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The UAB Department of Occupational Therapy is proud to share the doctoral capstone projects of its entry-level clinical doctorate in occupational therapy degree (OTD) program students. The program’s inaugural cohort graduated in December 2023.
The doctoral capstone is the culminating experience of the OTD program. It allows students to demonstrate their ability to relate theory to practice and to synthesize in-depth knowledge in a practice or service area in which they have identified an unmet need.
These projects are an opportunity for each student to choose a topic they are passionate about and to manage and deliver a complex scholarly work within a mentored stetting. These projects underscore our students’ commitment to scholarly excellence and innovation, as well as their ability to enhance community well-being through their expertise and service.
Class of 2023
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Adult & Geriatric Topics
Brittany Bell, OTD
Lived Experience of Informal Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia in Engagement in Leisure, Social, and Self-Care Activities*
Faculty Mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: McCoy Adult Daycare
Site Mentor: Vivian Story, MSW*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Megan Brooks, OTD
Increasing Movement and Exercise in Geriatric Patients Through Large-Scaled Creative Occupations
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Crowne Health Care of Mobile
Site Mentor: Marianne Snyman, OTR/L
Amanda Crowell, OTD
Physical Dysfunctions and the Effectiveness of Adaptive Equipment: A Lending Library
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: TherapySouth
Site Mentor: Kramer Hodges, OTR/L, CHT
Jalysia Donaldson, OTD
The Impact of Online Learning Aids on Academic Performance in Undergraduate Students with ADHD
Faculty Mentor: Gavin Jenkins, PHD, OTR/L, ATP
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Disability Support Services
Site Mentor: Jalan Cunningham, MEd
Macey Lane Downey, OTD
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Administered to Adult Individuals with Disabilities According to the Model of Human Occupations Framework*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah dos Anjos, PhD, OTD, MSc, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation Program*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Grace G. Elliott, OTD
The Implementation of a Creative Occupations After-School Program within Rural Elementary Schools*
Faculty Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Limestone County School System
Site Mentor: Sandra Groger, OTD, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Sadie Hare, OTD
Effects of a Mirror Neuron-Based Virtual Reality System and Adaptive Software on Upper Extremity Function in an Individual Experiencing Hemiparesis Post-Stroke: A Case Study*
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Department of Pediatrics, UAB School of Medicine
Site Mentor: Byron Lai, PhD*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Katie Jackson, OTD
The Implementation of the Occupation of Play within Skilled Nursing Facilities
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Aspire Physical and Recovery Center at Cahaba River
Site Mentor: Raven Green, MSOT, OTR/L
Anna Livingston, OTD
The Effect of Creative Arts on Depression and Quality of Life
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Restore Therapy, Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation
Site Mentor: Lisa Fuller, OTR/L
Katherine Martin, OTD
Correlation between Self-efficacy, Environment, and Dietary Behaviors in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Faculty Mentor: Brooks Wingo, PhD
Ashley McInnish, OTD
The Perceptions of People with Stroke on the Impact of Valuable Patient Education in the Acute Phase of Recovery
Faculty Mentor: Sarah dos Anjos, PhD, OTD, MSc, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Spain Rehabilitation Center
Site Mentor: Randie Carter, OTR/L, CCM
Baleigh Nelson, OTD
The Influence of a Group Dance Program on Social Engagement in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Arts in Medicine
Site Mentor: Teri Weksler
Priya Patel, OTD
The Importance of Meaningful Activities in Skilled Nursing Facilities*
Faculty Mentor: Hon Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Crowne Healthcare of Montgomery
Site Mentor: Sheila McDonald, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Makayla Shoots, OTD
Descriptive Analysis of Interventions Used by Occupational Therapists in Stroke Acute Care Settings*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah dos Anjos, PhD, OTS, MS, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Site Mentor: Nikesha Upshaw, OTR/L, MPPM*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Kaisey Showers, OTD
Exploring Sensory Processing Disorder in the Adult Population
Faculty Mentor: Valley McCurry, PhD, MBA, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Ability Plus, Inc.
Site Mentor: Tricialyn Green
Emma K. Sullins, OTD
Snoezelen: It’s Not A Bore!
Faculty Mentor: Valley McCurry, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Huntsville Hospital
Sie Mentor: Tad Parker, OTR/L, MPA
Hannah Rae Turner, OTD
The Influence of Education on Behavioral Patterns and Decision Making in Individuals Referred to Pelvic Floor Therapy*
Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Barstow, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Benchmark Physical Therapy
Site Mentor: Tori Rowell, MSOT, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
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Community Interventions
Jane Frances Armour, OTD
Life and Career Skills Impacting Self-Efficacy and Transition Planning of At-Risk Youth*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah Tucker, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Offender Alumni Association
Site Mentor: Dena Dickerson*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Ge’Keira Ashford, OTD
Can a Behavioral Program Help Children with Emotional Behavior Disorders?
