Alumni Association Newsletter
Volume 2
Issue 12
From the Chair
Spring is behind us, summer begun. The transition
between the two is always incredibly busy, between
ending one year and beginning the next. As most of you
know, our classes begin in June, and this year they began
quite early! So we were all scrambling to get one year
finished and another begun. For us that means end of
Spring Term course reviews and end of academic year
Curriculum Review. While you may not realize it, we
review courses each term, and then do a full (two days
worth of ‘full’) curriculum review each May. The curriculum
reviews are always interesting, but this year they were
even more so from a couple of perspectives: 1) we had
new faculty this year, so the process was new to them; 2)
we have a new program to consider!
The new faculty you know about, as they were introduced
earlier this year. They have enjoyed a successful year of
teaching and getting their research labs set up. In
addition, Tony Gentry finished his PhD, successfully
graduating from the University of Virginia this spring. Their
courses were taught in both the entry-level and postprofessional masters programs, and both semester course
evaluations and our curriculum review found that their
courses were well received by students, and integrated
nicely into the curriculum. From a research perspective,
Tony is setting up his cognitive prosthetics lab; Marie
Anzalone is establishing her video analysis lab, and
Stacey Reynolds has been collecting data all year in the
Sensory Integration lab.
The new program is the Occupational Therapy Doctorate,
or OTD. Having cleared multiple hurdles we went to the
State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) with our
proposal in May, and were approved. SCHEV was the last
challenge we had to face before the program could be
offered officially. Thus, we now are very excited that we
have an OTD to offer! The OTD, as you might have heard
already, is primarily distance, with face-to-face meetings
twice yearly. We have developed different programs of
Summer, 2006
….Dr. Shelly Lane
education for therapists with a BS in OT and those with an
MS in OT, to account for these different educational
backgrounds. However, the overall emphasis of the
program for everyone is the development of professional
leadership. This is a timely topic, and very much “in sync”
with the vision of AOTA at this juncture. Details on the
OTD can be found on our web page.
In addition to the OTD we still offer an entry-level masters,
a post-professional masters and an interdisciplinary allied
health PhD. We see this as meeting the needs of the
profession at multiple levels. The entry-level masters
offers the highest quality educational program for the
generalist in occupational therapy. It prepares them to
become excellent clinicians and to pursue additional
education along either a research or professional
leadership track. For the individual interested in remaining
in the clinical environment, but desiring additional
education, the OTD will provide training in leadership and
will prepare the clinician to become a critical consumer of
literature related to practice. We hope this program will
prepare clinicians to be health care leaders and to create
opportunities for occupational therapy outside of the
typical environments.
In contrast, for individuals interested in research, we offer
the post-professional masters and the interdisciplinary
doctorate. The post-professional masters degree will
school students in the research process, and they will
develop research skills as they complete an independent
thesis. Completion of the post-professional masters will
give therapists the necessary background to pursue a
PhD, either in our program (offered through the School of
Allied Health Professions), or elsewhere.
We are excited about our new faculty and our new
program. We look forward to seeing many of you in one or
another of these programs, and engaging in discussions
with you online!
Shelly J. Lane, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Professor and Chair
VCU Occupational Therapy
Award-Winning Faculty
It’s been an exciting spring in the Department! Within the past few months, four faculty members have received national
awards for their professional contributions.
Dr. Shelly Lane
received a “Bridges
to the Ivory Tower
Award” from the
Pediatric Therapy
Network at their
R2K Research
Conference. This
award is designed
to honor
Scholarship which
connects the world
of academia to
clinical practice.
(Dr. Lane was also recently interviewed on Richmond’s
Channel 12 news about whether “Baby Einstein”
products are useful in enhancing child development!)
Dr. Tony Gentry
received the 27th
Annual Student
Scientific Paper
Award from the
Rehabilitation
Engineering Society
of North America.
This award was for
the paper based on
his dissertation,
“Handheld
computers as
assistive technology
for individuals with
cognitive impairment
related to multiple sclerosis: A mixed methods study”.
Both Dr. Al Copolillo and Dr. Jodi Teitelman were given Cordelia Myers Writers Awards by the American Association of
Occupational Therapy at AOTA’s conference. This award is given to first-time authors in the American Journal of
Occupational Therapy for papers judged to have made valuable contributions to the profession. The articles honored were
“Understanding the decision-making process of older adults with vision loss” (Copolillo & Teitelman, May/June, 2005) and
“Psychosocial issues in older adults’ adjustment to vision loss: Findings from qualitative interviews and focus groups”
(Teitelman & Copolillo, July/August, 2005).
