Session Abstracts

Saturday, October 18, 2025

9:30 - 10:30 Poster Session A

Bridging the Gap: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Supporting Foster Youth Transition to Adulthood (Emerging Practice Area) 

Krislyn Yeatras, OTD, OTR/L, Calista Duquette, OT/S; Lilly Haugh, OT/S; Alyssa Janiec, OT/S; and Megan Tazza, OT/S

This study examines whether Occupational Therapy (OT) improves life skills for children in foster care before aging out, focusing on trauma, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. It compares OT outcomes to standard care, highlighting critical gaps in supporting children in foster care’s journey toward independence.

CreativOT: The Use of Visual Arts and Music in Stroke Rehabilitation (Rehabilitation, Disability & Participation)

Mikaela Oblena, OTS & Emily Budd, OTD, OTR/L

Creative modalities in occupational therapy are innovative and accessible intervention approaches that can yield numerous benefits for clients recovering from stroke. Visual arts and music in therapeutic practice improve the connectivity of neural pathways in the brain and enhance physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive function after stroke.

Development of Soft Skills in Occupational Therapy Education: A Faculty Perspective (Academic & Fieldwork Education) 

John Adkins, OTD, OTR/L & Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L, CWHS

This poster will review how occupational therapy faculty perceive and facilitate occupational therapy students soft skill development in the classroom for success in the classroom and during fieldwork. A review of quotes provided by faculty and resultant thematic analysis will be included.

Effectiveness of Metacognitive Interventions on Self-Regulation to Enhance Participation in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review (Rehabilitation, Disability & Participation)

Mariana Rodriguez, OTS, Amanda Gahlot, PhD, OTR/L BCPR, Priscila Costa Lucas, OTS, Timberly Hinton, OTS, & Nydia Biehn, OTS 

Adults with moderate to severe TBI often experience self-regulation deficits that negatively impact participation in meaningful activities. This review examines whether metacognitive interventions, known to improve executive functioning, are also effective in addressing emotional and behavioral aspects of self-regulation that impact daily functioning and goal-directed participation.

Episodic Care in Pediatric Occupational Therapy (Child & Youth) 

Alysha Skuthan, Ph.D., OTR/L, CWHS, Patrick Foley, OTS; Courtney Gehman, OTS; Christina Jewell, OTS; Sarah McKercher, OTS

This scoping review examines episodic care as an emerging model in pediatric occupational therapy aimed at delivering targeted intervention over a specific timeframe, followed by discharge to encourage integration of skills into daily routines. This contrasts with continuous care, which can lead to challenges for both families and therapists.

Facilitating Independence through Radial Deviation Gains in Congenital Titinopathy: A Case Report (Child & Youth) 

Katherine Peterson, OTS & Sara Higgins, OTS

This case study examines occupational therapy interventions and a custom assessment for improving wrist radial deviation in a pediatric client with congenital titinopathy. It highlights the use of play-based activities and motivation strategies, offering insights for practitioners treating rare conditions with targeted, engaging, and measurable approaches to improve radial deviation.

The Impact of Family Involvement on Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Children (Child & Youth)

Ashlynn Pearce, OTS & Emily Budd, OTD, OTR/L

This presentation explores the valuable role of family involvement in pediatric occupational therapy, highlighting how partnership enhances communication, supports child-centered care, and improves intervention outcomes. Emphasizing a holistic approach, it demonstrates the benefits of involving families in evaluation and treatment for more effective, meaningful pediatric therapy.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Social Engagement & Anxiety: A Survey Study (Emerging Practice Area)

Sarah S. Sidar, OTD, OTR/L, BCB-PMD, Sarah Bekhet, OTS, Madison Dougaree, OTS, Tamara Neiderer, COTA, OTS, Madeline Renalds, OTS, Mary Ruppert, OTD, Cassidy Wilson, OTD

This study investigates the correlation between severity of PFD, level of anxiety, and ability to engage in social participation via survey design.