Faculty Mentors: Brooks Wingo, PhD; Sarah Tucker, PhD OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Offender Alumni Association
Site Mentor: Dena Dickerson
Peyton Brown, OTS
Establishing Nightly Routines of Young Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in a Transition Program*
Faculty Mentor: Brooks C. Wingo, PhD
Doctoral Capstone Partner: The Horizons School
Site Mentor: Brian Geiger, PhD*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Grace G. Elliott, OTD
The Implementation of a Creative Occupations After-School Program within Rural Elementary Schools*
Faculty Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Limestone County School System
Site Mentor: Sandra Groger, OTD, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Michaelea Pass Gonder, OTD
Inclusive Playgrounds: The Role of Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Everyday Sunshine
Site Mentor: Jeff Sharp
Carlee Leatherman, OTD
A Trauma-Informed Education Program for Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Caregivers Education for Adverse Feeding and Mealtime Behaviors, Early Condition Detection, Interventions, and Available Resources
Faculty Mentor: K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Foster the Future Alabama
Site Mentor: Rachel Ashcraft, MS, OTR/L, TBRI® Practitioner
Car’Daijah Lewis, OTD
The Impact of an Educational and Activity Based Program on Inclusion of Children With Disabilities or Disorders
Faculty Mentor: Jewell J. Dickson-Clayton, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: United Cerebral Palsy of Central Alabama–Childcare Enhancement With a Purpose
Site Mentor: Sherry Speake, BSED
Annie Ozment, OTD
The Implementation of Proper Ergonomic Programs Among Food Bank Volunteers
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Alabama Childhood Food Solutions
Site Mentor: Gene Rogers
Annie Pipkin, OTD
Exceptional Changes for Healthier Habits in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities*
Faculty Mentor: Brooks Wingo, PhD
Doctoral Capstone Partner: The Exceptional Foundation
Site Mentor: Robbie Lee, MAEd*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Ashley Smith, OTD
The Implementation of Ergonomics to Improve Career Quality Among Future Hairstylists
Faculty Mentor: Jewel J. Dickson-Clayton, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: The Martin Academy of Cosmetology and Barbering
Site Mentor: David Martin
Rachel Summerlin, OTD
Resources for Patients Discharging from an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility
Faculty Mentor: Jewell J. Dickson-Clayton, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center
Site Mentor: Jil Sea, MS, OTR/L, CCM
Maggi Welch, OTD
Advocating for the Role of Occupational Therapy in Alabama Correctional Facilities: A Comparative Study*
Faculty Mentor: Gavin Jenkins, PhD, OTR/L, ATP*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Kaylie Williamson, OTD
Exceptional Caregivers: A Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with Disabilities
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: The Exceptional Foundation
Site Mentor: Robbie Lee, MAEd -
Creative Occupations/Arts in Medicine
Heidi Bridges, OTD
The Outcome of Creative Art Interventions for Adults with Cancer
Faculty Mentor: Hon Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Arts in Medicine
Site Mentor: Melissa TurnageMegan Brooks, OTD
Increasing Movement and Exercise in Geriatric Patients Through Large-Scaled Creative Occupations
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Crowne Health Care of Mobile
Site Mentor: Marianne Snyman, OTR/LGrace G. Elliott, OTD
The Implementation of a Creative Occupations After-School Program within Rural Elementary Schools*
Faculty Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Limestone County School System
Site Mentor: Sandra Groger, OTD, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Anna Livingston, OTD
The Effect of Creative Arts on Depression and Quality of Life
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Restore Therapy, Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation
Site Mentor: Lisa Fuller, OTR/LBaleigh Nelson, OTD
The Influence of a Group Dance Program on Social Engagement in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Arts in Medicine
Site Mentor: Teri WekslerSavannah Ryan, OTD
Everyday Mom: Program Development Addressing Expectant Mothers’ Self-Efficacy in the Occupations of Financial Management and Work
Faculty Mentor: Brooks C. Wingo, PhD
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Alpha Center
Site Mentor: Lorissa JohnsonAllison N. Sortino, OTD
Special Stage: A Creative Arts Theater Program for Adolescents With Disabilities
Faculty Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Jasper High School
Site Mentor: Jackee D. Key, MEd -
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Nicole Fernandez, OTD
Barriers to Low Vision Rehabilitation for Urban and Rural Community Dwellers in South Africa: A Comprehensive Survey*
Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Barstow, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
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Mental Health
Aja Amison, OTD
Social Media Use & Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls
Faculty Advisor: Valley McCurry PhD, MBA, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Girls Inc. of Central Alabama
Site Mentor: Marlesa Willis, MBA
Eleese Anthony, OTD
The Effects of Creating an Online Resource to Enhance NICU Parent Mental Health
Faculty Mentor: Valley McCurry, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Newborn Follow-up Clinic
Site Mentor: Myriam Ada Peralta-Carcelen, MD
Conley Day, OTD
The Dark Side of Occupational Therapy*
Faculty Mentor: Valley McCurry, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Firehouse Ministries
Site Mentor: Val Green, LMSW*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Maria G. Jimenez, OTD
To Describe Spiritual Issues and Emotional Support Addressed by Visitors in Two Critical Care Units in UAB Hospital
Faculty Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB School of Health Professions
Site Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Anna Livingston, OTD
The Effect of Creative Arts on Depression and Quality of Life
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Restore Therapy, Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation
Site Mentor: Lisa Fuller, OTR/L
Emma K. Sullins, OTD
Snoezelen: It’s Not A Bore!
