Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Mental Health Disparities And Emergency Service Utilization Among Homeless Populations: A Comprehensive Review, Megan Darnell

Capstone Projects

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on enabling individuals to engage in meaningful activities and roles through a client-centered approach. This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was completed in the Emergency Department (ED) at Bronson Methodist Hospital, where individuals experiencing homelessness frequently present with unmet mental health needs. A gap was identified in the accessibility and utilization of community-based mental health and social resources, contributing to repeated ED utilization. The purpose of this DCE was to examine how resource provisions impact the frequency of ED visits and engagement with community mental health services among this population. Objectives include developing …

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 …

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 …

Life Skills To Promote Independence Following Discharge From Inpatient Psychiatric Care, Alli Bammert

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience focused on program development through the creation and implementation of a structured life skills program and the initial planning of a simulated life skills training space within an inpatient psychiatric setting at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Individuals with serious mental illness often experience barriers to community reintegration following hospitalization and benefit from opportunities to practice daily living skills prior to discharge (Gibson et al., 2011). In response to this need, a 12-week life skills curriculum was developed and piloted to address topics including daily routines, medication management, emotional regulation, grocery shopping, cooking, employment readiness, technology use, and …

Social Skill Program Development: Social Thinking Curriculum, Anna Holman

Capstone Projects

This capstone project examined the implementation of the Social Thinking It: Tweens and Teens curriculum to support adolescent social participation within a group-based setting. Social participation is a core domain of occupational therapy; however, many adolescents experience challenges with communication, emotional regulation, and peer relationships. This project addressed a gap in structured, evidence-based social skills programming at the capstone site. Primary objectives included implementing the Social Thinking curriculum, facilitating weekly group sessions, evaluating participant engagement, and skill development. Intervention strategies included role-playing, guided discussion, modeling, and reflective activities embedded within the curriculum framework. Outcomes demonstrated increased participant engagement and improved …

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 …

Occupational Therapy And Grief: Building Knowledge, Justifying Scope, And Supporting Practice, Jessica Jacques

Capstone Projects

Grief can disrupt individuals’ ability to participate in meaningful daily occupations (Hoppes & Segal, 2010), yet occupational therapy (OT) remains underutilized in grief support. Given OT’s focus on occupational performance, practitioners are uniquely positioned to address the functional and emotional challenges associated with grief. Despite this alignment, a gap exists in structured, occupation-based grief support, as well as limited integration of OT within community-based grief services. This capstone aimed to address this need by developing and implementing grief-informed, occupation-based resources and educational materials. Objectives included revising a grief resource manual, creating evidence-based handouts for community and school settings, promoting sensory …

Sensory Processing At A Children’S Advocacy Center: Staff Education And Resource Development To Support Trauma-Informed Care, Hayley Jackson

Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses a critical gap in understanding sensory processing within trauma-informed care for children who have experienced sexual abuse. Occupational therapy (OT) offers a unique perspective for supporting children’s sensory processing and regulation needs; however, OT is not utilized in Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) settings. This project aimed to enhance understanding of OT's scope within trauma-informed care, provide education on sensory-based strategies, and develop resources to support regulation in clinical, home, and school settings. Project objectives were achieved through the development of caregiver and educator handouts, a SMART room sensory binder, a visual schedule binder, SMART movement cards, and …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Sensory Education: Training Paraprofessionals To Support Students’ Sensory Needs, Sophia Hubber

Capstone Projects

Sensory processing plays an important role in the development and participation across the lifespan and is a key focus of occupational therapy (OT) in school settings. This doctoral capstone project addresses the gap in sensory education and training among paraprofessionals, who spend much of the day supporting students with the highest level of needs. While occupational therapists have extensive knowledge in sensory processing, their large caseloads often limit the opportunities to provide direct education to staff.

