NewsLink Summer 2018

University of Pittsburgh
Department of Occupational Therapy

Summer 2018 - Volume 7, Issue 4

FROM THE CHAIR...

Every year, the University of Pittsburgh celebrates a thematic focus to
foster the exchange of ideas and development of new strategic initiatives
through special lectures, events, and new program development.

The 2018-2019 Academic Year is the Year of PittGlobal – celebrating the
University’s past, present, and future roles in worldwide education,
research, service, and leadership. Therefore, it is fitting that this issue of
the Pitt OT NewsLink highlights the global connectedness of the
Department of Occupational Therapy faculty, students, and alumni. We
considered featuring many stories in this issue and quickly realized that
there were too many to include in a single issue. We will kick off the
theme of PittGlobal in this issue and continue to weave global
connectedness stories throughout future issues and communications.

We want to hear from you! If you have a story or experience that
highlights global connectedness, please let us know. We look forward to
celebrating with you, exchanging ideas, and expanding the reach of our
global connectedness throughout the year and in the years to come.

EQUIPPING INTERNATIONALLY-TRAINED OTs WITH
ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Within the mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy is the
commitment to “provide customized courses of study for post-
professional students (masters and doctoral), designed to meet their
individual learning needs and to enhance their ability to assume
leadership roles in practice, education, research, program
development, and program evaluation.” In line with this mission, the
Department identified the need to revise the post-professional
Master of Science program to incorporate new content to meet the
training needs of today’s OT health care provider in the changing
health care system.

The new Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MS in OT)
Program is an advanced practice program for occupational therapists
with a bachelor’s degree in OT. The program is intended for
occupational therapists, educated in the United States or
internationally, who are seeking advanced knowledge and skills.

Changes incorporated into the new MS in OT Program include increasing the program from two terms to
three terms with a total of 33 credits. Courses focus on the following:

• Theoretical and specialized coursework in foundations of occupation
• Advanced concepts in functional assessment and clinical intervention
• Evidence-based intervention protocols and guidelines
• The United States health care system, and
• Practical applications through preceptorships for advanced clinical training. The inclusion of clinical

preceptorships is innovative and acknowledged by students as one of the main reasons for their
pursuit of this program at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Roxanna Bendixen assumed the MS program director role in 2015. Dr. Amit Sethi recently accepted the
position and will succeed Bendixen. Both Bendixen and Sethi are graduates of advanced masters in OT
programs (from the University of Florida and the University of Wisconsin, respectively). They have
extensive experience mentoring students and realize the need for advanced training to bridge the gap from
bachelors to masters.
In May 2018, Pitt OT admitted the first cohort of students into the newly revised MS in OT Program.
Occupational therapists from Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Taiwan are currently enrolled in the
program. Read more about their experiences in our “Student Spotlight” section below.
To learn more about the MS in OT Program, visit our website.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

MS in OT Class of 2019

Hussain Alibrahim: In 2010, I moved from Saudi Arabia to Jordan where I enrolled in a
four-year occupational therapy program, in addition to a one-year internship in a physical
dysfunction rehabilitation unit. After passing the Saudi OT board examination, the Saudi
Ministry of Higher Education gave me the opportunity to complete a master’s degree at one
of their top-ranked institutes – the University of Pittsburgh. In order to enroll in a higher
education program, I spent 15 months in Canada where I began to learn English as a
second language. After being exposed to different backgrounds and cultures over the past
eight years, I found that “the occupation” is similar among every individual, yet the
performance, the process, and the meaningfulness of each occupation is different among
every person. Pitt's MS in OT Program and the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education have
provided me with many opportunities and I look forward to interacting with numerous
outstanding colleagues, faculty, and friends throughout the community.

Abdullah Alsaeed: Earning a bachelor’s degree from King Saud University in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, has significantly impacted my life and guided my path to the field of
occupational therapy. My experiences led me to develop a particular interest in the area of
geriatrics. Elderly people are often the most at risk for trauma, stroke, and disability, and
this population is one of the most vulnerable in our society. Therefore, I have made it my
mission to help the elderly fight back and regain their freedom and independence. In
addition to my educational career, I have actively pursued experience in fields related to
occupational therapy through internships at three different hospitals. Following the
completion of my internships, I worked as an occupational therapist in the stroke unit at a
rehabilitation hospital and medical center called Sultan Ben Abdul-Aziz Humanitarian City.
Additionally, I worked as a teaching assistant at King Saud University. The MS in OT
Program at the University of Pittsburgh was a natural choice for me due to the fact that it
offers training in advanced rehabilitation techniques through classroom and clinic-based
learning, and employs esteemed faculty. Earning a Master of Science degree in
occupational therapy will not only provide me with more detailed knowledge about the
field, but it will also serve as a foundation for my career.

