Saturday Sessions Beginning at 7:00 AM
Collaboration in Educational Systems for Effective Student Success
Cynthia J. Haynes, MBA, OTD, OTR/L, Carol Just, OTD, OTR/L
Cross-disciplinary collaboration is an essential component for effective school-based OT practitioners.
Participants will gain knowledge and practice skills to help foster changes in thinking and actions in
school based therapy.
Institute (2 hours, 50 minutes)
Children & Youth
Peripheral Nerve Injuries: An Evidence Based Approach
Colleen Maher, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, Sally Poole, MA, OTR/L, CHT, Seri Berger, MA, OTR
This institute will present an overview of peripheral nerve injuries. The most reliable assessments and
treatment interventions based on evidence to optimize function will be emphasized. Splinting, sensory
reeducation, nerve gliding and occupation based activities will be demonstrated.
Institute (2 hours, 50 minutes)
Rehab & Disability
Reiki and OT, Level 1 Training (Part 1)
Rebecca Austill-Clausen, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Reiki facilitates stress reduction, relaxation, reduces pain and promotes self-healing. Combining Reiki
with OT can improve a client’s occupational performance. Attunement to Reiki energy, billing, marketing
and OT resources provided. Part 1 of this two part Reiki Level 1 training.
Institute (2 hours, 50 minutes)
Health & Wellness
Clinical Excellence: How Do We Get There?
Carolyn Gatty, MS, OTR/L, Bronwyn Keller MS, OTR/L, Jennifer Lucas, PT, DPT, GCS
This institute arms you with scientifically tested strategies to bridge the gap between your current state
of practice and best practice to better meet the needs of your clients. Strategies are explored through
audience participation. Information benefits managers, practitioners, and educators.
Institute (2 hours, 50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
General
October 24, 2015
Sensi-Support: Use of Multi-sensory Strategies in an Outpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Program
Varleisha Gibbs, OTD, OTR/L, Daniel Fichter, OTS, Melissa Crawford, OTS
Students from the University of the Sciences Entry Level Doctoral program incorporated an occupational
therapy based program for the University of Pennsylvania’s Geriatric Psychiatry program at the Ralston
House. Qualitative results support the incorporation of the program titled Sensi-support.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Research
Discoveries in Group Activity Programming for the Able Oldest Old
Grace Fisher, EdD, OTR/L, Valerie A. McDold, OTS, Stephanie A. Pusey, OTS, Phillip R. Terrigno, OTS,
Rose N. Wentzel, OTS
We initially provided the oldest old with psychosocial intervention via Gunnarsson et al.'s Tree Theme
Method (2006), which failed to meet their needs. Critical reflection lead to successful programming.
The oldest old have dignity and opinions that must be considered.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Productive Aging
Treating SPD & Attachment Issues: An Update
Christine Achenbach, MEd, OTR/L
Trauma histories are more common than we realize. Working with young children to older adults
presents different opportunities to practice trauma-informed care. Special considerations for this
population will be presented in this session.
Presentation (1 hour, 50 minutes)
Research
Dental Care and Intellectual Disability: Occupational Therapy’s Role
Marla Peiffer, OTS, Kerri Hample, OTD, OTR/L
The purpose of this research is to obtain dentists’ perspectives as to why dental care is an unmet need in
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Using these perspectives, ways for
occupational therapy to assist will be identified and presented.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
Research
October 24, 2015
Saturday Sessions Beginning at 8:00 AM
Residents Co-existing with Cognitively Impaired Residents in Assisted Living
Kathleen Hughes-Butcher, MS, OTR/L, Stephanie Evans, OTS, Jacqueline Paluszek, OTS,
William Sopko, OTS, Samantha Warden, OTS
This study used a phenomenological approach combined with correlational methods to understand the
transitional experience of cognitively intact residents co-existing with residents with cognitive
impairments. The results suggested that co-existence impacts interaction and/or participation within the
facility but not transition.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Productive Aging
Crucial Advice for New OT/OTA Faculty
Caitlyn Foy, MOTR/L
This session provides information about experienced barriers and solutions to these barriers from new
OT/OTA academicians. This session will educate new faculty regarding crucial information in their new
academic career to increase opportunities for success.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Education/Field Work
Saturday Sessions Beginning at 9:00 AM
POTA Legislative Update: The Year in Review and Next Steps
Cathy Dolhi, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Kerri Golden, EdD, OTR/L, Mary Muhlenhaupt, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
This presentation highlights the legislative activities impacting occupational therapy and occupational
therapy practitioners in Pennsylvania over the past year and provides insight into POTA’s initiatives
related to these activities. Participants learn how they can advocate for occupational therapy on a dayto-day basis in their practice settings, along with strategies they can use to promote the distinct value of
occupational therapy to legislators and other key stakeholders.
