Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Advancing Caregiver Support In Community-Based Care: Advocacy, Resources, And Education Supporting Nicu Transition And Families With Complex Needs, Leah G. Rickard-Breeden

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in partnership with Nurses for Newborns (NFN), a nonprofit organization that is seeking to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Middle Tennessee through free, in-home nursing visits. They provide education, health assessments, and connections to community resources for prenatal and postpartum mothers and their infants; specifically, those facing medical, emotional, or social barriers. The focus of this project was to create a comprehensive resource to support caregivers of infants through their transition from the NICU to home. A needs assessment revealed that families would benefit from additional support and resources to help bridge the …

Nutrition And Meal Preparation Programming And Development At E.L.I.'S House, Kara E. Nienhaus

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with E.L.I.’s House in Franklin, Tennessee. E.L.I.’s House is a nonprofit organization that exists to help women and their children thrive after trauma. The desired outcome of this project was to create programming to provide education and life skills training to participants, and to develop manageable systems for grocery shopping and nutrition in the site handbook. Goals promoted occupational therapy-based skills such as meal preparation, nutrition management, cognitive flexibility, and task sequencing. The project involved creating a house recipe book with balanced meals, accessible information on basic nutritional needs for adults …

Flip For Function: Strengthening School Participation And Parent Understanding, Ashley Caceres

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Flip for Function, an adaptive gymnastics program that integrates occupational therapy principles to support children with and without developmental differences. The purpose of this project was to support program growth through improved school collaboration, program evaluation, and community awareness. A literature review was conducted to examine the impact of movement-based and adaptive programming on participation and school-related outcomes for children with and without disabilities. Based on these findings, several resources were developed, including pre–post outcome measures, a caregiver survey, a student take-home flyer, and a school partnership implementation guide. These tools …

Promoting Optimal Bowel And Bladder Function Through Diet And Fluid Education At Bridges For Parkinson's, Emma R. Floum

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with Bridges for Parkinson’s, RockSteady Boxing, a local nonprofit organization offering group fitness classes for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders in Nashville and surrounding areas. The goal of this project was to educate individuals and their caregivers on the optimization of healthy bowel and bladder function, specifically in the Parkinson’s Disease population. Participants and their caregivers were given the opportunity to attend an educational seminar, including receiving an informational pamphlet. Pre and posttest survey ratings suggested that the participants’ knowledge about the topic increased. The educational pamphlet was also …

Promoting Emotional Regulation And Rest For The Parkinson's Disease Population At Bridges For Parkinson's, Charlotte Palmer

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with Bridges for Parkinson’s, a local nonprofit offering specialized exercise programs for those living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. The goal of this project was to develop educational resources to provide participants and care partners with practical strategies for managing sleep and emotional changes. An inservice, including handouts, was provided focusing on practical emotional regulation and sleep strategies to use during and outside of boxing classes. These resources were designed to be sustainable for agency staff and future participants. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge of the effects of Parkinson’s disease on emotional …

Flip For Function Professional Development Workshop Curriculum & Staff Education Resource, Danielle R. Olsen

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Flip for Function, an adaptive gymnastics program that promotes confidence, participation, and inclusion for children with diverse developmental needs. A needs assessment identified a gap in consistent, evidence-informed training resources to support instructors in understanding how various diagnoses impact movement, regulation, sensory processing, and participation. The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive professional development guidebook and staff training resource grounded in occupational therapy principles. Deliverables included diagnosis-specific content (e.g. ADHD, Autism, Down syndrome, and sensory processing differences), activity adaptations, coaching strategies, and family education handouts to support home …

Pain Into Purpose Through Reboot Recovery, Kristin R. Barnes

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with REBOOT Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing trauma healing through faith-based, peer-led courses. The purpose of this project was to develop a qualitative survey methodology to evaluate and analyze issues/successes that arise for participants and leaders of the 12-week courses. Additionally, educational content was developed for the justice impacted/justice involved communities on how to rebuild relationships post incarceration and how to stay connected during incarceration. To obtain more information and data on the experience of previous leaders of REBOOT courses and potentially how to improve their experience, a survey was …

Expanding Maternal Support Beyond The Studio: Implementation Of A Postpartum Email Series And Community Open House Initiative, Madison Campbell

OTD Capstone Projects

The transition to motherhood presents significant physical, emotional, and occupational challenges, with many postpartum individuals experiencing unmet needs related to mental health, role adjustment, and access to supportive resources. This capstone project, completed at Nurture Nashville Yoga, aimed to expand maternal support through the development of a four-week postpartum email education series and the implementation of a community maternal wellness open house. A needs assessment identified priorities including normalization of postpartum experiences, emotional regulation, confidence in daily routines and infant care, and access to community resources. In response, an evidence-informed email series was created to provide education on postpartum recovery, …