Faculty Mentor: Valley McCurry, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Huntsville Hospital
Site Mentor: Tad Parker, OTR/L, MPA
Hannah C. Turner, OTD
Assessing Self-Determination of Foster Youth & Alumni to Obtain Post-Secondary Education*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah C. Tucker, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Grace House Ministries
Site Mentor: Victoria Johnson, EdD*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Meri Wheeler, OTD
Mental Health Of Juvenile Offenders Post-Release Participating in a Community Re-Integration Program
Faculty Mentor: Jewell J. Dickson-Clayton, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Youth With Faces
Site Mentor: Jazminda Ryan, EdD -
Pediatrics
Aja Amison, OTD
Social Media Use & Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls
Faculty Advisor: Valley McCurry PhD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Girls Inc. of Central Alabama
Site Mentor: Marlesa Willis, MBARikia Baker, OTD
The Perspectives of Professionals of Behavior Exhibited by Children with Disabilities after Engagement in a Snoezelen Sensorimotor Room Treatment
Faculty Mentor: K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Doctoral Capstone Partner: The Bell Center
Site Mentor: Mary Laura Day, MSOT, OTR/LAllison Davis, OTD
The Influence of Sensory Strategies on Focus and Success in School When Implemented in a Classroom from a Teacher’s Perspective
Faculty Mentor: Haley Curry, OTD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Woodland Pines Elementary School
Site Mentor: MacKenzie SaundersAllie Dillard, OTD/S
The Influence of Sensory Equipment in a Sensory Room on Students in a School System
Faculty Mentor: Haley Curry, OTD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Burkett Center
Site Mentors: Karmen Mitchell, MS, OTR/L; Alisha Watson, OTR/LMadison Gaston, OTD
The Development of a Cognitive Assessment for Individuals with Rett Syndrome
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics
Site Mentor: Kristina Ford, MSMichaelea Pass Gonder, OTD
Inclusive Playgrounds: The Role of Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Everyday Sunshine
Site Mentor: Jeff SharpHannah Higgins, OTD
The Influence of a Sensory Room on School-Aged Children’s Focus, Mental Health, and Engagement in the Classroom
Faculty Mentor: K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Thorsby High School
Site Mentor: Michelle Coppedge, MEdKatie Jackson, OTD
The Implementation of the Occupation of Play within Skilled Nursing Facilities
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Aspire Physical and Recovery Center at Cahaba River
Site Mentor: Raven Green, MSOT, OTR/LCarlee Leatherman, OTD
A Trauma-Informed Education Program for Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Caregivers Education for Adverse Feeding and Mealtime Behaviors, Early Condition Detection, Interventions, and Available Resources
Faculty Mentor: K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Foster the Future Alabama
Site Mentor: Rachel Ashcraft, MS, OTR/L, TBRI® PractitionerCar’Daijah Lewis, OTD
The Impact of an Educational and Activity Based Program on Inclusion of Children With Disabilities or Disorders
Faculty Mentor: Jewell J. Dickson-Clayton, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: United Cerebral Palsy of Central Alabama–Childcare Enhancement With a Purpose
Site Mentor: Sherry Speake, BSEdAllie Lisby, OTD
The Effect of a Detailed Infant Feeding Plan at Children's of Alabama
Faculty Mentor: Sarah C. Tucker, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Children’s of Alabama
Site Mentor: Christy Moran, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, NLPAnna Livingston, OTD
The Effect of Creative Arts on Depression and Quality of Life
Faculty Mentor: Jason Vice, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Restore Therapy, Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation
Site Mentor: Lisa Fuller, OTR/LChristie Morgan, OTD
The Influence of Feeding Assessments at Pediatric Well Checks*
Faculty Mentor: K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Mayfair Medical Group
Site Mentor: Elizabeth Peters, MD*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Bailey Poor, OTD
Transition Planning for Students with Developmental Disabilities and Autism: The Role of Administration, Teachers, Parents, and Therapists*
Faculty Mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Bridgeway Academy
Site Mentor: Anna Murray, OTD, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Allison N. Sortino, OTD
Special Stage: A Creative Arts Theater Program for Adolescents With Disabilities
Faculty Mentor: Hon K. Yuen, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Jasper High School
Site Mentor: Jackee D. Key, MEdHannah C. Turner, OTD
Assessing Self-Determination of Foster Youth & Alumni to Obtain Post-Secondary Education*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah C. Tucker, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Grace House Ministries
Site Mentor: Victoria Johnson, EdD*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Molly Welch, OTD
Optimizing the IEP: A Comprehensive Guide to Assessment Selection for Alabama Transition Standards*
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Eidson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Blount County Schools
Site Mentor: Lynn Ponder, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
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Research
Brittany Bell, OTD
Lived Experience of Informal Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia in Engagement in Leisure, Social, and Self-Care Activities*
Faculty Mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: McCoy Adult Daycare
Site Mentor: Vivian Story, MSW*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Haley Browning, OTD