Interdisciplinary Development of Individualized Alternative Augmentative Communication
Systems
Annabeth Martino, MS, OTR/L, Jacqueline Rowland, MEd, M.S. CCC-SLP, Shannon Ward, student,
Janine Blythe, parent
POTA Annual Conference
October 24, 2015
Access to communication facilitates successful participation in daily occupations. This presentation
features the successful collaboration of an OT, SLP, parent, and student with spastic quadriplegic
cerebral palsy in the assessment, design, ongoing development, and training on an individualized AAC
system.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Rehab & Disability
Defining Professional Behaviors in Occupational Therapy Education
Kimberly Gargin, OTD, OTR/L
This presentation will include information about how academic programs define professional behaviors,
what they are changing to meet the needs of students, and proactive strategies that fieldwork educators
can implement.
Presentation (1 hour, 50 minutes
Education/Field Work
Clinician to Academician: Identifying Strategies for Success
Sharon Novalis, PhD, OTR/L
The transition from clinician to academician can be a challenging one. This presentation provides the
results of an examination of literature, identifying known barriers and challenges as well as the success
strategies to be considered in pursing an academic role.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Education/Field Work
Saturday Sessions Beginning at 10:00 AM
Neuroscience: A Clinician’s Primer
Audrey Zapletal, MS, OTR/L, Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Alison Bell, MS, OTR/L,
Teal Benevides, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Neuroscience is foundational knowledge for occupational therapists. This session will provide a review
of neuroscience concepts with a focus on clinical application related to neurological conditions such as
stroke, vision and spinal cord injury.
Presentation (1 hour, 50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
Rehab & Disability
October 24, 2015
Introduction to Becoming an Evidence Based Practitioner
Tara Marshall, OTR/L, Sarah Ford, OTR/L, MOT
Introduction to becoming an evidenced based practitioner is a hands on workshop to engage
occupational therapy practitioners in the basic concepts of developing clinical questions and seeking
answers supported by evidence to guide daily practice.
Presentation (1 hour, 50 minutes)
Research
Reiki and OT, Level 1 Training (Part 2)
Rebecca Austill-Clausen, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Reiki techniques, numerous hand positions and methodology for successful Reiki and OT use will be
taught. Significant experiential practice on self and attendees will occur. Reiki Level 1 Certificate
provided. Attendees must be present for both Part 1 and 2 sessions.
Presentation (1 hour, 50 minutes)
Health & Wellness
Meaningful Mealtimes: Considering the Sensory and Social Aspects of Food Preferences
Karen Gualtieri, MS, OTR/L, Jennifer Doyle, MA, OTR/L, NDT, SIPT
This course outlines how to complete a comprehensive, individualized evaluation of feeding issues,
develop a treatment plan that addresses client need and is meaningful to the client and family, and
provides the participant with strategies that s/he can start using in practice. This program will include
videos, case studies, and treatment strategies.
Presentation (1 hour, 50 minutes)
Children & Youth
Alien Hand Syndrome: Clinical Presentation and Intervention
Angela Wright, MS, OTR/L
Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is a condition characterized by involuntary and uncontrollable, goal directed
movements of an upper limb. This presentation will describe the clinical presentation of AHS, identify
lesion locations, and discuss treatment options for management of AHS.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Rehab & Disability
An Unconventional Collaboration in Geriatric Psychology: Incorporating Occupational
Therapy Students into an Interprofessional Education Experience
Varleisha Gibbs, OTD, OTR/L, Adele Breen-Franklin, OTD, JD, OTR/L, Steven F. Huege, MD
POTA Annual Conference
October 24, 2015
The presented phenomenological research project allowed for opportunities for learners to be engaged
in a unique active learning experience with the Geriatric Psychiatry department of the University of
Pennsylvania’s Department of Psychiatry. Through direct patient care, learners engaged in an
interprofessional fieldwork.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Education/Field Work
Saturday Sessions Beginning at 11:00 AM
Conversation with the Commissions
Amy Gerney, OTD, OTR/L, Michelle Marshina, OTD, OTR/L
What topics related to OT Practice and Education are on your mind? This informal discussion session is
an opportunity to share your ideas and interests with POTA’s Education and Practice Commission Chairs
(session available on both Friday and Saturday mornings).