Yeook Kim: Before coming to Pitt, I worked as an occupational therapist at Seoul
National University Hospital and Seoul Rehabilitation Hospital, South Korea. While working
in these facilities I developed close relationships with my clients and their families. The
more time I spent with my clients, the more I realized the importance of evidence-based
practice and the necessity for knowledge on social systems for people with disabilities. Pitt
OT is known for its evidence-based clinical practice program, which is why I chose to
enroll in its MS in OT Program. I am grateful for the opportunity to study under Pitt OT’s
esteemed faculty and for the clinical experiences that I will gain while training in the
United States. I hope that my journey over the next year will directly benefit my clients
and their families.

Asari Yahata: Prior to enrolling in the MS in OT Program at Pitt, I worked as a registered
occupational therapist in Japan for five years. As an OT working in a long-term care facility
with the elderly population, part of my role was to collaborate with physicians, nurses,
social workers, facility directors, and caregivers. Interprofessional collaboration was
essential for maintaining client health conditions and also for improving our clients' quality
of life. This type of working relationship facilitated an environment where we were able to
openly share perspectives among the different professions. During this time, I realized the
importance of advocating for the profession and for the evidence-based practices that OT
has to offer. I chose to enroll at Pitt so that I could further my knowledge and deepen my
clinical experiences to enhance my professional skills in the field of occupational therapy. I
look forward to the opportunity to further my education and acquire advanced knowledge
so that I can obtain the skills necessary to discuss rationale with clients’ families as well as
in an interprofessional setting.

Chin-Hao "Chris" Yeh: For the last two years, I worked as an occupational therapist at
Yi-Her Hospital in Taiwan. During this time, I thought about going back to school to
advance my therapeutic skills and decided that I would consult with my colleagues and
upper classmates who went abroad to study OT. Overall, they had similar positive
experiences and reviews of their alma maters, which made it difficult for me to choose
between schools. I was able to learn more about the Master of Science in Occupational
Therapy Program at Pitt through the required online interview with program director,
Roxanna Bendixen. I truly appreciated this experience as it gave me the opportunity to
collect valuable information that was not easily communicated through e-mail. Dr.
Bendixen’s passion, compassion, and level of support were evident during this interview
and affirmed my decision to enroll at Pitt. The last two months here have been a great
experience, and I am so glad that I made the decision to become a Pitt OT student!

PITT OT STUDENTS READY TO "OCCUPY" NEW SPACE

During National OT Month in April, Pitt OT alumni, faculty, staff, and friends donated more than $10,000 to
“Help Pitt OT Students ‘Occupy’ Their New Space.” The crowdfunding
campaign was created to raise funds to help stock our new state-of-the-art, occupation-based
learning environment at Bridgeside Point and we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of
support! We would like to thank each and every one of you who made a contribution to help us purchase
the supplies and equipment to enhance this innovative and unique space. Your support will provide Pitt OT
students with the tools of success by stocking the new and expanded labs and learning spaces – including
adaptive apartments – with real-world, occupation-based materials and equipment.
We are so proud of our graduates and the impact they have in communities around the world each and
every day. Your contributions make it possible for our students to continue in this legacy of excellence and
we look forward to seeing how your gifts will impact their future endeavors.
We would also like to thank those who make a conscious decision to support Pitt OT on a regular basis.
Whether it be through a financial contribution or the gift of time and expertise, we truly appreciate the
investment you make to ensure the growth of our students and department – your time and resources are
precious and we are so grateful that you continue to allocate a portion of those treasures to Pitt OT!
We look forward to updating you in the coming months as construction is underway and we cannot wait to
welcome each of you to our new space where you will have a chance to see first-hand how your gift is
making a difference!
Missed the campaign? Learn more here: engage.pitt.edu/PittOT.

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

Beth Fields, PhD, OTR/L, Postdoctoral Associate
Jessica Kersey, MOT, OTR/L, Graduate Student Researcher
In May, we had the opportunity to attend and present at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
(WFOT) Congress 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. The Congress included presentations from
occupational therapy practitioners and scientists from around the world. We thoroughly enjoyed the
opportunity to represent Pitt OT while learning about diverse occupational therapy practices such as
spirituality, promoting social inclusion, and occupational justice.

