Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Empowering Dancers At Move Inclusive Dance, Matthew Gunn

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with MOVE Inclusive Dance in Franklin and Bellevue, Tennessee. MOVE Inclusive Dance is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance. The aim of this project was to create video content for both internal and external audiences, as well as spread the mission and vision of the agency to surrounding areas of Nasvhille. Goals promoted occupational therapy-based skills such as play, work, education, and social participation. Projects were created with sustainable content to promote the longevity of use within the agency. De-escalation strategies …

From Classroom To Career: Developing A Vocational Training And Job Coaching Program For Individuals With Down Syndrome At Gigi's Playhouse, Mason Freiburger

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse is a non-profit with 61+ locations across the United States and Mexico, that offers free educational and therapeutic programming for individuals of all ages with Down Syndrome. The primary goal of this project was to develop and implement an evidence-based vocational training program for adults with Down Syndrome to promote work readiness, independence, and community participation. A secondary focus of this project was to support skill generalization through real-world application and individualized job coaching within a community-based internship. Program development included classroom-based instruction targeting communication, executive …

Creating Engaging Activities To Improve Overall Group Participation Within Centennial Adultcare Center, Ava Woessner

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Centennial Adultcare Center, an adult day program that is dedicated to providing a stimulating and supportive environment for personal growth and independence through professional care within a reasonable fee. The center serves a variety of diagnosis including but not limited to: dementia, cerebral palsy, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), stroke, and autism. The primary objectives of this project were to develop engaging, member-focused activities through the use of graded interventions and adaptive equipment, provide staff members with effective resources, and enhance the visibility and promotion of adult day services through social …

Incorporating Occupational Therapy Programming In An Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (Ipse) Program At The University Of Georgia, Kathleen S. Chitty

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focuses on incorporating occupational therapy in an inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program at the University of Georgia. The Destination Dawgs program is an IPSE program at The University of Georgia for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This capstone project identifies how an occupational therapist can assist with wellness, independent living, social skills, and emotional regulation skills in IPSE programs.

Promoting Postural Care Across The Lifespan: Development Of Educational Materials For A Seating And Positioning Clinic, Tori Knox

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with the Department of Disability and Aging’s Middle Tennessee Seating and Positioning Clinic and focused on developing educational materials to support the implementation of 24-hour postural care management. The clinic serves individuals with complex seating and positioning needs by providing both commercially available and custom-fabricated equipment. Postural care management is a preventative and therapeutic approach that promotes optimal body alignment, reduces secondary complications, and enhances quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments across all daily positions. This project aimed to increase awareness and understanding of postural care management among clients, caregivers, …

Implementing Simulation-Based Learning In Fieldwork Bootcamp To Enhance Level Ii Fieldwork Preparedness, Kathryn Livingston

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Belmont University’s School of Occupational Therapy (OT) and the Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation. A needs assessment of OT Faculty, Level II Fieldwork Educators, and the OTD Class of 2026 identified essential skill expectations and common areas of difficulty related to Level II placements. In response, this project developed multiple simulation experiences for Fieldwork Bootcamp to provide students with hands-on practice of core skills in preparation for their Level II placements. A resource manual was developed containing case studies, training guides, debriefing scripts, and setting-specific materials for use during Fieldwork …

Promoting Participation In Leisure Activities At The Center For Living And Learning, Katie Eison

OTD Capstone Projects

The Center for Living and Learning is a private nonprofit residential treatment facility on a 30-acre farm in Franklin, TN, housing adults who experience severe and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The Center provides opportunities for leisure activities during the day; however, due to symptomology such as avolition, anhedonia, and social withdrawal, residents often struggle with participation in valued leisure activities. This doctoral capstone project aimed to promote participation in leisure activities, social participation, and community engagement. The Interest Checklist and Leisure Satisfaction Measure were administered to determine residents’ individual interests and satisfaction levels with leisure …

Highway To Help: Increasing Access To Mental Health Occupational Therapy, Abbigail Hill

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA) specifically TNOTA’s mental health chair. TNOTA’s mission is to “advance Occupational Therapy in Tennessee through education, advocacy, communication, and legislative involvement to support the provision of high-quality occupational therapy services and promote the benefits of our profession to consumers, stakeholders, and legislators in Tennessee (TNOTA, 2026). The project focused on increasing awareness of the benefits of occupational therapists in mental health settings as well as providing education for occupational therapists to increase knowledge of how to treat clients experiencing mental health challenges. This was achieved …

