Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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  Enhancing Postpartum Care Through Occupational Therapy: Supporting Program Growth, Expanding Resources, and Strengthening Practice

  Breanna Hamrick

  During my doctoral capstone, I partnered with Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska to support the recent addition of occupational therapy services on the hospital’s mother/baby unit. The project focused on program development and education to address the unique needs of postpartum women in the acute care setting and advocate for OT’s role in this emerging area.

  Following a literature review and needs assessment, the project identified a significant gap in postpartum OT services—only 84 of 2,158 U.S. hospitals currently offer these services (Pelvic Health Network, n.d.). High readmission rates from postpartum complications such as infection, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular issues (Segraves et al., 2023) highlight the need for early intervention. While theoretical support exists for OT in postpartum care, the evidence base remains limited.

  To address this gap, the project included interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and the development of clinical resources. Deliverables were compiled into a resource binder and included:

  - Recovery handouts addressing precautions, urinary incontinence, recommended equipment

  - Exercise handouts for upper extremity conditions

  - Baby-tracking app recommendations

  - A clinical guide for OTs treating postpartum patients in acute care

  These materials were integrated into clinical care based on feedback from staff and patients. The project supports OT’s role in improving postpartum functional recovery, enhancing maternal well-being, and bridging critical service gaps in women’s health care.

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  Facilitating Engagement and Well-Being in Older Adults Through Personalized Background Music

  Anna Heady

  This capstone project explores personalized background music as a client-centered intervention to enhance engagement, emotional well-being, and quality of life for older adults in a senior living community. Conducted at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville, KY, the project integrated meaningful music into daily leisure and social activities. Key goals included building rapport with residents and staff, assessing residents’ functional needs, planning and adapting activities, and incorporating music preferences to support participation and enjoyment. Older adults in long-term care often experience cognitive decline, low motivation, and limited engagement in meaningful occupations. Literature supports music’s ability to stimulate memory, enhance mood, and promote participation, especially when tailored to individual preferences. This project addresses the need for accessible, non-pharmacological strategies that promote holistic, person-centered care. The project began with rapport-building, environmental observation, and informal assessment of residents’ cognitive, communication, and mobility function. Music preferences were identified through conversation and observation to create personalized playlists. Residents participated in group and individual activities such as mindfulness, crafts, sensory play, and exercise, with background music matched to each session. Engagement, emotional response, and social interaction were evaluated through observation, resident feedback, and staff input. Deliverables included themed playlists, adaptable activity plans, and recommendations for future music use. Outcomes showed increased resident participation, improved group cohesion, and a more positive emotional tone. Staff reported greater resident enjoyment of music-supported activities.

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  Adverse Childhood Experiences in the School System

  Hollie Hedrick

  Through my ALE, focused on education in Boyd County Public Schools, I implemented trauma-informed interventions to support students affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). My goals were to help children develop emotional and sensory regulation skills, educate school staff on how to support students navigating trauma, and raise awareness of the lifelong impact of ACEs and the value of therapeutic services. ACEs—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—can disrupt childhood development and lead to poor long-term health and increased need for medical and educational services. It is crucial that professionals help students process and manage these experiences. I delivered 1:1 interventions with students identified through a district-wide screening tool and collaborated with school-based behaviorists to tailor support. Progress was assessed through student interviews and discussions. I also provided a professional development session for teachers and administrators, including a PowerPoint and resource binder, followed by a group discussion. Throughout the project, I demonstrated leadership by coordinating meetings, planning interventions, and collaborating with my site mentor and school staff. This experience advanced the field of occupational therapy (OT) by advocating for the profession’s role in school-based mental health and trauma-informed care. My work highlighted how OT skills can support regulation and resilience in students while educating educators on tools they can use in the classroom. By addressing the prevalence and impact of ACEs, this project underscores the importance of collaboration between OTs and educators to improve student well-being and academic success.