Promoting Occupational Skills For Safe And Independent Aging, Alandry Vise

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with BrightStone, a nonprofit organization in Franklin, Tennessee, that provides vocational, social, and residential programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this project was to address the increasing needs of the organization’s aging student population by promoting safety, independence, and occupational engagement across day and residential settings. A needs assessment guided the development and implementation of an 8-week educational curriculum addressing aging-related topics, including physical changes, nutrition, mental health, cognitive changes, fall prevention, home safety, and healthy routines. Additional deliverables included staff training to support long-term sustainability of aging-related …

Program Development To Support Executive Functioning Skills For Adults With Down Syndrome At Gigi's Playhouse, Madison M. Wasylewski

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on the development and implementation of adult education integrating occupational therapy principles to support executive functioning skills in adults with Down syndrome at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. Executive functioning skills learned include planning, organization, attention, and problem-solving which are essential for independent living but are often areas of challenge for this population.

The project involved designing and delivering a 12-week curriculum for the GiGi U program along with encouraged participation in career readiness, life skills, and individualized tutoring sessions. Interventions emphasized self-advocacy, communication, time management, and daily living skills through interactive, real-world activities.

Outcomes included increased participant …

Program Development In Special Needs Ministry For Individuals With Disabilities, Kasey Sobek

OTD Capstone Projects

The Embrace Ministry is a special-needs ministry at Brentwood Baptist that serves individuals of all ages, creating a safe and supportive environment to meet the unique needs of individuals and families impacted by disability. This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Embrace, with the shared objective of developing targeted curriculum and training to enhance participation and engagement in the day program and ministry service settings. This project addressed the identified need for enhanced volunteer and staff training curriculum, as well as day program curriculum development and evidence-informed strategies to address diverse sensory, behavioral, and functional needs. Key outcomes …

Supporting Self-Regulation In Early Childhood Through Parent–Child Movement And Sensory Play, Meris Gilliam

OTD Capstone Projects

The focus of this capstone was to develop a parent–child movement and sensory play program for Nurture Nashville, a local yoga and wellness studio focused on promoting holistic well-being and community connection. The program consisted of a four-week movement and music-based class for preschool-aged children and their caregivers, designed to support self-regulation, motor development, and social interaction through play-based activities. The program also emphasized caregiver education to promote co-regulation strategies and strengthen parent–child connection beyond the class setting.

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 …

Navigating Screens For Neurodivergent Individuals, Avery Wilson

Honors Theses

As technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life, it is important to consider the implications that this may have for one's mind and well-being. These implications are particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as neurodivergent individuals, who may have unique sensitivities to technology consumption. This paper reviews current literature to provide an overview of the implications of using media on the neurodivergent population, such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who often possess unique brain sensitivities that influence technology consumption.

To begin, the paper examines the changes in brain structure and functioning in children …

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 …

Building Resilience Through Doing: A Strengths-Based, Family-Centered Program For Military-Connected Families And Parents With Disabilities, Angelina Campbell, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Resilience is often conceptualized as an individual trait that someone is born with or an outcome; however, this capstone project examined resilience as a dynamic process developed through participation in meaningful occupations within family contexts. This project explored the experiences of military-connected families and parents with disabilities to understand how contextual factors influence participation and adaptive capacity. A participation- and strength-based, family-centered intervention was developed and implemented with the school’s pro bono clinic, integrating principles of occupational therapy, including occupational adaptation and client-centered practice.

Findings indicated that resilience emerged through repeated engagement in meaningful activities, supported by relational safety, identity …

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, …

Development Of 6-Week Tier 2 Intervention Tracks Within An Elementary Mtss Framework, Maxwell Lyle

Capstone Projects

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is designed to provide levels of support with differing intensity that align with student needs. Tier 1 is universal instruction provided to all students in the classroom. Students who do not demonstrate adequate progress may receive Tier 2 interventions, which are primarily small-group and, when appropriate, individual interventions that are skill-specific, time-bound (6–8 weeks), and include progress monitoring. Students who do not respond to Tier 2 may require Tier 3 supports, which are intensive, individualized interventions. Many school systems lack consistent, structured Tier 2 supports, particularly in Occupational Therapy-related skills, such as fine motor …

