Alumni Association Newsletter
Volume 2
Issue 9
From the Chair
Fall 2004
….Dr. Shelly Lane
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding
danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. " ………..Helen Keller
In my last note I indicated that I would talk this time
about the Southern Association for Colleges and
Schools (SACS) and provide faculty updates. The quote
above is a good way to start this piece, because seeking
accreditation can be a bit frightening! Knowing more
about what we seek is always a good way to move, so
here I begin with some background on SACS.
Doing some homework myself I find that this body is
actually the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. It serves as the
recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S.
Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for
institutions of higher education that award associate,
baccalaureate,
master's
or
doctoral
degrees
(http://www.sacscoc.org/). Since VCU offers three of
these four degrees, this is an important body for us.
SACS began in 1895, when six institutions of higher
education became charter members of the Association
of Colleges and Preparatory Schools of the Southern
States in order to elevate the standard of scholarship. In
1912 the southern component of this Association was
organized to develop standards and a process for
accrediting colleges and universities in the South. This
oversight organization was and is responsible for the
development of accreditation standards which identify
and encourage quality improvement in the educational
institutions.
For those of you who have been through an ACOTE
accreditation, the SACS accreditation process is similar.
A self-study of sorts is undertaken by the university, and
a document compiled and submitted to be reviewed by
an off-site committee. A Quality Enhancement Plan
(QEP) was also required, describing our course of action
with regard to a topic or issue(s) related to enhancing
student learning. After review of these documents a
three-day site visit takes place in which a committee of
professional peers examines data and conducts
interviews in order to evaluate the soundness of the
QEP, and our adherence to our standards. At the close
of the site visit the university receives an oral summary,
and outcomes of the off- and on- site visits are
documented in a written summary.
Highlighted in this year’s review were new (since 1994)
distance-education programs. Since our department and
the School of Allied Health Professions both have such
programs, we became a focus of the onsite team. Dr.
Janet Watts and I, along with other colleagues from
SAHP met with the review team to demonstrate and
highlight our distance education offerings. In spite of
technology glitches this demonstration went well, and
the team left with the sense that our programs were
sound and did meet with the university standards,
mission and goals.
Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary,
and member institutions take part in the development of
accreditation standards. According to the Commission’s
web site “Accreditation by the Commission on Colleges
signifies that an institution has a purpose appropriate to
higher education and has resources, programs, and
services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that
purpose... that an institution maintains clearly specified
educational objectives that are consistent with its
mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers, and that
it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.”
(http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/PrinciplesOfAccreditation.P
DF, (2001), p. 7). The end product of the accreditation
process is “a public statement of an institution’s
continuing capacity to provide effective programs and
services based on agreed-upon requirements.”
(http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/PrinciplesOfAccreditation.P
DF, 2001, p. 7). In 2004 we were fully re-accredited, and
continued our association with the other 69 accredited
institutions in Virginia. Re-accreditation takes place
every 10 years.
Now, I know I also promised to discuss faculty updates,
but with this lengthy piece on SACS I will save that for
the next edition, with one exception…Please join us in
celebrating the retirement of Dr. Janet Watts!
Shelly J. Lane, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Professor and Chair
Dr. Janet Watts Retires from VCU
Dr. Janet Watts retired at the end of August 2004, having been with the
Department of OT faculty for nearly 24 years. Janet is an alumnus of
both our MSOT program (1977) and the Department of Health
Administration’s doctoral program in Health Services Organization and
Research (1997). Her commitment to our department was clear during
her tenure with us. Students, staff, and faculty will miss having her
around!
Please join us in thanking her for her contributions
and wishing her the best
as she gracefully glides into an early retirement.
Dr. Al Copolillo promoted to
Associate Professor with Tenure
This summer the VCU Board of Visitors gave final approval to Dr. Copolillo’s
promotion and tenure, and on Friday, July 16, 2004, the OT staff and faculty
celebrated his accomplishments with a dinner party. We look forward to Dr. Copolillo’s
many contributions to the VCU Department, its students and the profession.
We congratulate him on a job well done!
