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        • Contact Us
      • Membership Center
        • Join TNOTA!
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        • Membership Information
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          • Mentorship Resources
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        • Suicide Prevention
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        • Host a CE event
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        • Quarterly Virtual Chats
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        • Calendar of Events
        • 2021 TNOTA Annual Conference
          • 2021 Conference & Student Track Course Descriptions
          • 2021 Pre-Conference Course Descriptions
          • 2021 Conference & Student Track Speaker Biographies
          • 2021 Conference & Student Track Course Handouts
        • 2022 TNOTA Annual Conference
          • 2022 Conference Course Descriptions & Handouts
      • Public Resources
        • What is Occupational Therapy
        • Advocacy Resources
          • Legislative Updates
          • Lobbyist
        • Diversity & Inclusion
          • Anatomy of An Ally Series
          • Human Rights Series
          • COTAD Chapters
          • DEI Resources
        • OT Licensure Compact
      • Sponsor
        • Sponsor TNOTA's Annual Conference
        • Sponsor a District Event
        • Donate
        • Advertise with TNOTA
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      2022 TNOTA Annual Conference Session Descriptions & Handouts

      Click the link in each course title to download the session handout. 

      Please note, not all course speakers have provided handouts

       

      Jump to:

      Pre-Conference

      Keynote

      Saturday

      Sunday

      Posters

      Annual Business Meeting 

      Ethics & Jurisprudence 

      Student Track Sessions

       

      Pre-Conference: Friday, September 9, 2022

      QPR Suicide Prevention and Implications for OT Practice

      QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is a 1 hour educational program designed to teach lay and professional "gatekeepers" the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. Gatekeepers can include anyone who is strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g., parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, police officers). After learning QPR techniques and methods, the second hour of this presentation will be specific to OT practitioners and will discuss considerations and implications for OT practice in regards to suicide prevention.

       Speaker: Kaylin Flamm Lawrence, MSOT, OTR/L attended the University of Southern Indiana where she earned her bachelor's degree in Health Services with a concentration as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She then worked as a neurorehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate in Northeast Florida. After 3 years, Kaylin moved to Nashville, TN to complete her master's degree in Occupational Therapy at Belmont University's MSOT Bridge Program. She continued her work with survivors of domestic and sexual assault during this time and became the first Occupational Therapy intern with the Mental Health Court of Rutherford County. Upon completion of graduate school, Kaylin accepted a position with the Recovery Court program as a Mental Health Court case manager while also providing OT services. Through this avenue, Kaylin was able to advocate for a full time OT position serving all of the Recovery Courts in Rutherford County. This is the first OT position of its kind in the country. In addition to her work for the Recovery Court program, she is an Adjunct Professor at South College, the Mental Health Chair of the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy, a member of the OT Practice Act Task Force, founder of the OT Mental Health Community of Practice, has presented at multiple Tennessee state OT conferences, is a QPR suicide prevention trainer, and sits on OT program advisory committees at universities across the state. Kaylin currently works with Harmony Health Medical, an integrative behavioral health practice, where she is developing their first Occupational Therapy program.

      The Importance of Occupational Therapy in the Home Environment 

      The U.S. population is aging. Today, there are more than 46 million older adults age 65 years and older living in the U.S. That number is expected to grow to almost 90 million by 2050. Within the next 10 years, it is projected that the senior population will increase by 18 million due to the last of the baby boomer cohort. This means that by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans is projected to be 65 years old and over. With the growing number of older adults, it is expected that the services needed to accommodate this population will also expand. One key area of expansion is home based services. Nearly 90% of older adults want to age safely at home even if they have a disability. Aging in place improves quality of life in older adults, and it is also a more cost effective option compared to institutionalize care such as nursing homes. Evidence suggests services and programs that support aging in place, particularly home modifications, yield cost savings for families, government and health systems. This presentation will focus on enhancing the point of view and the value of occupational therapy amongst diverse industry sectors in the field of home safety and modifications, supported by evidenced based initiatives and research. This course will also identify various types of home modifications across specific population groups and avenues for collaboration that will promote advocacy for the profession of occupational therapy and viable revenue streams for a home modification business or service line.