A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lived Experiences of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Cardiac Rehabilitation*
Faculty Mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Site mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Jalysia Donaldson, OTD
The Impact of Online Learning Aids on Academic Performance in Undergraduate Students with ADHD
Faculty Mentor: Gavin Jenkins, PHD, OTR/L, ATP
Doctoral Capstone Partner: UAB Disability Support Services
Site Mentor: Jalan Cunningham, MEdMelissa Pontius, OTD
Needs, Barriers, and Facilitators of Physical Activity Engagement Among Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
Faculty Mentor: Brooks Wingo, PhD
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Child’sPlay Therapy Center
Site Mentors: Danielle Russo, MS, LMFT, CFLE; Laura Lee, MSPTBailey Poor, OTD
Transition Planning for Students with Developmental Disabilities and Autism: The Role of Administration, Teachers, Parents, and Therapists*
Faculty Mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Bridgeway Academy
Site Mentor: Anna Murray, OTD, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Makayla Shoots, OTD
Descriptive Analysis of Interventions Used by Occupational Therapists in Stroke Acute Care Settings*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah dos Anjos, PhD, OTS, MS, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Site Mentor: Nikesha Upshaw, OTR/L, MPPM*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Mackenzie Steger Wilson, OTD
The Special Needs Childcare Subsidy, Inclusivity Training, and Caregiver Satisfaction with Childcare Services in Alabama
Faculty Mentor: K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Doctoral Capstone Partner: United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile
Site Mentor: Samantha DavidsonAnna Leigh Page Thacker, OTD
A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lived Experience of Mothers With Postpartum Depression in Their Occupational Engagement*
Faculty Mentor: Areum Han, PhD, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Partner: New Leaf Counseling Services of the Tennessee Valley
Site Mentor: Alicia Shuster-Couch MA, LPC, PMH-C*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
McKenzie Williams, OTD
Is There A Need for Live Captioning in Healthcare, Transportation, and Retail Settings?*
Faculty Mentor: Gavin Jenkins, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
Doctoral Capstone Partner: Smart Solutions
Site Mentor: Kevin Braswell*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Sydney Wright, OTD
Addressing Intimacy & Sexuality in Women with Breast Cancer*
Faculty Mentor: Sarah dos Anjos, PhD, OTD, MSc, OTR/L*Selected for in-person symposium presentation
Creative occupations: Joyful class introduces students to art as a powerful therapeutic tool
Students feel the joy of creative expression through dance and movement. Each Friday afternoon of their first summer semester, UAB’s entry-level OTD students explore the world of artistic expression in creative occupations class. Many students look forward all week to this course, in which professional artists guide them through first-hand experiences in an array of artistic mediums.
Second-year OTD student Anna Livingston says the class deepened her passion for occupational therapy (OT).
“Creative occupations showed me what sets occupational therapy apart from other healthcare professions and truly reminded me why I want to be an OT,” she says. “As OTs, we can see all the various cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits of creative occupations such as music, art, and movement.”
UAB Department of Occupational Therapy Chair Gavin Jenkins, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, who is course director for the class, notes that arts and creativity are central to our humanity.
“They provide an outlet for expression, connection, meaning-making, and catharsis,” he says, noting the OT profession has integrated art into therapy since its inception in the early 1900s, when therapists first used creative expression to help people with mental health conditions.
‘Art is an access.’
The Department of Occupational Therapy partners with UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM) to bring this course to students, who gain hands-on experience with the healing power of art. AIM’s artists in residence, who work in hospitals and the community to enhance well-being and healing through creative arts experiences, lead the sessions.
For OT students, these artists open a door into the potential of their different mediums, which include visual arts, dance and movement, music, expressive writing, poetry, storytelling, magic, and theater, as therapeutic tools. Students discuss the intersection of OT and these mediums, and then write, paint, draw, act, dance, and more in active exploration.
OT students learn magic tricks, which they’ll teach to children with disabilities in the department’s annual Magic Camp. Learning to perform the tricks helps children gain dexterity, confidence and motivation, and better emotional and social function. Rather than tying creative expression to precise elements of occupational therapy, the artists seek to merge their work with its philosophy and spirit, says AIM Director Kimberly Kirklin, MA.
“We align with OT students through our shared goal of enhancing the health and wellness of the people we serve, and hope they leave class with a sense of how they can incorporate art into therapeutic practice,” she says. “Basically, we come from our place, meet them where they are, and move forward with how the arts can support what they want to do for their clients.”
Visual artist Helene Taylor, who has been an AIM artist in residence since 2013, has seen the countless ways art enhances the healing environment.
