Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Enhancing Mental Health Through Occupational Therapy, Evelyn G. Garibay

OT Doctoral Capstones

Behavioral health providers may have limited knowledge of occupational therapy and its role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, which can limit opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of occupation-based approaches in practice. This capstone project aimed to increase behavioral health providers’ awareness and understanding of occupational therapy in mental health through an interactive educational program. Following a site needs assessment, an educational series was developed that combined presentations with hands-on, occupation-based activities focused on areas including daily functioning, emotional regulation, social participation, and health and wellness. Implementation also included the development of a comprehensive participant handbook containing …

Planting The Seeds Of Well-Being: Cultivating Student Wellness Through Occupation-Based Environmental Design, Alexis Selena Feliciano

OT Doctoral Capstones

The Rehabilitation Sciences Complex (RSC) at The University of Texas at El Paso provides limited opportunities for students to access outdoor wellness spaces despite the high academic demands experienced by Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy students. A needs assessment of 128 students identified strong interest in a Student Wellness Garden to support stress management, relaxation, studying, and meaningful engagement with nature. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop an occupation-based Student Wellness Garden while creating the resources needed to support its future implementation. Although the garden was not physically installed during the capstone experience due …

Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Ergonomic Approach In Occupational Therapy, Genevieve Daan

OT Doctoral Capstones

Bus drivers experience physical strain in areas such as the lower back, neck, hips, and knees. Long shifts, aging vehicles, and limited opportunities for movement can contribute to this discomfort. Occupational therapy (OT) is underrepresented in workplace ergonomics. However, its focus on the relationship between the person, environment, occupation, and performance provides a broader view of workplace needs. This capstone used the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model to develop an ergonomic toolkit for bus drivers.

A needs assessment was completed through ride-alongs and driver interviews. The toolkit was initially planned as six modules and later reduced to four. Two 1-hour training sessions …

Sensory Journey: Equipping Children’S Museum Staff To Support All Children, Denisa A. Felix

OT Doctoral Capstones

Museums ensure access to important opportunities for learning, exploration, and community participation; nevertheless, limited staff training and sensory-friendly resources may generate limitations for children and families with sensory processing needs. A needs assessment at La Rodadora Espacio Interactivo in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, highlithed limited staff knowledge of sensory processing and sensory integration, lack of formal sensory-related protocols, and limited sensory accommodations. The purpose of this Capstone project was to improve museum staff and volunteer knowledge, awareness, confidence, and preparedness to support visitors with sensory processing needs and foster inclusive museum experiences. An evidence-based educational intervention was developed based on occupational …

Mind Over Matter: Navigating The Psychological Challenges In Prosthetic Adaptation, Jeff Arruiza

OT Doctoral Capstones

My capstone project improves access to local resources that support recreational participation, well-being, and quality of life for individuals living with limb loss in the El Paso community. Limited awareness of available resources and gaps in services can create barriers to accessing care and participating in meaningful occupations. To address these barriers, I developed an accessible, centralized resource that connects individuals with community programs, recreational opportunities, adaptive activities, and support services. By increasing access to resources and education, the project promotes meaningful occupational participation through social and recreational engagement while advancing occupational justice by reducing barriers to community participation.

Supporting Financial Well-Being Through Habits And Routines: An Occupational Therapy Online Toolkit For College Students, Diana Cadena

OT Doctoral Capstones

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project aimed to support financial well-being among UTEP students by providing accessible, occupation-based resources to promote healthy financial habits and routines.

Methods: An occupational therapy-informed financial wellness toolkit, Miner Money Matters, was developed as a website for UTEP students. The website included resources related to budgeting, financial habits and routines, saving money, financial aid, credit and debt, financial stress, family financial responsibilities, and campus support services. The toolkit was disseminated through campus presentations, stakeholder engagement, organizational outreach, and SGA social media.

Results: The website received 155 visitors during implementation. Among 13 students with complete evaluation responses, …

Exploring Pediatric Sensory Processing Challenges: An Easily Accessible Online Resource For Families, Caitlyn Brockway

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with sensory processing challenges often experience difficulties participating in everyday activities while many families struggle to find trustworthy and evidence-based solutions. A needs assessment completed at Daisy Kids Care Pediatric Clinic identified the need for a free, accessible, educational resource to support families and caregivers. In response, Sunny Senses OT educational website was developed to provide evidence-based education, practical sensory strategies, and community resources to improve overall knowledge of sensory processing. The website was implemented with family and caregivers at the clinic and evaluated by using a pre- and post-survey that measured levels of knowledge. Results demonstrated an increase …

Introduction To 3d Printing In Occupational Therapy: Empowering Ots Through Workshops To Design And 3d-Print Assistive Technology, Jose Cano

