TheBeginningofScranton’s FirstOTDCohort
The first cohort of the OTD program has begun its work this fall semester, led by Dr. Deborah Budash, with students developing their capstone proposals and creating some impressive work. Dr. B is very excited about the impactful ideas of the students, including an adaptive cheer program, an inclusive camping program for individuals with special needs, and life skills programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities and who are post-incarceration. The OTD program culminates with a doctoral capstone project (DCP) which is focused on eight different areas such as program development, research, or leadership. OTD program is selfdirected, that is, the doctoral student is responsible for their learning and outcomes. They design all aspects of their DCP with the support of course instructors in OT 701 and 702, and then work more independently with a team of specific mentors as they progress to their doctoral capstone experience (which is when they implement their DCP).
As the program continues to evolve Dr. B, with the help of the OT faculty, aims to develop additional resources to support OTD students so they can be successful in their projects. She hopes that the current students will go forth and introduce OT to new areas, create new positions, and embrace new leadership opportunities. Dr. B is proud of the work that this first cohort of students has accomplished thus far and is excited for the future of this program! For interested juniors, an info session will be held in December, and will be accepting applications in March 2025, with more details to follow!
FacultySpotlight
OT DEPARTMENT WELCOMES DR. ELYSE KAY!
The occupational therapy department welcomes Dr. Elyse Kay Into our faculty. Dr. Kay always knew that she wanted to help people, which came about when her grandfather got into a bad car accident when she was in elementary school. Seeing his recovery and all the therapy he received made her know that she wanted to help others achieve their full potential.
Dr. Kay received her post-professional occupational therapy doctorate degree at Gannon University, her master’s in occupational therapy at Philadelphia University, and her bachelor’s degree in sport and exercise science at DeSales University. The main setting she worked in was geriatrics and the home health setting--she has loved working with older adults and found the home health setting challenging. Everyone’s living environment is different from the next person, so working in home health brought a unique perspective to each client. She also has experience in skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. She is certified in LSVT BIG for those living with Parkinson’s disease and also has completed many continuing education courses on how to work with individuals living with dementia. Her capstone project for her doctorate focused on foster care and occupational therapy, which is an area that is very important to Dr. Kay personally. She was previously an adjunct faculty member at the University of Scranton before accepting a position as a full-time faculty member at Binghamton University.
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kay to the academic fieldwork coordinator team! She is a huge Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. She loves watching pretty much all sports including the WNBA and the USWNT. She also played basketball in college. She also enjoys hiking and gardening! Dr. Kay would like students to know, “If there are any questions, please reach out or stop by my office. Come to my office even to just say hi! I really enjoy talking and getting to know students!”
FacultySpotlight
OT DEPARTMENT WELCOMES DR. JENNY WHITTAKER!
The OT department is pleased to welcome Dr. Jenny Whittaker to the faculty! Jenny is an alum of the University of Scranton OT program BS (2003) and MSOT (2015). Jenny went on to earn her second master’s degree in community and population health as well as her PhD. in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Jenny has had fieldwork and clinical experience in acute care, inpatient mental health, pediatrics, and skilled nursing. Jenny’s diverse educational and clinical background in addition to her deep connection to the University of Scranton lead her back to this position. She is currently teaching first-year and fifth-year OT students. Jenny reports that she enjoys getting to teach students at both the beginning and end of their educational experience in Scranton. She feels she has a unique position to both inspire first years to see how broad the field of OT can be, and also garner her graduate students’ skills to be highly prepared clinicians. While Jenny has been busy in recent years, she still finds time to engage in leisure activities such as cooking, baking, and playing music. For her master’s Advanced Occupational Performance students, Jenny would choose micro macramé as her personal art experience! Jenny is a highly qualified, motivated, and dedicated professor who provides her students with a wealth of knowledge. Welcome to the faculty Jenny, we are so excited to have you!
FAMILY FUN FEST
VOLUNTEERING
SOTA members helped out our friends at the ARC at their annual Family Fun Fest Fundraising Event! Volunteers helped out with face painting and carnival games at the Kiddie Korner.
Bonnie Oldham Library Award
The 13th annual Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize was given to our very own Gabrielle Allen and Julianna Lunt for their project titled: “The Changing Role of Occupational Therapy in Neonatal Care”. This prize is awarded to students of all undergraduate and graduate years to recognize excellence in research projects with significant methods of research, proper information-gathering processes, and efficient use of library resources. This prize was founded by Professor Emerita Bonnie W. Oldham.
POTA Conference
Several faculty Members of the OT Department presented the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference on September 28-29, 2024. This year's conference was held at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. In addition to the faculty pictured below, Dr. Budash presented on sprituality, occupations and older adults.