      Speaker: Alishia Heaston, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CFPS has been an occupational therapist for 21 years. She received her BS in OT from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2001, and later a Master of Science in Health Administration from Central Michigan University in 2007. She has worked in a variety of settings as a staff OT and as a rehab manager. She found her niche in home health and developed a passion for making people as safe and independent as possible in their home environments. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through NAHB, a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (CFPS), and she has an Executive Certification in Home Modifications (ECHM) from USC's School of Gerontology. She recently obtained licensure in the state of TN as a small residential contractor. Because of her passion, she has established a mobile outpatient therapy practice specializing in home modifications.

      Keynote Presentation

      Invisible Systems: Using Intersectionality to Erase Bias
      This interactive talk explores the unique role Occupational Therapy Professionals have in helping people gain autonomy in their bodies and lives. Filling this critical niche in society, OTPs gain personal experience with the challenges people face when going about their day-to-day lives. In particular, OTPs see first-hand how social factors, like housing inequity or discrimination, can compound challenges in their patient's lives. This talk draws on participant experience and research-based strategies to consider the ways in which OTPs play a pivotal role in advocating for patients, mitigating bias, and building a more just society.
      Speaker: Kelly Jo Fulkerson Dikuua, PhD. Kelly Jo is a scholar-teacher with over 10 years of higher education teaching experience and research expertise in the areas of medical equity, inclusive education, race, and gender. She currently serves as an Instructional Consultant at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where she works with faculty on inclusive learning practices. Previously, she lived and worked for seven years in sub-Saharan Africa as a university educator and non-profit director. She holds a Ph.D. in African American and African Studies from the Ohio State University and a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from Harvard University.

        

      Saturday, September 10, 2022

      Short Course 1: Using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel to Design a Tummy Time Intervention
      This course involves discussion of a qualitative research study in which parent-reported barriers and facilitators to tummy time were explored. This presentation will involve a discussion of the research on positioning and tummy time as it relates to infant development and Cranial Asymmetry (CA). The presenters will describe the application of the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel to guide the planning of preventative educational programs and interventions to facilitate parent implementation of tummy time. The presenters will also provide suggestions for health professionals to consider when developing preventative educational programs and interventions for parents.

      Speakers: Lauren Woods, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Woods has a PhD in Educational Psychology and is now an Assistant Professor at UTHSC. She has clinical experience in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, and school system. 

      Anne Zachry, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Zachry has a PhD in Educational Psychology and serves as the Chair of the UTHSC Department of Occupational Therapy. She practiced as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 20 years in a variety of settings, including early intervention and the school system. She has had two books published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Retro Baby” won the Benjamin Franklin Gold Award in 2013.

       

      Short Course 2: Addressing Needs of an Underserved Population: Occupational Therapy for Students with Low Vision
      Low vision is often under-reported and, therefore, students with a low vision diagnosis are underserved. Frequently, the condition is a secondary diagnosis or not even listed as a diagnosis. Having a low vision condition limits students' ability to perform school-based activities with ease, and impacts learning and socialization. This course presents the typical eye conditions that cause low vision impairments for school-aged children and strategies to manage the impact of these impairments. Topics to be covered include low vision diagnoses, evaluation, use of optics, lighting, contrast, & distance, optimal positioning, mobility and safety.

      Speaker: Peggy Beckley, PhD, EdS, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA. Dr. Peggy Beckley received a BHS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MHS in Health Care Services and a PhD in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She earned graduate certificates in Low Vision Rehabilitation at Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Orientation & Mobility (for visually impaired) at The Ohio State University. Dr. Beckley has a specialty certification in low vision (SCLV) from AOTA. She teaches in the MSOT and OTD Programs at Barry University in Miami Shores, FL and works as an OT with clients across the life span in St. Louis, MO.

       

      Short Course 3: Occupational Therapy’s New Standard for Finger and Partial-Hand Amputation Care
      Did you know two out of every three traumatic amputations is a finger? Further, 75% of heavy manual laborers cannot return to the job they held when they experienced their amputation(s). This one-hour presentation will review the prevalence and etiology of this patient population, current prosthetic options available, and the integral role that OT practitioners play in supporting positive patient outcomes using body-driven prostheses.

      Speaker: Tania Garcia. With a background in teaching and empowering the allied healthcare academic space, Tania has a knack for igniting and cultivating cross-functional clinical relationships within the healthcare community. Tania earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and started her career in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation field, giving her a differing viewpoint in the O&P realm. 

