Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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  Providing Leisure Opportunities to Support Mental Health & Quality of Life for Oncology Patients in Acute Care:

  Allison Adkins

  The purpose of this project was to make leisure activities accessible to patients in acute care and to explore the benefits it may have on patients' mental health and quality of life. One study found there to be a high prevalence of mental health problems among older adults with 36% having no prior mental health problems (Goldberg et al., 2012). Additionally, psychiatric disorders have been shown to affect at least 30–35% of cancer patients during all phases of the disease trajectory (Caruso & Breitbart, 2020). Research also suggests that active engagement in leisure activities helps older adults maintain functioning in all areas (Sala et al., 2019). A systematic method was used in this study. I created a pre/post survey with questions regarding patients mental state and subjective and objective data on their hospital experience. I filled the cart with a variety of leisure activities. I displayed leadership skills, communication skills, and overcame many challenges. I had to communicate with various health care professionals throughout this process. This study taught me to be persistent, have patience, and to be more adaptable. This project showcases the need for leisure opportunities in the acute care setting where patients' mental health is typically very negative. The essence of occupational therapy was advanced in acute care, showing that every occupation or lack thereof affects an individual in some way.

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  Enhancing Occupational Therapy in the Acute Care Setting: Educating Clinicians, Expanding Resources, and Strengthening Documentation

  Elizabeth Biggs

  Enhancing Occupational Therapy in the Acute Care Setting: Educating Clinicians, Expanding Resources, and Strengthening Documentation

  My doctoral capstone project was completed in the acute care setting at University of Kentucky HealthCare. The goal was to elevate occupational therapy’s role by addressing documentation practices, assessment use, and discharge planning. I focused on equipping clinicians with tools and education to improve service quality, efficiency, and OT visibility in discharge processes.

  Through clinician interviews, workflow observations, and review of discharge trends, I identified challenges in documentation standardization, assessment clarity, and OT involvement in discharge planning. Literature supported these findings, highlighting how such issues reduce OT’s impact on patient outcomes.

  In response, I developed three key deliverables using clinician input, workflow data, and evidence-based practices:

  • OT Assessment Administration Guide: Details purpose, materials, time, scoring, interpretation, and examples for common assessments.

  • Simulated ADL Guide & Quick Tips: Offers links and strategies for functional patient tasks in therapy sessions.

  • Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) Guide: Provides step-by-step administration, scoring, and interpretation of the GOAT.

  These resources were shared in staff meetings with demonstrations and opportunities for feedback. Evaluation showed improved clarity in documentation and assessment use.

  This project enhanced OT service delivery by supporting consistent documentation, expanding clinical tools, and reinforcing OT’s role in discharge planning. It fostered my leadership in evidence-based practice and process improvement, and the deliverables offer sustainable support for acute care teams and potential for broader application across healthcare settings.

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  From Symptom to Source: Unraveling the Upper Limb Puzzle

  Kara Burton

  The purpose of this ALE project was to bridge the gap in literature by creating a comprehensive evaluation program to assist in identifying differential diagnoses based on symptoms presented. Following ACOTE’s focus areas of program development and clinical practice, this project aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical reasoning through the creation of an evidence based evaluation program. It guides therapists through a systematic evaluation process, especially when symptoms are complex or diagnoses are unclear. Providing clinicians with a structured chart focusing on symptom overview, mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, special testing, and potential differential diagnoses. On site therapists and I used the program in both evaluations and reassessments. It was effective with patients presenting with unknown conditions or multiple symptoms, as well as for confirming known diagnoses. The program provides increased confidence and clinical judgement among students and new clinicians by supporting evidence based decisions. Through strong collaboration, feedback, testing, and communication, this tool was refined for clinical use.