OT Doctoral Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners may benefit from incorporating 3D printing into practice to create individualized, low-cost, and accessible assistive technology to facilitate patients’ participation in their meaningful occupations; however, limited training and knowledge may present barriers to its use. This capstone project addressed the identified need for increased education and exposure to 3D printing and its potential applications within occupational therapy practice. The purpose of the project was to develop and implement an educational workshop designed to increase occupational therapy practitioners’ knowledge, confidence, and understanding of the 3D printing process and its application to assistive technology. The project included a needs …

Crocheting Through Recovery, Nayeli Acosta

OT Doctoral Capstones

People experiencing post-stroke symptoms and other injuries affecting upper-extremity function may experience deficits such as upper-extremity weakness, paralysis, contractures, and aphasia. These deficits can create barriers to participation in social and leisure activities, as well as engagement in daily occupational activities (Enderby & Sutton, 2020; Harrison et al,. 2022; Gnanaprakasam et al., 2023). Difficulties participating in leisure and daily activities can negatively impact an individual’s overall sense of well-being.

The purpose of the program was to utilize crocheting as an intervention to promote a sense of well-being. The program consisted of crocheting a granny square to support participants’ sense of …

Empowering Youth: Building Life Skills For A Brighter Future, Chastidy S. Urteaga

OT Doctoral Capstones

At-risk youth experience many barriers that may impact their participation in daily life activities, development in life skills, and opportunities for them to create positive social connections. This doctoral capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy within a community- based setting and the development and implementation at the Philosophic Systems Institute/ Alamito STREAM Center in El Paso, Texas. The program's purpose was to provide at-risk middle school youth with practical life skills that can help promote independence and lifelong success in everyday life.

This project was guided by the Person Environment Occupation (PEO) Model. This six-week life skills program …

Optimizing Postpartum Recovery: An Occupational Therapy–Informed Home-Based Education Program, Maria Cristal Sanchez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Postpartum women experience significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes, yet care often prioritizes the infant, leaving mothers with limited recovery education. This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented an occupational therapy (OT)-informed, home-based education program for pregnant and postpartum women, in collaboration with Moonstone Wellness OT, a private occupational therapy practice in El Paso, Texas. The program, guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation model, covered OT awareness, pain education, lymphatic system and swelling management, scar healing, pelvic floor health, energy conservation, body mechanics, and emotional well-being. Sessions were individualized and one-on-one, delivered either in-home or via telehealth, and supported by a Facilitator …

Every Child Deserves To Play: Inclusive Playgrounds In School Settings, Irene Rios

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with disabilities experience barriers that limit meaningful participation and social interaction during school playground play. Despite ADA standards, many playgrounds lack inclusive features that support participation for students of all abilities. YISD identified the need for a comprehensive resource to evaluate playground Accessiblity and inclusivity beyond ADA compliance.

Project Purpose: Develop an Inclusive School Playground Assessment Toolkit (ISPAT), an evaluation criteria and guidelines to assess the Accessiblity and inclusivity of elementary school playgrounds.

Implementation: Evaluate five YISD school playgrounds using ISPAT

Outcomes: Using IPSAT and its scoring system, only one playground achieved a Mostly Inclusive rating (70-85%), one achieved …

Promoting Office Worker Well-Being- An Occupational Therapy Approach To Workplace Ergonomics, David D. Roberts

OT Doctoral Capstones

Office-based employees face an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged sitting, repetitive computer use, static postures, and poorly designed workstations. These risk factors contribute to discomfort, fatigue, and diminished work performance. While ergonomic education and workstation modifications have proven effective, evidence on the long-term impact of occupational therapy-led interventions in office settings remains limited. In response, an evidence-based ergonomic program was developed using an occupational therapy framework to enhance awareness, habits, performance, and overall well-being. The program included individualized ergonomic workstation assessments, tailored recommendations, educational presentations, instructional videos, movement and stretching resources, and ongoing follow-up support. Administrative …

Occupation, Purpose, And Possibility: A Holistic Program For Children Battling Cancer, Ayleen Mena

OT Doctoral Capstones

Pediatric oncology patients often experience disruptions in meaningful occupations due to prolonged hospitalization, medical treatments, fatigue, isolation precautions, and emotional distress. A needs assessment conducted within a pediatric oncology unit identified concerns related to social isolation, limited opportunities for meaningful activity, emotional well-being, and disruptions in play, leisure, social participation, and daily routines. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupation-based, family-centered activity program to support the psychosocial well-being and meaningful participation of pediatric oncology patients during hospitalization.