Left to right:
Dr. Copolillo and
wife Dr. Kathy Ryan
Jayne Shepherd Honored by AOTA
Congratulations to Jayne Shepherd, Associate Professor and
VCU alumna, who has been recognized for making a significant
contribution to the continuing education and professional
development of members of AOTA as an educator, practitioner,
author, researcher, and service provider. We celebrate Jayne’s
success and look forward to her future contributions to the field.
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR ALUMNI?
Ronald G. Stone (M.S., 1974) is a Professor at
The University of Puget Sound, teaching content on
gerontology, physical disabilities, policy and
holistic/preventive health for occupational and
physical therapy students. He has worked in rehab
centers, home health and clinical practice, and has
published widely in occupational therapy and other
journals.
Margaret Horger (M.S., 1998) is Clinical Assistant
Professor at University of Puget Sound, teaching
adult physical disabilities in the Department of
Occupational Therapy and coordinating an adult
OT clinic. She has worked for 11 years in acute
care, rehab, home health and hand therapy and
published an article on measuring hand function in
AJOT.
Stacey McFarland-Smith (M.S., 1997) is Rehab
Service Manager for Valley View Retirement and
Health Care in Boise, ID. She runs the inpatient
SNF rehab department and is involved in an
outpatient
practice
in
the
independent
living/assisted section of the building. She and
husband David have two sons. Alex (age 4) is
“extremely verbal, creative, silly and energetic”; Ty
(almost 1) is “sweet, generally easy going…and
can eat with the big boys”. Stacey spends time in
her English garden, and skiing and biking with her
family. For restoration, she and David hang out at
the nearby Farmer’s Market on Saturdays drinking
coffee.
Wendy Dixon (B.S., 1998) and husband Trippe
have moved to Newport News for his new position
with State Farm Insurance. Their daughter, Skyler
Grace, “a passionate little girl”, just turned 1 year
old. Wendy is enjoying being a full-time mom and
helping renovate their home, built in 1917 in the
first planned community in the country.
Tara (Harmon) Burrei (B.S., 1998), her husband
and daughter Madi Jane (I ½ years old) just moved
to St. George, UT. She and her husband love to
travel and have ready access to destinations like
Zion National Park, Lake Powell and the Grand
Canyon. She is considering PRN work, but is
currently enjoying being with her family fulltime.
Alumni Newsletter
Laurie (Deputy) Benton (B.S., 1998) and William
Benton, Jr. were married October 4, 2003 and
honeymooned in Africa, a trip “filled with the most
amazing experiences”. Laurie has been an OT at
Healthsouth’s day rehab program in Richmond, VA
for the last 2 ½ years and loves working in an
outpatient setting
Angie Perry (B.S., 1998) and husband Alan
relocated this past summer to Blandon, PA for his
new position with Cott Beverages. Angie is home
full-time with daughter Elise (1 year old) and an
assortment of 6 dogs and cats. Prior to the move,
Angie was an OT supervisor in a hospital setting.
Michele Ruzicka (B.S., 1998) has moved from
Hawaii back to the mainland (New Jersey,
specifically) with husband A.J., 3-year-old Emily
and 2-year-old Christopher. Michelle is working
part-time in a subacute facility, and A.J. is an active
duty Army officer. Although moving was a big
adjustment, Michele and her family love working on
the dream home they bought on lakefront property
and being close to all the (grand)parents.
Elise Vital (B.S., 1998) had been working in rehab
in the Chicago area since graduation, but recently
accepted a position in the schools system there.
Heather Turner (M.S., 1998) has made several
moves in the Charlotte, NC area and is now
working at Carolina’s Medical Center, enjoying the
fast pace of acute care. Half of her practice is in
pediatrics, half with adults.
Brandee (Lewis) Clifford (B.S., 1999) is involved
with the Richmond Exceptional Orchestra (XO), a
pilot program promoting artistic collaboration
among people with and without disabilities. The XO
program is part of the Virginia Partners in
Policymaking advocacy training program funded by
the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. She
currently works with Rehabilitation Associates of
Richmond and is a contract OT for Richmond
Public Schools and infant programs in Petersburg,
Richmond, and Chesterfield and Henrico counties.
