Digital Commons Network^™

Occupational Empowerment Through The Provision Of Functional Literacy Services, Richard H. Townsend Iii

Capstone Projects

Literacy is a fundamental and foundational skill that develops confidence, self-efficacy, and self-empowerment, while also shaping opportunities and promoting participation in meaningful activities across the lifespan. Possessing low literacy skills directly impacts one’s ability to navigate day-to-day transit, access healthcare systems, obtain employment, and participate fully in community life. Within the realm of occupational therapy (OT), literacy isn’t often addressed outside of educational settings or school systems, which presents a gap in the delivery of OT services. To address this need, I developed and implemented an empowerment-based literacy course for individuals with low literacy, while incorporating OT-focused strategies such as …

Nature-Based Activities And Educational Programming To Promote Health And Wellbeing In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Madison E. Smith

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) and project applied occupational therapy’s (OT) role in positive and healthy aging to the design and implementation of a nature-based activity and education program. Nature-based OT interventions for older adults are supported throughout scientific literature and are of continued importance to address ongoing mental and physical health challenges for the older adult population. This program took place at the Ecumenical Senior Center (ESC), a day center serving primarily underserved older adults in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Four interactive group sessions were implemented to explore the physical and mental health benefits of participating in nature activities. …

An Exploration Of Sensory And Fine Motor-Based Interventions To Address Self-Regulation And School Participation In Students Impacted By The Flint Water Crisis, Katie Sicklesteel

Capstone Projects

To be successful academically, students must first be regulated and ready to learn. For this capstone project, the occupational therapy (OT) process was used to develop and implement sensory and fine motor interventions in a first-grade classroom to support their participation. Given that the target population in Flint has been impacted by the water crisis and poverty, a trauma-informed approach was also integrated throughout. While research shows that OT plays an important role in sensory processing, self-regulation and motor skills in schools, there is a lack of accessible and evidence-based tools for educators to support these areas. To address this …

Implementing Occupational Therapy Services To Enhance Reentry For Justice Involved Individuals In The Kalamazoo Region, Lexis Rich

Capstone Projects

Within the criminal justice system, there are difficulties and concerns regarding the high rates of recidivism involving the transition from incarceration to community. Formerly incarcerated individuals enter the reentry process with possible mental health conditions, increased social isolation, low self efficacy and difficulties navigating a new way of life. Occupational therapy can help address the difficulties and mental health concerns with incorporating meaningful occupations, however, services are not offered in many regions due to limited awareness of its value. The purpose of this project was to implement occupational therapy services for Region 8 of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) …

Spirituality In Daily Living: A Program Focused On Enhancing Spiritual Well-Being For Older Adults, Amanda Murray

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience explored the role of occupational therapy in promoting spiritual and religious engagement among older adults. Within occupational therapy, spirituality is often overlooked or only considered in the context of illness or major life transitions, with limited attention given to proactively supporting spirituality in everyday life. To address this gap, a seven-week program was developed to integrate spirituality into daily habits and routines while also introducing new opportunities for spiritual engagement. Additional initiatives focused on raising awareness of supportive tools and resources to help maintain religious engagement amid potential physical and sensory changes experienced by older adults. …

Creating Connections Through Art In Occupational Therapy And Its Impact On Identity And Belonging, Lianna Paris

Capstone Projects

Art has been a therapeutic tool in occupational therapy (OT) since the profession originated. Despite paradigm shifts in the field of OT, art-based interventions remain a valuable approach for promoting self-expression, emotional regulation, and skill development. However, many individuals living with disabilities still face limited access to creative therapeutic opportunities that support social connection and meaningful occupations. Addressing this gap is important, as incorporating art into OT can empower individuals to build effective coping skills and enhance their sense of identity and belonging. This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) aims to develop creative therapeutic environments at Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Unified …

An Exploration Of Self-Identity And General Functioning Among U.S. Female Athletes Post-Paralympic Games, Riley M. Groves

Capstone Projects

Paralympians are a unique group of elite athletes with varying levels of disabilities who compete at the high level of sport. While much of the existing research focuses on their training and athletic accomplishments, little is known about their lives post-Paralympic Games and the role of Occupational therapy (OT) in athletic performance and everyday life. This doctoral capstone experience was conducted as a qualitative research study, with objectives developed to guide the research process. The study utilized an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework, grounded by Social Identity Theory, to explore the self-identity, sense of purpose, and functional abilities of Paralympians post-competition, …

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 …

A Review Of Smartsocks® Technology For Dementia Care: Addressing Agitation And Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Lucile Webb

Capstone Projects

The population of persons with dementia (PWD) is rising in the United States, expected to reach 82 million by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Agitation is one of the most common and challenging aspects of the disease characterized by irritability, severe restlessness, physical aggressiveness, and/or verbal aggression (Carrini et al., 2021). This behavior can cause significant stress for carers, pharmaceutical interventions have limited effectiveness and may have adverse side effects. Technological approaches for addressing agitation have included robotic pets, wearable technology, and environmental sensory modifications although with mixed results. The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth product review …

