis included frequencies, means, and ranges. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated for CV. Qualitative data analysis used thematic analysis.

Results: The CTCT demonstrated 97.1% endorsement among users of the tool. Each item was …

The Development Of The Retire Well Program For First Responders, Boguslawa T. Syrotiak, Noralyn Davel Pickens, Cynthia Evetts

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: First responders experience challenges during retirement transition because of exposure to stress and trauma on the job and a high level of identification with their work. Our objective was to develop a client-centered retirement transition program for first responders and their families.

Method: Using a participatory research approach, data were collected from two focus groups of health care providers and retired first responders and analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Results: Data yielded themes and subthemes leading to the development of an outline of a retirement transition program: The Retire Well program, an occupation-based program that …

The Relationship Between Burnout, Resilience, And Locus Of Control In Occupational Therapy, Tabitha Gibbs, Miguel Garcia, Karen Menard, William O'Bannon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Burnout in occupational therapists is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished accomplishment.

Method: This non-experimental correlational study, guided by Rotter’s Locus of Control Theory and the attribution theory of motivation, analyzed the relationship between resilience, locus of control, and burnout among occupational therapists using the Brief Resilience Scale, the Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale -4, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. The sample of 83 participants was obtained via questionnaires sent to a convenience sample of occupational therapists with at least 6 months of work experience in any practice setting.

Results: The results of this study …

Exploring Quality Of Life After Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights From The Peo Model, Natalie S. King, Bryan M. Gee, Mary Shotwell, Mark A. Campbell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. TBI often results in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that can drastically reduce survivors' quality of life (QOL). These impairments influence daily activities, emotional well-being, social participation, and overall life satisfaction, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. This study seeks to provide deeper insights into the factors that influence the QOL for TBI survivors.

Methods: This research employed a phenomenological qualitative approach to understand how survivors navigate their post injury lives. Fourteen TBI survivors, aged 18 to …

Notes From Wfot: The Shared Experiences Of The Network Of Occupational Therapy Journal Editors, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Promoting Mental Wellness And A Calm Learning Environment In A 2nd Grade Classroom, Grace Tone

Capstone Projects

Promoting mental wellness and implementing cognitive behavioral strategies brings awareness to staff and students and helps to promote a calm learning environment. School-based occupational therapists support students to participate in school occupations that they may be struggling with and provide them with cognitive behavioral strategies to regulate their emotions. The ACOTE concentration area for this capstone included education to staff members on the impact of mental wellness on student participation in school occupations and education on the Calm Moment Cards program from Every Moment Counts. The second ACOTE concentration area for this capstone was program development for sustainability of the …

Advancing Hand Therapy Practice Through Specialized Clinical Reasoning And Patient Education, Candace Heinlein

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was completed at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Hand Therapy Clinic and focused on two ACOTE concentration areas including advanced clinical practice skills and education. The experience combined hands-on clinical practice in a specialized outpatient hand therapy setting with the development of high-quality client education materials and home exercise programs (HEPs). Objectives were created to address identified needs through the creation of client education handouts, development of diagnosis-specific Medbridge HEP templates, and creation of training resources to improve therapist efficiency with Medbridge use. Outcomes of the project included improved access to evidence-based educational materials, reduced …

Gamified Simulation Training: An Opportunity For Improvement In Healthcare Education, Naya Hawkins-Grier, Ashley Martinez, Tara Subrahmanyan, Kelly Fan, Ryan Leudtke

Posters

Introduction: Improvements to education are currently being studied, as lectures alone have been shown to lack the ability to engage students effectively. Research has shown that simulation-based methods are promising new methods; however, they still leave room for improvement in the area of motivation. This program was introduced to introduce gamification to the WMed EIH2 program during the simulation section. The aim of this addition is to improve information retention and engagement among the kalamazoo high school student during the program. Methods: During each monthly session, the students were divided into two groups. Both groups completed individual pre-quizzes, …

Research Day 2026 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Book Clubs And Young Adult Literature: Preparing Preservice Special Educators In Inclusive Literacy Practices, Marie Tejero Hughes, Juana Abarca, Marta Mohammad