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  The Use of Sensory Interventions for Stress Management in College Students

  Cassidy Cain

  For my doctoral capstone, I partnered with the Student Success Center (SSC) at Eastern Kentucky University and the director of the SSC, Dr. Ashley Sweat, to explore the connections between commonly used occupational therapy sensory intervention techniques and stress management for college students. The focus of my project is education and program development for the Student Success Center. In my literature review, I identified stress as one of the largest contributors to students not returning to college. The Student Success Center provides services for students who are already at a high risk of not continuing their college education. Based on my literature review on sensory techniques and conversations with leaders at the SSC, my capstone was able to meet the needs to provide stronger support for emotional regulation and stress management in high-risk student populations My goal was to create a program for the SSC employees regarding emotional regulation techniques, specifically related to stress management. This program focuses on identifying the student’s own form of sensory processing and building calming techniques based on their form of sensory processing. This program can be used by employees at the SSC to help their emotional regulation, while also providing the employees with the understanding to share this with their mentees. My capstone created a new way for the Student Success Center to support students who are at high risk for depression and anxiety, while also supporting the employees at the Student Success Center, as they have been able to use this program in their own daily lives.

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  Meaningful Participation Matters: Evaluating Resident Engagement in a Senior Living Activity Program

  Mary C. Caudill

  This capstone project evaluated and improved the life enrichment program at Dominion Senior Living, an assisted living facility serving older adults, including those in memory care. Centered on the ACOTE focus area of program development, the project aimed to promote meaningful, accessible engagement through an occupational therapy lens.

  Goals included assessing current activity effectiveness, identifying participation barriers, and developing evidence-based recommendations to improve variety, inclusivity, and therapeutic value. A needs assessment—using resident surveys, staff feedback, and structured observations—revealed low engagement among memory care and male residents, limited activity variety, and insufficient opportunities for meaningful social interaction. A literature review supported these findings, underscoring the importance of occupation-based engagement for cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life in older adults.

  A mixed-methods approach analyzed quantitative survey data and qualitative observations to identify trends. Deliverables included a resident feedback form, activity observation checklist, SWOT analysis summary, tailored activity recommendations, and an executive summary report.

  Through this project, I demonstrated leadership by initiating staff discussions, advocating for activity adaptations, and applying evidence-based strategies. I strengthened my communication, program evaluation, and clinical reasoning skills while engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration.

  This work reinforces occupational therapy’s role in program development, client-centered care, and quality improvement in assisted living. It also supports occupational science by highlighting the value of meaningful occupation in promoting identity, purpose, and health. Ultimately, the project provided actionable tools to enhance resident engagement and satisfaction while demonstrating OT’s capacity to improve quality of life in aging populations.

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  Building Clinical Expertise: An Occupational Therapy Student-Centered Guide to Foundational Orthotic Fabrication Concepts and Splint Patterns

  Belinda Cheng

  The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to support student learning in hand therapy by developing a student-centered educational guidebook that introduces fundamental orthotic fabrication concepts and provides visual splint pattern tutorials in an accessible and comprehensive format. Splint pattern development is a foundational step in orthotic fabrication that helps students comprehend how 2D designs translate into 3D orthoses. To enhance clinical skills through direct practice opportunities, this resource features detailed splint pattern modules for 10 commonly fabricated orthoses, each accompanied by background information and model images, while the orthotic educational content promotes self-directed learning by guiding students to understand why certain decisions are made in splint design. Unlike many existing resources that emphasize thermoplastic molding, this project prioritized visual splint pattern instructions to address a notable gap in the literature. The student guidebook aims to make the introduction to orthotic fabrication both approachable and clinically relevant through clear illustrations and explanations. This capstone was completed in collaboration with occupational therapists and certified hand therapist, Jaclyn Quinn, at Professional Hand Therapy in Garden City, New York. This capstone aligned with ACOTE focus areas of program development and clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of clinical practice skills for both myself and future occupational therapists.

