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