The Next Step: Building Strength Through Life Skills, Victoria Nunez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Adolescents who are at risk or facing mental health challenges often miss out on chances to build the practical life skills they need for everyday life and a smooth transition into adulthood. While traditional rehabilitation programs tend to focus on stabilization and therapy, they frequently fall short when it comes to preparing young people for independent living. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a structured, occupation-based life skills program to promote well-being, independence, and meaningful participation among adolescents. The Life Skills Program (Life Lab) took place at the Alamito STREAM Center in Segundo Barrio, …

Beyond The Game: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Adaptive Sports, Leslie Nicole Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with physical disabilities often experience limited opportunities to participate in meaningful recreational and leisure activities, which may hinder overall quality of life. A needs assessment conducted with staff and parents at Permian Basin Reability Center (PBRC) identified a gap in accessible recreational opportunities for children with physical disabilities, justifying the need for an adaptive softball program. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an adaptive softball program that promoted participation, inclusion, personal skills development, and enhanced quality of life by integrating occupational therapy in adaptive sports.

The adaptive softball program included a parent/guardian education guide …

Thriving Through Occupation: Enhancing Occupational Participation For Cancer Survivors, Leslie B. Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Cancer survivors often experience decreased participation in meaningful occupations, along with physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges (Newman et al., 2024). This capstone project developed an educational series to promote engagement in meaningful occupations and provide strategies to combat the negative physical and mental effects of cancer and treatment. Four classes covering various health topics, including cancer-related fatigue, cognitive impairment, mental health, and nutrition, were implemented for cancer survivors at the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. The classes included an educational portion in which participants were introduced to each topic, followed by interactive learning activities designed to promote the application and …

Promoting Social Participation In Pediatric Behavioral Health, Desirae Gomez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children receiving behavioral health services may experience challenges with social participation, including difficulty communicating, forming friendships, and engaging with peers. A needs assessment identified a need for more opportunities to develop social skills and support emotional well-being within an outpatient behavioral health setting. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupational therapy-driven social participation program that promoted social engagement, coping skills, emotional expression, and interpersonal skills among children receiving behavioral health services. Weekly group workshops were implemented using evidence-informed, occupation-based activities, such as art and emotional expression, social stories, board games, and collaborative activities. Pre- …

Navigating Child Development: A Toolkit For Bridging Knowledge And Strengthening Caregiver Confidence, Kristen Sarai Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children involved in the child welfare system are at increased risk for trauma, prenatal substance exposure (PSE), adverse childhood experiences, and developmental challenges that may affect participation and well-being. A needs assessment conducted at CASA of El Paso identified a need for practical resources to strengthen advocates’ knowledge and confidence related to child development, trauma-informed care, PSE, play-based strategies, and communication with caregivers. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement an evidence-based occupational therapy toolkit and educational workshop to increase CASA advocates’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in supporting children and families. The project included a …

Playing In The Zones: Enhancing Executive Function And Self-Regulation Through Play-Based Interventions, Armando Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Executive function (EF) and self-regulation (SR) are essential skills that support children’s participation in school, play, and everyday occupations. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental delays may experience difficulties with working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation. A need was identified for a structured, evidence-informed therapy resource addressing EF and SR within pediatric practice. The purpose of the project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a group program integrating the Zones of Regulation to support EF and SR in children. The program was implemented at an outpatient pediatric clinic with children ages 6-11 …

Every Blessing Crafts, Alan Frausto

OT Doctoral Capstones

Depression is highly prevalent among residents in Long-Term Care Settings (LTCS), approximately up to 50% reported in studies (Matos Quieros et al., 2021; Shrestha et al., 2020; Ulbricht et al., 2019). Occupational Injustice (OI) such as occupational deprivation is a risk factor for residents in LTCS developing depression (Janssen & Grabanski, 2023). Additionally, Causey-Upton (2015) identified occupational marginalization, occupational imbalance, and occupational deprivation as specific forms of OI that residents face.

The field of occupational therapy (OT) has utilized arts and crafts as one of the first interventions since the beginning of the profession (Christiansen & Haertl, 2019, p. 129). …

Holistic Support Toolkit: Integrating Occupational Therapy In Trauma-Informed Parenting For Adoptive And Foster Families, Zenyacy Ortega Rojero

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: Adoptive families often face challenges related to early childhood trauma, impacting emotional regulation and daily routines.

Methodology: A bilingual, trauma-informed toolkit was created using feedback from foster/adoptive parents and CASA staff. A pre/post questionnaire assessed the impact on staff knowledge and confidence.

Results: The toolkit significantly increased staff understanding of trauma, OT’s role, sensory processing, and caregiver support (p < .05 across all ten indicators).

Discussion: Findings highlight OT’s contribution to trauma-informed care and the importance of interdisciplinary education for those supporting foster and adoptive families.