Promoting Wellness in the Postpartum Period: An Occupational Therapy Perspective (Emerging Practice Area) 

McKinzie Johnson, OTD-S, Sarah McCadden OTD, OTR/L, &  Elizabeth Richardson MS, OTD, OTR/L

The postpartum period is full of many occupational changes and challenges for mothers. This poster outlines various postpartum complications; highlights the impact on occupational engagement and wellness; and suggests how OT can address the gap in care for this population. 

Redefining Occupational Balance: Integrating ADLs to Promote Holistic, Client-Centered Care (Health and Wellness) 

Lindsay Leigh, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, Abigail Gillispie, OTS,  Elizabeth Kennedy, OTS, Ashley McCullough, OTS, &  Alexis Wise, OTS

Occupational balance (OB) is a central concept in occupational therapy (OT), yet activities of daily living (ADLs) are often absent from its definitions. This scoping review investigates how ADLs are addressed in OB literature and explores implications for more comprehensive, client-centered OT practice.

Sensory Processing and Parenthood (Health and Wellness) 

Autumn Servera, OTD, OTR/L

This mixed-methods study explores how the transition into parenthood impacts sensory processing (SP). 69 participants completed a survey, and six participants completed an interview. Findings highlight the complex interplay between SP and parenting, with an increase in SP difficulties post-transition into parenthood impacting emotional responses and coping with daily challenges. 

10:40 - 12:10 90 Minute Concurrent Session A 

Classroom as Clinic: Fieldwork in Academic Practice Settings (Academic and Fieldwork Education) Intermediate level 

Lindsay Leigh, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, Krislyn Yeatras, OTD, OTR/L, Krista Poppe, OTD, OTR/L; Sydney Amsley, OTS, & Delaney Donelson, OTS

Discover how academic settings can successfully serve as Level II fieldwork placements. This session highlights an innovative hybrid model, shares insights from student and educator experiences, and provides practical tools to help educators replicate academic placements that align with ACOTE and FWPE expectations while nurturing the next generation of OT faculty.

Mobilize to Optimize: Evidence-Based Manual Therapy for the Upper Extremity (Emerging Practice Area) 

Joseph R. Hribick, PT, DPT, DSc(c), COMT, FAAOMPT & Luke Berguson, PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, COMT 

Explore the art of upper extremity joint mobilizations and take home a skill you can use immediately.  This session will showcase upper extremity joint mobilizations to quickly reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve functional task performance. 

10:40 - 11:20 40 Minute Concurrent Session A1

Enhancing Inclusive Health Research for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Through Universal Design for Learning (Emerging Practice Area) Intermediate

Michelle Thompson, PhD, OTR/L, Yumi Shirai, PhD, & Julie Armin, PhD 

This presentation addresses the need to improve participation of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in health research (including OT research). Through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the participation of people with IDD on our research team, we developed a guidebook for health researchers.

Fieldwork: Facts vs Myths (Student Track) 

Heidi R Hull, OTD, MS OTR/L and Julie Patrick Bonham, OTD, MSOTR/L, C/NDT 

Fieldwork often comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty—and plenty of misconceptions. Join us for an engaging session where we’ll explore common fieldwork myths, clarify the facts, and provide space to ask questions and ease concerns. Whether you're preparing for your first placement or simply curious, this discussion is designed to support and inform.

11:30 - 12:10 40 Minute Concurrent Session A2 

Applying Occupational Adaptation as a Theoretical Framework to Inform Student Preparation for Clinical Practice (Academic and Fieldwork Education) Intermediate

Emily Budd, OTD, OTR/L

Many occupational therapy students feel underprepared for the transition to clinical practice during level 2 fieldwork, but fieldwork readiness is not a one-size-fits-all process. Using Occupational Adaptation as a guiding theory, educators can take an individualized, student-centered approach to fieldwork preparation whereby students develop personalized goals and assess relative mastery.

SOTA brainstorming (Student Track) 

Emma Taylor, OTS & Amy Russell Yun, OTD, MS OTR/L 

SOTA executive board members, advisors, and SOTA members come to connect with other SOTA members, brainstorm, and connect.