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 2
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR ALUMNI?
Tara (Harmon) Burrei (B.S., 1998) and family are living
in St. George, Utah where she is working in a rehab unit
one day a week. She and husband, Chris have a
daughter, Madi Jane whose almost three, a son, Carson
whose almost a year old, and another one on the way.
Chris works out of their home so he can help out with the
kids and so that the family can travel whenever possible.
Fiona Bessey-Bushnell (M.S., 2001) completed the
requirements for the Assistive Technology Practitioner
certification through RESNA in June, 2005 and is
working for Chesterfield County Public Schools as the
Assistive Technology Liaison. Fiona and her husband,
Matt had several celebrations last year. They purchased
their first home in July and their son, Cameron Mark
Bushnell was born on November 9, 2005 (7 lbs., 13 oz;
21 inches long). Former classmates, Ashley Palat and
Jamie Wisniewski Smiley helped decorate the nursery
while Fiona was on bed rest.
Jenna Burgess (M.S., 2005) is working at Cumberland
Hospital in New Kent, VA with children who have both
physical and psychiatric disabilities.
Alison Conley (M.S., 2005) works in the spinal cord
injury unit of the McGuire Veterans Administration
Medical Center in Richmond, VA. She thoroughly enjoys
this setting, where she says “I’ve been given enough
freedom to practice incorporating my own values and I
have the time to be client-centered”. She is currently
living at an independent senior apartment complex
where her fiancé, Raymund serves as the emergency
response person and coordinates social activities for the
residents. She is pursuing a long-time interest of hers by
looking into taking a weekend waitressing job….”Then
it’s on to skydiving, piano lessons, Spanish class, and of
course, continuing ballroom dancing.”
Maurine (Stemwedel) Cole (B.S., 2002) married
Matthew Cole in November, 2005. They are living in
Orange County, California with their pug, and Maurine is
working in a pediatrics setting.
Barbara J. Hill (B.S., 1996) accepted a new position in
Prescott, AZ as Executive Director of the High Country
Early Intervention Program serving Yavapai County. In
July, she will receive her Masters in Healthcare
Administration from the University of Phoenix and her
husband, currently awaiting his transfer with Lockheed
Alumni Newsletter
Martin, will rejoin her. Until that time, she is enjoying the
company of her cat, dog and pregnant mare.
Michele Lederhandler (B.S., 2002) is working in a
pediatrics setting in sunny Florida.
Anne Ripper (B.S., 2000) moved to Colorado where
she is enjoying hiking and will be working as an OT in
the schools system. She is also actively pursuing her
yoga practice, and recently taught a course in Boulder.
Barbara Innes Smith (RPI, 1956) and husband Orlando
W. (Buck) Smith built a home in Bath County in Millboro,
VA and are enjoying the “tranquility and beauty of the
mountains that surround us” since retiring five years ago.
She and her husband of 50 years (she met him while at
RPI – he was a student in the School of Business) have
three sons, 12 grandchildren and another grandchild on
the way. Since graduation, she has worked as an OT at
the VA Hospitals, Virginia Home (then called the Virginia
Home for Incurables) and Beth Sholom Home in
Richmond, VA.
Leslie (Hicks) Wade (B.S., 2002) married Kyle Wade in
November, 2004, and they are living in Richmond with “3
puuurrrfect cats”. Since August, 2005, Leslie has been
working in the VCU Health System in Richmond on the
rehab unit, on both the SCI and general rehab team.
Prior to that time she had worked for three years at
Southside Regional Medical Center in acute care.
Stephanie Weiseman (B.S., 2004) is working as an OT
at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute.
Kelly Showalter (M.S., 2004) is currently working at
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She splits her
time between neurology, neurosurgery inpatient acute
care and the outpatient ALS clinic, where she has redeveloped the role of OT in this multidisciplinary clinic.
Her first FW-II student just finished and the second is on
her way this fall. Life is very good! Boyfriend Matt now
lives in Baltimore (a Pittsburgh transplant) and is a
production manager for NVR (Northern Virginia/Ryan
Homes). Things are really going well. Looks like Kelly
will be getting back in the VCU loop soon...