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  In-Depth Exploration of OT in an ALF

  Madison J. Jones

  My Capstone project focused on occupational therapy’s role in maintaining independence for individuals living in an assisted living facility (ALF) through advocacy, education, and hands-on experience. My goal throughout the project was to reach out to friends, family, and residents living in this retirement community to inform them about OT and the role OT can have to maintain their independence through physical activities, cognitive activities, and meaningful occupations. Different education and advocacy events were created and completed during the project to reach out to the residents and staff members about therapeutic services offered to support aging in place. My Capstone project was a success by increasing the client caseload and building rapport with residents, family members, and staff members. Occupational therapy is essential to safely age in place and now residents of this retirement community understand they have support from therapeutic services to maintain their independence and rely on them for support when needed.

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  Maternal Health Advocacy

  Savanah Jones

  This capstone, conducted at Sunny Day Therapy, aligned with the ACOTE advocacy domain and aimed to raise awareness of occupational therapy’s (OT) unique role in maternal health—a critical need as maternal mental health concerns affect 1 in 5 U.S. women (Postpartum Support International, 2023) and OT remains underutilized in this area. Addressing literature-identified gaps in emotional regulation, daily function, and maternal-infant co-occupations (Sepulveda, 2019), the 14-week project developed and disseminated evidence-based educational materials, social media campaigns, and outreach initiatives to support maternal self-regulation, physical health, and well-being during the perinatal and postpartum period. Deliverables included flyers on self-regulation, postpartum ergonomics, body mechanics, mental health tips, and tummy time; blog posts; social media reels; promotion of clinic services; and facilitation of four infant massage classes. Advocacy efforts expanded through collaboration with nearby pediatric clinics and programs. Effectiveness was evaluated via informal client and clinician feedback, participation rates, and engagement with educational content. Leadership was demonstrated through initiating community partnerships, creating practical, occupation-centered tools, coordinating events, and promoting OT’s visibility in maternal care. The project advanced OT practice by equipping clinicians with ready-to-use resources, empowering mothers with functional strategies, and directly addressing service gaps in holistic maternal health care.

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  Nourishing Knowledge: Optimizing Therapist and Family Education in the Implementation of the SOS Feeding Approach

  Aidyn C. Keller

  This ALE/capstone project aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between families, caregivers, and therapists during a 12-week feeding program at a local outpatient pediatric facility in Louisville, KY. The goal was to promote carryover of SOS-based strategies at home and boost caregiver confidence in implementing them. Dr. Kay Toomey, founder of the SOS Approach to Feeding, developed an evidence-based framework for children with feeding difficulties, following the developmental sequence of feeding skills from oral motor and sensory perspectives. The program incorporated resources from Dr. Toomey, including physical documents and links for additional materials for families and professionals.The project focused on increasing caregiver engagement during education sessions and providing digital copies of resources for access outside the clinic. Deliverables included 10 weekly PowerPoints for therapists to present, individualized handouts to encourage motivation and interaction with SOS strategies at home, and digital access to all resources. At the program’s conclusion, families completed surveys with open-ended questions to evaluate the educational framework. Feedback revealed that revised materials improved understanding, reduced overwhelm, and enhanced confidence in applying SOS strategies. Therapists also observed greater caregiver participation and follow-through between sessions. With these findings, it is vital to empower caregivers with clear, manageable resources that fosters confidence and continuity of therapy beyond the clinic, ultimately supporting the child’s feeding journey.

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  Bridging Theory to Practice: An Evidence-Based Training Program for Implementing Animal-Assisted Therapy in Appalachian Clinical Settings

  Lauren Kessler

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  A Lifestyle Redesign®-Informed Approach to Substance Use Recovery