       

      Short Course 4: Your National OTR or COTA Credential: What it Means for You
      This presentation will provide an update on NBCOT certification programs and services including initial certification, certification renewal and continuing competency, partnerships with OT State Regulatory entities, and qualifications and compliance review.

      Speaker: Barbara Williams, DrOT, MS, OTR. Barbara Williams is a certified occupational therapist who currently serves as the Associate Director, in the External and Regulatory Affairs Department for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) where she has worked for over 8 years. In this capacity, she is responsible for activities related to state regulation, international regulatory services, and community outreach. Previous to employment with NBCOT, Barbara served as Chair and Program Director for an Occupational Therapy Program.

       

      Short Course 5: What You Bring Into the Room: Treating with Human Presence and Connection
      Blending impactful true stories from a stroke survivor’s mother with data-driven research, this unique course provides practitioners new insights on how their powerful influence can improve results and create thriving therapeutic relationships.

      Speaker: Marabeth Quin. Marabeth Quin’s daughter at 18 years old had a massive stroke with hemiplegia and global aphasia. Using the experience and insight she’s gained from watching her daughter recover, Marabeth collaborates with neuro PT Danielle Stoller in Expanded Practice where she shares knowledge with therapists about the powerful role they have with patients, as well as the mental and emotional aspects of the recovery process they are facilitating. She’s taught continuing education courses, mentored practicing PTs, OTs, and SLPs, been a university guest speaker for OT and MD students, and played an advisory role with stroke patients and their families.

       

      Short Course 6: Proprioception of the wrist and hand: the missing link in hand therapy exercises and activities
      Do you ever feel that something may be missing from your upper extremity rehabilitation program? Proprioception has become a huge topic in rehabilitation, pain management, and re-injury prevention. It may be challenging to explain and demonstrate proprioception exercise/activity in the clinic. This presentation will discuss why it is important and give examples of exercises and activities that can be used in daily practice. Focus will be on how to use proprioception principles to improve function.

      Speakers: Peggy Haase, OTR/L, CHT graduated from the University of Florida Occupational Therapy program with a Bachelor of Science degree. She is a founding associate member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and has been a hand therapy specialist since 1976 and a certified hand therapist since 1991. Ms. Haase has treated a wide variety of orthopaedic, plastic surgery, and rheumatology patients, achieving a diverse experience in occupational therapy hand therapy. Enjoys being a lifelong learner, and has spoken at local, state, and national conferences. Intrigued with today’s challenges of the art and science of clinical practice, her therapeutic focus is to achieve highest functional use of the upper extremity. 

      Lisa Perrone, OTR/L, CHT, CKTP  graduated from Northeast Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a Certified Hand Therapist, is Certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment, and is a Certified KinesioTape Practitioner from Kinesio University. Lisa works at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the outpatient hand therapy department. Lisa has spoken at ASHT conference, and various other courses at the state and national level. She is a member of the ASHT Education Division and serves on the student offerings and traveling courses committees.

       

      Short Course 7: What Influence does Inter- and Intraprofessional Collaboration have OBP in SNF
      This presentation will explore how varying professionals within a skilled nursing facility view the impact that interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration has on occupation-based practice along with their perceptions of collaboration. This course will help attendees to understand the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals and staff within nursing facilities, as well as understand how they can positively impact the relationship from the point of view of other healthcare professionals. Within this course, three major themes will be explored to help better understand the impact that collaboration has on occupation-based practice. These themes include: Absence of shifting mindsets, respecting roles to better benefit clients, and missed opportunities.

      Speakers: Stedmon Hopkins, OTD, OTR/L, is an assistant professor at Tennessee Wesleyan University where he serves as the fieldwork coordinator. He has worked primarily in skilled nursing facilities and home health. His research interests include interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships.

      Leah Simpkins, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CDP, PNAP, is an assistant professor at Eastern Kentucky University. She holds dementia provider certification who instructs students at geriatric fieldwork placements, management courses, and online courses. Research and publications focus on interprofessional education, aging- in-place, and older adults.

      Dana Howell, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA is the Chair of the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University and the Editor of the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education.