Fields: While at the conference, I had the amazing
opportunity to participate on a 10-person short oral
panel focused on dementia. While participating on the
panel, I presented some of my dissertation work on
nonpharmacological interventions for older adults with
dementia residing in institutional settings. It was truly
exciting to be a part of a panel that discussed different
systems and methods for improving dementia care.
While on this trip, my best friend and I were able to go
on a safari excursion where we saw four of the big five
game animals (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and
water buffalo)!

Kersey: The highlight of my conference experience was
the final keynote address given by Dr. Karen Whalley
Hammell. She encouraged a broader scope of
occupational therapy to incorporate inclusive research
and practice that reflects occupational engagement
across the globe, not just in western cultures. One example that Dr. Hammell shared was conducting a
research study with key stakeholders from diverse countries to develop a conceptual practice
model. My favorite personal memory from this trip was a day of wine tasting in the beautiful mountainous
region just outside of town! We were able to take time to relax and truly take in all that Cape Town has to
offer.

The next WFOT Congress is scheduled to take place in Paris, France, in 2022. We can’t wait for the
opportunity to attend this conference again!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“As a new graduate, I felt like I was very prepared for the rigors and challenges that I
encountered in my practice… I will always be proud to be a Pitt OT Alumni.”

– Sudong Kang, MOT, OTR/L, Class of 2010

Kang graduated from the MOT Program in 2010 and has continued to
support Pitt OT over the years. Like any student, Kang encountered
difficult moments while enrolled in the program which caused him to
develop an appreciation for the support he received from faculty and
mentors. As an alumnus, he hopes to pass this support on to future Pitt
OT students and believes in the importance of contributing to Pitt OT
programs and students to secure a better and brighter future.

Kang is currently employed as an occupational therapist, low vision
specialist at Bayonne Hospital in Bayonne, NJ. He also works for the VNA
Health Group as a home care occupational therapist. Kang’s
practice involves using a range of clinical reasoning strategies to create
innovative, occupation-based interventions. He uses the tools he gained
in the MOT Program to assess situations in the field and provide quick

solutions to problems on a daily basis. Kang has experience working in acute and sub-acute specialized
hospital settings and has focused most of his attention on enhancing a person’s overall lifestyle based on
their current problem areas, generally using occupational science.

This focus takes on a more holistic approach to patient health. Rather than proposing a quick or temporary
fix, Kang looks at lifestyle changes that can be implemented to ensure long-term patient health. Kang is
constantly looking for ways to incorporate new technology into practice to best serve his patients. He often
utilizes iPad capabilities for patients who struggle with low vision to aid them in everyday life as opposed to
solely employing traditional intervention techniques.

In his free time, Kang enjoys jogging through Liberty Park, walking his dog, riding his bike, and taking in
the beautiful view of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

WELL WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS

It is with mixed feelings that we say bon voyage to our colleague and friend,
Nancy Baker, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA. Nancy recently accepted a faculty position at
Tufts University and will start her new position this August. We would like to
publicly thank Nancy for her significant contributions and service to the
occupational therapy, arthritis and rheumatism, and rehabilitation research
communities within the University of Pittsburgh and well-beyond. The reach of
Nancy’s contributions extends well beyond the academic community and is
evident in her efforts to build ties and provide support in the local community.

One of Nancy’s most recent projects is the Computer Ergonomics for U video
series in which she and her team provide guidance on how to improve the
ergonomics of your work space. To view the whole series,
visit bit.ly/ComputerErgonomicsForYou.

Nancy, we wish you the best as you continue on your journey and we look forward to sharing in your
continued success!

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 12 - 13, 2018 November 3, 2018
POTA Annual Conference SHRS Fall Open House
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Click here for more information Click here for more information

November 7, 2018 February 18 - 22, 2019
Pitt OT Student Conclave SHRS Virtual Open House
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Anywhere with internet access

STUDENTS MAKING NEWS

Diana Goodman, CScD student, successfully defended her capstone project titled “EmployABLE: A Transition
Program to Improve Employment Outcomes for Students with Disabilities."

Kasey Stepansky, CScD student, successfully defended her capstone project titled “Caring for Our Caregivers:
Caregiver Preparedness Training within Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation."

Yocelin Hernandez-Rojero and Keegan Marcantel (MOT 2018) were commissioned as Lieutenants, Junior Grade
(LTJG) into the Medical Service Corps, United States Navy.