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 …

From Browsing To Building: Navigating Your Google Resource Space (Drive & Site), Libby Cunningham

Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to develop a trauma-informed, evidence-based support hub for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) working with children involved in the foster care system. CASA advocates are frequently exposed to secondary trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue, which can impact their effectiveness and overall well-being. Additionally, trauma exposure significantly affects children’s emotional regulation, behavior, and participation in daily occupations. The primary objective of this project was to design, develop, and organize a comprehensive digital resource platform tailored to the needs of Kalamazoo CASA and their active cases. Utilizing evidence-based literature on trauma-informed care and secondary trauma, relevant resources were …

The Missing Link Between Occupational Therapy And Hemodialysis: Program Development And Implementing Intradialytic Ot In A Rural Hospital Setting, Madison Maki

Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) has demonstrated effectiveness in supporting individuals undergoing hemodialysis, a life‑altering yet lifesaving treatment for end‑stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite this, hospitalized patients who require dialysis often receive reduced rehabilitation services due to the time‑intensive nature of dialysis and the productivity demands placed on therapists. Additionally, gaps in therapist knowledge regarding the unique functional deficits and educational needs of this population further limit service delivery.

This doctoral capstone project (DCE), conducted at Upper Peninsula Health System (UPHS), a hospital in rural Northern Michigan, addressed these barriers through the development of a comprehensive resource …

Equine-Assisted Interventions For Pediatric Clients With Cerebral Palsy: A Handbook For Occupational Therapists, Draydin Ferguson, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster outlines the development of an evidence-informed instructional handbook intended to guide Occupational Therapists in implementing equine-assisted interventions with pediatric clients diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Groove ‘N’ Grow: Promoting Social Participation Through Dance And Movement, Juliana N. Ward, Karen Park

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Groove ‘n’ Grow is a structured pediatric occupational therapy group program designed to improve social participation, engagement, and sensory regulation in children with developmental and sensory processing differences through dance and movement-based activities. The program was developed as part of an occupational therapy doctoral capstone project and implemented within a pediatric outpatient therapy clinic. The purpose of the program is to provide children with developmental and sensory processing differences opportunities to practice peer engagement, cooperative participation, emotional regulation, and emotional awareness in a supportive small-group environment.

Barriers Of Animal Assisted Therapy, Taylor Blanchard, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This study employs a mixed-methods design, integrating online surveys, semi-structured interviews, and clinical observations to examine the use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) within occupational therapy practice. The primary objectives are to characterize the demographics of occupational therapists and therapy animals engaged in AAT, identify barriers to its implementation, and evaluate the resources currently available to support practitioner knowledge and competency. By addressing these areas, the study seeks to clarify existing gaps in education and practice, with the broader goal of strengthening the evidence base and enhancing the accessibility, consistency, and impact of AAT in occupational therapy.

Development Of Resources To Support Independence In And Access To Nature-Based Activities, Riley Carpender

Capstone Projects

This capstone paper discusses the need for resources that support independence in and access to nature-based activities that support health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists (OTs) have expertise in recommending and implementing adaptations to increase individuals’ engagement in nature-based activities. There is currently a gap in the literature regarding access to nature-based activities, and a lack of understanding of how these activities may be implemented, either by caregivers, educators or healthcare professionals. During my capstone I created a guide with modifications for gardening activities for children, wrote an article on how to adapt nature journaling to be more accessible, coded and …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy Services In Adult Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics: Enhancing Interprofessional Collaborative Care, Hannah Peyerk

Capstone Projects

The topic of this capstone project is to define occupational therapy’s (OT) role at an adult outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinic. The project focuses on advocacy and education related to OT’s scope of practice and role on an outpatient interdisciplinary team. Literature suggests that healthcare professionals have limited understanding of OT’s specific roles on the rehabilitation team. This can impact referrals and involvement of OT in interprofessional collaboration. The best way to advocate and educate about OT’s role is by active collaboration with other healthcare professionals. This project takes place at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy (Ortonville), an outpatient PT clinic …

Role Of Occupational Therapy In Hippotherapy And Therapeutic Riding: A Mental Health Perspective, Ava Morrison

Capstone Projects

The purpose of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to gain knowledge about the unique role that occupational therapy (OT) plays in equine-assisted therapy at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, with an emphasis on Therapeutic Riding. Equine-assisted therapy, including hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, is an emerging area of occupational therapy practice that promotes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being through structured interactions with horses. Despite growing evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted interventions, confusion remains regarding the distinctions between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, highlighting the need for increased education and advocacy within the field. In addition, there is a …