       

      Short Course 8: DBT - Skills Based Intervention for Difficult to Treat Clients
      This course will cover the basics of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) including the philosophy, target population, and a brief overview of DBT skills. Participants will learn the implications of DBT for OT practice and how DBT intervention can be facilitated through an integrative mental health team. Participants will explore bias of typically labeled “non-compliant” or “resistive to treatment” clients and how DBT can assist with intervention and promote emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness with the client. Finally, this course will explore how DBT skills can change the therapeutic experience for the client as they learn to manage their emotions through skillful behavior.

      Speakers: Kaylin Flamm Lawrence, MSOT, OTR/L attended the University of Southern Indiana where she earned her bachelor's degree in Health Services with a concentration as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She then worked as a neurorehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate in Northeast Florida. After 3 years, Kaylin moved to Nashville, TN to complete her master's degree in Occupational Therapy at Belmont University's MSOT Bridge Program. She continued her work with survivors of domestic and sexual assault during this time and became the first Occupational Therapy intern with the Mental Health Court of Rutherford County. Upon completion of graduate school, Kaylin accepted a position with the Recovery Court program as a Mental Health Court case manager while also providing OT services. Through this avenue, Kaylin was able to advocate for a full time OT position serving all of the Recovery Courts in Rutherford County. This is the first OT position of its kind in the country. In addition to her work for the Recovery Court program, she is an Adjunct Professor at South College, the Mental Health Chair of the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy, a member of the OT Practice Act Task Force, founder of the OT Mental Health Community of Practice, has presented at multiple Tennessee state OT conferences, is a QPR suicide prevention trainer, and sits on OT program advisory committees at universities across the state. Kaylin currently works with Harmony Health Medical, an integrative behavioral health practice, where she is developing their first Occupational Therapy program.

      Dakota Lawrence, LPC-MHSP, NCC attended Flagler College where he earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, he worked as the activity specialist for Mental Health Resource Center in Northeast Florida working to develop psychoeducation and recreation based programing for participants in crisis stabilization unit setting. Dakota moved to Nashville, TN to complete graduate school at Vanderbilt University majoring in Human Development Counseling. While at Vanderbilt, he was a psychotherapy intern for Osher Center for Integrative health where he expanded his knowledge and experience with implementation of mindfulness based interventions, self-hypnosis for chronic pain, and trauma-informed therapy in the treatment of chronic illness. After graduating with his M. Ed in counseling, Dakota worked for Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s school based therapy program, providing outpatient services within the Metro Nashville school system to underserved adolescents and children in addition to starting a small private practice continuing to work with clients experiencing trauma and chronic illness. Dakota’s passion for integrative health led him to Harmony Health Medical, an integrative behavioral health practice, where he is employed as the lead of their Therapy Team.

       

      Workshop 1: Action Steps to Advance Cultural Responsiveness in OT/OTA Students & Occupational Therapy Practitioners
      This session centers on active learning strategies OT educators and practitioners can use to develop cultural responsiveness to effectively address varied backgrounds, perspectives, practices and needs of others in the classroom and the field.dress issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the field of occupational therapy (AOTA, 2019), this session centers on the effective promotion of cultural responsiveness and the establishment of a culture based on JEDI principles in education and practice.

      Speakers: Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP, CDP. Stephanie serves as OT program director at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. An OT for over 30 years, she is a graduate of the OT program at Washington University in St. Louis and holds an M.S. in Leadership & Policy Studies and an EdD in Instruction & Curricular Leadership from the University of Memphis. She serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) and is the host of the On the Air podcast.

      Lisa Porter, PhD, OTD, OTR/L. Lisa earned her PhD and OTD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University. She is an assistant professor in the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Department and has over 25 years of clinical experience. Lisa’s research interests include parent training, adult learning, and inclusion and belonging of under-represented OT students. She is a COTAD advisor for the TSU chapter and a member of the national COTAD-ED committee.

       

      Workshop 2: OT-OTA Academic Collaboration
      The disparity in education between the assistant and therapist can lend itself to the OT dyad not reaching its full potential. This workshop will explore how intraprofessional collaborations are beneficial to programs, students, and the profession. The purpose of this workshop is to review the outlined AOTA intraprofessional collaboration competencies and align collaboration models to current ACOTE standards. Participants will have the opportunity to apply a collaboration blueprint to jumpstart the process of identifying and integrating intraprofessional collaboration experiences into their own programs.