Moving With Purpose: Promoting Occupational Therapy Through Inclusive Dance, Kymberli Reynolds

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy in promoting participation and inclusion through adaptive dance at MOVE Inclusive Dance. The project focused on developing and implementing the mOTivate Movement initiative, which emphasized community outreach, education, and advocacy for individuals with diverse abilities. Interventions included leading adaptive dance classes, creating educational materials, and conducting a pre- and post-survey to assess staff's understanding of dance as a therapeutic occupation. Results indicated increased awareness of the therapeutic benefits of dance and the role of occupational therapy in inclusive settings. This project highlights the value of creative, occupation-based interventions in fostering social …

Bridging The Gap: Addressing Educational And Psychosocial Needs In Cancer Care At Gilda’S Club Middle Tennessee, Hayden Goode

OTD Capstone Projects

Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee is a nonprofit organization that provides psychosocial support to individuals and families impacted by cancer. This project aimed to address educational and psychosocial needs through two targeted initiatives grounded in health promotion, client-centered care, and community engagement. The first initiative focused on improving awareness of pelvic floor health in men affected by cancer. An accessible educational handout was developed to increase understanding of pelvic floor anatomy, common symptoms, toileting norms, and available resources, including pelvic floor therapy. The second initiative involved facilitating an expressive arts workshop for Gilda’s Club members to explore the lived experience of …

Building The Foundations For School Success: Regulation, Social-Emotional Learning, And Pre-Handwriting Supports In A Reggio Inspired-Preschool, Allyson San Roman

OTD Capstone Projects

The goal of this capstone project was to develop evidence-based activities and resources to support student regulation, social-emotional learning, and pre-handwriting skills within a Reggio-inspired preschool setting. A needs assessment conducted through classroom observations, informal data collection, and collaboration with educators identified a need for developmentally appropriate strategies to support regulation and social-emotional learning, with an emphasis on proactive approaches to promote foundational skills and prevent the emergence of challenging behaviors. Additional observations revealed a need for increased opportunities to support fine motor and pre-handwriting development. Capstone deliverables  included social-emotional learning lessons, regulation strategies for students, and supports for early …

The Power Of Play: Enhancing Caregiver Engagement In Play-Based Development Through Educational Gym Signage At We Rock The Spectrum - Franklin, Elise Yeager

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with We Rock the Spectrum - Franklin. We Rock the Spectrum is a network of indoor sensory play gyms that provide children of all abilities with the opportunity to play, develop sensory and motor skills, and engage in social interaction in a supportive environment. The purpose of this project was to develop guided play experiences that educate caregivers on the benefits of play and offer practical play ideas. Evidence-based gym signage was developed for various equipment and areas of the gym, providing key information, suggestions, and QR codes for further resources. Additional …

Building Foundations Together: Occupational Therapy In A Private School Setting, Avery Tidwell

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Battle Ground Academy Early Learning Center in Franklin, Tennessee, and focused on educating preschool teachers and parents on child development and the value of occupational therapy in supporting early childhood outcomes. This project highlighted the benefits of integrating therapy services within a private school setting while emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders in order to promote carryover between classroom and home environments. Key components included the development of a teacher handbook and staff education program, implementation of a monthly parent education series, and delivery of a presentation to high school students to …

Stars Program: Where Every Mind Shines With Hope And Purpose, Haleigh R. Robinette

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Dr. Sue Iliff at Belmont University to support the development and promotion of the Succeeding, Thriving, and Resilient Students (STARS) program, a new and upcoming initiative on Belmont’s campus. STARS is an evidence-informed initiative designed to support neurodiverse, degree-seeking undergraduate students experiencing challenges in executive functioning, academic skills, social communication, or independent life management. STARS will offer support through individualized academic coaching, structured peer mentoring, and targeted skill-building workshops. The focus of this project was to create a comprehensive program proposal based on evidence derived from similar programming, current research literature, …

Growing Sensory Education And Resources At Gbe Alliance, Kelsey Gardner

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Global Behavior Education Alliance (GBE Alliance) to bring together occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This project was designed with the GBE Alliance mission at the forefront, providing research-based, comprehensive care to meet individual needs. The goal of this project was to educate staff and families on sensory systems, regulation, and supporting children through play. Key outcomes included a motor station with guided activities to target each aspect of the sensory system, break time spaces with tools to increase regulation, sensory room designed …