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  Empowering Mothers: Addressing Postpartum Depression in the NICU Through Occupational Therapy

  Maggie Cloyd

  This doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) addressed the elevated risk of postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Completed at Norton Women’’s and Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY, the project focused on leadership and advocacy, aiming to raise awareness of maternal mental health, highlight occupational therapy’s role, and create educational infographics for both NICU mothers and staff.A needs assessment was conducted through informal staff discussions, observation, and an anonymous survey distributed to NICU mothers. Mothers reported emotional distress, guilt, isolation, and limited involvement in infant care. Research supports that NICU mothers experience PPD at significantly higher rates, up to 40% –yet routine screening is not consistently implemented. Literature also emphasizes the connection between maternal mental health and infant development, highlighting occupational therapy’s potential role in promoting caregiver engagement, emotional regulation, and restoration of the maternal role. To address these needs, an educational infographic was developed specifically for NICU mothers. It includes key statistics, quotes from survey participants, and information on how OT can support maternal well-being and mother-infant bonding. A secondary infographic was created for NICU staff to promote awareness and encourage OT consultation. The infographics were evaluated for alignment with survey findings and best practices and distributed as an educational resource. This project strengthened my leadership, advocacy, and clinical reasoning skills. It highlights the need to expand OT services in NICU settings to support maternal mental health through trauma-informed, family-centered care during this critical period.

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  Enhancing Experiences of Children with Special Needs and Volunteers in Church Classrooms

  Anna Corado

  The purpose of this ALE project was to support volunteers working with children with special needs and enhance the experience of children with special needs in church classrooms at Fern Creek Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Volunteers were provided with education and training regarding sensory equipment and strategies to utilize within the classrooms. Changes to the environment were made including creation of a sensory room and adaptations to the classrooms to better support children’s sensory needs. The confidence of volunteers working with children with special needs was measured through a post-survey following the implementation of education and training. This capstone project emphasizes the role that occupational therapy can play in Sunday school classrooms for children to create a more inclusive and holistic environment. It also highlights the distinctive knowledge occupational therapists bring in understanding and applying sensory strategies and tools, and how they empower individuals through education to limit barriers in a Sunday school classroom addressing the needs identified in the literature review.

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  Filling the Gap: OT’s Role in Addressing Emotional Barriers in Vestibular Rehab

  Gabby P. Cordas

  This capstone project explored the emotional and behavioral barriers that impact vestibular rehabilitation, and how occupational therapy can help fill that gap. It took place at UK Outpatient Therapy at Cardinal Hill, where physical therapy leads vestibular care. However, many patients struggle with anxiety, avoidance, and frustration that interfere with progress. My goal was to observe those patterns, clarify OT’s role, and create practical tools to support more holistic care.

  Research shows that psychiatric comorbidities are common in vestibular disorders—especially episodic conditions like vestibular migraine and Ménière’s disease. Emotional responses such as fear, self-doubt, and withdrawal can worsen symptoms and delay recovery. My observations echoed this: even when patients showed physical gains, emotional distress and low confidence often remained. OT has the tools to address this gap—helping patients regulate, re-engage, and feel more in control.

  To capture this, I used the COPM and PANAS to track changes in performance, satisfaction, and affect. I also noted in-session behaviors like avoidance, safety-seeking, and frustration. Based on these findings, I developed two deliverables:

  1. A staff education session on psychiatric overlays in vestibular care, and

  2. A mini OT toolkit with case-based interventions, coping strategies, and communication ideas.

  This project helped me grow as a leader by bringing a fresh lens to a specialized setting and advocating for OT’s role in emotional wellness and interdisciplinary care. It also demonstrated how OT can reduce barriers to progress and improve outcomes by addressing not just symptoms, but the whole person.

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  Regulation & Resilience: A Toolkit to Promote Pediatric Mental Health Within an Outpatient Setting