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 3
Jessica (Baughman) Bush (B.S., 2000) has been
for a company in Colorado that facilitates organ,
tissue and eye donations. She had previously held
a part-time OT job in pediatric private practice, but
received a promotion at her company and is
focusing on that full-time. Jess reports “No kids yet,
just an adorable pug named Pugsley!”
Deborah Victor (B.S., 2000) is an OT with Atlantic
Health Services, Inc. in Rockville, MD.
Fiona Bessey-Bushnell (M.S., 2001) and Matthew
Bushnell were married in January, 2004 and
vacationed in Mexico. Fiona is working full-time as
the Special Education Assistive Technology Liaison
for Chesterfield County Public Schools in Virginia.
Jen Edwards (M.S., 2001) is doing OT home
health in Anchorage, Alaska and also doing rehab
PRN. In her leisure time, Jen enjoys bike riding and
animal watching.
Eric Sarrett (M.S., 2001) is working as an OT in
the schools system of St. John’s County (which
includes St. Augustine) in Florida. He also does
PRN work for local nursing homes as well as “PRN
sunning, beaching and biking”.
Lisa Gentilini (M.S., 2002) married Brian Miller on
October 18, 2003. She is working as an OT in the
VCU Health Systems in Richmond, VA, and her
husband is currently pursuing his doctorate in
pharmacy at the VCU Medical Center.
Lisa Phillips (M.S., 2002) is working at Richfield
Retirement Community in Salem, VA and living in
Blacksburg. She and John got engaged earlier this
year and plan to get married next year. Lisa is
actively engaged with friends at church, a bowling
league and her dog, Hannah (“a joy”). In April, Lisa
participated in her community’s Walk for Multiple
Sclerosis.
Laurie Robins (M.S., 2002) and her husband
announced the birth of 9 lb, 4 oz. Ryder Will, to join
big brother River on May 4, 2004.
WE REMEMBER…
JoAnn Pennington (1956, OT Certificate) died at age 77 in Springfield, NY on November 22, 2003. She
worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Durham, NC and had been active in her church and
community as an organist and choir director.
Ronald R. Robbins (B.S., 1972) died on July 6, 2004.
Nancy Caplan (B.S., 1978) died in Raleigh, NC on October 22, 2003, four years after a diagnosis of breast
cancer. She is remembered affectionately by her friends and family for her handiwork, gourmet cooking and
love of family gatherings.
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 4
On-Line Graduate Courses
Designed for Registered Occupational
Therapists
To be of f er ed: Spr i ng 2004
Advanced Neuroscience Applications
in Occupational Therapy
Advanced Neuroscience Applications in Occupational Therapy
(OCCT 656, 3 credits)
Links basic structure and organization of nervous system to function in typical individuals. Students examine current neuroscience
understanding of diseases and disabilities encountered in clinical
practice, matching function and dysfunction with structure and organization. Presents specific cases from participant clinical experience and links cases to contemporary OT theories and frames of
reference guiding practice.
Participants will be expected to lead and participate in online discussions on relevant topics in neuroscience and occupational therapy practice, prepare and present a case study that links neuroscience with occupation, and develop a paper on a topic of interest in
neuroscience.
The instructor for this course
will be
Dr. Shelly Lane,
internationally recognized
author and lecturer in the
areas of neuroscience, sensory integration and sensory
processing.
Space is Limited
Research Process in OT: Qualitative Research for OT’s
Research Process in OT: Qualitative Research for OT’s
(OCCT 711, 3 credits) Introduces qualitative methods of research
with goals of understanding the theoretical underpinnings, gaining
practical experiences, and developing an understanding of the
“self” as an instrument. Focuses on qualitative methods in occupational therapy research and their application to practice.
The instructor for this course will be
Dr. Dianne Koontz Lowman
nationally recognized researcher and lecturer working with infants,
toddlers and young children with oral motor feeding difficulties and
complex health care needs.