      Speakers: Courtney Boren, MS, OTR/L, a Milligan University MSOT graduate, is an assistant professor and the founding program director for the Walters State Community College OTA Program in Greeneville, TN. Courtney is a wife, mother of three, and doctoral candidate at UT-Chattanooga. Courtney was awarded WSCC’s 2021 Faculty Fellowship, which implemented high-impact practices in service-learning and research throughout the OTA curriculum. Since founded in 2017, the program has graduated four cohorts and is known regionally for its community involvement and undergraduate research.

      Ashleigh Lingerfelt, OTD, OTR/L holds a Post Professional Doctorate in occupational therapy from the University of St. Augustine and a Master of Science in occupational therapy from Milligan University. She is the program director and assistant professor for the Milligan University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program where she previously served as the academic fieldwork coordinator. Lingerfelt holds experience in both geriatric and pediatric practice and continues her practice in an outpatient pediatric clinic.

       

      Workshop 3: From a Four-Year Perspective: Reflections on Running a Community of Practice Group
      A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common interest, area of practice, or passion for what they do. CoP members commit to gathering together in order to share resources, exchange ideas, and improve their practice. This workshop will review the principles of a pediatric community of practice, reflect on the history of TNOTA's Pediatric CoP, and understand how this model can be used to create and expand other practice groups in Tennessee and beyond.

      Speakers: Cindy Blackwell, OTD, OTR/L is the President of TNOTA. She is a pediatric occupational therapist who currently serves as the Director of Medical Services at Project Play Therapy. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Blackwell completed her master's degree and post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is an AOTA Emerging Leader, class of 2014. She has worked in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, home-based services, outpatient pediatric clinics, and academia. Her passion is working with children with disabilities or developmental delays and their families, to help empower them to reach their fullest potential. 

      Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP, CDP. Stephanie serves as OT program director at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. An OT for over 30 years, she is a graduate of the OT program at Washington University in St. Louis and holds an M.S. in Leadership & Policy Studies and an EdD in Instruction & Curricular Leadership from the University of Memphis. She serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) and is the host of the On the Air podcast.

       

      Workshop 4: Through a Different Lens: The Perspective of an OT Practitioner After Serving as a Caregiver
      In this session, the link between the exchange of personal story and the incorporation of empathy and person-centeredness into client care by OT practitioners will be shared, along with the first-person account of an OT practitioner who served as a caregiver for her terminally ill father.

      Speaker: Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP, CDP. Stephanie serves as OT program director at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. An OT for over 30 years, she is a graduate of the OT program at Washington University in St. Louis and holds an M.S. in Leadership & Policy Studies and an EdD in Instruction & Curricular Leadership from the University of Memphis. She serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) and is the host of the On the Air podcast.

       

      Sunday, September 11, 2022

      Short Course 9: What's the deal with professional associations? A guide to state and federal OT advocacy
      OT advocacy can be confusing- many OT practitioners and students struggle to understand how federal and state policies intersect to impact OT practice. This course will review the roles of TNOTA and AOTA in fighting for our profession, as well as provide guidance for how to begin your advocacy journey.
      Speakers: Cindy Blackwell, OTD, OTR/L is the President of TNOTA. She is a pediatric occupational therapist who currently serves as the Director of Medical Services at Project Play Therapy. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Blackwell completed her master's degree and post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is an AOTA Emerging Leader, class of 2014. She has worked in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, home-based services, outpatient pediatric clinics, and academia. Her passion is working with children with disabilities or developmental delays and their families, to help empower them to reach their fullest potential. 
       
      Susan McDonald, EdD, OTR/L received her OT degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her doctorate degree in Learning & Leadership from UTC. She is currently the Program Director of the OTD program at UTC. She has numerous publications and directs student research on various clinical and educational methods for OT. She is the past recipient of the Elsie McKibben Lectureship for the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association. She recently completed her term serving on the VLDC for AOTA.