To address this gap, the project involved collaborating with the occupational therapy department, conducting research on sensory processing, and developing five educational videos with …

The Ethical Limits Of Physician Autonomy In Reproductive Medicine, Isabel Martens

Honors Theses

In vitro fertilization is a relatively new medical practice that helps people who face infertility be able to reproduce. Reproductive medicine providers face ethical dilemmas often in their field, only some of which have standards of care. There are questions in the medical landscape pertaining to physician autonomy versus patient autonomy, which heavily apply to reproductive medicine providers. Patient autonomy is highly valued in medical ethics; however, physician autonomy should also be considered. When a physician decides who can and cannot reproduce, ethical considerations must be followed to maintain the practice of reproductive autonomy. Limited policies exist that manage reproductive …

Understanding Graduate Occupational Therapy Educators’ Use Of Trauma-Informed Approaches In The Classroom, Sean M. Brim

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Traumatic events can alter the brain structure and affect cognitive capacities and academic performance. Educators at all grade levels are responsible for supporting students through trauma-informed approaches. Previous trauma-informed research focused on K–12 education levels. The experience of graduate-level occupational therapy educators who have applied trauma-informed approaches to improve student learning have not been explored. This general qualitative study explored the experiences of occupational therapy educators who used trauma-informed approaches. The conceptual framework was the trauma-informed care model. Ten graduate-level occupational therapy educators with at least 1 year of teaching experience were recruited and participated in semi structured interviews. Data …

Investigating The Efficacy Of An Online Multigenerational Awareness Course For Occupational Therapy Students – A Pilot Study, Susan Blair, Barbara M. Doucet, Jerilyn Callen, Kirsten Davin, Shelby Hutchinson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In today’s multigenerational society, particularly in health care settings, thriving can be challenging because of generational differences. Occupational therapy educational programs (OTEPs) prepare students for work environments where three to four different generations may be present. This study examines the effectiveness of an online multigenerational awareness (MGA) course. The secondary objectives include increasing students’ knowledge of enhanced multigenerational collaboration and communication strategies in preparation for future clinical practice. A pilot group of eight participants from various university departments reviewed the course content and completed preenrollment and postenrollment surveys, providing feedback regarding the applicability and perceived usefulness of the multigenerational awareness …

Home Visitors Perceived Barriers To Practicing Self-Care In Personal And Professional Settings, Lexie Yancey

Masters Theses

Home visiting has the potential to support families in increasing their parenting skills, reducing incidents of child maltreatment, increasing school readiness, and improving financial sustainability (HRSA, 2023; Peacock et al., 2013). Retention of home visitors in programming is crucial to retaining families in home visiting (Damashek et al., 2020; Fifolt et al., 2017; Holm-Hansen et al., 2017; Ramakrishnan et al., 2022). While many home visitors struggle with burnout, research has found that self-care strategies are effective for social work students and are even used widely by home visitors (Begic et al., 2019; Siebert, 2008). This nested mixed-methods study examines answers …

"Gross Normality" And "Marked Deviation": A Qualitative Study Of Disability Theory In Three Periods Of Sociological Literature, Kelsey Sullivan

Masters Theses

In the 20th century, three theoretical perspectives concurrently dominated sociological discussions of disability. Functionalism and Talcott Parsons argued for a pathologized framework in the form of a “sick role” occupied by disabled people. Interactionism and Erving Goffman emphasized the stigmas faced by individual disabled people, and the ripple-effects of those stigmas. Finally, disabled activists, inspired by social constructionism, championed the social model of disability. This model purported that disability is a social condition, resulting from systemic barriers imposed upon people who do not fit the mental or physiological norm. This project, through a content analysis of 30 historical journal articles, …

Wmu Board Of Trustee Board Meeting, Thursday September 11, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda

Approval of the Minutes (June 26, 2025 and August 13, 2025

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

Western Michigan University Employee Graduates

Presentation: A History of Teaching and Learning; Zhang Legacy Collections Center

Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

Professional Instructors Organization (PIO) 2025-2029 Agreement

Remarks following vote by PIO Contract Enforcement Officer

Delegated Board of Trustees Authority to Confer Degrees

Consent Items

• Personnel Report
• Amendment to the Brian Schott …

Historically Minoritized Racial Groups At A Midwestern University: Behaviors, Attitudes, And Beliefs Toward Mental Health And Well-Being, Kemmel Palmer