Promoting Self-Regulation In Children: A Weekly Group Intervention Integrating Sensory, Movement, And Art-Based Activities, Emily Zion

Capstone Projects

Self-regulation, or the ability to control one’s mind and body in response to changes in the environment, is a prevalent challenge for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), among other neurodevelopmental conditions. Research shows that evidenced-based interventions rooted in sensory integration, movement, social-emotional learning, and artistic expression all contribute to improved self-regulation. The aim of this project was to develop a group program to promote self-regulation for clients at the Sensory Connections outpatient pediatric clinic in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Two evidence-based, six-week programs for preschool and elementary aged children were developed. The …

Trauma-Responsive Sensory Integration Approaches & Compassion Fatigue Prevention: Enhancing Clinical Practice Skills And Clinician Wellbeing, Emily Vachon

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience consisted of two concentration areas to address healthcare needs outlined in current research. The first concentration area was “advanced clinical practice skills” to develop enhanced trauma-responsive sensory integrative approaches in occupational therapy practice. Healthcare professionals and facilities are often ill-equipped to provide comprehensive care for individuals who have experienced traumatic events; therefore, it is imperative to receive advanced training in this area. The second concentration area was “program development” to create and implement a compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout prevention program for occupational therapists working with complex trauma cases. Current research displays a need …

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 Aging In Place: Client-Centered, Occupational Therapy Programs For Fall Prevention In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Megan Oliver

Capstone Projects

This Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) focused on fall prevention and the promotion of safe aging in place for older adults through occupational therapy (OT)-based interventions. Conducted at WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging in Brooklyn, Michigan, the project identified a gap in fall prevention resources and OT interventions for community-dwelling older adults. The primary objectives were to develop and implement client-centered fall prevention programs to reduce fall risk, support aging in place, and create sustainable educational resources for staff. Project outcomes demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ safety and confidence within their home environments. No new falls were reported, and participants …

Supporting Every Camper: Understanding Stress And Trauma-Informed Care, Hunter Mccaig

Capstone Projects

Camp settings offer unique opportunities for social play, independence and self-care, sensory integration, and motor skills. While camps can be exciting, and have new experiences with much to offer, it can also be extremely overwhelming. Many children impacted by stress and trauma face challenges that impact their engagement and safety across all environments. There is a lack of trauma-informed practices in non-traditional settings such as camp, leaving staff unprepared to support the unique sensory, emotional, and behavioral needs of all campers. My objectives throughout my capstone serve to support all campers, using principles of occupational therapy using a trauma informed …

Behavioral Insights From Robotic Pet Interactions In Dementia Care, Hannah Lindstrom

Capstone Projects

Animal assisted therapy has become a common holistic option to negate decreasing functional outcomes within the dementia population, though these pets often are high maintenance; therefore, robotic pets may be a viable solution. To use robotic pets in practice with individuals with dementia, we need to know the mechanisms behind human-robot interaction and common behaviors shown during this interaction. Therefore, the focus of this doctoral capstone experience was to conduct an observational study of behaviors dementia patients display when interacting with robotic pets. Objectives met during this doctoral capstone experience included recording participants behaviors in the presence of a robotic …

Applying Occupational Therapy Principles To An Adaptive Ski Program: Strategies For Education, Advocacy, And Development, Alyssa Klaver

Capstone Projects

Adaptive skiing is a subset of adaptive sports and recreation that refers to any modification to downhill ski equipment to allow people with disabilities to participate. Adaptive skiing falls into the realm of occupational therapy (OT) because of its focus on meaningful participation in leisure and sport occupation. The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to use occupational therapy-based principles and knowledge to promote leadership and program development within an established adaptive ski program at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) in Breckenridge, Colorado. Objectives addressed during this DCE include addressing burnout prevention for program staff, updating training …

The Impact Of Reminiscent Kits In Reducing Behaviors In Individuals With Dementia, Moriah Holloway

Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored the use of reminiscent kits, including robotic companion pets and hyper-realistic baby dolls, as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce behavioral symptoms in individuals with dementia. This topic is highly relevant to occupational therapy, as it supports engagement, emotional regulation, and quality of life through meaningful, person-centered activity. The project addressed a gap in accessible, individualized interventions that can be adapted across varying cognitive levels in dementia care. The objective was to design a functional program that could be implemented by staff, focusing on residents in both high-functioning and advanced stages of dementia. Interventions were tailored based …

Enhancing Dementia Care: Learning Modules And Simulations For Assisted Living Facility Staff And Dominican Sisters, Emma Cole

Capstone Projects

Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities do not provide their staff with specialized training in dementia care, which can lead to decreased confidence and comfort when working in memory care units (Smythe et al, 2016). This capstone project aimed to enhance dementia care by developing recorded PowerPoint learning modules, handouts, and in-person simulation experiences focused on dementia education. To better understand the needs, preferences, and daily experiences of individuals with dementia, time was spent directly engaging with residents through meaningful activities and personal interactions. These experiences informed the development of the educational materials and ensured they were rooted in …