  Alexis Lemaster

  This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) took place at Enrich, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The primary ACOTE focus area was program development. The goal was to design a sustainable Lifestyle Redesign (LRD)-informed program to help men in recovery build healthy routines, navigate life transitions, and engage in meaningful activities. Additional goals included educating staff on occupational therapy’s (OT) role and integrating LRD principles into existing services. A needs assessment—including observations, a review of Enrich’s sober living objectives, and four interviews with individuals in recovery—revealed disruptions in daily routines, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. A literature review highlighted limited OT-led programs for this population, signaling a gap in addressing daily participation and structure within recovery settings. In response, a 10-session program was developed using LRD principles, with detailed session outlines and a checklist to ensure consistency and sustainability. Program activities were also adapted for use at the Drop-In Center. Additional deliverables included educational materials for staff and outreach at a community needs fair. Leadership was demonstrated through program advocacy, education, and community engagement. This Capstone advanced OT by applying core occupational science principles to a traditionally underserved population, promoting meaningful engagement as part of recovery. Emerging needs were identified and addressed, contributing to the development of my confidence, clinical reasoning, and program design skills as a future occupational therapist. The resulting program supports occupational participation and holistic recovery for individuals with SUD while filling gaps identified in the needs assessment and literature.

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  Making Waves in Occupation: Advancing OT Practice Through Aquatic Therapy

  Maria E. Luciano

  This doctoral capstone project focused on enhancing the role of occupational therapy (OT) in aquatic therapy through education, advocacy, and clinical practice. Conducted at a YMCA pool in Richmond, KY, the project aimed to increase OT practitioner competence and confidence in delivering aquatic therapy to adults and older adults. Primary goals included developing an educational plan to support occupational performance for aquatic therapy participants, creating a website with OT-specific aquatic therapy resources, and equipping OT students with guidance on entering this nontraditional practice area. A literature review revealed a lack of OT-specific aquatic therapy resources despite evidence supporting its benefits. Most aquatic services are currently provided by PTs, and existing CEUs rarely address how aquatic therapy can be applied within OT to enhance occupational engagement. Furthermore, ACOTE's 2025 standards do not reflect OT's potential contributions to aquatic therapy. Project methods included developing educational tools for sessions, conducting a SWOT analysis, collaborating with mentors, and reviewing current literature. Key deliverables were two occupation-based studies, an education plan, nine educational resources, and a website tailored to aquatic therapy from an OT perspective. Through collaboration, content development, and advocacy, leadership was demonstrated and addressed a clear gap in OT practice. This project supports a broader vision of OT's involvement in aquatic therapy by promoting practitioner education, expanding treatment approaches, and encouraging curriculum development. Moving forward, continuing to advocate for OT's role in aquatic therapy and sharing resources to support integration into clinical and educational settings, will be even more prominent.

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  Program Analysis and Development in a Kentucky Specialty Court Program

  Brooke Mahanna

  This capstone was completed with a Specialty Court program within Kentucky. The focus was education and advocacy for occupational therapy (OT) in a setting that currently lacks these services. The goals included identifying OT's role in substance use treatment, especially for justice-involved individuals and developing OT-informed resources to support holistic care and wellness.

  Substance use negatively impacts personal, social, and occupational participation (Doğu & Özkan, 2023; Sadaqat et al., 2023). OT’s focus on quality of life is an approach shown to improve long-term outcomes. Lack of OT services in the project setting highlights a gap in holistic care for program participants. The project began with a needs assessment. Findings of the needs assessment informed the creation of a visual presentation on OT and wellness. After the presentation was given, participants completed a brief survey to assess presentation effectiveness. Deliverables included a wellness visual, goal-setting worksheet, and a community resource guide. The project emphasized the value of OT in nontraditional settings and how OT can contribute to recovery-focused programming through wellness and quality of life education. It revealed gaps in current program practices and sparked discussion about integrating OT principles into specialty courts. Additionally, the project fostered awareness of OT among stakeholders unfamiliar with the profession.

