Women’s Health and Assistive Technology: A Transdisciplinary Lifespan Perspective

Course Description:

This presentation examines the role of occupational therapy in using assistive technology and emerging Feminine Technology to support women’s health. Key topics include menstrual health, maternal health, menopause, post menopause, caregiving roles, and gender bias in AT design. This course highlights how hormonal and reproductive transitions can create unique functional challenges and impact daily occupations and quality of life.

Through the use of case studies, this short course demonstrates how low and high tech AT strategies can be utilized to promote independence and participation. This short course emphasizes the need for advocacy, inclusive design, and a transdisciplinary approach in which OT collaborates w/ PT’s, OBGYN’s, and other providers to promote quality of life. This presentation emphasizes the need for women's health as a growing and essential area of occupational therapy practice.

Objectives:
1. Identify the significance of OT's role in Women's Health and assistive technology (AT) in enhancing occupational performance for women across the lifespan
2. Explore specific AT recommendations that support women's health and apply this knowledge across the lifespan within occupational therapy
3. Examine a transdisciplinary approach to using AT to enhance quality of life for women at different life stages

Speakers: Gabriella Guerra-Valero, OTR/L, LMT; Dr. Anjali K. Parti, OTD, OTR/L; Dr. Anna Evans, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA; Dr. Preeti Jha, PT, DPT, OCS, CYTPTNOTA Guest Instructor

Gabriella Guerra-Valero, OTR/L, MS, LMT is a highly skilled occupational therapist, licensed massage therapist, and incoming assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Tennessee Wesleyan University. Ms. Guerra-Valero holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. Currently serving senior living communities in Tennessee, Ms. Guerra-Valero's expertise centers on addressing the complex needs of geriatric patients, particularly individuals facing cognitive impairments, neurological conditions, and mental health challenges. Her distinctive approach blends elements from various therapeutic disciplines, including massage therapy, and incorporates hands-on techniques to support overall well-being and address a range of physical and psychosocial concerns. This integrated approach is implemented within skilled nursing, assisted living, and long-term care settings. Ms. Guerra-Valero is a dedicated professional committed to career advancement and knowledge sharing within the occupational therapy community. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and is a member of the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA). She actively contributes to the field by presenting her expertise; notably, she recently presented nationally on menopause and quality of life at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meetings (APTA CSM) for Geriatrics in 2026. She has also presented on mental health for rehabilitation professionals at the combined Tennessee Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (TN APTA) and Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA) meeting in 2023. She is eager to connect with professionals and further develop her contributions to the field of geriatric mental health and women’s health.

Dr. Anjali K. Parti, OTD, OTR/L, is the Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of the Master of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Parti brings extensive experience to her leadership roles, having served previously as a Program Director and Fieldwork Coordinator. Her nearly 15 years of experience as an occupational therapist encompass clinical practice, academic instruction, and administrative leadership. Her clinical background is broad, encompassing diverse populations and settings, with particular expertise in geriatrics and pediatrics. She maintains an active clinical practice within the community. Dr. Parti is a highly respected researcher and advocate, focusing on the crucial role of occupational therapy in mental health. Her research interests include maternal mental health, the impact of school and community violence, the consequences of pandemic-related social isolation, and the mental health needs of veterans. This commitment extends to active advocacy at the state and national levels, including significant leadership roles within the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA), Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA), and related mental health committees. Dr. Parti's contributions to the field are evident in her numerous presentations at prestigious conferences, such as the AOTA National INSPIRE Conference (where she presented on neurological changes in postpartum depression and their implications for occupational therapy), and the AOTA Education Summit (where she discussed social media's impact on higher education). She is also a published author, notably contributing a chapter on neuroscience to Elsevier's latest edition of Pediatrics for the OTA and co-authoring a presentation for the American Physical Therapy Association.

Dr. Anna Evans, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy with over 35 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academic leadership, and professional service. She is a Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults and an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, with leadership roles in both Florida and Tennessee, currently serving as the APTA Tennessee Geriatrics Special Interest Group Chair and Geriatric Co-Advocate.
Dr. Evans brings a transdisciplinary, biopsychosocial approach to care, integrating physical therapy with principles from behavioral health, coaching, and mindfulness. She holds certifications in Health and Mindset Coaching and incorporates evidence-informed strategies such as cognitive-behavioral approaches, motivational techniques, and mind-body practices into her work. As a Registered Yoga Teacher, she further emphasizes functional movement, self-awareness, and holistic well-being across the lifespan. Her clinical practice focuses on older adults in skilled nursing and assisted living settings, where she applies assistive technology and adaptive strategies to optimize function, independence, and quality of life. Dr. Evans has extensive experience presenting on geriatrics, neurology, and functional aging at state and national levels, and she is particularly passionate about advancing collaborative, client-centered approaches that integrate assistive technology to support women’s health, participation, and daily life roles.

Dr. Preeti Jha is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, educator, injury-smart strength coach, and national speaker with nearly two decades of experience across orthopedic rehabilitation, women’s health, pelvic health, neurology, and functional rehabilitation. She is recognized for integrating evidence-based orthopedic care with strength training, yoga-informed movement, breathwork, mindfulness, and lifestyle-centered rehabilitation strategies that support long-term resilience and whole-person wellness.
Her work focuses on helping women navigate midlife through strength-based rehabilitation, osteoporosis prevention, muscle health, movement confidence, and sustainable health practices. She is the creator of Strength Shift, an integrative wellness program designed to help women build stronger bones and muscles through safe, evidence-informed movement and strength training principles.
Dr. Jha recently presented at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) on menopause-informed physical therapy care and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Integrative Physical Therapy Special Interest Group through APTA New Jersey.

1.0 Contact Hours; Free for members; $20 for non-members