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 3
WE REMEMBER…
Margaret Blau (B.S., 1969) of Laurel, MD died on September 18, 2005.
Catherine Coppola (B.S., 1968) of Jacksonville, FL.
Mary Blanton (B.S., 1978) of Leesburg, FL.
News from the Post Professional
Master’s Program
On Thursday, July 13, 2006 Juliet Copeland, a candidate for a Master of Science, is scheduled
to defend her thesis research entitled “Parent and Therapist Perceptions of Sensory Based
Strategies Used by Occupational Therapists in Family-Centered Early Intervention Practice.”
Juliet works in EI in Arlington, VA. Juliet has been in the program since Fall 2002 and we
congratulate her on all of her hard work and accomplishments! Way to go, Juliet!
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 4
News From the Entry-Level Program
The VCU O.T. Department welcomed 24 new students on June 1, 2006. The class attended a few days of orientation
before starting the Nature of OT course. Students will start Human Anatomy on June 29, 2006. Of the 24, 16 are from
Virginia and 7 are previous VCU students. Twenty are entering with previous degrees. There are 23 women and 1 male
with a mean age of 23. This is the third year that most of the new students, approximately 66%, have had the opportunity
to visit the department and meet the faculty, clinical faculty, staff, and students during an Open House for Accepted
Applicants. They all seem very excited to begin their career in Occupational Therapy.
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 5
Rebuilding Together
OT Students and Faculty Put Their Knowledge, Skills, and Energy to Work for RT
By Dianne Simons
The last Saturday in April is always “Project Day” for
Rebuilding Together nationwide. This year that Saturday
fell on April 29, 2006. Many occupational therapists clinicians, students, and faculty were in Charlotte, NC for
the AOTA Conference, but several of us who did not
attend the conference this year participated in Project
Day in the Byrd Park, Randolph, and Maymont
communities. Rebuilding Together’s mission is “to
preserve and revitalize houses and communities,
assuring that low-income homeowners, from the elderly
and disabled to families with children, live in warmth,
safety, and independence.” Local Affiliates work with
corporations and volunteers in their communities to
repair homes. Each year a different neighborhood is
selected and homeowners request the services. AOTA
has partnered with RT to get OTs involved in assessing
and assisting with home modifications for older adults
and clients with disabilities in the targeted community.
For several years students and faculty from the VCU OT
Department have been involved with Project Day on a
voluntary basis. Last year students and faculty became
more involved in the assessment process, which starts
in February. This year the work began in February again.
It was a wonderful opportunity for OT faculty and
practicing therapists, including alumni Nicole Randall,
Ashley Palate, and Audrey Kane, to share their expertise
by providing recommendations for home modifications
and adaptive equipment. Recommendations included
removing fall hazards, the addition of ramps, railings,
grab bars, tub benches, hand-held shower heads, lever
door knobs, D cabinet handles, raised toilet seats,
bedside commodes, enlarged thermostat dials, furniture
risers, touch lighting, and reachers. Students Melissa
Zuraw (Grad II), Sarah Kim (Grad I), and Marian Mensah
(Grad I) and faculty members Sandy Cash and Dianne
Simons spent Project Day checking to see if the home
modifications were complete, delivering and installing
equipment and instructing homeowners in the use of
their new equipment. It was a wonderful day and we
hope to see even more students, faculty and alumni
involved next year! For more information on Rebuilding
Together
see
their
national
website
at:
http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/ If you are in the
Richmond vicinity the website for the local affiliate is
http://www.rebuildingtogetherrichmond.org/ If you would
be interested in getting involved next year, please call
the department at 804-828-2219 or e-mail me at
dfsimons@vcu.edu
In coordination with the AARP, the Richmond RT Affiliate
will be doing a mini Rebuilding Together project (of 8
to10 houses)at the end of September of this year. The
plan is to do the home modifications evaluations on
these houses sometime between the end July and midAugust. They are changing the format a bit and instead
of evaluating and then taking equipment back to the
house, they will be piloting the process of taking a van
loaded with DME at the time of evaluation. The plan is to
install the needed equipment at the time of the
evaluation for any equipment that does not involve
installation or construction. If you have some time and
might be interested in volunteering your OT expertise,
this is a great way to get involved in the community.