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  Expanding Awareness of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Education for Perinatal Women

  Cassandra McNeil

  For my doctoral capstone project, I partnered with PT Solutions Outpatient Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky with mentorship from an occupational therapist specializing in pelvic health therapy. The primary ACOTE focus areas were advocacy and education to support increased awareness of the benefits of outpatient pelvic health therapy services for perinatal women. This project aimed to educate, advocate, and increase awareness of perinatal pelvic health therapy by reaching the following goals: Understand occupational therapy’s role in pelvic floor therapy for perinatal women through evidence-based practice, clinical observation of pelvic floor therapy sessions, and hands-on clinical practice, advocate pelvic floor therapy to medical professionals through planned events, and construct educational resources and deliverables to be utilized by the outpatient therapy site to support education and awareness of services. After conducting a literature review and needs assessment, it was apparent that pelvic floor therapy needs increased research and advocacy regarding occupational therapy and patient awareness. There is a large population of pregnant and postpartum women who are unaware of pelvic floor therapy. As Burkhart et al. (2020) reported 66.8% of participants having no awareness of pelvic floor rehabilitation to address pelvic floor dysfunction pre- and postpartum. The design of this project addresses the gap of pelvic floor therapy education and awareness for physicians and patients through networking with local medical offices, development of resources, creation of deliverables, and increasing communication that promotes accessibility to pelvic health education. Additionally, this project provides opportunity for my mentor to utilize updated deliverables in her practice when educating and advocating in her field. The effectiveness of this project was evaluated through the use of clinical observation, collaboration with my mentor and medical providers, direct patient interactions, and hosting advocacy events. Medical providers, postpartum pelvic floor patients, and my mentor provided feedback which allowed opportunities to utilize pertinent information when integrating deliverables into practice. Deliverables developed during this project are to be directed for patient use as follows: a women’s pelvic floor therapy pamphlet, a 13-question survey to determine candidacy of pelvic floor therapy, a handout on pelvic floor dysfunction regarding urinary hygiene and urinary incontinence, and a handout containing what to expect during a pelvic floor evaluation. This project granted the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership by testing my abilities to initiate and manage deliverable creations, build rapport with patients, assist in planning and hosting luncheons, organizing advocacy events, and communicating the value of pelvic floor therapy with medical providers. My capstone project advances occupational science and occupational therapy while focusing on an emerging practice, advocating and providing education to the importance of pelvic floor rehabilitation in perinatal care. My capstone project was able to create applicable resources that my site can utilize for future advocacy and education and provided myself the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the pelvic health field. This experience builds a foundation that will support my future plans of specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation. This project addressed the needs identified in the literature review and needs assessment through implementing stronger connections with medical providers to create higher level client-centered care and increased referral rates for my site, and also by creating tools that provide easier accessibility to educating occupational therapy’s role in perinatal care.

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  Kentucky Occupational Therapy Foundation

  Hannah Mitchell and Hannah Mitchell

  For my Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE), I partnered virtually with Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Foundation (KOTF), focusing on advocacy and development in alignment with ACOTE standards. The project’s goal was to promote occupational justice by increasing access to OT education through the creation of a targeted scholarship. Guided by my mentor, Dr. Colleen Schneck, and the KOTF board, we identified financial barriers as a significant issue for aspiring occupational therapy professionals. Our needs assessment showed a lack of OT-specific scholarships for students at varying educational levels. To address this, we developed a scholarship for OTA, OTP, and post-professional students at EKU. I created a user-friendly website detailing KOTF and the new scholarship, compiled a spreadsheet of national OT scholarships, and designed fundraising materials, including emails and flyers shared with multiple organizations and universities. I also identified local fundraising opportunities and passive income sources such as Kroger Plus Card and Meijer Rewards donations. Through this experience, I strengthened my leadership, communication, research, and time management skills while actively contributing ideas in KOTF board meetings from the perspective of a recent graduate. The project’s outcomes included a functional website, a community resource for financial aid, and increased awareness of KOTF’s mission. This experience emphasized the importance of advocacy, accessibility, and non-clinical contributions to occupational therapy practice.