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 …

Enhancing Staff Training And Safety For Campers With Disabilities At An Accessible Outdoor Camp, Dalla Wong

Capstone Projects

There’s a practice gap surrounding training for young camp staff, such as counselors, on needs specific to safe transfers, ergonomic approaches, and inclusive participation. Public recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities are limited, and significant research is required. Initially, the literature review focused on establishing structured training materials, skill resources, and a manual for using adaptive equipment and safe lifting processes. The purpose of this capstone project was to address these gaps in research and clinical practice to ensure camper safety at an accessible camp for individuals with disabilities from an occupational therapy (OT) perspective. In this capstone experience, an …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy's Role Within Pediatric Oncology: Overcoming Barriers And Expanding Impact, Erin R. Barents

Capstone Projects

Research supports the role of occupational therapy (OT) in improving quality of life and overall outcomes for pediatric oncology patients. However, OT remains underutilized within this population. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to address this gap by advocating for increased OT referrals through interdisciplinary education and direct clinical practice. My project took place at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (HDVCH), where I collaborated with a variety of healthcare professionals (HCP) to assess the current referral process and increase awareness of OT’s role in pediatric oncology care. To support this goal, I developed and delivered in-service training sessions, …

Fostering Interconnectedness And Belonging Within Diverse Communities Through Humanistic And Afro-Centered Perspectives, Courtney Cabell, Jasmine Perin

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

In today’s increasingly diverse yet fragmented society, individuals with traditionally marginalized identities face pervasive disconnection that profoundly affects psychological well-being. This roundtable explores culturally relevant therapeutic interventions rooted in Humanistic and Afro-centered principles, underscoring the critical need for community-oriented strategies that promote belonging and resilience by examining barriers to connection.

Career Adaptability In Asd: Investigating The Influence Of Social Self-Efficacy, Logan E. Ankeney

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study will investigate how social communication challenges affect career adaptability in young adults on the autism spectrum. Data from 250 participants will examine measurement equivalence of the Career Futures Inventory (CFI; Rottinghaus, 2005) and test relationships between social self-efficacy, social communication impairment, and career adaptability. Guided by social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Brown & Lent, 2014), this study will use CFA and mediation analyses.

Systematic Review Of Arab American Emerging Adults Mental Health, Sahar Al-Tweej, Sarah Kiperman

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This systematic review examines psychosocial factors influencing mental health in Arab American emerging adults, identifying both protective and risk factors. Utilizing minority stress theory, it highlights key determinants such as ethnic identity, religious involvement, and discrimination. Findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address mental health disparities

Religiosity And Spirituality In Emerging Adults: A Cluster Analysis, Hannah M. Lamack, Ingrid Weigold Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This topic explores religiosity and spirituality among a sample of emerging adults, looking at how individuals naturally group in a person-centered analysis compared to how individuals are sorted through a variable-centered analysis.

Dbt-Art Telehealth Skills Groups With Black Women, Karisse Callender, Callie Koziol

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study piloted a culturally relevant, integrative DBT-Art intervention via telehealth with two Black women using a single-case research design. Findings showed increased mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotion regulation. Participants discussed telehealth's accessibility benefits, emphasizing the need for innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to improve mental health services for marginalized groups.

The Role Of Coping Strategies On Acculturative Stress, Depression, And Anxiety In An Arab Community, Laura Torio, Khadeja Najjar, Ilya Yaroslavsky

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This study explores acculturative stress (AS), coping strategies (CS), and mental health in Arab immigrants (N=68). Results show that avoidant-CS are linked to depression and anxiety, while problem-focused-CS are protective. Age correlated with CS and mental health outcomes. Interventions addressing avoidant-CS could improve mental health in minority populations.

R.E.A.C.T.: Relationship Efficacy And Complex Trauma, Mandilyn Graham

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Research on complex trauma has expanded our understanding of the impact of repeated exposure to maltreatment and adversity in childhood or adolescence on adult mental health outcomes. Despite this expansion of knowledge, there is still much to explore on the impact of complex trauma throughout the lifespan as researchers and clinicians work to craft interventions that address the impacts of complex trauma. Given the notable and heightened impact of childhood exposure to adversity among African Americans, this population may be especially prone to experience relational difficulties later in life. The proposed phenomenological study seeks to further explore the impact of …

Counseling Psychology In Action: Community-Rooted Solutions For Mental Health Equity In Lmics, Madeleine Reardon Ms, Kali Rickertsen Bs, Mackenzie Jenuwine Ms, Francesca Pernice Phd

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

Mental health disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are driven by systemic inequities, limited access to care, and pervasive stigma. This is evident in Bungoma County, Kenya, where in 2023, one psychiatrist served over 1.6 million people, and 78.2% of residents experienced a psychotic or mood disorder in their lifetime (Kisiang’ani et al., 2023). Despite this prevalence, access to consistent treatment and medications remains limited, leaving families to take on caregiving roles without adequate resources or support. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for accessible, community-based mental health solutions to bridge these gaps, particularly in underserved …