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
General
Nontraditional Fieldwork: Redefining Abilities with IM ABLE
Jacqueline Quenzer, COTA/L, Selena Ehlert, MS, OTR/L,
This presentation will share the process necessary to develop a nontraditional fieldwork designed to
promote the role of OT in a fitness environment; provide the logistics required to support a student in
this setting; and share the students’ overall experiences.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Education/Field Work
Managing Fieldwork Professional Behaviors: It Can be Done!
Lauren Sponseller, OTD, MEd, MS, OTR/L, Fern Silverman, EdD, OTR/L
This session, intended for faculty or fieldwork educators, describes a systematic, integrated, and
comprehensive approach to promote student professional behaviors on fieldwork. Presenters will share
specific strategies to both preemptively avoid professional behavior problems and remediate those that
do occur.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
Education/Field Work
October 24, 2015
Saturday Posters from 10:30 AM - 12:20 PM
Tactile Defensiveness and Its Effect on Classroom Performance
Nicole Perry, OTS, Fern Silverman, EdD, OTR/L
The purpose of this poster is to describe a program to help teachers recognize the characteristics of
tactile defensiveness among students with autism spectrum disorders and to share strategies and
activities that reduce overresponsive behaviors, thereby enhancing meaningful classroom participation.
Poster Presentation
Children & Youth
Teaching Skills to Travel Independently Within the Community
Julianne Soby, OTS, Jennifer Abraham, OTS, Supriya Sen, OTD, MS, OTRL
This presentation will address the importance of maintaining independence while traveling in the
community. The poster will address the use of a board game to identify and teach students the skills to
navigate a public transportation system such as SEPTA.
Poster Presentation
Children & Youth
Investigation of the Methods Used to Thicken Formula
Christina Tucci, OTS, Kimberly Kubistek, OTD, OTR/L, Brittany Bly, OTS, Katherine Murphy, OTS,
Kimberly Kubistek, OTD, OTR/L
The purpose of this study was to determine the methods and products used by children’s hospitals to
thicken formula for infants with dysphagia. Inconsistencies recently discovered in formula thickness can
put infants at risk for aspiration and further medical complications.
Poster Presentation
Children & Youth
High School Transitional Program Components for Adolescents Living With Autism
Mariah Vellek, OTS, Allison Blake, OTS, Eileen Stark, MA, OTR, LATS, Marlene Morgan, Ed.D, OTR/L
This poster is designed to provide occupational therapists with an overview of the components of
successful transitional programs for high functioning adolescents with autism as reported in the
literature.
Poster Presentation
POTA Annual Conference
Children & Youth
October 24, 2015
Promotion of Clinical Reasoning During Level II Fieldwork
Jeanne Coviello, OTR/L, Wendy Krupnick, PhD, MBA, OTR/L
Research reflects Level II fieldwork is associated with the development of clinical reasoning skills. This
poster will review research findings and suggest possible learning activities which may promote the
development of clinical reasoning skills during Level II fieldwork.
Poster Presentation
Education/Field Work
OTAs Learn the Consultative Model: A Piloted Program
Adele Breen-Franklin, OTD, JD, OTR/L, Kerstin Potter, MS, OTR/L,
To further inter professional collaboration, an occupational therapy assistant and early childhood
education program piloted a consultative project where OTA students assisted in the development of
"lesson plans" for case studies. Program development and analysis of effectiveness are examined.
Poster Presentation
Education/Field Work
Creating Opportunities: Implementation of an Intraprofessional Fieldwork
Jeanne Coviello, OTR/L, Bridget A. Trivinia, MS, OTR/L
The intra-professional fieldwork model has potential of increasing opportunities for fieldwork
placements. This poster will explain the process used to establish this model in two practice settings and
provide an overview of the benefits.
Poster Presentation
Education/Field Work
Experiential Learning Across the Geriatric Wellness Continuum
Amy Fatula, M.Ed., COTA/L, ATP, LuAnn Demi, MS, OTR/L
The need for campus/community collaboration is becoming increasingly important to allow for
occupational therapy student experiential learning. Several programs exist that allow for student
involvement in providing services to address health and well-being to geriatric clients across the
wellness continuum.
Poster Presentation
POTA Annual Conference
Education/Field Work
October 24, 2015
The Role of Employment in Domestic Violence Survivors
Emmy Lutz, OTS, Rebecca Rowe, OTS, Kristen Schrecongost, OTS, Amanda Trudeau, OTS,
Cathy Dolhi, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
This poster will explore the significance of gainful employment as it relates to survivors of domestic
violence. The purpose of the presentation is to highlight current literature and the role of occupational
therapy in this area of practice.