2:30 - 4:00 90 Minute Concurrent Session B 

Enhance Your Understanding of Biofeedback to Address Psychophysiological Factors that Affect OT Outcomes (Health & Wellness) (Intermediate) 

Amy Russell Yun, OTD, MS, OTR/L & Matthew Zimmerman, PsyD, ABPP, BCB, BCB-HRV

Biofeedback is an evidence-based intervention that aligns with OT’s scope of practice. Learn how different biofeedback technologies address psychophysiological factors, so you can identify which clients are ‘good’ candidates for biofeedback. Experience an intervention session and obtain resources so you can learn more about biofeedback certification. 

National Certification Exam: Information You Need to Know Presentation (Student Track) 

Keila Newell OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C, Level 1 FPHP, CEAS II, CIMI, Virginia NBCOT Ambassador

During this session, an NBCOT Ambassador will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams. Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, and advice from other students and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience.

Preparation of Future Early Intervention Practitioners: Strengthening University and Community Partnerships (Child & Youth) Intermediate

Michelle Thompson, PhD, OTR/L, Audrey Kane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Cori Hill, M.Ed., & Sonia Khurana, PT, PhD

The Virginia Early Intervention/Preservice Consortium offers a unique platform across Virginia's universities to collaborate in advancing the quality and accessibility of early intervention preparation through student placements and course content.

Studying Smarter: Embrace AI as Your Collaborative Learning Companion (Student Track)

Abby Lemmon, OTD, OTR/L

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students learn, study, and prepare for their careers. As AI becomes integrated into both classrooms and workplaces, it is crucial for future OT practitioners to learn how to use it effectively. One of the ways AI can enhance learning and be integrated into the learning environment is by offering personalized study tools and plans. The aim is not for AI to replace traditional learning methods, but to complement and enhance them, empowering students to explore and understand course concepts more deeply and critically. Traditionally, students have relied on methods like studying with classmates, answering textbook questions, or attending review sessions.

2:30 - 3:10 40 Minute Concurrent Session B1

Occupational Therapy’s Role in Creating Individualized and Holistic Discharge Resources in Pediatric Mental Health: A Kawa Model Approach (Mental Health)

Teri Gilley, DHSc, OTR/L, BCP, CTP, Alivia Shaw, OTD, OTR/L, & Alexandra Braun, CTRS

This Doctoral Capstone Project was implemented with the residential pediatric mental health population with the goal of increasing role competence for youth and caregivers. This was completed through utilizing the Kawa Model as an intervention to develop individualized resources for youth and caregivers to aid in the discharge process.

3:20 - 4:00 40 Minute Concurrent Session B2

AI in OT Education: What do Students Think About It (and What are They Actually Doing)? (General & Professional Issues) Intermediate

Lisa Burns, PhD, OTR/L & Karen Brady DEd, OTR/L

For better or worse, AI is shaping education, yet students’ use and perception of AI is largely unreported. Course participants will apply results from this mixed-methods study exploring the previously unheard student voice to create strategies for effective AI use in OT education.   

4:10 - 5:20 Poster Session B 

A Proposed Pilot Program Incorporating Occupation-Based Interventions at a Tanzanian National Hospital to Promote Best Practice (Rehabilitation, Disability & Participation)

Krista Poppe, PP-OTD, OTR/L & Alysha Skuthan, Ph.D., OTR/L, ASDCS

A pilot program was designed to provide educational materials to occupational therapy practitioners to effectively incorporate the use of occupation-based practice. The pilot program included educational modules in both pediatric and adult occupational therapy settings, and provided information on best-practices, including occupation-based assessment tools, interventions, and goal writing. 

Addressing a Campus Health Disparity Through Interprofessional Development of a Community Garden (Health & Wellness) 

Emily Budd, OTD, OTR/L, Catherine Turner, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, & Simone McKelvey, Director of Student Services

After conducting a community needs assessment during a Community Practicum course, graduate health science students identified food insecurity as a prevalent health disparity on campus. Occupational therapy students worked collaboratively with an interprofessional team to address this campus community health need through program development and implementation of a community garden.

