FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | |
Translational research, growing rankings
set the table for OT success in 2025
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A Note from Carole Ivey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy Virginia Commonwealth University
As we head into 2025, there’s much to be excited about in VCU's Department of Occupational Therapy. To start, we celebrate that the new dean of our College of Health Professions is Dr. Amy Darragh, an occupational therapist by specialty and a nationally recognized researcher in pediatric neurorehabilitation, team science and virtual technologies. We know she will help shine a spotlight on the many great things underway in our department and across the college.
This year also brings a focus on deepening our translational research, growing our reputation to aid in attracting the best faculty and students, and continuing to deliver the highest quality education.
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Dean Darragh brings leadership, research
to new role at VCU | |
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As the new dean of the VCU College of Health Professions, Amy R. Darragh, OTR/L, Ph.D., FAOTA, is tapping into her extensive background as a leader and as an occupational therapy researcher to continue elevating research and learning experiences within its highly acclaimed OT department. A key priority for VCU, which is echoed for its outstanding and nationally ranked OTD program, is attracting top faculty and students – and providing a robust and inclusive environment to do meaningful research and gain deep professional and/or clinical knowledge. | |
FACULTY RESEARCH & PRACTICE | |
Exploring motor learning and brain
stimulation through NIH-funded study
Assistant professor Brooke Dexheimer, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L, is a co-investigator in a groundbreaking multi-site study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), to understand motor learning and brain stimulation in patients recovering from neurological injuries and stroke.
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Bringing OT and holistic health approach
to innovative care model
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Assistant professor Glenda Watkins, OTD, OTR/L, NASM-PES joined a team supporting the Mobile Health and Wellness Program (MHWP), an innovative care model for older adults in underserved communities across urban and rural Virginia. | |
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Advocacy drives approval of drug for Barth Syndrome | |
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Stacey Reynolds, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, professor and American Journal of Occupational Therapy editor-in-chief, recently spoke at a Food and Drug Administration meeting about the impact of fatigue on quality of life and participation in the rare disorder, Barth Syndrome. These advocacy efforts, championed by the Barth Syndrome Foundation, led to the recommended approval of the first-ever therapeutic drug to help treat Barth Syndrome. | |
Using debriefing to boost critical thinking in OT students
Kerry Ann Mader, OTD, OTR/L, CLA, and Stacey Reynolds, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, recently published an article about the power of debriefing in occupational therapy education. This technique helps students connect what they learn in class to real-world practice by encouraging reflection and critical thinking. The article showcases how debriefing can prepare students to be confident and capable practitioners ready to tackle the evolving demands of health care.
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Enhancing inclusion and accessibility
for museum visitors with sensory processing differences
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For her capstone doctoral project, 2024 program graduate Marina Nguyen, OTD, OTR/L partnered with a North Carolina science museum to enhance accessibility for museum visitors with sensory differences - leading to a recent article on the work. Marina collaborated with Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor and director of fieldwork, to create sensory maps and visual checklists, as well as improve staff awareness. The article highlighted the impact OTPs can have in community engagement by pairing their skillset of activity analysis with principles of universal design. Chair Carole Ivey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, joined the pair as co-authors on the article.
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* Must be AOTA member to access. | |
Lymphedema education for occupational and physical therapy practitioners
While 1 in 30 individuals live with lymphedema worldwide, few occupational and physical therapists have specific lymphedema education to provide relief to patients in need. This fall, VCU will offer the one-day Lymphedema Education for Occupational and Physical Therapy Practitioners to prepare them to offer specific services to older adults with cancer and other disorders leading to lymphedema. An occupational therapist and a physical therapist will offer education and demonstrate manual techniques through laboratory activities. The program is organized by Christine McNichols, Ph.D., OTR/L, postdoctoral fellow in OT and gerontology.