Kimberly Holliday, Marybeth Moscirella, Laura Otchy, and Madeleine Wirth (OTD Class of 2020) each
received a 2018 POTA Scholarship. Kim Holliday was the recipient of the Reba M. Sebelist student award.

Rachel Martin (MOT 2019) was accepted for the Jewish Healthcare Foundation Patient Safety Fellowship starting in
June 2018.

Emily Kringle, PhD Candidate, received the 2018 Rehabilitation Institute Research Day Best Research Award in the
Pre-Doctoral category for her abstract "Feasibility of the Activating Behavior for Lasting Engagement (ABLE)
Intervention After Stroke," mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore.

OTD Class of 2020 students, Marybeth Moscirella (faculty mentor: Natalie Leland) and Madeleine Wirth (faculty
mentor: Juleen Rodakowski) received funding through the Pepper Center T32 Training Program.

Chao-Yi Wu, PhD Candidate, received a travel award to attend the 38th North America Taiwanese Professors’
Association Young Scholar Program in Washington DC on August 4-6, 2018.

PhD students, Rachelle Brick and Chao-Yi Wu, gave poster presentations at the Annual Occupational Therapy
Summit of Scholars in Kansas City, Missouri.

PhD students, Alex Harper, Emily Kringle, and Chao-Yi Wu, presented at the Annual Rehabilitation Institute
Research Day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jessica Kersey, PhD student, presented two posters at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress in
Cape Town, South Africa.
OT students, Katrina de la Cruz, Claire Dice, Maggie Feltman, Ashley Greivenkamp, Allison Herman,
Kimberly Holliday, Bora Kim, Natalie Little, Tara Lookabaugh, Ashley Martin, Rachel Martin, Caitlyn
McGrane, Mo Morrison, Marybeth Moscirella, Caeli Mulvaney, Kelsey O'Brien, Jace Odhner, Laura Otchy,
Alexandra Plaster, Anna Shaw, and Kristin Zink along with faculty member, Roxanna Bendixen, volunteered at
the 2018 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s “Imagination Destination” Sensory Friendly Performance on April 14, 2018
at Heinz Hall.
OT students, Hussain Alibrahim, Abdullah Alsaeed, Asari Yahata, Haley Feller, Margaret Feltman, Ashley
Greivenkamp, Elise Krause, Natalie Little, Tara Lookabaugh, Ashley Martin, Claire McCarthy, Caeli
Mulvaney, Anna Shaw, Natalie Wise, and Kristin Zink along with Roxanna Bendixen, Denise Chisholm,
Annmarie Kelleher, Darina Protivnak, and Beth Skidmore, supported the 2018 Muscular Dystrophy Association
(MDA) Muscle Walk on May 20. The team raised a total of $1,099 for the MDA.
Kristen Korner (OTD 2020) and Ilana Kleinfeld (MOT 2019), joined with hundreds of other walkers to make a
difference at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Community Walk in
Pittsburgh on April 7, 2018. The mission of AFSP is to "save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide."

FACULTY ACCOLADES

Joanne Baird was promoted to associate professor.
Roxanna Bendixen served on the NIH/NIAMS Academic Research Enrichment Award R15 Scientific Review Panel.
Beth Fields, postdoctoral associate, was accepted to the RAND Summer Institute (RSI) at the RAND Corporation
headquarters in Santa Monica, California, and received a competitive scholarship to support her travel.
Beth Fields, postdoctoral associate, Jenna Lampe, Christina Logan, Amy Metcalf, and Wendy Wood received the 2018
Golden Quill Award from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists for their article “The Lived Environment
Life Quality Model for Institutionalized People with Dementia.”
Natalie Leland was recognized as a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.
Juleen Rodakowski was quoted in The Essential Guide to Caregiving magazine, a monthly magazine by Whole Foods
which covers health topics. The article "Talk About It" was published in the June 2018 edition on caregiving and will be
circulated on display in September 2018.
Alyson Stover was interviewed by WYTV (Youngstown ABC Affiliate) on the work she is doing with the Mercer County
Coroner’s Office on the opioid epidemic. The piece aired in May 2018: www.wytv.com/news/local-news/program-asks-
parents-and-kids-to-put-away-technology-to-reconnect/1191460184
Faculty gave numerous presentations throughout the region, state, and nation. Presentations include, but are not
limited to, those given at the Annual Rehabilitation Institute Research Day, the AcademyHealth Annual Research
Meeting, the Annual Occupational Therapy Summit of Scholars, the Canadian Fall Prevention Conference, and the 40th
International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.