Advancing Hand Therapy Education: A Guidebook to Support Clinical Educators and Student Learning (Academic & Fieldwork Education) 

Jill Yanick, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, & Alysha Skuthan, Ph.D., OTR/L, CWHS

This poster presentation introduces an evidence based program designed to address the shortage of hand therapy fieldwork placements. The guidebook developed equips clinical educators with structured, evidence-based tools to enhance confidence, support student learning, and expand placement opportunities. 

Connecting Pediatricians and Occupational Therapists: An Evidence-Based Pediatric Development Guide (Child & Youth) 

Christina Floyd MSOT, OTR/L, OTD Candidate & Alysha Skuthan Ph.D., OTR/L, CWHS

This poster bridges pediatricians and OTPs through a practical, evidence-based guide aimed at improving early identification and continued screening for developmental concerns. By providing training and resources, pediatricians will better recognize behavioral and sensory needs in young children, enhancing timely referrals for OT and supporting early school readiness and success.

Exploring Occupational Therapy’s Role in Infertility Care: A Scoping Review of Occupational Disruption and Intervention Potential (Emerging Practice Area) 

Lindsay Leigh, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, Ashley Baker, OTS, Jessica Natale, OTS, Rebeca Newman, OTS, & Avery Rockefeller, OTS

Infertility care can disrupt daily routines, roles, and well-being. This scoping review explores how occupational therapy may address the physical, emotional, and occupational impacts of infertility—including but not limited to IVF—through holistic, evidence-based interventions grounded in the OTPF-4 and applicable across treatment settings.

From Combat Boots to Cowboy Boots: The Role of Occupational Therapy with Veterans and Equine Healing Assisted Therapy (Mental Health)

Matthew Renner, OTS, Megan Bailes, OTD, OTR/L, &  Lisa Bruns, PhD, OTR/L

This presentation explores equine-assisted therapy's potential for Veterans with mental health conditions, identifying common vulnerabilities and highlighting therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction. Supported by clinical findings and Veteran testimonials, this evidence-based approach offers meaningful alternatives within occupational therapy practice. Findings support broader applications across diverse populations and animal-assisted interventions.

Integrating Virtual Reality into Pediatric OT to Support Motor and Cognitive Development (Emerging Practice Area) 

Annalise Dickason, OTS & Allison Ellington, OTD, OTR/L

Virtual reality (VR) can enhance motor skills (particularly upper extremity function) and functional cognition skills (including visuospatial, attention, and executive function) among pediatric populations to enhance occupational performance. OT practitioners navigate supports (customizable features and increased client motivation) and barriers (high costs and training requirements) when incorporating VR into practice.  

 iPLAY: Summer Program for Kindergartners, Evidence-Based and Occupational Therapist-Led (Child & Youth) 

Kaylee Martir, OTR/L & Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L

iPLAY is a free OT-led summer camp addressing kindergarteners’ gaps in fine motor, visual perceptual, and social skills, worsened by limited early learning access. Through play in a library setting, it supports children, caregivers, and volunteers to promote school readiness and community-based prevention services.

Proactive and Restorative Wellness Strategies  in OT/OTA Students and New Occupational Therapy Practitioners (Academic & Fieldwork Education) 

Abby Lemmon, OTD, OTR/L

Students, educators, and practitioners widely recognize the importance of self-care and wellness strategies in promoting well-being. However, it remains unclear how intentionally students and new practitioners engage in these practices, particularly during the transition from the classroom to the workforce. This poster will showcase a research study that explores this subject. 

Supporting OT Practitioners in Managing Challenging Caregiver Behaviors in Pediatric Settings (Child & Youth) 

Alysha Skuthan, Ph.D., OTR/L, CWH, Jordan Bryant, OTS, Samantha Flynn, OTS, Anastazia Gross, OTS, & Amanda Harper, OTS

This poster will provide pediatric occupational therapy practitioners with collaborative strategies to promote caregiver engagement and lessen the implications of challenging caregiver behaviors throughout the delivery of occupational therapy services. Family-centered care models, current barriers experienced in clinical practice, and therapist-led strategies to enhance communication and decision-making is included.