Rebuilding Together is a wonderful organization. Please
feel free to contact Katie White at
News4RTRichmond@comcast.net
RPI Alumni Reunion
Brings OT Classmates Together Again
By Dianne Simons
The weekend of April 28-30, 2006 VCU sponsored a collective RPI Reunion. There were
representatives from the Classes of 1949 to 1968. There were OT graduates in attendance from the
Classes of 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1958. There was a special 50 year reunion
recognition of the Class of 1956. Mrs. Beverly Brown and Mrs. Barbara Smith, graduates of RPI’s OT
program represented that class. There were also alumni from the OT classes of 1960, 1964 and the
last RPI class of 1968. But there was a special group, members of the OT Class of 1957 that
managed to pull together an enthusiastic group of six alumni to attend. Arlene “Archie” Blaha, a
dynamic “retired” OT who still volunteers after a 35-year career in Federal and D.C. government, and
Bill McCracken, who worked in pharmaceutical sales for 41 years after 4 years as an OT, were
instrumental in bringing the group together. I had the very special privilege of attending the reception
and dinner at the Virginia Museum and meeting this energetic group. They hailed from as far away as
California, Michigan, Connecticut and Mississippi. We talked about OT 50 years ago and today. I was
asked “Do you have an OT student who you think will make an excellent therapist? Tell me about
her.” After I shared the story of my experiences that very day with Grad II student, Melissa Zuraw,
working side-by-side as we creatively problem-solved with homeowners how to make their daily lives
easier by making adaptations to their homes through the Rebuilding Together Project Day, her
response was that OT “at its heart” had not changed – that its focus has always been and always
would be connecting with people and helping them improve their lives. How inspiring and validating it
was for me, a therapist of 20 years to hear this from a therapist of 50 years. Another one of the
highlights of the evening for me was to meet Rosemary Tennant, a 1957 OT graduate, mother of 4,
AOTA Service award recipient in 1990 and Outstanding OT in Mississippi in 1995. She brought the
OT Department three books written by her friend and fellow OT, Dr. Margaret Drake, OTR, signed by
the author. These books entitled Reconstructing Soldiers, The Disappearing Patient, and Sanatorium
Girl are written for middle and high school age readers. They are all written from the perspective of a
fictional occupational therapist. Rosemary thought these 3 books may well be the only books written
with an OT as the main character. They are a wonderful addition to our Department library! It was a
wonderful evening. I had such fun hearing stories about RPI and the all night bridge parties in Shafer
House. I assure you that whenever they hold another reunion, I will definitely attend. OTs are very
special people and it was a very special opportunity for me to experience that connection across
generations!
Alumni Newsletter
Page 7
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Alumni Leadership Opportunity
Leadership Opportunity Available through
Medical College of Virginia Alumni Association (MCVAA)
The Division of Allied Health of MCVAA is always looking for candidates to serve on its Board of Trustees. If
you, one of our valued alumni, are interested in being considered for this important service opportunity, please
let us know by contacting Jodi Teitelman at jlteitel@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2219. Information about MCVAA can
be found at www.vcu-mcvalumni.org or by contacting Barbara Payton at bpayton@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3900.
Where in the World???
Desperately Seeking Missing Alumni
If you know of the whereabouts of any
of your former classmates who are not
receiving this newsletter, please let us
know how we can reconnect with
them. Or have them contact us.
Thanks for your “sleuthing” on behalf
of our alumni relations!
Department of Occupational Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 980008
Richmond, VA 23298-0008
(804) 828-2219
jlteitel@vcu.edu
OTD Program Opens Fall 2006!!!
Do You Want More From Your Career?
Are You a Leader?
In the fall of 2006, the professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program in Leadership will begin with a
cohort of students. Coursework enhances your critical analysis of practice, research, and evidence and culminates in a
Capstone Leadership Project of your choice.
This distance education program is designed for the working professional with a BS or MS/MA degree in occupational
therapy. MS therapists take 43 credits and BS therapists take 55 credits and receive an MS/OTD. This program is parttime with 6-7 credits per semester, obtaining the degree in 3-4 years.
Why an OTD at VCU?
•
Internationally/nationally renowned faculty with leadership and research experience
•
Experience in distance education for over six years
•
Flexible, part-time coursework geared to the working professional
•
Online courses with between semester on-campus time, no relocation is necessary!