  Aysia Crumbie

  The purpose of this doctoral ALE/Capstone project was to develop a pediatric mental health toolkit for clinicians to utilize at my site, the Georgetown Pediatric Therapy Center in Georgetown, Kentucky. The primary ACOTE areas of focus were education, advocacy, and program development. I collaborated with the two occupational therapists at the site to achieve the goals of 1) developing a pediatric mental health toolkit grounded in evidence, clinical use, and clinician feedback, 2) supporting clinician consistency and confidence when addressing mental health in sessions, and 3) providing accessible caregiver resources to support strategy carryover at home. A needs assessment was first conducted via informal interviews, as well as through pre- and post- toolkit use surveys. I reviewed current literature on pediatric mental health and associated factors, and incorporated therapist insight to select, create and organize the toolkit components. The clinicians utilized the toolkit within sessions over the course of 6 weeks with pediatric clients of various ages and mental health needs to determine the usability and effectiveness. The deliverable of my project was a digital/printable toolkit that provides a variety of resources including screening tools, sensory and emotional regulation activities, co-regulation and calming strategies, engaging regulation visuals, reflection tools, and printable caregiver handouts. Feedback from clinicians indicated that the toolkit improved their ability to address mental health more intentionally and efficiently. Overall, this project highlighted occupational therapy’s unique role in addressing pediatric mental health, and provided a resource that was effective, convenient, and resourceful for the clinicians to implement within their clinic.

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  Occupational Balance in Relation to Therapist Threshold

  Caroline Crump

  My Capstone/Applied Learning Experience took place at Foundation Hand and Physical Therapy in Richmond, Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus areas that were used within my study was Education, Research and Clinical Practice. The goal of this research was to investigate any correlations between occupational balance and therapist threshold in the outpatient rehabilitation setting. It was important to be able to investigate both Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists to determine factors that related to a clinician’s personal occupational balance and therapist threshold. These factors were able to be addressed by this study through further researching the ways clinicians view occupational balance and therapist threshold within their personal lives and careers. One specific item that this facility was looking to address was each clinician's opinion on their occupational balance and see if this related to work-place factors, client factors or personal factors. This research addressed this topic through weekly surveys through collecting qualitative and quantitative data within Qualtrics. The main attributes that clinicians stated affected their occupational balance or therapist threshold were patient factors, sleep, outside factors and hosting a student. Another aspect that was not initially anticipated was that many clinicians considered patient factors to limit their balance and threshold, specifically stating that many patients did not recognize that therapy was not forever. There was not any statistically significant data within this study, but it was still beneficial to learn more about the perspectives on this topic through the open-ended questions within the surveys.

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  Improving Dementia Care Practices in the Swing Bed Program

  Grace Donahue

  For my capstone/ALE, I partnered with the therapy team at CHI St. Joseph Berea’s Swing Bed Program to improve communication and care strategies for patients with dementia or cognitive impairments. My project focused on ACOTE areas of program development, education, and advocacy in an acute care setting. The goal was to implement dementia-friendly communication practices and promote meaningful engagement through activity toolboxes.The Swing Bed Program supports patients recovering from acute hospital stays who are not yet ready to return home. During my time there, I observed a lack of structured, personalized activities for patients, despite regulatory expectations for enrichment. My literature review highlighted best practices for dementia care and informed the development of a staff-wide needs assessment. Results showed gaps in cognitive assessment use, low staff confidence, and a desire for training in dementia care.Based on findings, I created a training module including simulated scenarios and clinical reasoning tools to guide learning. Clinicians reported feeling more confident in communicating with patients with dementia after participating. Additional deliverables included a cost-effective activity toolbox proposal, “All About Me” patient visuals, and a presentation for stakeholders advocating long-term implementation.This experience enhanced my leadership and advocacy skills as I collaborated across departments, led education initiatives, and promoted the role of OT in dementia care. My project identified gaps in care, empowered clinicians with practical tools, and emphasized the value of patient-centered practices in acute care. Ultimately, it deepened my understanding of OT’s role in advocating for vulnerable populations across the continuum of care.

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  Promoting Inclusion: Creating a Sensory Space in a Local Church

  Ashleigh N. Dotson

  This capstone project took place at a local church, The Creek, in London, KY. Specifically, this project took place within the Kid’s church area. The ACOTE focus areas for this project were program development, education, and advocacy. The goals of this Capstone/ALE project were to learn more about and better understand the sensory system and how it works; to create a sensory room for children with disabilities who may need to regulate their sensory system; to create resources and educational guides for adults and volunteers who may be in the sensory room to guide them on the appropriate ways to use the items and the room. The use of sensory rooms can be beneficial to children with disabilities and help them regulate their sensory system. They then can focus on their designated task more efficiently. This project provided an inclusive environment of a sensory room to allow all children to be able to participate in the church. This capstone project advanced occupational therapy by promoting inclusion and sensory regulation for children with disabilities in a community setting. This project helped demonstrate the understanding of how a sensory system and other sensory supports can improve occupational performance and social participation in everyday lives by providing a safe, inclusive environment for all children.