“Art and any creative experience decrease stress and, for a short moment, let a person feel less like a patient and more like a human,” says Taylor, who leads two course sessions, visual art and folk art.
She hopes to inspire OT students to put art supplies in their toolbox. “It can be as simple as colored paper, scissors, a glue stick, or post-its and sharpies,” she says. “If you begin your sessions with a short doodle art project, for example, you create a nice space to talk about hopes, fears, or progress. Art is an access.”
The joy of personal expression, the power of joy
Creative occupations class is a space for students to learn how they can infuse creativity into OT practice and to explore the role of art self-care. Many find that personal expression creates joy and learn that joy and imagination are powerful tools for healing and rejuvenation.
“It’s a time for them to restore from their studies and work with the other side of their brain,” Kirklin says.
Students use painting as a conduit to express their individuality and gain mental restoration. In one session, AIM dance and movement artist Melissa Turnage brought a portable labyrinth into class. Students walked its loops while turning over a question in their minds. At the end, they may have gained insight into their question, a moment of meditation, or a sense of control. Other mediums, such as expressive writing, give students an opportunity to connect with themselves and each other. Passions
“It’s a safe space for those who choose to share selections from their writing to be vulnerable, which can increase confidence, create connection with others, and improve personal feelings of wellness,” Kirklin says. “All these practices are tools OTs can use with their clients—and for themselves.
If students don’t have artistic expertise, working with AIM’s artists in residence helps these future OTs understand how they could partner with an artist to help their clients.
AIM artist in residence and literary artist Salaam Green, who leads class sessions in expressive writing and poetry, has found integrating arts in health into creative occupations class helps students discover healthy outlets for self-expression and ways to structure narratives for their future work.
“Observing students, researchers, and instructors co-create in the classroom while using ancient and current ways of healing through play, art, and storytelling brings a heightened awareness of the need for consistently creating communities of belonging and care where all feel seen, heard, and witnessed,” she says.
For second-year year OTD student Allison Sortino, the class highlighted the unique position of OT in the world of health professions.
“OT was established as a creative form of healthcare to serve people’s needs holistically,” she says. “This class embodied how science and art can work in harmony to accomplish the greatest good for individuals.”
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Thank you for your interest in UAB Occupational Therapy.
Ranked in the top 25 of the Best Occupational Schools by U.S. News and World Report, the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides these graduate degree and certificate programs:
- Entry-Level Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Post-Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate
- Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science (a joint program with the Department of Physical Therapy).
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Inaugural Course in Blindness Rehabilitation Equips OTs With In-demand Skills
An OT plays tactual tic-tac-toe with a client who is blind so she can learn to engage in leisure tasks with friends and family.
Applications are now open for the Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate program’s first course in blindness rehabilitation. This program elective (3 credit hours) will be offered in the upcoming fall semester as part of the Department of Occupational Therapy’s expanding roster of specialized educational opportunities.
“Foundations in Blind Rehabilitation” (listed as “OT 692 - Special Topics in OT” in the UAB Graduate Catalog) aims to equip occupational therapists (OTs) with the skills they need to help clients who are blind optimize their occupational participation and performance.
Right now, few OTs have this training, creating a need and an opportunity for practitioners who are interested in working with individuals without residual vision.
“There are many resources to help OTs to understand low vision and the strategies to optimize a client’s existing vision, but this course is one of the first university courses designed to give OTs the tools needed to enhance function for clients with little to no usable vision,” said Jenice Heck, LOTR, MMC, course instructor and an adjunct professor in the UAB Department of Occupational Therapy.
Heck was born with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare genetic disease that primarily affects the retina, and is one of the few blind OTs in the United States. She noted that while OTs typically have effective strategies for clients with low vision, those skills often don’t transfer well to individuals without usable vision.
An OT orients a client who is blind to controls on a stove marked with tactual indicators.
‘We live in a visual world.’
To put this into better perspective, Heck said, “Over 50% of the brain is dedicated to processing visual input. So, what happens when vision is removed from the equation? Foundations of Blind Rehabilitation will explore the resources and strategies for successful interventions and outcomes for this population.”
Beth Barstow, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA, director of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate program and associate professor of occupational therapy, noted that Heck’s specialized knowledge will allow her students to gain valuable skills and fill a significant gap in care for individuals who are blind.
“Jenice is an innovative OT who has skills in blindness rehabilitation that few possess,” Barstow said. “UAB is very lucky to have her join our team.”
Innovative solutions for people without usable vision
Heck, who is chief operating officer at Lighthouse Louisiana in New Orleans, said the course is designed to challenge learners’ clinical thinking skills, provide insight into the needs of people who are blind, and stimulate students’ creativity so they can develop innovative solutions for these clients.
“The ultimate objective [for students] taking the course is to assist clients in becoming comfortable in their own skin, so they can live meaningful lives without depending on their vision. It’s pure OT at its finest,” she said.