Trauma-Informed and Collaborative Approaches to Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Substance Use Disorders: A Literature Review (Emerging Practice Area)

Andrea Simmons, OTS, Virginia W. Chu, PhD, OTR/L, & Stephanie Spencer, BSN, RN, LCCE, CLC

This poster highlights trauma-informed and collaborative strategies to support women with substance use disorders, highlighting OT’s role in equitable, person-centered maternal care. 

Sunday, October 19, 2025

8:45 - 10:15 90 Minute Concurrent Session C

Advancing Practice: Applying Current Evidence in Neurorehabilitation (Rehabilitation, Disability, & Participation) Intermediate 

Savanah Howe, MOTR/L 

This session highlights recent scientific advancements in neurorehabilitation and their impact on occupational therapy practice. Participants will explore neuroscience, contemporary motor learning frameworks, and practice guidelines to improve function individuals with neurological conditions. Practitioners will be asked to critically appraise their own practice considering best practice evidence.

Collaborate and Listen: An in-depth look at the collaborative process between the OT and the OTA  (General & Professional Issues)

Loreto C. Meyers, COTA/L, Stacie Ciao, COTA/L, Marley C. Guerrero-Robertson, COTA/L, CBIS, & Samantha Smeltzer, COTA/L

This presentation explores the essential components of a successful collaborative relationship between Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs). Topics include effective communication, role clarity, mutual respect, and teamwork strategies that enhance patient care. Attendees will gain practical insights to strengthen interdisciplinary relationships and improve therapeutic outcomes.

8:45 - 9:25 40 Minute Concurrent Session C1

Mentoring in the 21st Century (General & Professional Issues) 

Jane Hampson,   MS, OTR/L, Susan H. Lin, ScD OT/L FAOTA FACRM, & Cutting Polakievicz, MS, OTR/L

How do seasoned professionals share their experience and knowledge with less experienced therapists? How do less-experienced therapists tap into the knowledge and wisdom of those willing to share? And how do these relationships inspire growth for mentors and mentees alike? We will share the progress made towards VOTA supporting mentoring in Virginia, and will hear from some of the seasoned professionals about what has worked for them and why. Q&A included!

9:30 - 10:10 40 Minute Concurrent Session C2

Up Close and Personal with the Caregiver Role: Will My OT Knowledge Help Me Now? (General & Professional Issues) 

Lisa Burns, PhD, OTR/L & Karen Brady, EdD, OTR/L

This timely presentation blends a review of relevant literature (within and external to OT) with the authentic, lived experience of family caregivers. Participants will gain strategies for surviving and thriving while caregiving as they apply evidence, share personal stories, and reflect on what best practice looks like close to home.  

10:30 - 12:00 90 Minutes Concurrent Session D

Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role and Impact on Misophonia and Misokinesia Treatment (Rehabilitation, Disability, & Participation)

Jena Northen, MS, OTR/L, BCN 

This presentation explores Misophonia and Misokinesia—neurological conditions involving strong reactions to sounds and movements. It covers current theories, clinical insights, and occupational therapy strategies to support sensory regulation and engagement. Attendees will exchange experiences to foster collaboration and advance client-centered care in occupational therapy.

Where's Your Spirit? Evidence-Based Practices on Spirituality Integration in OT Practice (General & Professional Issues)

Tina M Kraft, MA, OTA/L 

Despite significant research support, spiritual and religious occupations continue to be unaddressed in OT practice. In this session, the current evidence will be summarized, and participants will explore means of improving the integration of spiritual and religious occupations in their practice in order to improve the client-centeredness of care. 

10:30 - 11:10 40 Minutes Concurrent Session D1 

Implementing the Kawa Model in the Perinatal/Postnatal Loss Community (Emerging Practice Area) 

Martha Chianese, OTS & Mary Evens, MOT, OTR/L

This session looks at how occupational therapy can help in the recovery process for those experiencing perinatal and postnatal loss by using the Kawa Model in an engaging group activity. Participants will learn about types of loss, occupational impacts, and grief etiquette to bring with them into practice.