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  CMC Arthritis and Splinting

  Andrea Nantz

  This capstone project and applied leadership experience was on CMC arthritis and splinting. The primary focus area of this capstone experience was clinical practice and education. There are multiple different interventions that can benefit individuals with CMC arthritis such as splinting, joint protection/modifications, and exercise. The problem this capstone project solved for my clinical setting is helping patients implement joint protection, modifications, splint wear, as well as providing information on why custom orthotics are more effective. I evaluated the effectiveness of my project through a survey given to CMC arthritis patients and verbal feedback from patients after they read through the CMC arthritis educational pamphlet. I demonstrated leadership during my Capstone and ALE project by researching different types of prefabricated orthotics, learning splint pricing based on insurance, implementing POC for patients, and learning exercises to strengthen the muscles around the CMC joint to provide more stabilization to the joint. This capstone advanced Occupational Therapy by proving that custom orthotics do provide better support, decrease pain, stabilize the joint more than prefabricated orthotics do which proves that it is important for Occupational Therapist’s to know proper splinting for specific diagnoses such as CMC arthritis.

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  Safe Patient Handling Training for Radiologic Technologists in Acute Care

  Dana Newland

  This capstone project took place at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital where I worked closely with the quality and safety director of the UK’s Department of Radiology. The purpose of this project was to develop educational resources to educate radiology staff regarding safe patient handling when performing daily activities such as patient transfers and patient positioning to reduce staff injuries and prevent patient falls. Additional goals consisted of how to safely handle a falling patient and the implementation and use of gait belts within the radiology department. After reviewing the department’s staff injury data and developing a twelve-question survey, I was able to develop a 40+ web-based training presentation with the main focus of patient transfers and patient positioning. Then, I collaborated and developed a standard operating procedure for the department containing an updated assessment aid and implementation and use of gait belts. This project advances occupational therapy’s role in the workplace by preventing and reducing injuries and facilitating work performance and participation. This capstone project filled the need within the UK's radiology department to educate staff on how to safely handle a falling patient, minimize fall risk when transferring patients, and reduce staff injuries during patient transfers and positioning. Overall, this project highlights occupational therapy’s role in the workplace as OT practitioners have the knowledge and skill to educate and teach other healthcare professionals in regards to ergonomics, body mechanics, and safe patient handling.

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  Empowering Veterans Through Access: Development of a Comprehensive Resource Guide

  Lindsey Perkins

  For my Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE), I partnered with the EKU Office of Veterans Affairs, an academic support setting serving student veterans. The ACOTE focus areas were Education and Program Development. The project aimed to create a comprehensive Veterans Resource Guide to help veterans navigate healthcare, education, employment, and community reintegration services. A needs assessment revealed a lack of centralized resources to support student veterans, aligning with literature indicating that over 48% of veterans struggle with transitioning to civilian life (Parker et al., 2019). Challenges include mental health, social isolation, and occupational barriers (Krigbaum et al., 2020), with research supporting occupational therapy’s role in transitional support (Sunderlin et al., 2022). To address this gap, I conducted a literature review, identified common veteran concerns (e.g., PTSD, TBI), and compiled tools such as assistive tech and academic supports. The guide was organized into print-ready and digital formats. Effectiveness was evaluated based on site mentor feedback, usability, and alignment with veterans' needs. The final product includes sections on physical and mental health, legal rights, housing, education, employment, and daily living resources. It is now available to students, staff, and community partners. This project strengthened my leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. I demonstrated initiative by identifying a gap, developing a solution, and collaborating with key stakeholders. It highlights occupational therapy’s role in promoting engagement, mental health, and life transitions through education and advocacy—reinforcing the profession’s value in community-based, veteran-centered care.

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  The Art of Belonging: Group Interventions for Social Engagement in Skilled Nursing Facilities

  Grace Perry

  This Capstone project focused on developing a group art-based therapy program for older adults in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), aiming to enhance social engagement and quality of life through weekly creative sessions. Activities were inclusive and adaptable, supporting residents with physical and cognitive impairments. The program included a binder of weekly activity plans, supply lists, adaptive strategies, and conversation prompts. Over nine weeks, sessions were held twice weekly with 4–6 residents per group. Completed artwork became meaningful keepsakes often displayed in residents’ rooms. Participation, engagement, and feedback were tracked throughout. The experience fostered significant personal and professional growth, deepening understanding of SNF therapy settings and building confidence in leading accessible, inclusive sessions. Residents were personally invited to participate, helping ensure involvement regardless of ability to self-advocate. As the weeks progressed, strong interpersonal connections formed, and group conversations evolved into deeper bonds and resident advocacy. This project emphasized the foundational OT principle of meaningful engagement, demonstrating how creative occupations can promote emotional well-being, social interaction, and enhanced quality of life. In addition, the program highlighted how therapeutic art can serve as a powerful tool for expression. Feedback from staff and residents revealed a noticeable boost in mood, increased participation in other facility activities, and improved peer relationships. The project also encouraged collaboration between therapy and activity departments, supporting a more unified, client-centered approach to care. The integration of art-based interventions presents a valuable, holistic method for enriching occupational therapy services in long-term care settings.