For more information
contact:
Occupational Therapy
Department
Virginia Commonwealth
University
P.O. Box 980008
Richmond, VA 23298-0008
(804) 828-2219
(804) 828-0782 FAX
News From the Post-Professional Program
Post-Professional MS Distance Learning Program Thesis Successfully Defended
Lisa Owens successfully defended her thesis on Thursday, 6/17/04. She
presented her original research entitled, The Effects of the Handwriting Without
Tears Program® on the Handwriting of Students in Inclusion Classrooms, and
responded to questions from the audience. A reception followed with much
celebration. Dr. Janet Watts (thesis committee chair) and Jayne Shepherd
from the OT department, and Dr. James McMillan, Professor of Educational
Studies and Director of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium in
the VCU School of Education, served as her thesis advisors. Congratulations
on a job well done! Lisa said that she would be happy to provide support to
students approaching the thesis stage of their studies and she found it not to
be as hard as she anticipated it to be. Lisa’s study Abstract is printed below.
ABSTRACT
Left to right:
Jayne Shepherd, Lisa Owens,
Dr. Janet Watts, Dr. Jim McMillan
THE EFFECTS OF THE HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS® PROGRAM
ON THE HANDWRITING OF STUDENTS IN INCLUSION CLASSROOMS
By Lisa L. Owens, M.S., OTR
Many handwriting programs are currently used in schools, but little research has been conducted on their
effectiveness. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group pretest posttest design examined
effects of the Handwriting Without Tears® program with special and general education students enrolled in
inclusion classrooms. Two experimental classes received instruction with the HWT® method while two
comparison classes received instruction using traditional methods. Handwriting performance was measured
using the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment. One-way analysis of covariance tested the differences between
rates of handwriting improvement for experimental and comparison groups while controlling for pretest scores.
Students in the experimental classes showed statistically significant improvement in overall handwriting skill (p
= .02), compared to the classes receiving traditional handwriting instruction, especially in the areas of size (p =
.008) and spacing (p = .010). After controlling for pretest MHA score, there was no significant difference in
posttest MHA scores between general and special education students (p = .194) or between females and
males (p = .110).
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 6
Calling all VCU Alumni
From time to time we have potential applicants who wish to speak with an alumnus in their area. If you would
be willing to be a resource, please contact Jodi Teitelman via email: jlteitel@vcu.edu or by calling
804-828-2219 with your name and preference for being contacted (phone or email address). Thanks so much
for helping with our recruitment.
Also, we are continuing to seek alumni willing to serve as informational coordinators for their graduating class.
Although there has already been a wonderful response from volunteers, we still need class coordinators for the
following:
• Graduates of any program before 1964
• Undergraduate classes of 1965-1976, 1978-1979, 1981-1983, 1985, 1987-1988, 1990-1991, 19931996, 1999, 2001.
• Graduate classes of 1964-1983, 1987, 1989-1995, 1998, 2000, 2002-2004
Coordinators are responsible only for keeping in touch with members of their class and sending alumni news to
the Department for the newsletter. If you would like to be of service in a way that does not cost much of your
time, please contact Jodi Teitelman at the phone number or email address above.
The Alumni Association’s Division of Allied Health is always looking for candidates to serve
on the Board. If you, our Alumni, would be interested in serving on the
MCV Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees,
please let us know via e-mail to jlteitel@vcu.edu or call us at 804-828-2219.
If you have questions regarding the MCV Alumni Association
you can call 804-828-3900 or e-mail: www.vcu-mcvalumni.org.
VCU E-x PRESS NEWS
The University published its first alumni e-letter this past spring, which includes current university news and
schedules, and links to photos of alumni events. To receive the newsletter, send in your email address at the
website: www.vcu-mcvalumni.org
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 7
VOTA Conference Reception at VCU
Competitive bidding at the
VOTA Silent Auction
The Class of 2005
On Sale:
OT Bumper
Stickers
The VCU OT Department extended the
VOTA Conference’s theme of “Seeds of Change”
and our own motto of “Cultivating Future Therapists
through a Tradition of Excellence” by converting the
4th floor of the VMI Building into a harvest
celebration on Saturday evening October 9th for
the VOTA wine and cheese reception. Corn stalks,
Indian corn, scarecrows, bales of straw, gourds,
mums, pansies, cornucopias and colorful autumn
leaves filled every nook and cranny of the
department. Carolyn Velletri headed the decorating
team and she did a beautiful job. No corner was left
without some autumn detail. The decorations “deinstitutionalized” the department and made it warm
and inviting. Many comments were heard about the
atmosphere and ambiance throughout the evening.