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The study presented in this article explored how book clubs centered on young adult (YA) literature supported 67 preservice special educators (PSEs) in developing inclusive literacy practices. The study examined PSEs’ reflections on social, cultural, and personal themes in YA narratives and how these informed their planning for students with disabilities. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, researchers analyzed online discussion posts collected over a 6-week book club course component. Findings reveal that PSEs engaged with themes such as identity, resilience, systemic inequities, and disability representation, often connecting literature to their own positionalities and future teaching roles. PSEs also identified a …

From Theory To Practice: Splint Fabrication Through Occupational Therapy Video Library, Caitlyn Mccaughey

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) highlights the need for educational resources on occupational therapy splint fabrication by producing a comprehensive video library to aid skill acquisition among students and new graduates. This project involved developing 21 tutorial videos featuring detailed, step-by-step demonstrations designed to accommodate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles amongst individuals. A literature review emphasized the growing popularity of video-based education and the lack of accessible, high-quality splinting resources, with a needs assessment revealing low confidence levels among occupational therapy students due to limited educational support. Through collaboration and integration of evidence-based practices, this project successfully produced an …

Bridging The Gap: A Trauma-Informed Approach To Real-Time Counselor Support Training At Kesem, Elizabeth Fallon

Capstone Projects

This capstone project involved the development and implementation of a trauma-informed care training program for college-aged counselors within Kesem, a nonprofit organization supporting children affected by a parent or caregiver’s cancer. The project addressed gaps in existing counselor training related to recognizing and responding to trauma in real time. The literature identified increased risk for psychosocial challenges in this population, including anxiety, depression, as well as the importance of peer support, safe environments, and developmentally appropriate communication.

The training program included different modules on trauma, grief, and child development, as well as interactive role-play scenarios tailored to different age groups …

Creation And Implementation Of Nature And Sensory Based Therapy Programming To Support The Health And Well-Being Of Catholic Dominican Sisters, Sydney Payne

Capstone Projects

As the older generation ages, diseases such as dementia can cause sensory processing systems to be less efficient. When they become less efficient, it can create confusion and undermine one’s sense of safety (Champagne, 2018 pg 29-30). Engaging in sensory experiences provides support for these deficits while fostering participation in everyday life activities (Champagne, 2018 pg 30). This capstone project included a sensory garden (nature-based therapy) and associated multi-sensory activities. This was done through creation of nature and sensory-based programming, implementation of this programming one-on-one with sisters, two group sensory, dementia-friendly activities, and formation of a sustainability binder. Occupational therapy …

Implementation Of A Cardio Drumming Program To Promote Health And Wellbeing In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Amanda Moyer

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience focused on implementation of a cardio drumming program at the Ecumenical Senior Center (ESC), a day center for older adults, in Kalamazoo Michigan. Cardio drumming is a unique way of exercise that combines drumming to upbeat music with an exercise ball, laundry basket, and drumsticks. Cardio drumming is low impact and can be adapted to many different abilities. This form of exercise can be done in a seated or standing position. The program began once a week for 30 minutes but soon increased to two times a week for 35 minutes and lasted 9 weeks due …

The Bronco Well: An Educational Podcast For Pediatric Caregivers’ Wellbeing & Quality Of Life, Molly Veldheer

Capstone Projects

Pediatric caregivers of children with increased and complex physical, cognitive, and emotional needs are an often-overlooked population. Though their children may be involved in many essential services including occupational therapy, the needs of these caregivers largely go unmet. Occupational therapists are equipped to provide valuable care and education to the entire family and not just their pediatric clients. In efforts to fill the unmet needs, this occupational therapy-based podcast was created as resource for pediatric caregivers about pediatric caregivers. The development of this capstone considered the time, energy, and financial strains that are often placed on pediatric caregivers and determined …

Creative Art-Based Program To Address Body Image In Cancer Survivors And Caregivers, Tisa Lightfoot

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) explored the role of occupational therapy in promoting the use of creative art-based interventions to address body image in cancer survivors and caregivers. Within the oncology population, body image concerns are a prevalent psychosocial factor that affects survivors’ self-perception, emotional well-being, and occupational engagement in their daily lives. To address this gap, a six-week program was developed to promote art as a meaningful occupation to support the psychosocial well-being related to body image in cancer survivors and caregivers. Additional initiatives of the program included resource development and integration of education on current literature on the …