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  3D Printed Adaptive Technology

  Mackenzie Polster

  For my Capstone experience, I worked with Hancock Health in the outpatient department in Greenfield, IN. My primary ACOTE focus areas were program development (creating 3D printed adaptive technology (AT) for patients) and education (educating about benefits of 3D printing for functional use). Project goals included: educate occupational therapists and patients about 3D printed AT benefits, create 3D printed AT for patients, assess 3D printed AT from patient perspective, and assess relevance of 3D printed AT from OT perspective. There is limited existing research of 3D printing being used for AT. 3D printing often is dismissed due to vendors utilizing it to create toys leading outsiders to have misconceptions about its functional use. With this project, I was able to introduce Hancock Health to 3D printing for AT production and help debunk these misconceptions that 3D printing can be used for therapeutic use. Effectiveness of this project was evaluated through participant surveys completed after 1 week of AT use at home. Participant surveys consisted of 6 questions (ranking 1-10 and open ended questions). Participants got to take their 3D printed AT home which served as the project deliverables. This project strengthened my communication and collaboration skills with patients and practitioners and proved that 3D printing can be an option for AT production for my site and for occupational therapy. This project was also able to fill the gap of limited research as it accomplished the overall need for more education to be provided about the benefits of 3D printing.

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  Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI): Understanding Occupational Therapy's Role in Pediatric Gross Motor Development

  Katarina Porter

  The purpose of this capstone experience was to complete an advanced clinical practice in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) and to explore the role of occupational therapy in pediatric gross motor development at Marshall Pediatric Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky. As part of this project, an educational brochure was developed to inform parents and practitioners about the benefits of DMI for children with gross motor delays. Additionally, a student guide was created to link DMI exercises to pediatric developmental milestones and to highlight their relevance to occupational therapy. This capstone experience allowed me to advance my understanding of pediatric gross motor development, particularly for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and helped position DMI as a valuable therapeutic approach. A key goal of the project was to educate healthcare professionals about DMI to promote increased referrals to DMI-certified therapists. Another aim was to encourage more occupational therapists to pursue DMI certification by emphasizing its impact on gross motor skill acquisition. The final deliverables- including the brochure and student guide- were presented to clinic staff and distributed to interested therapists for use with families and other healthcare providers. Through a thorough literature review, this project addressed a need for greater awareness and understanding of DMI as an effective intervention for children with gross motor delays and advocated for continued research and professional development in this area.

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  OT and Lactation Consulting: More Than Just a Baby's Breast-Friend

  Cara N. Reynolds

  Over the course of 14 weeks, I developed clinical skills related to infant feeding, including—but not limited to—anatomy, conditions that interfere with feeding, maternal health concerns, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. I gained insight into each discipline's unique role by job shadowing at various lactation clinics. I observed PTs, SLPs, RNs, craniosacral therapists, and interviewed a nutritionist. Many of the centers I visited expressed a desire to one day incorporate an OT into their practice, which was encouraging.

  With this knowledge, I created an informational binder to leave at the Kentucky Breastfeeding Center (KBC) for future OT students. During my capstone research, I discovered that 70% of women face breastfeeding challenges—and from what I observed, many also struggle with bottle feeding. While outpatient lactation centers offer services to address these issues, wage disparities can prevent women from accessing them. Affordable options do exist, but many women are unaware of these resources.