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Welcome to the Class of 2027! | The Occupational Therapy Vesting Ceremony was established when OT transitioned to a doctoral program in 2016. Students and faculty deliberated on the symbol of entry – one that would contribute to the identity as occupational therapists and that would reinforce the values of VCU’s program as well as the OT profession. They came up with a vest as that symbol. Now, students receive their vests when they arrive for their first year. Welcome VCU OT class of 2027! | |
Creating an inclusive holiday experience | Our OT students once again partnered with the Children's Museum of Richmond to ensure children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities have a positive experience when they visit Santa Claus. After starting 12 years ago with a single night at the museum, this program has grown to three nights, and our students develop games and activities to play with the children. | |
Couple's memorial gift names OT research suite
A series of gifts from Dr. Jack and Carlyn Dalness has led to the naming of the department's research suite of labs in honor of Carlyn's late parents, Herbert and Charlotte Meyer. The gifts recognize the outstanding roles that occupational therapists played in the rehabilitation of her father, who sustained a head wound on D-Day during World War II. Through their earlier gifts, the couple named the individual OT labs and related spaces. Joining research assistants who work in the research labs are Virginia W. Chu, Ph.D., OTR/L, (far left) assistant professor and director of the Sensorimotor Performance and Rehabilitation Engineering Lab, and Mary Alice Montgomery, (far right) research coordinator.
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In the field: Conferences, presentations and papers
Check out what our faculty members and students have published and discussed at various educational and professional gatherings over the past semester.
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Former chair continues to support faculty members | Last fall, our former department chair, M. Jeanne Madigan, Ed.D., received a visit from current chair Carole Ivey. In addition to catching up on OT news both at VCU and in the profession, Ivey shared an update on the M. Jeanne Madigan Endowed Faculty Enhancement Fund, which supports research travel, continuing education and other important initiatives that enhance innovative teaching, faculty leadership and research. We appreciate the support of current and former faculty and staff members in joining our alums in supporting our mission with their financial gifts. | |
Student services administrator honored for achievement | |
VCU's College of Health Professions honored Sara Kohout, student services administrator in the Department of Occupational Therapy, with the Staff Excellence in Outstanding Achievement Award. This recognizes a staff member “who represents the values and mission of their department, unit and the college.” Since joining the college in 2020, Kohout has made a significant impact on both current and prospective students.
"Sara's leadership, innovation and dedication to student success and to staff well-being has had a transformative impact on our department and the college - and our students."
—Carole Ivey, OT Chair
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Faculty share expertise with national practice association
Three occupational therapy faculty members are serving in special interest sections (SIS) of the American Occupational Therapy Association:
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Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor and director of fieldwork, is chair of the Sensory Integration and Processing SIS.
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Audrey Kane, Ph.D., OTR/L, assistant professor and director of admissions and recruitment, is the advocacy lead for the Academic Education SIS. Audrey also is now a candidate to chair that section; view candidate bios and vote here.
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Glenda Watkins, OTD, OTR/L, NASM-PES, assistant professor, is the community of practice liaison for the Home and Community Health SIS.
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Understanding disability through media | |
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The VCU news team offered 3 questions, 2 minutes, and 1 lesson with Carole Ivey and Glenda Watkins, who co-lead a course with occupational therapy graduate students that might have you rethinking James Bond and Marvel movies.
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Want to learn more about 3D printing and design thinking? | |
As 3D printing becomes more accessible, many occupational therapists are curious about how they can incorporate it into their daily practice.
Our department launched a 3D printing continuing education course in summer 2024, and we added a new self-paced course on design thinking to the course series. Both courses are self-paced, and you will receive instructor feedback and guidance on how to create your own designs. Get started on a path to creating your own 3D designs to meet your practice’s unique needs.
VCU alumni: Email Tara Hemmen for a $50 discount code.
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VCU Occupational Therapy
900 E. Leigh St., Box 980008
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0008
Phone: (804) 828-2219
Fax: (804) 828-0782
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