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  OT for Independence: A Shelter-Based Approach

  Joshua A. Dotson

  This Capstone project was conducted at the Clark County Homeless Coalition in Winchester, Kentucky, focusing on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness through occupational therapy (OT). The main objective was to understand shelter staff roles and clients’ occupational needs while helping clients engage in meaningful activities to improve their quality of life and independence. Research showed a strong need for OT services among homeless and mentally ill populations, with client-centered, choice-based interventions proving most effective. Tools like the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) informed the approach, though outcome measurement was limited by inconsistent client participation. Nonetheless, the COPM guided meaningful goal-setting. Informal interviews and skilled observation revealed improvements in client engagement, including confident cooking, social interaction, time management, and medication management. These outcomes demonstrated increased occupational performance and client satisfaction. Leadership was a key component of the experience, involving advocacy for OT’s role in shelter systems and education of staff and clients on the discipline’s value. The project allowed the application of academic OT knowledge in a non-traditional setting, with support from my Capstone coordinator. It reinforced that all individuals are occupational beings and that structured, meaningful activity plays a critical role in recovery and stability. This experience expanded the understanding of OT’s relevance to marginalized populations and emphasized the importance of tailored, evidence-based interventions in promoting client growth and long-term housing readiness.

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  From Foundation to Future: The KOTA Story

  Lynn Duncan M.Ed, OTD

  I worked with the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University’s Special Collections and Archives for my Capstone Project and Applied Leadership Experience, with an emphasis on advocacy. KOTA plays an essential role in advocating for its members by focusing on community networking, research, advocacy, legislative affairs, and education (Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, 2025). Research indicates the importance for professional associations to safeguard records, however several challenges include managing the volume of materials, selecting a cataloging system, ensuring easy retrieval, maintaining secure storage, and addressing concerns about sustainability (Brown, 2013). The needs assessment revealed disorganized physical records, limited digital records, and no plan for sustainability. The goals of this project were to implement an organized and sustainable archival system and to develop a clear deliverable, such as a handout, which would showcase KOTA’s legacy. Through this project, I demonstrated and strengthened my project management skills, as well as my abilities in organization, historical analysis, and advocacy. Ongoing feedback with my site mentor and weekly objectives were used to evaluate the project’s effectiveness. In the end, deliverables included a timeline infographic and a plan for future archivists. This project successfully addressed the need by preserving the archives, improving accessibility, and highlighting KOTA’s story from its foundation to its future.

  References

  Brown, A. (2013). Practical Digital Preservation: A How-to Guide for Organizations of Any Size. Facet Publishing.

  Fred Sammons Archives. (2014). Help. https://fredsammons.org/help

  Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association. (2025). Home page. KOTA. https://kotaweb.org/

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  Long Story Short: Addressing Health Literacy in the Acute Care Setting

  Madeline K. Ebright

  This capstone project targeted patient and family education in the acute care setting. The primary goals were focused on understanding what education was already being provided and what improvements can be made to educational methods. The primary problem that was addressed through a literature review and needs assessment was a lack of physical resources available. Five core resources were then created across three different departments in order to improve the overall system of health education in the acute care setting and consequently improve patient health literacy. To evaluate the efficacy of the resources they were provided to patients and practitioners who were then interviewed on how this will benefit them moving forward. This project provides patients at Bethesda Butler hospital with a more comprehensive and evidence based approach across multiple disciplines to improve patient health outcomes and contribute to the overall patient and family experience. By creating resources for multiple departments at the facility, this project was able to contribute to improved methods of patient and family education without the staff of Bethesda Butler having to strain themselves in order to create and implement appropriate resources. This project also addressed and met the needs discussed by the needs assessment and literature review by creating supplemental materials to support the verbal education already being provided to patients and their families.