  My goal became to create an accessible, educational tool to help all mothers flourish in their feeding journeys. I began researching services available through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and Medicaid-accepting clinics such as UK’s Mommy & Me Clinic. This experience opened my eyes to the potential for OT to enter public health spaces like WIC. While these programs are helpful, they aren’t always high-quality. I believe OTs can help close this gap.

  That’s why I created an educational video highlighting Lexington-area lactation centers, with plans to share it across public health platforms for community-wide access.

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  The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental and Behavioral Health

  Claudia Robertson

  The purpose of this capstone was to promote preparedness of occupational therapy (OT) students for mental and behavioral health practice through the creation of a learning module. This project was completed in collaboration with the University of Kentucky College of Nursing Behavioral Health and Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) research team. Recently, OT students reported a perceived lack of preparedness for level II fieldwork (Bergstresser-Simpson et al., 2023). The literature review and SWOT analysis highlighted a gap between the needs of the mental and behavioral health populations and OT student preparation for level II fieldwork. Though the roots of OT are in mental health, the profession has not consistently or effectively addressed the mental health crisis, which has been growing since the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, and other sociopolitical contexts (Keptner et al., 2024). Didactic education of mental health is often limited, typically accounting for one course in doctoral programs. In response, I developed a learning module on the role of OT in Mental and Behavioral Health. OT students may benefit from the learning module, which includes overviews of evidence-based assessments and interventions, common diagnoses, advocacy resources, pre- and post-knowledge checks, and more to promote preparedness for fieldwork and encourage professional development. While pronounced in mental health settings, mental and behavioral health challenges exist across all practice settings. OT is well-positioned to support mental and behavioral health, but only if our educational pathways prepare students to meet this growing demand.

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  Advocating for and Improving KOTA Membership

  Hunter Robinson

  This capstone project took place remotely with mentorship provided by Dr. Allen Keener, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP. The primary ACOTE focus area of this project is advocacy. The goals of my capstone include identifying why OT professionals either do or don’t attain and maintain KOTA membership, advocating for the importance of OT professionals to gain membership to their state OT association, identifying factors/trends that may contribute to an increase or decrease in membership rates among various state OT associations, and using knowledge gained throughout this project, help to improve KOTA membership rates. State occupational therapy associations across the country are struggling with member retention. The research I conducted throughout this project highlights barriers to membership, as well as ways that this issue can be solved. Through informal interviews and a literature review, I was able to gain insight and identify a need for these associations. Improving membership in KOTA strengthens the association’s ability to influence healthcare policy, reimbursement structures, and protect the scope of occupational therapy practice in Kentucky. A strong state association also enhances professional development by offering networking, continuing education, and mentorship opportunities that help clinicians stay current with licensure requirements and emerging practice areas like telehealth, sensory integration, and trauma-informed care.

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  Promoting Diagnosis Education Access In Hand Therapy

  Juan J. Torres

  This capstone project took place at KORT Downtown Hand Center, focusing on creating educational materials to help enhance patient understanding of their diagnosis, increase access to these resources, and increase my overall knowledge in hand therapy. A literature review revealed that low health literacy contributes to increased hospitalizations and inadequate health management, more so for non-English speakers. To address this, I created educational handouts in both English and Spanish for five common diagnoses seen in this setting: Lateral Epicondylitis, Medial Epicondylitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, and Distal Radius Fractures (Post-Operative). At the start of this capstone, I created and distributed surveys to patients during their evaluations to assess their familiarity with their diagnosis. Surveys of 27 patients indicated a general lack of familiarity with their diagnoses, highlighting the potential need for educational resources. Throughout my project, I collaborated with my mentor to refine these educational materials and deepen my understanding of hand therapy. Research articles were utilized to support the content of the educational handouts, and they were referenced on the back of each handout. This project not only focuses on supporting client-centered care and cultural responsiveness but also empowers patients in self-management with accessible information about their diagnoses. By distributing these educational handouts with verbal introduction and guidance from a healthcare provider, patients could possibly enhance their understanding of their diagnosis and recovery expectations, leading to better clinical outcomes. This project also emphasizes the Occupational Therapist’s role in improving patients’ health literacy.

