Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

Capstone Projects

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

Advocacy, Outreach, And Expansion Of The Michigan Occupational Therapy Association Mental Health Special Interest Section, Isabel Evola

Capstone Projects

The history of occupational therapy (OT) is rooted in supporting mental health, emerging in the United States during World War I. Over time, the practice of OT has evolved in its scope and emerging specialties. The role of OT in mental health is underutilized and misunderstood by professional organizations. However, OT remains a vital service in supporting mental health in psychiatric and non-psychiatric settings. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to address this gap by advocating for the presence and understanding of OT in mental health through the expansion of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA) Mental …

Education To Increase Students’ Knowledge, Perceptions, And Interest In Occupational Therapy, Brooke Hineman

Capstone Projects

In response to the declining program fill rates across all levels of occupational therapy (OT) education, this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) aimed to promote the field through development of informational resources and delivery of educational sessions for high school and undergraduate students. The primary objective was to foster deeper understanding, accurate perceptions, and career interest among participants. A thorough literature review and needs assessment exploring current OT knowledge, promotion efforts, student characteristics, and underrepresented groups revealed a need for intentional education to address gaps in student knowledge regarding the field of OT among all students, especially those without exposure to …

Refreshing Recess: An Every Moment Counts Initiative For Engaging Recess Participation, Paige Kuhn

Capstone Projects

Research supports the role of occupational therapy (OT) in school-based mental health promotion and the use of occupation-based interventions to enhance student participation, social-emotional learning, and self-regulation. However, there is limited evidence on the implementation of Every Moment Counts (EMC): Refreshing Recess in elementary school settings, particularly when adapted to real-world contexts. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to address this gap through the development and implementation of an adapted recess-based program at Douglas Elementary School in Douglas, Michigan.

This project involved implementing a six-week Refreshing Recess program designed to promote inclusive play, peer interaction, and emotional …

Strengthening Leadership And Expanding Engagement: Enhancing Volunteer, Participant, And Donor Involvement In Michigan Victory Games, Abbey Smith

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) addressed organizational development and community engagement within the Michigan Disability Sports Alliance (MiDSA), an adaptive sports nonprofit serving individuals with physical disabilities. The project is relevant to occupational therapy (OT) through its focus on promoting participation, health, and inclusion in meaningful occupations such as sport. A key gap identified was the lack of structured resources to support leadership, inconsistent outreach methods, and limited strategies to reduce barriers for participants, volunteers, and donors.

The objectives of this DCE included developing a centralized data management portal, creating a standardized community outreach presentation, establishing clear board role frameworks, …

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In A 46-Year-Old Male Firefighter With Full Return To Duty: Level 4 Rare Events Clinical Case Report., Elizabeth A. Mohnkern, Thomas Bowman, John R. Wise, Wendy Wilcoxson

Student Scholar Showcase

A 46-year-old physically active male firefighter suffered a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in February 2023. He had no pertinent predisposing past medical history; occupation was the only predisposing factor. The patient described having a splitting headache behind the right eye, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, paralysis of his left side, faded vision, and a lapse of memory during the incident. During his first screening, he had difficulty with concentration, immediate memory, delayed recall, reading aloud, following directions, and balance. Cranial nerve assessments were within normal limits. The upper quarter screen revealed deficits in motor function from C4 through T1 nerve roots, …

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 …

Developing Pediatric Educational Resources For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students And New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

For occupational therapy students, the fieldwork education portion of their curriculum allows them to apply theory and principles learned in their academic program into practice with actual clients (Occupational therapy fieldwork education, 2022). Research indicates the benefit of access to resources and adapting to different learning styles in occupational therapy fieldwork education (Grenier, 2015). Research also indicates that training programs for new healthcare employees can positively impact knowledge, skills, and performance (Patel et al., 2023).  However, there is a lack of research on the availability and benefit of supplemental educational resources for students to access during fieldwork education in pediatric …