•
Outstanding technical and library assistance for off-campus students
•
Over 60 years of experience educating future leaders of Occupational Therapy
Space is limited, so inquire and apply today!
Visit our website: http://www.sahp.vcu.edu/occu/programs/otd.htm
Or contact:
Jayne Shepherd, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Assistant Chair of Post Professional Education
804-828-2219
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 9
Alumni “Philanthropy”
Dear Alumni and Friends of the Department of Occupational Therapy,
I want to introduce myself and tell you a bit about the role I play within the School and for your
Department. During the more than thirty years I have worked in the field of Advancement and Alumni
Relations I have learned that most people want to make a difference. I often remind people that we
probably will not find our faces on Mt. Rushmore, but we do not want to go through this life without
making a meaningful mark.
Webster defines Philanthropy as the love of humankind. Through philanthropy one can make a
meaningful mark. My job is to help people do this.
One of the first myths surrounding Philanthropy is that you have to be super-wealthy to have an
impact. This just isn’t true. There are ways to accomplish your vision through a variety of special
named funds or by combining your gift with those of other alumni and friends to create a larger gift
pool.
The Department of Occupational Therapy currently has two scholarship funds* – one established with
a single gift and the other through the donations of many people. The number of students seeking
financial aid continues to grow as tuition and fees increase. In addition, our ability to recruit and retain
the very best faculty means we are increasingly dependant on philanthropic funds.
I encourage you to contact me if you would like to learn more about making a meaningful mark that
will benefit the Department of Occupational Therapy.
Karen W. McQueen, CFRE
Assistant Dean for Advancement
School of Allied Health Professions
Phone: 804-828-3269
Email: kwmcqueen@vcu.edu
*Department of Occupational Therapy Funds:
Gudger-Garris Occupational Therapy Scholarship
Patti Maurer Scholarship Fund
Occupational Therapy Fund – Supports areas of greatest need
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 10
Facts About the VCU O.T. Department
Educating Occupational Therapists since 1942
Ranked 15th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
Awarded 10-year term of accreditation by ACOTE in 2001 (the highest term of accreditation possible).
From 2002-2006, pass rate of 98% for all graduates who took the NBCOT certification examination.
In 2006, 93% of graduates looking for jobs found employment before or within 3 months after graduation.
In 2006, 71% of graduates accepted employment positions before completing fieldwork.
The Occupational Therapy Department awards three degrees in occupational therapy:
Entry-Level Program: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)
Generalist entry-level curriculum preparation using a wide range of instructional technology
Applications of assistive technology throughout the curriculum
Development of research skills
Wide range of clinical training experiences
Distance Education program for current OTR’s: Advanced Master’s of Science (M.S.)
Provide theory-and evidence-based practice
Develop advanced clinical research skills
Complete a thesis on a topic of mutual interest to you and your advisor
Distance Education program for current OTR’s: Occupational Therapy Doctorate (O.T.D.)
Designed to appeal to working practitioners who are adult learners
Enhance critical analysis skills in practice and the design of fundable projects geared toward evidence based practice
Develop knowledge of the complexity of occupation, disability, and the rehabilitation process
Nine full time faculty
1 Ph.D. (Psychology)
4 OTR’s with Ph.D. (Public Health, Instructional Technology, and Neuroscience)
1 OTR with Sc.D. (Therapeutic Science)
3 OTR’s (Master’s level)
Faculty also is composed of Adjuncts who are clinicians in the community.
Small classes for optimum student/faculty interaction offered in an urban setting rich in professional
opportunities.
Provide state-of-the art computer laboratory and assistive technology.
VCU Medical Center, the hospitals, clinics and health sciences schools of VCU, form one of the leading
academic medical research centers in the country.
Department contact information:
Occupational Therapy Department
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 980008, 1000 E. Marshall Street
Richmond, VA 23298-0008
(804) 828-2219
(804) 828-0782 FAX
Sandra H. Cash, MS, OTR/L
Director, Entry-Level Graduate Program
http://www.sahp.vcu.edu/occu/
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 11
1000 East Marshall Street
P.O. Box 980008
Richmond, VA 23298-0008
U.S. News Ranking
#15
VCU’s OT Graduate Program ranked
one of America’s Best Graduate Schools
"Cultivating Future Therapists through a Tradition of Excellence"
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 12