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  The Effectiveness of Vivistim on UE Function Post Chronic Ischemic Stroke

  Chelsea G. Tucker

  The purpose of this capstone project was to learn about a new technology, Vivistim, as it enhances upper extremity function post chronic ischemic stroke through vagus nerve stimulation paired with repetitive task-specific therapy. This project took place at UK Healthcare Outpatient Neurorehabilitation at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. The AOTA/ACOTE focus areas for this project included education and clinical practice. Specific goals included to learn about the role of occupational therapy in the outpatient neurorehabilitation setting, research background information for case study including ischemic stroke, motor relearning, vagus nerve stimulation, and Vivistim technology, gather observations for case study, and produce and present case study.

  Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide with approximately 60% of individuals presenting with upper limb deficits 6 months after a stroke (Engineer et al., 2019). Furthermore, it is common after a stroke for an individual to persist with chronic impairments of the arm and hand (Meyers et al., 2018). Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a common intervention for stroke recovery which works by enhancing plasticity of the motor areas of the brain to improve relearning. When paired with rehabilitation through task-specific training, VNS is showing even greater improvements (Dawson et al., 2021). Specifically, Vivistim focuses on the long-term loss of arm function following an ischemic stroke (MicroTransponder Inc., 2024). This project allowed me to learn about the neurorehabilitation setting by delving into a specific clinical practice area within this setting.

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  Promoting Social-Emotional Learning in Pre-K Students

  Hailey Dawn Turner

  During my doctoral capstone and applied leadership experience, I partnered with Eastern Scholar House, a child development center at Eastern Kentucky University serving children ages 0–5. The primary ACOTE focus area was education, with an emphasis on educating Pre-K teachers and parents on social-emotional learning (SEL) and strategies to support its development in both the classroom and home settings. Project goals included gaining hands-on experience with SEL, understanding its impact on well-being, collaborating with an interprofessional team, and providing educators with practical SEL resources. A literature review and needs assessment highlighted the benefits of SEL in improving behavior, academics, and cognitive development (Daunic et al., 2021; Ng & Bull, 2018), but also identified barriers such as limited interprofessional collaboration, low parental engagement, and lack of evidence of occupational therapy’s role in promoting SEL. This project aimed to address the identified gaps to promote social-emotional learning in Pre-K students at Eastern Scholar House. Project deliverables included an educational PowerPoint, a quick-reference handout tool for classroom activities, four SEL interventions per classroom, and a parent educational pamphlet. Leadership was demonstrated through self-directed research, creation of educational materials, and collaboration with teachers to adapt interventions to their specific classroom needs. This experience allowed me to observe how SEL influences children’s daily occupations and overall well-being. The capstone provided Eastern Scholar House with sustainable SEL resources and contributed to the professional understanding of occupational therapy’s role in SEL, while strengthening parent engagement and interprofessional collaboration.

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  Integrating Sensory Strategies in the Classroom Setting: A Field Guide

  Abigail Walcott

  During my 14-week capstone project, I worked alongside St. John Vianney Catholic School, an early education and K-8 school to develop a program to target identified needs of students related to sensory challenges and emotional regulation skills to improve participation in school-based occupations. My primary ACOTE focus area was program development, and I worked to assess classroom needs and develop a program that could be implemented in the traditional classroom setting. My goals for this capstone project were to observe and discuss with my site mentor to assess classroom needs, to research and to create an evidence-backed program guide for teachers to implement in the classroom setting. My capstone project was designed to incorporate sensory strategies into the classroom to improve participation in school-based occupations. Several different deliverables for the site include a variety of in-class handouts for incorporating heavy work principles, flexible seating arrangements, and emotional regulation curriculums, as well as creating a more in-depth educator field guide on different sensory strategies to incorporate into the classroom setting. My project helped me to better understand the role that OT can play in project development and within a school setting that may not have access to skilled occupational therapy services. Developing a program and training professionals on how to implement tier one interventions can improve access to students who may have difficulties completing school occupations but have limited access to interventions.