       

      Short Course 10: Yoga and Social Emotional Learning
      Yoga unites the mind, body, and soul in a way that eases tension and promotes health and well-being. Regular practice improves your breathing and outlook on life. Participants engaging in this course will learn how occupational therapy impacted a personal life experience, the impact of yoga and occupational therapy as emerging areas of practice, and how yoga and occupational therapy can increase wellness and mental well-being among children in low SES settings. Course includes a live demonstration of yoga and its holistic benefits.
      Speaker: Shawandra Ford is the owner of BRWNSKN Yoga located in the Whitehaven area in Memphis TN; the area in which she grew up. She has her accreditations through Yoga Alliance to teach to adults and children as well as Prenatal Yoga. Recently, she received her certification to teach Trauma Sensitive Yoga through the Prison Yoga Project. 

       

      Workshop 5: The Scoop on the Scope: Comparing OT Services in School Based and Community Based Settings
      Families, physicians, and community partners often ask about differences between school-based and clinic-based therapy services. Join us as we dive into understanding the differences between the services, the reasons to consider where to provide the most effective therapy services, and when both are necessary for a student.

      Speakers: Michelle J Graham, MS, OTR/L graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri, in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She earned her Master in Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in 1995. Michelle has been a pediatric therapist for 22 years with experience in school-based, early intervention and outpatient settings. Michelle is an active member of AOTA and TNOTA and serves on several committees such the TNOTA Pediatric CoP, Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) OT Advocacy Network, AOTA Sensory Integration and Processing Journal Club, AOTA School—Based CoP, and TNOTA Diversity and Inclusion.

      Jeannine Moore, DPT holds a BS in PT from UTHSC (1987) and a DPT from UT Chattanooga (2012). She has worked for Memphis-Shelby County Schools since August 2008. Jeannine is a member of APTA, APTA Tennessee, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy (APPT), and APPT School-based Special Interest Group. She is the southeast regional representative for the School-based Special Interest Group, and a member of the Membership Engagement committee. She is a member of APPT’s Knowledge Translation Network, the committee to establish a Pediatric Community of Practice, and is currently working to update the APTA Fact Sheet, Dosage Considerations: Recommending School-based PT Intervention Under IDEA: Resource Manual, which she co-authored in 2014.

       

      TNOTA Annual Business Meeting 
      TNOTA's Annual Business meeting & Legislative Updates. This session will cover important TNOTA updates and review the association's accomplishments over the past year.

      Speaker: Cindy DeRuiter Blackwell, OTD, OTR/L. Dr. Cindy DeRuiter Blackwell is the President of TNOTA. She is a pediatric occupational therapist who currently serves as the Director of Medical Services at Project Play Therapy. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Blackwell completed her master's degree and post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is an AOTA Emerging Leader, class of 2014. She has worked in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, home-based services, outpatient pediatric clinics, and academia. Her passion is working with children with disabilities or developmental delays and their families, to help empower them to reach their fullest potential.

       

      Ethics & Jurisprudence for OT Practitioners
      This course fulfills licensure requirements for OT practitioners in the state of Tennessee. It covers one hour of ethics, and one hour of jurisprudence.

      Speaker: Susan S. McDonald, Ed.D, OTR/L received her OT degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her doctorate degree in Learning & Leadership from UTC. She is currently the Program Director of the OTD program at UTC. She has numerous publications and directs student research on various clinical and educational methods for OT. She is the past recipient of the Elsie McKibben Lectureship for the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association. She recently completed her term serving on the VLDC for AOTA. 

       

      STUDENT TRACK SESSIONS

      Student Track Session 1: An Introduction to Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact on the Elementary School-Aged Child
      The topic of reflex integration's become more widely recognized among pediatric occupational therapy practitioners. This short course introduces the student/new practitioner to unintegrated primitive reflexes and their impact on elementary-aged children. Reflex integration techniques will focus on the improvement of occupational participation.

      ATNR, STNR, TLR, Signs of Retention

      Speaker: Jennifer Henderson, OTD, OTR/L, BCP has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 25 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in OT from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (1998), and Post-Professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2019) and Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (2021) from Mount Mary University. She received AOTA's Board Certification in Pediatrics (2018) and is certified in electrical stimulation and thermal agent modalities, Interactive Metronome, iLs Focus System and Safe & Sound Program, and is a WINC Certified Infant Massage Instructor. She currently works in private practice and is an assistant professor for UTHSC.

      Student Track Session 2: Hand Therapy: How to Eat an Elephant
      Hand therapy can be a daunting area of practice for many therapists. These challenges can be exacerbated by lack of mentoring availability. This course seeks to peel back the apprehension and aid clinicians on how to overcome these impeders to client care and offer reassurances of abilities to succeed in hand practice.