Promoting Safety And Community For Dancers, Lauren Tribeck

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with MOVE Inclusive Dance in Nashville, Tennessee. MOVE Inclusive Dance is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance. The primary goal of this project was to promote safety for dancers and improve MOVE’s community outreach. The project included creating an injury prevention and body mechanics handbook that the studio would be able to keep for their dancers, parents, and teachers to access. A new framework of dance classes for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia was created to allow MOVE to promote why …

Nashville Dolphins: Where Swimmers Are Built Beyond The Water, Makenzie Hendley

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nashville Dolphins. The Nashville Dolphins offer free swim lessons and swim team programs for children and adults with disabilities. The organization serves over 300 swimmers each season and the programs are entirely run by volunteers. The focus of this project was to assist in develop programming and water safety resources. Deliverables provided to the organization include a 10-week swim curriculum for the Little Phins program, a new safety card with the Nashville Dolphins information, and list of schools and local swim teams for potential future partnerships.

The Power Of Connection: Evidence-Based Strategies For Supporting Learners With Autism At Illuminate Academy, Sloan E. Sylvan

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Illuminate Academy, an alternative educational program serving children with autism and developmental disabilities. The project aimed to provide evidence-based support for the organization’s classroom strategies and improve communication of these approaches to families and staff. Key outcomes included the development of a parent-friendly, evidence-based overview of Illuminate Academy’s core strategies, highlighting their role in supporting regulation, engagement, and participation. A concise literature synthesis was created to reinforce these approaches, focusing on sensory processing, co-regulation, play, and participation. Additional contributions included observing a learner during a classroom transition and developing individualized supports …

Bridging Movement Science And Clinical Care: Advancing Evidence-Based Scoliosis Care Through Professional Education And Outreach Initiatives, Megan B. Tenery

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objectives of this project were to expand SSP’s educational and community reach through the development of a new Pilates certification, an educational email series, a health and wellness podcast, and other outreach efforts. The primary …

Empowerment Of Patients Through Sexual Wellness Programming, Carly M. Busby

OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract:

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Archer with Archer Physical Pelvic Floor Therapy. This project highlights empowerment of Dr. Archer and her team through administrative tasks and empowerment of clientele through education materials. The primary deliverable of my project is a six week ‘course,’ addressing pelvic pain through evidence-based therapy practices. Other deliverables include education materials that cover an expanse of pelvic floor and pregnancy related topics. The prominent goal of this capstone project was empowerment through education.

Advocating For Children And Youth With Special Healthcare Needs Through Development Of A Sustainable Ambassador Program At The Center For Courageous Kids.Pdf, Alexandria West

OTD Capstone Projects

Children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) often benefit from community-based programs that promote participation, social engagement, and psychosocial well-being. The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) is a nonprofit medical camp dedicated to providing empowering camp experiences for children with disabilities or lifelong illnesses and their families at no cost. During this doctoral capstone experience, a needs assessment identified limited structured university outreach, decreased volunteer awareness, and the need for improved long-term volunteer recruitment and advocacy efforts.

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a sustainable ambassador program designed to increase community engagement, strengthen advocacy efforts, and …

Onboarding And Resource Guide Development At Lipscomb University Ideal Program, Folasade S. Alalade

OTD Capstone Projects

The Lipscomb IDEAL program is a two-year inclusive postsecondary program that supports young adults with intellectual disabilities in areas such as education, employment, and independent living. Following the IDEAL program, students have the opportunity to continue their postsecondary experience through the Advanced Program (AP), where they further develop skills. This capstone project focused on creating onboarding materials for students and families transitioning from the IDEAL program to the AP in order to better support and prepare them for this next phase. The second component of the project involved researching assistive technology (AT) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools beneficial to this …

Improved Child Participation And Performance At Saddle Up!, Maya Pakulski

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was created in partnership with the staff at Saddle Up! in Franklin, TN. Saddle Up! is a PATH accredited non profit organization that offers hippotherapy, adaptive riding and various horsemanship lessons and opportunities for children and youth with various disabilities to learn and engage with horses. The primary goal of this project was to address a need for improved child and family participation in various aspects of lessons and therapy sessions. The focus was to develop a functional communication and visual schedule system that was accessible and easily understood by all staff. This system included a wide …