Enroll in Foundations in Blind Rehabilitation
If you’re interested in building expertise in blindness rehabilitation, you can take the course as an elective in the Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate program (application deadline: August 1) or apply to the UAB Graduate School as a non-degree seeking student (application deadline: August 14).
Virtual Tour
Meet the First Year Students
Research is at the center of the Department of Occupational Therapy. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and society through research and scholarship that focuses on the relationship between people, everyday activities (occupations) and environments. Our faculty and emeritus faculty have a productive and diverse research focus, covering a wide range of topics that fall under three distinct research areas.
Research Areas
![Low Vision](/shp/ot/images/images/research/low-vision-button.jpg)
![Community Based Research](/shp/ot/images/images/research/community-research-button.jpg)
![Teaching and Learning](/shp/ot/images/images/research/teaching-and-learning-button.jpg)
Faculty Research
Beth Barstow
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Dr. Barstow’s research is focused on the influence of low vision and disability on participation in occupations and access to healthcare systems. She is a PI of a NIDILRR grant titled “Barriers, Facilitators and Priorities for Adopting Universal Design Principles by Equipment Manufacturers and Public and Private and Recreation Facilities: A Mixed Methods Study. The aim is to explore factors influencing the universal design of programming, equipment and environments in community fitness environments ultimately leading to a framework based on the priorities of personnel and patrons. Dr. Barstow is also a team member of a grant to develop a tool kit to facilitate patient-provider interaction as part of coordinated multiple sclerosis care. The aim of this research is to develop and study integrated models to promote exercise participation through the healthcare system for persons with multiple sclerosis.
Jewell Dickson
![Jewell Dickson](/shp/ot/images/images/people/faculty/Jewell_J._Dickson_OTD_MPH_OTRL_ATP.jpg)
Dr. Dickson’s research is focused on self-efficacy and occupation in incarcerated women, global health, and assistive technology. One of her primary research aims is to develop occupational therapy programs that can help incarcerated women enhance their wellness and self-efficacy. Her recent work also includes the development of an international partnership to address assistive technology needs for children with disabilities in Jinja, Uganda, and a systematic review of pedagogical methods for cultural awareness in occupational therapy education.
Sarah dos Anjos
![Sarah dos Anjos](/shp/ot/images/images/people/faculty/sara-dos-anjos.jpg)
Dr. dos Anjos’s research is focused on developing and enhancing rehabilitation approaches that help individuals with stroke recover and maintain function and quality of life. One of her primary research aims is to develop rehabilitation strategies that help individuals with stroke transfer skills gained in the clinic to real-world settings. Her recent work in this area includes a faculty development grant to determine if combining behavioral strategies with robotic treadmill gait training enhances long-term retention of motor skills in individuals with stroke. Her research interests also include the use of constraint-induced movement therapy for people with stroke. Dr. dos Anjos is dedicated to advancing the integration of stroke rehabilitation research with clinical care and to including in her research the perspectives of individuals with stroke, their caregivers and families, and rehabilitation professionals.
Chris Eidson
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Dr. Eidson’s research is pedagogical in nature, either pertaining directly to teaching and learning, or pertaining to content specific to the coursework that he teaches. He has extensive teaching experience in different venues and topics, having also done numerous presentations at the state, regional and national level related to service learning and team-based learning. Dr. Eidson has an appointment through the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at UAB as a Teaching Fellow, and an appointment as a Faculty Scholar through the Center for Interprofessional Education and Simulation (CIPES) at UAB. He is also a certified Consultant Trainer through the Team-Based Learning Collaborative (TBLC). He has received research funding through UAB and the TBLC.
Areum Han
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Dr. Han’s primary research interests are developing and testing psychological and behavioral interventions for caregivers of people with dementia. She has served as the principal investigator (PI) or co-investigator (Co-I) for various research projects to develop and test interventions for caregivers and health care professionals of people with dementia, for older adults living alone or who are depressed, and for people with neurological disorders. She has received external grants from the Korean government, including awards from the National Research Foundation of Korea (role: PI) and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (role: Co-I), which aimed to evaluate empathy enhancement programs in 101 family caregivers of people with dementia and in 104 formal caregivers and 105 social workers who worked with older adults who live alone. Currently, she is also serving as Co-I of a Korean government fund that aims to develop a robot counseling platform based on behavioral activation for improving physical health and decreasing the loneliness of older adults who are lonely and depressed. Dr. Han’s current research focuses on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Recently, she has received grants from foundations in the United States, including the American Occupational Therapy Foundation Intervention Research Grant (role: PI) and the Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant (role: PI), that aims to examine the effects of coach-guided videoconferencing ACT on mental health among distressed family caregivers of people with dementia in a 1-year pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a 3-year RCT, respectively. She is expanding her ACT studies to people with spinal cord injury and has conducted a preliminary study to prepare for external grant applications.