Dissertations

The rising prevalence of mental health concerns among college students, especially those from historically minoritized racial groups, underscores persistent disparities and substantial barriers encountered within Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). This qualitative inquiry examined the mental health behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of college students from five historically minoritized racial groups—Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, Middle Eastern/Middle Eastern American, and Indigenous/Native American—at a midwestern university. Utilizing a phenomenological methodology, the study employed five focus groups comprising 51 participants representing a wide range of academic levels, gender identities, and sociocultural backgrounds.

The findings from this study reveal deeply embedded and …

Climate Change Denial Messages As Post-Truth, David H. Kahl Jr., Ahmet Atay

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Post-truth messages are hegemonic forms of communication intentionally designed to create false narratives that perpetuate power and marginalize others. These messages make differentiating fact from fiction difficult. Students are especially susceptible to believing and internalizing post-truth messages due to their high level of interaction with social media and the neoliberal period in which they have been raised. One type of post-truth message that has become especially prevalent is climate change denial messages that advance a neoliberal agenda. This article will apply tenets of critical communication pedagogy (CCP) as a means by which to recognize messages that deny climate change as …

Following Painting's Quiet Call To Adventure, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Yael Goverover, OTR/L, Ph.D., professor and post-professional program director of occupational therapy at New York University at Steinhardt (NYU), provided the cover art for the summer issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. This oil painting on canvas, titled, Still Life, 2024, features an arrangement of everyday objects with vibrant tones of gold, yellow, orange, and green found in the vase, and a coffeepot, fruits, and botanicals set against a backdrop of scarlet and striped patterned fabrics. She created this piece while on sabbatical in Israel as she studied under the tutelage of a seasoned oil …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday June 26, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda
Approval of the Minutes (April 17, 2025 and April 23, 2025)
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
Western Michigan University Employee Graduates
Montgomery Essential Needs Program Presentation
Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Academic Tenure and Promotion
• Student Housing and Meal Rates 2025/26
• Fall 2025 Differential Tuition Rates
• Fall 2025 Tuition and Required Fee Rates
• General Fund Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget
• President Emeritus Status for Edward Montgomery

Consent Items …

Complete Issue, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Diana Camilo, Moya Malcolm, Laura Owen, Christopher W. Tremblay

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

The Experiences Of Graduate Students Of Color During Recruitment, Tracy Sweet, Kristabel Stark, Bridget Turner Kelly

Journal of College Access

We posit that graduate student recruitment is a form of community engagement where universities invite community members to apply. We conducted a study about the recruitment experience with 29 newly matriculated graduate students of color. Many students reported that welcoming interactions, research and courses on diversity or racial equity impacted their decision to enroll. Some barriers included lack of information, standardized tests, and funding. This study offers important insights for improving inclusive recruitment strategies.

Daca’S Impact On Recipients: Interviews With Three Daca Recipients From Michigan, Jazmin Moron

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the lived experiences of three Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients residing in Michigan. It examines how DACA has impacted their lives across three distinct phases: pre-DACA, while applying for DACA, and post-DACA. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews, this research uncovers key themes: normal childhood, proof of presence, skeptical DACA future, and restricted immigration pathways. While DACA offered recipients increased opportunities in education, employment, and stability, it also imposed systemic challenges such as costly renewals, limited career growth, and continued legal uncertainty. By focusing on Michigan—a state with a relatively small Hispanic/Latino population—this study highlights the unique …

The Interaction Between Parenting Styles, College Adjustment, And Decision Making In Undergraduate Freshman And Sophomores, Taylor Phillips

Honors Theses

Although considerable research has investigated how parenting styles impact child development, little is known about how parenting styles correlate with young adults’ adjustment to college. Parenting styles children are raised with may impact the development of skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation that influence how they react to difficult life transitions. Parenting styles may also impact a person’s decision making, including in situations involving self-control. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between parenting style, college adjustment, and self-control. This study used the Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire- Short Version, the Student Adaption to …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday April 17, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda

Approval of the Minutes (February 6, 2025)

Recognition of President Ed Montgomery

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

International Congress on Medieval Studies and Experiential Learning

Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Naming the New Valley Residence Hall “Golden Oaks” at “The Valleys”

Consent Item

• Personnel Report
• Curriculum Proposals
• Sale of BTR Parcel (Unit 30)
• Liquor Licenses – Multiple Events (July 10, 2025, August 7, 2025, November 7, 2025)
• Annuity …

A Survey-Based Quantification Of Imposter Phenomenon In Occupational Therapy, Dina Prisco, Siobhan Walsh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Imposter phenomenon is a professional issue that negatively affects health professionals’ performance and well-being. This study examined imposter phenomenon’s prevalence in occupational therapy (OT). Researchers hypothesized that imposter phenomenon is prevalent in OT, more so in underrepresented groups. The rate of imposter phenomenon throughout OT was quantified and rates between demographic groups compared.

Method: This study used an exploratory, survey-based research design. Survey sections included informed consent, demographics, and the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). The CIPS measured rates of imposterism. Analyses of variances and independent group t-tests were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Inclusion criteria …

Emeriti News Spring 2025, Emeriti Council

Emeriti News

No abstract provided.

Promoting Equitable Access To Music Through Implementation Of An Eye Gaze Musical Instrument (Eyeharp) In A Special Education School, Amber Foster

Capstone Projects

Music is a universal language that transcends physical, cognitive, and cultural boundaries. The benefits of playing a musical instrument are well known and researched, however, individuals with severe motor disabilities often face physiological, neurological, and/or societal barriers that limit their access to playing a musical instrument. Additionally, there is limited knowledge about adaptive musical instruments that are available to serve these individuals and their needs. To address these challenges, this capstone project utilized EyeHarp, an adaptive musical instrument that uses eye gaze technology, to allow students at a special education school with limited motor abilities to create music. The objectives …

Enhancing Support For Refugee Women: Supplemental Resources For Service Providers Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Nabilah Salwa

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) focused on developing comprehensive, occupational therapy (OT) -informed resources to support refugee women and young adults. The primary goal was to equip community leaders—particularly those working with Treetops Collective in Grand Rapids (GR), Michigan—with practical, culturally sensitive tools to better serve refugees and New American members. Refugee women face many barriers to occupational participation due to intersecting cultural, linguistic, and systemic challenges. While existing literature highlights general needs within refugee communities, there is a lack of tailored, practical resources to guide service providers in daily practice.

In response to this gap, resources were created with …

Enhancing Health And Wellness Initiatives For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Anna Cole

Capstone Projects

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience lower levels of physical activity and higher rates of obesity and sedentarism when compared to their neurotypical peers (Ferreira et al., 2022; Shin & Park et al., 2012). Research has shown that regular exercise and cooking programs can improve strength, aerobic capacity, emotional well-being and independent living skills among individuals with IDD (Bouzas et al., 2018; Pastula et al., 2012; Pestana et al., 2018). Ready for Life is a non-profit organization that offers inclusive post-secondary education and adult day programming to promote autonomy and well-being for individuals with IDD. While exercise …

Trauma-Informed Education In Inpatient Mental Health: Applying The Neurosequential Model Through Occupational Therapy Principles, Hannah Barton

Capstone Projects

This capstone experience focused on developing and delivering trauma-informed education for patients, caregivers, and staff at an inpatient mental health hospital through the lens of occupational therapy (OT). Conducted at Havenwyck Hospital in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the project aimed to address key needs: trauma-informed care training, improved caregiver education, and the integration of OT principles into inpatient care to reduce readmissions. Using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and trauma-informed care frameworks, the project produced two educational resources added to patient discharge packets, three live staff training sessions, and an online educational module for ongoing access. These interventions addressed gaps …