Poster Presentation
Emerging Practice
For Decreased Pain, Try a Game
Kelly Otchet, OTS, Colleen Maher, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Research has demonstrated the pain management benefits of interactive gaming systems during
pediatric burn wound care. OTs are trained in enhancing the virtual context of clients. This virtual
intervention offers a new technology that can be an adjunctive to therapy.
Posters Presentation
Emerging Practice
Mindfulness in Movement: Program Development to Increase Participation
Ellen Rosenberg, MS, OTR/L, WCP, CAPS, Kristina Toussaint, OTS
Session will highlight the process of group development and serve as a template of interprofessional
teamwork to develop reimbursable restorative programming in a long term care facility. Assessment
tools and barriers to measurable outcomes will be shared.
Poster Presentation
Health & Wellness
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Education for Pregnant Women
Jessica Rudolph, OTS, Caitlyn Foy, MOTR/L
The purpose is to inform expecting mothers about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and how it may
complicate pregnancy. CTS is the most common compression neuropathy that affects pregnant women.
OT education is key for CTS symptomatic improvement during pregnancy.
Poster Presentation
POTA Annual Conference
Health & Wellness
October 24, 2015
Improving Quality of Life for Cancer Patients
Heidi Williams, DrOTS, Colleen Maher, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
The purpose of this session is to present evidence that supports incorporating yoga into occupational
therapy practice as a means for improving the quality of life in cancer patients undergoing radiation
therapy.
Poster Presentation
Health & Wellness
The Power of Storytelling: A Retrospective Analysis
Patricia Wisniewski, MS, OTR/L, CPRP, Carrie A. Griffiths, MS, OTR/L, CPRP
A retrospective analysis of how powerful storytelling was in helping a client find purpose in life, how it
guided the occupational therapy process, and how the successful community-based mental health
approach can be integrated into current practice.
Poster Presentation
Health & Wellness
Improving Self-Concept: Activity-Based After-School Programs
Dominique Sulit, OTS, Colleen Maher, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
This poster session will present data on how activity-based after-school programs can positively
influence the self-concept in children and adolescents with identified behavior problems. The session
explains another aspect of mental health that occupational therapists can address in school-based
settings.
Poster Presentation
Mental Health
Relaxation Interventions to Promote Participation Individuals with Cancer
Audrey Zapletal, MS, OTR/L, Abigail Gilmore, OTS, Brianna Schwoyer, OTS
High levels of anxiety and psychological distress are associated with cancer. This proposal will critically
examine the literature and identify trends in the effectiveness of relaxation techniques to improve
occupational participation and quality of life in individuals with cancer.
Poster Presentation
POTA Annual Conference
Mental Health
October 24, 2015
Reducing Burden for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
Carol Reinson, PhD, OTR/L, Layne Mertz, OTS, Margaret Rozmus, OTS
This poster presents the results of an evidence-based research project that explored interventions for
reducing caregiver burden in caregivers of persons with dementia. Research supports joint intervention
for both parties to increase long-term quality of life and client functioning.
Poster Presentation
Productive Aging
Mobile Computing Technology for Older Adults
Max Zilberman, OTS, Sara Benham, OTD, OTR/L, ATP
The study will involve the development of a poly-phasic program that will aim to teach mobile
computing technology and software applications to older adults, in which researchers compare
participants’ perceptions and satisfaction within ADL/IADL skills alongside their acceptance of
technology.
Poster Presentation
Productive Aging
Addressing Pressure Ulcers in Clients Living with SCI & Dementia
Heather Martz, OTS, Kelly Ulbricht, OTS, Marlene Morgan, EdD, OTR/L
This poster will provide occupational therapists with an overview of the literature that reports on
strategies to address pressure ulcers in clients living with spinal cord injury and dementia and/or ageassociated memory impairment.
Poster Presentation
Rehab & Disability
Comparison of Activities and Participation Across Cancer Types
Ann Marie Potter, MA, OTR/L, Monica Loranger, OTS, Carly Stull, OTS, Megan Tursi, OTS
This study compared how individuals with lung, ovarian and metastatic breast cancer perform daily
activities. Mobility and participation were the areas that individuals experienced the most difficulty. By
addressing these areas occupational therapy can help cancer survivors live more fully.
Poster Presentation
POTA Annual Conference
Rehab & Disability
October 24, 2015
Comparative Treatment Strategies for Humeral Fractures
Danielle Roamer, OTS, Laura Guarrieri, OTS, Christopher Dunbar, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
This poster presents the results of an evidence based research project that explored if individuals with
humeral fractures who were fitted with functional braces (non-operative approach) have better
functional outcomes compared to those who are not fitted for functional braces (operative approach).