Conclusion: The toolkit promoted caregiver confidence and trauma-responsive approaches and has potential for long-term sustainability at CASA and beyond

Enhancing Developmental Care In The Nicu: A Program Evaluation And Roadmap For Trauma- Informed Practice, Roberto Conner

OT Doctoral Capstones

This capstone evaluated the current state of trauma-informed developmental care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children’s Hospital to identify barriers and inform sustainable improvement strategies. The capstone student shadowed across multiple disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and lactation consultants. The capstone student surveyed NICU team members and interviewed unit leadership to assess staff knowledge, confidence, and feedback mechanisms. The capstone student found that staff expressed moderate confidence in delivering developmental care but faced barriers, including communication gaps between disciplines, limited leadership prioritization, and knowledge gaps. The capstone student developed a roadmap specific to …

Mind Matters: Addressing Food Insecurities As A Mental Health Barrier, Nicholas Thomas Guerra

OT Doctoral Capstones

Food insecurity (FI)—the limited or uncertain access to adequate food—is a growing concern among college students and is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and reduced occupational engagement. Nationally, 41% of college students report experiencing FI, with higher rates among marginalized groups (Nickolaus et al., 2020). At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 61% of students are affected, a figure influenced by financial strain, limited access to aid, and unique border-related barriers such as immigration status and language (El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, 2022; Weigel et al., 2007). This capstone project, grounded in the Person-Environment- Occupation (PEO) model, …

Transitioning To Graduate Level Academics: A Preparation Program For An Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, Sergio Garcia

OT Doctoral Capstones

The objective of the capstone project was to create an online preparation program for The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Department of Occupational Therapy’s-Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program that would ease the transition experience into the program and would help increase their early academic success. The capstone project involved the planning, creation, and implementation of the program. The finalized program consists of four interactive, self-led, and self-paced modules. Interactive elements include activities, questions, opportunities for reflection, and hyperlinks. The finalized program will be implemented with incoming UTEP OTD students on a yearly basis.

Colostomy Care: Ep, Michelle Ramirez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: This capstone project aimed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy in colostomy care through a structured educational booklet.

Methods: Six adult inpatient participants at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus received the booklet and completed pre- and post-surveys.

Results: Participants had a 7.37% increase in scores, with statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence (p < .001). Patients reported the material was easy to understand and helpful.

Discussion: The project highlights the OT's role in education and emotional support during post-operative recovery. The booklet is a sustainable, low-cost tool that can be replicated across diverse clinical settings.

Empowering Caregivers Through An Occupation-Based Approach To Physical And Mental Health, Maria Duarte

OT Doctoral Capstones

Problem Statement: The informal caregivers at Fundación Integra A.C., primarily family members providing daily, unpaid care to loved ones with significant physical and cognitive needs, often lack the training and support necessary to safely mange the physical and mental demands of caregiving, increasing their risk of injury, burnout, and reduced quality of life.

Methods: 5-module caregiver education course over 8 weeks in person/via Zoom and all material was delivered in Spanish.

Results: Increased confidence, knowledge, and reduced stress.

Discussion: Small sample size, limited statistical significance however, still showed meaningful gains.

Conclusion: Physical and mental health focused program is effective among …

Warrior Life Transition Program, Joshua Gartner

OT Doctoral Capstones

The problem that exists is that the Willliam Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC) treats issues amongst active duty and veteran personnel in a reactionary manner. 6 domains of need: Mental health, (including, sub-domains of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress), occupations, pain, family life/connection (Relationships), sleep and alcohol/ substance abuse. Currently there is no one assessment at the WBAMC IMC that looks to assess all of these areas in a reactive way. This project was to develop a reactive assessment to address these domains of need.

Supporting The Parents Of Transition Aged Students With Autism, Miguel Duran

OT Doctoral Capstones

The present capstone project sought to develop and implement an 8-week parent support program for the parents of transition aged youths diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder residing within the Socorro Independent School District. The parent support group included the topics of preparing for the transition process, state and local resources, and identifying caregiver strain for the first half of the program. The latter half of the program consisted of self-care and leisure activities for the parents to address levels of caregiver strain. The goal of the program was to identify potential changes in three areas: caregiver strain, perceived levels of …

Bright Futures: A Transitional Resource Guide​, Leslie Ayala

OT Doctoral Capstones

Bright Futures: A Transitional Resource Guide (BF) is a caregiver-informed collection of personal narratives shared by 15 caregivers of children with Down syndrome (DS), designed to promote preparedness, advocacy, and connection through storytelling and peer-recommended resources during key life transitions, including starting school and entering adulthood. Professionally published on the DS Coalition for El Paso website, BF was developed in collaboration with a software developer and funded by a grant from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, ensuring long-term, public accessibility.

Goals of BF:

• Disseminate trusted resources and lived experiences among caregivers of …