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  Sensory Toolkits for Self-Regulation in an Inclusive Summer Camp

  Ashley A. Edwards

  This capstone project focused on increasing sensory regulation support for participants at Camp Hooray hosted at Extra Special People (ESP), a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities of all ages. To address sensory processing challenges in an inclusive summer camp setting, I developed and distributed portable sensory toolkits and provided staff education on their use. Each toolkit was a drawstring bag containing noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, visual prompts for deep breathing, and other items designed to offer calming or alerting input in moments of dysregulation. I collaborated with staff to identify needs, secured donations, sourced materials, and created an educational handout detailing when and how to use each tool effectively. The handout was presented in an in-service training alongside the completed toolkits. This project reinforced the value of occupational therapy in community-based settings by emphasizing proactive sensory regulation, increasing participation, and providing caregiver education. It also highlighted how accessible, low-cost strategies can meaningfully impact inclusion and quality of life for neurodivergent individuals in community environments.

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  Fieldwork Remediation Program: Enhancing the Professional Competency of P3 OTD Students

  Megan Ellison

  This capstone project addresses a critical gap between classroom learning and clinical readiness in Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students preparing for Level II Fieldwork (FW). While clinical reasoning and knowledge-based skills are emphasized in training, professional behaviors—such as ethical communication, conflict resolution, and clinical interaction—are often underdeveloped yet essential to success in practice. These "gray-area" skills are typically learned through experience and are difficult to teach directly.

  The project, designed for the Eastern Kentucky University OTD Program, aimed to improve student readiness and success in fieldwork through a virtual remediation module focused on self-reflection, professional identity, and effective communication strategies. Guided by ACOTE standards, a comprehensive needs assessment—literature review, discussion forums, peer surveys, and faculty collaboration—shaped the module’s design.

  The resulting intervention includes two interactive, research-informed modules featuring:

  • Case-based learning aligned with FWPE grading criteria

  • Reflective tools to develop clinical reasoning

  • Supplementary materials like flowcharts, articles, and worksheets to accommodate varied learning styles

  These modules support both remediation and proactive learning, aiming to build confidence, foster transparency, and strengthen professional growth in high-stakes environments.

  Leadership was demonstrated through problem identification, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptability. Originally aimed at clinical reasoning gaps, the project shifted to professional development to better reflect authentic student experiences.

  Ultimately, this project promotes the development of competent, reflective, and resilient occupational therapists by equipping students with tools to navigate professional challenges and ease the transition from classroom to clinic.

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  Beyond the Clinic: Developing an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program for School-Based OT

  Shelby R. Frazier

  This capstone project was created to equip Pineville Independent Schools, located in rural Kentucky, with the tools and strategies needed to implement and sustain an Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program within their occupational therapy services. Although the district uniquely employs both a licensed occupational therapist and a veterinarian who teaches animal care and vocational skills to students, neither professional had experience with AAT or knowledge of its potential integration within the school system. This revealed a significant gap and an opportunity for innovative program development in a rural educational setting. The primary goals were to design a school-based AAT framework that fostered collaboration between therapeutic and veterinary disciplines, supported student outcomes and animal welfare, and provided sustainable resources to guide implementation.

  AAT is gaining recognition for its ability to support physical, emotional, sensory, and social outcomes, particularly in pediatric and school-based settings. While literature supports its effectiveness, barriers such as lack of formal training, misconceptions about animal welfare, and limited policy structure continue to hinder its application. This project addressed those needs through targeted education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community involvement.

  Project methods included staff interviews, administrative and team meetings, the creation of a collaborative AAT Program Development Binder, and a hands-on education event at my family farm in Tennessee. I also shared lessons learned from Island Dolphin Care and my background with animal-assisted interventions. This experience allowed me to grow as a leader and advocate, expanded the role of occupational therapy in non-traditional settings, and introduced a meaningful, evidence-based service model to a Kentucky school system.