Poster Presentation
Rehab & Disability
Self-awareness and recovery in stroke rehabilitation
Melissa Swafford, BS, OTS, Shannon B Juengst, PhD, CRC, Juleen Rodakowski, OTD, MS, OTR/L,
Lauren Terhorst, PhD, Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
We examined whether awareness would influence recovery after stroke over time, and whether
Strategy Training influenced recovery based on awareness. Poor awareness was associated with slower
recovery than good awareness. Strategy Training may be beneficial for stroke recovery despite
awareness.
Poster Presentation
Rehab & Disability
Assessing the validity of the MDS-R-OT [A] among OTRs
Neil Penny, EdD, OTR/L, Melanie Albert, OTS, Heather Bello, OTS, Amanda Jaquez, OTS,
Courtney Lambert, OTS
This study investigated the construct validity of a new instrument to study moral distress in occupational
therapy. The findings verify instrument validity, which will allow further study of this phenomenon in the
field.
Poster Presentation
Research
Saturday Sessions from 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Classroom Peer Support: What is OT's Role?
Lauren Harvey, OTS, Megan Blessinger, OTS, Danielle McDaniel, OTS, Elizabeth Sherman, OTS,
Ingrid Provident, EdD, OTR/L
Peer support is an emerging, evidence-based strategy used to foster success in the classroom.
Occupational therapists’ role can be expanded to provide consultation services to educators,
paraprofessionals, and students in regards to facilitating peer support interventions.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
Children & Youth
October 24, 2015
The Role of OT and Cognitive Remediation Training
Michelle Rampulla, MS, OTR/L, CPRP
OT and Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) are effective methods to help participants improve
functioning. Current practice using the ACLS and CRT interventions with individuals with cognitive
impairments will be discussed as well as potential improvements and transferability to other settings.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Mental Health
Integrating Evidence into Practice: Making it Work
Ellen Rosenberg, MS, OTR/L, WCP, CAPS, Kristina Toussaint, OTS, E. Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA,
Amy Carroll, OTD, OTR/L
Applying research during decision-making in clinical practice is the most challenging aspect of evidencebased practice. Occupational therapy faculty, fieldwork educator, and fieldwork students share their
experience implementing an innovative program that systematically uses evidence and measures
outcomes in their setting
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Rehab & Disability
Home Evaluation: Successful and Safe Transitions to Home
Penni Moist, MS, OTR/L
Occupational therapists are imperative to the safe transition of our patient's to the community/home
setting. Home evaluations can be a daunting task for therapists due to the complexities of matching
patient abilities with appropriate home modification, safety, and adaptive equipment
recommendations. This session will help occupational therapists by providing insight as to who should
receive a home evaluation, how to set up a home evaluation to maximize success, and how to
systematically perform a home evaluation to ensure thorough home modification, safety, and adaptive
equipment recommendations are provided. A review of the most common home recommendations will
also be discussed in a group forum.
Short Presentation (50 minutes) Rehab & Disability
Exploring Pediatric Feeding Difficulties Using a Bio-behavioral Model
Justine Forde-Spath, MS, OTR/L, Laura Zagacki MS, OTR/L, CKTP
This program will focus on the multitude of dynamic factors affecting feeding, and present a biobehavioral model for assessing and interpreting feeding difficulties. Various case studies will be used to
apply the model and provide treatment ideas in pediatrics.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
Children & Youth
October 24, 2015
Academia as an OT Practice Setting?
Elizabeth Deiuliis, OTD, OTR/L, Elena Donoso Brown, PhD, MS, OTR/L
Being an OT educator is an exciting option for practitioners who are eager to share their knowledge as
they teach and mentor the next generation. Come listen to two unique perspectives of successfully
transitioning from the clinic to the classroom.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Education/Field Work
Evolving Expectations: Teaching Students How to Think Critically
Jodi Schreiber, OTD, OTR/L
Healthcare models and reimbursement changes impact OT practitioners and educators. This requires
graduates use greater critical thinking capacity. Pilot study outcomes presented will provide guidance to
integrate instructional methods to foster critical thinking in academic and fieldwork curricula.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
Education/Field Work
Mentoring: A Means of Level II Fieldwork Preparation
Karen Ann Cameron, PhD, OTD, MEd, OTR/L, Kellyann Bramley, OTS, Christine Dalton, OTS, COTA/L,
Screta Ford, OTS, Sarah Gracely, OTS
This course will share collective research findings examining mentoring as a means to promote students’
self-perceived preparedness for level II fieldwork. It will present the use of Occupational SelfAssessment and in-class activities to best prepare students for level II fieldwork.
Short Presentation (50 minutes)
POTA Annual Conference
Education/Field Work
October 24, 2015