Gavin Jenkins
![](/shp/ot/images/images/people/faculty/gavin-jenkins.jpg)
Dr. Jenkins research is focused on the dynamic relationship between the environment and the person, investigating how the environment influences the person but also potentially how the person influences and modifies the environment. The environment can facilitate or limit participation in everyday life and Dr Jenkins specifically focuses on how green spaces, such as city parks, can impact the health and wellness of users and how the learning environment can be influenced by modifications to the physical space. In addition, Dr Jenkins focuses research on the impact of arts and crafts on health, investigating the role that arts, such as magic can have on individuals through the lens of the Model of Human Occupation (Taylor, 2017). Dr Jenkins has received research funding through the Center for the Study of Community Health and the Mississippi Developmental Disabilities Council.
Valley McCurry
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Dr. McCurry’s research is focused on mental health and occupational therapy. Recent projects include exploration of stigma and stereotypes among occupational therapy students, the impact of service learning on self-efficacy and beliefs related to mental illness, and the investigation of factors that influence use of occupational therapy assessments in acute mental health settings.
Sarah Tucker
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Dr. Tucker’s research is focused on the cycle of incarceration, including at-risk youth and similar vulnerable populations who often encounter the criminal justice system. Dr. Tucker’s research interests include the integration of occupational therapy as a strategy for preventing incarceration and for reducing recidivism rates. Her background in pediatric occupational therapy created a foundation for her doctoral research, where she studied the foster care system specifically related to foster parents’ experiences supporting the mental health and well-being of the children in their care.
Jason Vice
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How do learning and experience influence neuroplasticity in the aging brain? Experience-dependent plasticity is evident as the brain matures, however questions remain about the persistence of these underlying mechanisms across the lifespan. Critical periods known to exist in neural development suggest that the efficacy of such mechanisms declines with age. However, considerable evidence from rehabilitation research suggests the brain is at least partially capable of neural reorganization. Dr. Vice’s research uses the visual system as a model for understanding the conditions in which healthy older brains reorganize in response to environmental demands. In addition, Dr. Vice is interested in the functional impact of neurodegenerative disease on vision-dependent occupations and the development of effective clinical treatment strategies. His work is funded through collaboration with researchers from Civitan International Research Center and the UAB School of Medicine.
Laura Vogtle
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Dr. Vogtle’s research has focused on secondary conditions experienced by adults aging with cerebral palsy, as well as the impact of vision loss on environmental safety and falls. Another line of research addressed quality of life in older adults with epilepsy. Dr. Vogtle has received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as from several foundations. A secondary interest has been on providing interdisciplinary education with funding from the Department of Education for the last 20 years, as well as internal funding from the Center for Teaching and Learning to develop an interprofessional course for health professions students at UAB.
Brooks Wingo
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Dr. Wingo’s research interests are in the areas of lifestyle intervention for cardiometabolic risk reduction in people with physical disabilities and complex medical conditions. Her most recent research efforts have focused on understanding the role of dietary patterns on cardiometabolic health and secondary symptoms in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as well as adapting evidence-based health promotion interventions for adults with these conditions via telehealth. She has also developed a parallel line of research focused on adaptations to current clinical methods of anthropometric and body composition assessments that better represent the body composition differences seen in individuals with physical disabilities. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in Comparative Effectiveness Research and lifestyle interventions for obesity. These trainings were focused on development, implementation, and evaluation of real-world clinical trials that incorporate patient-centered methodologies into dietary and exercise interventions for special populations. She has experience conducting clinical trials of interventions for minority populations, older adults, patients with multiple medical conditions and adults and children with physical disabilities. She has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the National MS Society.
Hon Yuen
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Dr. Yuen is a professor and the Director of Research in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his educational training to become an occupational therapist at the University of Queensland, Australia. His doctoral training focuses on the area of Research, Evaluation, and Measurement Methodology at the University of Florida. He has more than 25 years teaching experience in several occupational therapy programs in the United States as well as abroad, and has received funding from National Institute of Health (NIH) and several Foundations on different grant projects since 2002.
He has been an NIH grant reviewer since 2006, and has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in the field of occupational therapy, rehabilitation, health services, and biomedical sciences as the lead or corresponding author. One of his current roles as the Director of Research in the Department of Occupational Therapy at UAB is to mentor faculty and students in grant writing and publications.