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  Closing the Gap in OT Practices: Hospice and Palliative Care

  Karly French

  The purpose of this Capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was to explore the perspectives of family members and caregivers of individuals who received hospice or palliative care and to advocate for increased occupational therapy (OT) involvement in these settings. Conducted entirely online under the supervision of Dr. Allen Keener, the project focused on the ACOTE areas of research and advocacy. A thorough literature review revealed that while OT is known to be beneficial in end-of-life care, it is often underutilized. Most existing research reflects the views of healthcare providers, with minimal representation of caregiver perspectives. To address this gap, IRB-approved, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight family caregivers to gather insight into their caregiving experiences, the services received, unmet needs, and the overall quality of care. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods, including open and axial coding. A codebook was developed to support the organization of data, and Microsoft Excel was used to structure and manage the analysis process. Key project deliverables included the structured interview guide, codebook, reflexive journaling template, and a final research poster presenting findings and implications for OT practice. This project highlights the critical role of OT in addressing the physical, emotional, and occupational needs of families during end-of-life care. It also contributed to my personal and professional development through strengthened skills in leadership, research, communication, and evidence-based advocacy.

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  Using the Background of Occupational Therapy to Argue Our Role in Stress Management: Proposed Lines of Inquiry

  Klaire M. Gowins

  The purpose of this ALE presentation is to present research in support of the development of the Student Stress Management Center (SSMC) at EKU. The researchers’ long-term proposition, beyond the scope of this poster, is to effectively communicate to various audiences the importance and occupation-based characteristics of a Student Stress Management Center for students within the higher education setting. In preparation for that goal, this poster reviews scholarly literature relevant to the field of occupational therapy and its philosophical roots to lay groundwork for clarifying whether and how a revised articulation of the philosophical base is needed, relative to the aims of the SSMC. While occupational therapists already play a role in mental health practice, there is a gap in literature connecting current practice to the philosophical basis of the profession. This research focuses on an exploratory approach by allowing the history and foundations of the profession to eventually explain why stress management falls under the umbrella of occupational therapy practice. There have been multiple proposed lines of inquiry that have arisen throughout the course of this research which will be mentioned during this presentation. Rather than relying on current OT practices, this project takes an exploratory approach, tracing the historical and philosophical roots of the profession to demonstrate why stress management aligns with OT’s core principles. This research contributes to the emerging conversation about OT’s role in supporting self-regulation and stress reduction, particularly in collegiate settings.

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  Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) and Occupational Therapy (OT)

  Tori Gray

  This capstone project and ALE focused on Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) and their connection to Occupational Therapy (OT), highlighting how TOTs impact more than just feeding by affecting sensory regulation, posture, and overall development. Through observation, research, and hands-on experience, I explored OT’s role in identifying and treating TOTs. I created an evidence-based educational infographic for local physician and dental offices to advocate for increased OT involvement and tracked patient referrals to assess its impact. Literature review revealed that while TOTs are commonly linked to lactation and speech, their broader effects on motor coordination, sensory processing, and posture are underrecognized. Many providers lack awareness of OT’s relevance, and a needs assessment exposed a communication gap between referring professionals and OT practitioners. This emphasized the importance of advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration. Project methods included shadowing OT sessions, reviewing clinical cases, developing and distributing the infographic, and tracking referral data pre- and post-distribution. Findings suggested increased provider awareness and referral frequency. This project enhanced my clinical reasoning, leadership, and advocacy skills, especially in educating non-OT professionals and fostering community partnerships. It also deepened my understanding of OT’s role in treating under-acknowledged conditions like TOTs. The project underscores the importance of OT advocacy and education in healthcare, reinforcing OT’s role in early identification and holistic intervention. By increasing provider awareness, earlier and more appropriate referrals can improve developmental outcomes. Continued efforts in provider education and research are essential to support comprehensive, team-based approaches to TOTs and related occupational performance challenges.