Supporting School-Based Adaptive Movement: Developing Resources For The Flip For Function Program, Isabel C. Creasey

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Flip for Function, an adaptive gymnastics program that incorporates occupational therapy principles to serve children with and without disabilities. The primary aim of this project was to facilitate the expansion of adaptive movement programming into school-based settings through the development of structured resources, evaluation tools, and educational materials. A comprehensive literature review was completed to examine the relationship between physical activity, executive functioning, self-regulation, and school-related outcomes in children with disabilities. Guided by these findings, key deliverables were developed, including a school-based implementation guide, outreach materials for school personnel, a teacher-reported …

Building Caregiver Capacity: Sensory Processing Education And Practical Strategies For Supporting Children In Residential Care, Karissa J. Varner

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes Brentwood. Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes is an organization with 3 campuses across Tennessee with the purpose of providing Christ-centered homes for children in hard places through compassionate on-campus homes. The goal of this project was to create informative and practical resources for staff to increase knowledge and confidence in supporting the children in their care. Two live staff trainings were conducted, introducing trauma-informed sensory processing and advocacy. Additionally, a 25-page evidence-based resource guide was developed, detailing sensory processing supports and occupational therapy strategies to assist house …

Promoting Mental Health And Wellness For Adults With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Tristen Six Caceres

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program. This community-based program provides recreational, social, and wellness opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Nashville area. The purpose of this capstone project was to address a need for increased mental health support, education, and accessible resources for adults with IDD participating in the day programs, as well as for the staff who support these participants. Adults with IDD often experience barriers to receiving mental health care, including limited access to providers with appropriate training and confidence in working with this population. …

The Relationship Between Phone Usage, Activity Participation, And Hand Strength, Debra Gibbs, Will Best, Raegan Adams, Amanda Finke, Rachel Pierce, Salem Swallows, Alisha Yoo

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Smartphone use among university students in the United States is steadily increasing. Longer duration of smartphone use has been associated with increased risk of smartphone addiction, reduced musculoskeletal strength, and engagement in meaningful activities. While prior research has examined these variables separately, limited evidence exists on the associations between smartphone use, hand grip and pinch strength, and extracurricular and leisure activities among U.S. university students. To address this gap, a correlational study was conducted using the Spearman rank correlation to analyze the relationship between phone use, activity participation, and hand strength. A Qualtrics survey including demographic information, phone usage, and …

The Impact Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Self-Reported Balance And Confidence On Perceived Fall Risk: A Pilot Study, Antoney Labuschagne, Wesley Hopper, Bailey Watson, Alexis Ignatin, Ashtyn South, Whitney Dupree, Natalie Michaels

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background: Each year, thousands of people experience one or more episodes of falling, that lead to a lasting impact in function and participation in daily life. Education regarding fall prevention is often focused mainly on the older adult population, but falls can happen at any age. Fear of falling and pain-related fear exists among adults at any age. The focus of this research study was to determine if participation in an aquatic exercise program that focused on balance, core body strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance could be utilized to alleviate the fear of falling and improve performance. Methods: Eight participants completed …

Non-Instrumented Dva: Assessment Of Performance And Clinical Feasibility In Children Ages 2 Through 13 Years, Cathey P. Norton, Nancy S. Darr, Mary Katherine Beshears, Katherine Catalano, Tyra Dillard, Mahayla J.K. Gamble, Magdalene Olerich, Sadie Rodell Rupp

Funded Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Vestibular disorders can have functional consequences for children, including balance and gross motor delays, academic difficulties and behavioral manifestations; however, they are frequently undiagnosed in children. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of performing a non-instrumented dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test as a primary screening tool for children and to examine typical performance on this non-instrumented DVA test in a large sample of children ages 2 through 13 years.

Methods: A clinical DVA test was administered to a convenience sample of 208 children aged 2–13 years. Static visual acuity was assessed using …

Sensory Strategies For Trainees At Autism Career Training (Act), Emily A. Kay

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Autism Career Training (ACT) who’s mission is to provide vocational training for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to bridge the gap between completion of high school level education and entering the workforce. The purpose of this project is to introduce sensory regulation activities to ACT students using Ayer’s Sensory Integration Theory. Additionally, it is to provide education for ACT staff on sensory regulation techniques, and introduction of resources for the ASD population in Middle Tennessee. The primary goal of this project is to increase participation in daily vocational tasks and …