      Speaker: Julie Dixon, OT/L, CHT received her bachelor's in occupational therapy from UTHSC in 1991. Throughout her thirty plus years of practice she has exclusively participated in the care of hand and upper extremity patients. She received her subspecialty credential as a Certified Hand Therapist in 1998. Her career has all been in outpatient hand therapy environments, most recently joining with a few peers in 2000 to open Southern Hand Centers. SHC offers independent locations in the Mid-South region as well as contract locations with orthopedic physician practice. She continues to contribute to patient care both directly and with consultation services. She gives back to her profession having been an ASHT Business Practice member, participating as a clinical instructor for multiple universities, and an adjunct orthotic instructor in numerous local OT/COTA programs. Julie welcomes opportunities to share her knowledge and passion for her area of expertise.

       

      Student Track Session 3: NBCOT National Certification Exam: Information You Need to Know
      During this session, NBCOT staff 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. Connect with NBCOT and hear about the best approaches to achieve your goal for Occupational Therapy Certification.

      Speaker: Barbara Williams, DrOT, MS, OTR is a certified occupational therapist who currently serves as the Associate Director, in the External and Regulatory Affairs Department for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) where she has worked for over 8 years. In this capacity, she is responsible for activities related to state regulation, international regulatory services, and community outreach. Previous to employment with NBCOT, Barbara served as Chair and Program Director for an Occupational Therapy Program.

       

      Student Track Session 4: New Practitioner and Current Student Panel
      This panel discussion will be made up of new practitioners and current OT/OTA students from a variety of practice areas and schools. This will be a Q+A session and topics to be discussed will be succeeding in fieldwork, OT/OTA school, life/school balance, the job search, and more.

      Speakers: Anna Pollan, MOT/S, is a born and raised Memphian. She attended The University of Memphis where is earned her Bachelor of Science. Anna is currently a student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. At school, she is the SOTA & PTE President as well as a board member for the Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center. In her free time, Anna enjoys playing pickleball and going on bike rides with her husband. When she graduates, Anna is interested in working with the adult/geriatric population.

      Tanner Wright, OTD, OTR/L, is a first-year occupational therapist in Jackson, TN at the Therapy & Learning Center where she serves pediatric outpatient and school-based clients and adults with developmental disabilities. Tanner obtained her Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree from Arkansas State University in August of 2021 and is passionate about serving her community through practice, volunteering, and research. In her free time, Tanner loves to spend her time with her husband and new pup.

      Carley Mahaffey, OTR/L, is currently a first-year occupational therapist at Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center in outpatient pediatrics. She is a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she served as president and TNOTA chair for SOTA. She enjoys exploring her new city of Nashville, TN after moving from Pittsburgh, PA in her free time.

      Amanda Wiedoff, OTD/S, is a currently a third year student at Belmont University and is doing her FW rotations in acute care/burn unit and schools. At Belmont she was the community service chair for COTAD (Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity) and conducted research on adaptive dance. In her free time she enjoys swimming, reading, and watching Wisconsin sports. When she graduates she hopes to either work in a burn unit or work with the pediatric population in the school setting.

       

      Student Track Session 5: The Therapeutic Use of Group Process in OT
      This will be a panel discussion on how group therapy is structured and performed at various OT settings, as well as the benefits of group therapy. The panelists have background in mental health, lymphedema, acute care, and hand therapy.

      Speakers: Lauren Woods, PhD, OTR/L is a graduate from University of Tennessee Health Science Center (BS in Occupational Therapy in 2002). She has clinical experience in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, and school system. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Individual (CCTSI) and has her Thermal Agents Modality certification. She previously earned her Masters in Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in Leadership. She recently earned her PhD in Educational Psychology at University of Memphis.

      Kaylin Flamm Lawrence, MSOT, OTR/L attended the University of Southern Indiana & earned her bachelor's degree in Health Services with a concentration as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She worked as a neurorehabilitation OTA & Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate in Northeast Florida. Kaylin moved to Nashville to complete her MSOT at Belmont University. After graduation, Kaylin developed the first Recovery Court OT position in the nation serving Rutherford County. She is also an Adjunct Professor at South College, Mental Health Chair of TNOTA, founder of the Mental Health CoP, and is a QPR suicide prevention trainer. Kaylin currently works with Harmony Health Medical, an integrative behavioral health practice, developing their first OT program.

      Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP, CDP serves as OT program director at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. An OT for over 30 years, she is a graduate of the OT program at Washington University in St. Louis and holds an M.S. in Leadership & Policy Studies and an EdD in Instruction & Curricular Leadership from the University of Memphis. She serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) and is the host of the On the Air podcast.

       

      Posters (Saturday 3:30-5:00)

      Effectiveness of Early Mobilization in Reducing Hospital Stay in COVID-19 Patients
      Presenters: Anna Claire Briscoe, MOT/S, Ashlee Hodges, MOT/S, Anna Beth Willoughby, MOT/S, Nathan Smith, MOT/S, Carlton Hubbard, MOT/S
       
      The Effects of Pressure Relief Cushions on Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic
      Presenters: Anna Pollan, MOT/S, Olivia Hamby, MOT/S, Hailey Hanson, MOT/S, Olivia Kincaid, MOT/S, Audrey Carr, MOT/S, Molly McWilliams, MOT/S
       
      Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Prehabilitation Program Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery
      Presenters: Alissa Lee, MOT/S, Emma Choi, MOT/S, Kayla Woods, MOT/S, Morgan Mills, MOT/S, Carol Houston, MOT/S
       
      Child Perceptions and the Effects of an Adaptive Dance Program
      Presenters: Sue Iliff, PhD, OTR/L, Morgan McClain, OTS, Amaris Hornbuckle, OTS, Amanda Weidoff, OTS, Emily Bryant, OTS, Emily Wagstaff, OTS, Adrian Ewald, OTS, Paige Henson, OTS
       
      Muscular Dystrophy and Quality of Life: A Critically Appraised Topic
      Presenters: Raegan Avritt, OTS, Courtney Aycock, OTS, Keelie Johnson, OTS, Lindsay Lampkin, OTS, Cassady Ozanich, OTS
       
      Effect of Botox and Therapy on Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy: A Critically Appraised Topic
      Presenters: Rachel Bray, MOT/S, Tatum Cabot, MOT/S, Peyton Clark, MOT/S, Cameron Goodman, MOT/S, Tarason Moore, MOT/S, Claire Napier, MOT/S
       
      Effectiveness of Group Therapy Sessions for Activities of Daily Living Skills in Clients with Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Critically Appraised Topic
      Presenters: Hillary Talley, MOT/S, Riley Buford, MOT/S, Alishah Pirwani, MOT/S, Tylan Wakefield, MOT/S, Elizabeth Seals, MOT/S
       
      Effects of Sensory Intervention on Neurological Development in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Critically Appraised Topic
      Presenters: Siham Sherif, MOT/S, Paulina Bullard, MOT/S, Emma Gadberry, MOT/S, Virginia Strawn, MOT/S, Courtney Travis, MOT/S, Delaney K. Weller, MOT/S
       
      Elopement in Autism: Caregiver Perspectives on Adaptive Equipment and Participation
      Presenters: Missy Bryan, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CPST, Sarah Dean, OTS, Kendall Jackson, OTS, Kaitlin Johnson, OTS, Madison Quan, OTS, Alex Shea, OTS, Hannah Simmons, OTS, Ania Span, OTS
       
      Perceptions of Older Adults on Transitional Driving Planning and Their Informational Needs
      Presenters: Debra Gibbs, EdD, MHS/OTR, CAPS, FAOTA, Katy Kia, OTD/S, Caitlin Barnickel, OTD/S, Anna Dyduch, OTD/S, Natalie Metzger, OTD/S
       
      Occupational Therapy Assessments for Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment
      Presenters: Orli Weisser-Pike, OTD, OTR/L, CLVT, SCLV, FAOTA, Anita Mitchell, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
       
      Comparing Behavioral and Sensory Based Strategies: Producing Positive Classroom Behaviors for Children with Autism
      Presenter: Sandra Dicks, OTS
       
      Exploring an Emotional Language Intervention During a Brief Learning Event
      Presenters: Gary Davidson, PhD (c), OTR/L, CHT
       
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      Wed Feb 1, 2023TNOTA Occupational Therapy Mentorship Program Fourth Cycle Begins
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