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  Increasing Referrals to OT Breastfeeding Specialists Through Accessible Education

  Kameron Grigsby

  This project aimed to educate mothers and healthcare providers about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in infant feeding, with the goal of increasing occupational performance satisfaction by promoting appropriate referrals to OT lactation specialists. A significant gap exists in understanding the distinction between other healthcare professionals and OT roles in infant feeding, and the literature lacks detailed OT interventions to support mothers during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding struggles. To address this, I conducted a patient survey to guide the creation of a pamphlet outlining OT’s role in feeding and developed a presentation demonstrating OT interventions for both providers and mothers. These educational tools were designed to raise awareness, improve communication, and boost referrals to OT services. At my research site, I demonstrated leadership by applying evidence-based research to create accessible materials that responded to the clinic’s challenge of relying on word-of-mouth for referrals. By distributing these materials more broadly, the project aims to expand the clinic’s referral network and support earlier OT intervention for infants with feeding difficulties.

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  Building Awareness, Access, and Advocacy Through Kham's Klub

  Morgan E. Guidry

  During my doctoral capstone and applied leadership experience, I partnered with
  Kham’s Klub, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, whose mission is to empower and
  elevate families with autism. The project's primary ACOTE focus area is program
  development, education, and advocacy within a community-based setting. The aim of this project was to strengthen the organization’s capacity to promote early diagnosis, provide support for inclusive environments at Kham’s Klub events and cultivate donor and community engagement. Through literature review and collaboration with the founders/CEO of Kham’s Klub Non-profit for Autism there were gaps revealed in caregiver understanding of autism, limited community participation, and minimal donor participation and retention. Evidence on nonprofit marketing, caregiver awareness, and fundraising sustainability informed my strategies. The goals I set for myself to work towards for this project: (1) increase awareness of Kham’s Klub’s mission through engaging social-media content; (2) equip caregivers with easy to read digital resources; (3) broaden and diversify fundraising via strategic outreach; (4) increase knowledge and preparedness for first responders encountering autistic individuals; (5) embed evidence-based, sensory-friendly activities/adaptations in community events. I designed branded visual campaigns and templated donor emails, assisted in event coordination, co-planned first responder training, as well as presented alongside the founders of Kham’s Klub for 3 formal training sessions. Deliverables produced during these various mini projects include social-media toolkit, first responder training slide deck, a caregiver-friendly web resource, and reusable email donor outreach templates. The capstone showcased occupational therapy’s value in community health promotion, sensory-informed event planning and modifications, family systems support, and building partnerships that advance occupational justice. Thus, expanding occupational therapy’s footprint beyond clinical walls into advocacy and nonprofit sustainability. Kham’s Klub was founded by Kent and Keelan Hensley, parents of a child diagnosed with autism- Kham. From day one, Kent and Keelan welcomed me not only into their nonprofit work, but into their lives. I joined them for dinners, attended community outings, and cheered Kham on at little league baseball—experiencing how they navigate daily life and advocate for inclusion. They shared countless stories of the challenges they faced and the resilience they built. I witnessed what true advocacy looks like, not just in structured programs but in everyday moments. These real-life experiences shaped my leadership—grounded in empathy, collaboration, and community trust—and helped me grow into a stronger advocate and future occupational therapist.

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  Implementing Feeding Group in Long-Term Care

  Emily M. Hall

  The purpose of my capstone project was to implement a feeding group for the pediatric population at Rockcastle Hospital and Respiratory Care Center. This is a long-term care facility for ventilator/trach-dependent residents. Focusing on the pediatric population, most have an increased risk of aspiration, as well as oral aversions to various textures, consistencies, and temperatures. By developing this program, I was able to promote self-feeding, decrease sensory sensitivities, encourage peer interaction, as well as work closely with other disciplines to ensure safety. With limited resources for this population, the literature review provided evidence-based interventions for children with similar conditions and diagnoses. These interventions were taken and sequenced over the span of ten weeks. The Beckman Oral Motor Protocol (OMP) was used as an outcome measure to evaluate sensory sensitivities as well as oral motor abilities, before and after the program had been implemented. Weekly, the OMP and other oral preparatory tasks were used prior to the feeding group. By the program's end, participants showed improvement in sensory processing, social reciprocity, and oral-motor skill acquisition. The program will continue to be used with current and future residents.