The wine and the cheese were also very good, and
the desserts were superb!
The reception was a tremendous success,
with close to 100 people in attendance. Dr. Cecil
Drain, Dean of the School of Allied Health
Professions had a wonderful time meeting so many
OTs in one place. Faculty from VCU, JMU, and
Shenandoah University were excited to chat with
former students and to hear about their choice of
Alumni Newsletter
jobs. Former classmates enjoyed catching up on
the latest news from their friends now living in other
parts of the state, former co-workers exchanged
stories about their work, play and families and
seasoned veteran therapists enjoyed visiting with
associates from similar and very different practice
settings. The bidding for the many beautiful baskets
and other silent auction items became very
competitive and a wide selection of raffle items
brought in additional funds to VOTA. The
conference committee did an excellent job of
soliciting items for the silent auction and raffle this
year. A good time was had by all whether people
left with prizes or empty handed.
The VCU OT students used the opportunity
of the reception to raise money for their future
pinning celebrations. The Class of 2005 sold Euro
“OT” bumper stickers and the Class of 2006 sold
cookbooks. If you are interested in purchasing a
bumper sticker for $4.00, make checks payable to
Ellen Dreis. If you are interested in an OT
Cookbook for $12.00, make checks payable to Jen
Self. Mail checks c/o the Occupational Therapy
Department, Virginia Commonwealth University,
P.O. Box 980008, Richmond, VA 23298-0008, and
we will be happy to send your order to you.
The festive atmosphere of the reception left
everyone in attendance with a heightened
appreciation for the beauty of this time of year and
enhanced motivation to decorate their own homes
to celebrate harvest time!
Dr. Shelly Lane talking to VCU O.T. Alumni
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 8
More Reception Photos…
Alumni Newsletter
“Cultivating Future Therapists Through a Tradition of Excellence”
Page 9
FACULTY OPENING
”Cultivating future therapists through a tradition of excellence.”
Faculty Opening, Spring 2005
Join a dynamic team and progressive program!
•
•
•
•
Providing occupational therapy education since 1942
Occupation focused programs, grounded in theory and science
o Face-to-face entry-level MOT
o Distance education Post-Professional Master of Science
o Innovative web-based interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Health
Related Sciences
Faculty with expertise in theory, activities, development through the life span,
neuroscience, community relationships and service, and policy
Developing Post-Professional OTD
Seeking an occupational therapist with leadership, knowledge and skills, as
well as an investment in research and scholarship to join us as we move
forward.
Responsibilities will include: development of an independent line of research;
teaching at the masters, clinical doctoral, and/or Ph.D. level; contributing to
advisement activities; participating in service at the departmental, school, and/or
university level.
Qualifications:
Required: eligibility for VA licensure in occupational therapy; Ph.D. or significant
work towards this degree
Preferred: existing research agenda; background in leadership; three years fulltime clinical experience; knowledge base in mental health and/or pediatrics;
university teaching experience; grounding in theory and occupation.
Applications: Send letter of interest, curriculum vita, and contact information for
three references to:
Shelly J Lane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University
PO Box 980008
1000 E. Marshall St
Richmond, VA 23298-0008
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 2002-2004, pass rate of 100% for all graduates who took the NBCOT certification examination.
In 2004, 90% of graduates looking for jobs found employment before or within 3 months after graduation.
The Occupational Therapy Department awards two degrees in occupational therapy:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.): Entry-level program
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
Master of Science (M.S.): Distance education program for current OTR’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
Seven full time faculty
1 Ed.D.
1 Ph.D. (Psychology)
3 OTR’s with Ph.D. (Public Health, Instructional Technology, and Neuroscience)
2 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