Departmental Scholarships
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Carroline Amari Endowed Scholarship
The Carroline Amari Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a second year OT student prior to fieldwork. Applications provided in second year by department. Selection is based on specific criteria. One award per year to a second year student for ≥$1,000.Helping Occupational Therapy Student Succeed
The Helping Occupational Therapy Student Succeed awards second year OT students for NBCOT exam costs. Applications provided by hosting alumni in the second year of program. Two students selected for $500 each (if scholarship funds allow).Restore Therapy Health Professions Loan Fund
The Restore Therapy Health Professions Loan Fund is sponsored by Restore Management Company LLC for UAB. This loan fund will be used to assist a deserving student enrolled in the School of Health Professions at UAB. Applicants must be enrolled in the UAB Department of Occupational Therapy and intend to participate in one clinical rotation at a Restore Therapy facility during their final year of coursework. Applicants should demonstrate solid academic promise and have earned at least an overall 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average in course work completed prior to the time of application. Awards are subject to the availability of funds. Selection of the loan recipient(s) will be made in accordance with the guidelines of a scholarship and loan committee as determined by the Dean of the School of Health Professions. The Dean's appointed committee shall provide documentation to the Office of Student Financial Aid indicating approval of the loan. The documentation should include the individual's University identification number, name, address, amount of the loan, and academic period covered by the loan.Transteam Scholarships
The Transteam Scholarships are a Department of Education grant program that provides tuition for students from occupational and physical therapy and early childhood special education. Awarded to second year students only. Students are required to take a two semester course series and expected to work in a pediatric setting for two years following graduation. $24,000 per year available with a goal of recruiting a minimum of 6 students per year.Virginia D. Gauld National Alumni Society Endowed Scholarship
The Virginia D. Gauld National Alumni Society Endowed Scholarship is an annual award valued at $1,000 that may be reapplied for in subsequent years as long as the criteria are met. This scholarship is open for applications February 3, 2014 with the deadline of February 28 every year. This scholarship requires an interview and is primarily for undergraduate students who are involved and have a passion for UAB.Applicants must:
- Be undergraduate students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UAB
- Be of at least Junior-standingDemonstrate solid academic achievement and have earned at least a grade point average of 2.0 in coursework completed prior to the time of application
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to service at UAB and in the community
- Seek two letters of recommendation - one from a UAB administrator or faculty member who is acquainted with the student's service on campus and the other from someone who is familiar with the student's service in the community
- And compose a 2-page essay on the topic "How have you been impacted by your service to UAB and the community?" (Note: Applicant is encouraged to demonstrate his/her service within the campus and community populations. Participation in organizations and activities promoting the applicant's service should be outlined in this essay.)
The selection committee will select the recipient based on the student's service at UAB and in the community, letters of recommendation, essay, and interview. There are no restrictions to applicants based on sex, race, nationality, country or origin, physical disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
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Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship is made possible by an annual grant from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation based in Atlanta, Georgia. Applicants must be young Christian women from the Southeastern states who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate education in one of the SHP programs and who demonstrate a financial need. Selection is made by the SHP Office of Student Success. For more information contact our Office of Student Recruitment, Engagement and Success at (205) 934-5963. -
Joseph F. Volker Alumni Scholarship
The Joseph F. Volker Alumni Scholarship is available to full-time sophomore, junior, senior, graduate and transfer students. These shall be one-time awards, with the dollar amount and number of awards being based on the available funds each year. The amount of the award is generally $3,500 per student. For an application click here. This scholarship is open to applicants in November with a deadline of February 1 every year.BBVA Compass Bank Mortgage Graduate Student Scholarship
The BBVA Compass Bank Mortgage Graduate Student Scholarship is is a $2,500 scholarship awarded annually to a graduate student. Graduate students apply through the graduate school. Deadline is February 1 every year. Applicants must: be currently enrolled in, or admitted to, a degree-granting program in the Graduate School at UAB, demonstrate solid academic achievement and have earned at least a grade point average of 3.2 in coursework completed prior to the time of application, include two letters of recommendation from individuals who are acquainted with the student's service on campus and/or within the community, and the student must compose a 2-page essay on the topic provided. -
The Alabama Occupational Therapy Association
The ALOTA gives four $500 scholarships per year. Applications usually are available in the summer. For more information, visit the ALOTA website.The American Occupational Therapy Foundation
The AOTF offers a number of different scholarships. Please go to the link below to see eligibility requirements, application process and deadlines. -
AMBUCS Scholars-Scholarships for Therapists
The AMBUCS Scholars-Scholarships for Therapists awards more than $150,000 annually; awards range from $500 to $1,500. There is one two-year award in the amount of $6,000. Award monies are deposited each semester to the student’s credit account with the financial aid office of the educational institution. Students must be accepted in an accredited program by the appropriate health therapy profession authority in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and hearing audiology. Assistant programs are not eligible. Awards are based on financial need, US citizenship, commitment to local community, demonstrated academic accomplishment, character for compassion and integrity, and career objectives. National AMBUCS™, Inc. accepts applications from February 1 until April 15 annually.Tylenol Scholarship Fund
The Tylenol Scholarship Fund is one of the well known scholarship programs for those students enrolled in healthcare degree education including medicine, nursing, pharmacology, laboratory sciences, microbiology, physiotherapy, healthcare management and hospital administration. Students enrolled in Master’s level health care programs including the Master’s in Public Health degree (MPH) can also apply for Tylenol scholarships.*Tylenol scholarship qualifications and eligibility requirements are as follows: Must be a resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico or the District of Columbia; Graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, graduate schools, or vocational/technical schools; Must be enrolled in a health care related field; Must have completed at least one year of undergraduate work or graduate studies by the spring semester of the year that they apply; and Must have one or more years of school remaining. This scholarship program can be used at any accredited university or college in the United States.
For more information, visit the scholarship page.