Art Seminar
A brief introduction to art therapy was an engaging graduate student seminar that explored the power of art therapy to help individuals improve their social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Led by Dr. Stephanie Wise, an art therapist, the collaborative potential between art therapists and occupational therapists in advancing mental health care was explored. Through art-making and the creative process, art therapists advocate for the selfworth and inclusivity of all people while promoting the development of art therapy in the community. Throughout the seminar, all students participated in four art assessments, gaining valuable insight into how to incorporate art into future occupational therapy sessions. I highly recommend this seminar since it's engaging, interactive, and offers a wealth of knowledge!
OT Students Go Global!
Several OT students went global this past summer to learn about different cultures and explore the world. Julia Downing (junior), went to the University of Galway in Ireland with two other OT students and says it was “one of the best learning experiences” and “every day was a new adventure”. Rebekah Thompson (junior) studied at the Danish Institute of Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. She took a class that focused on how the Danish “approach children with special needs in the school-based setting”, giving her a greater look into their cultural views on accommodation. Macy Hammond (senior) studied at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy. Hammond says, “Any OT students Interested in studying abroad, I definitely recommend it!” Julia, Rebekah, and Macy all say they had incredible experiences and loved immersing themselves in new cultures.
Julia Downing
Rebekah Thompson
Macy Hammond
Katie Redding Nominated as NCAA National Athlete of the Year
Graduate Student Forward Katie Redding has been selected as The University’s 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee during her senior season. This award honors a senior female athlete who has made an impact in athletics, academics, the community, and leadership. Among her various athletic achievements, Katie has also made an impact in her academic and community settings. Katie was inducted into the Alpha Mu Gamma World Languages Honor Society with a Spanish minor, is a TA/GA in the OT department, and worked as a translator for the Leahy Physical Therapy Clinic. Katie continues to make strides in the classroom and on the field as a graduate student and we couldn’t be more proud!
5kate Volunteer
27 students and Professor Carrie Griffiths participated in The Katie Foundation 5Kate and mental health wellness fair on 10/5 at Nay Aug Park, Scranton which benefits NAMI of NEPA and Kate's Place Clubhouse. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about mental health and mental illness. This event offered a lot of opportunities to volunteer, including set-up and break-down, course guides, and facilitation of fun activities. Thank you to all over volunteers!
OT Student Atte Leadership Co
Two occupational therapy students, Lila Naccari, and Edward Drong participated in the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference, which took place this summer at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. This national conference is held at a different Jesuit University every summer. Group discussions, workshops, and a day of service make up the conference. The students developed their leadership skills from a Jesuit point of view. Congratulations Lila and Edward, we are so proud of you.
Meet the OT Department Mascot
Nala is our new 5-month old Bolognese pup who is SO excited to be a part of the OT Department at The University of Scranton. She just earned her AKC Star Puppy obedience certificate and is making her way to become an official therapy dog! She looks forward to many exciting OT research opportunities as well as having fun with all of her new OT friends and family.
Scranton Supports Service Dogs
This year, the graduate OT students will be working to raise money to provide Scranton Police Officer, Detective Kyle Gilmartin, with a service dog. Officer Gilmartin was injured in the line of duty in January 2024 while serving the city. The graduate committee has a variety of fun events and fundraisers planned throughout the year. Please help them support this hometown hero! For more info on events and fundraisers, check out their Instagram @uofsservicedogs
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Join Dr. Kozden and Nala on 10/28 for a viewing and discussion of The Wisdom of Trauma, from 7-9pm in Brennan Hall.
SOTA Speaker Event: 10/23-Britney Ferri
SOTA Speaker Event: 11/6-Jane Morgan
SOTA Speaker Event: 11/20-Delia Pellettiere
OT 420 Practical Volunteers: 11/21 & 11/22. See Dr. Brady for details.
Help Women in Need
Did you know that 2 in 5 people with periods have struggled with period poverty? The Catherine McAuley Center strives to improve access to necessary menstrual health products, educate others about period poverty, advocate to reduce the stigma surrounding periods, and empower those who menstruate.
Help OT graduate students support this cause by donating period products! Donation boxes are located on the 1st floor of Leahy and the 2nd floor of DeNaples
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: EMMA BENSON
This summer, Senior OT student Emma Benson had the opportunity to implement her OT 340/242 class assignment at work. During the spring semester, she and her classmates were assigned to create program proposals based on various aspects of OT. Her proposal looked at the benefits of horticulture therapy on overall quality of life, decreasing aggression, and increasing happiness and social participation in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
She worked at Holland Village Nursing Home in Holland, PA, and figured this program could be adapted and generalized to all residents, not just those with Alzheimer's. After asking some residents if they'd be interested, and getting very positive responses, she worked with her boss, activities director, and marketing people to figure out a budget and how to spread the word around the home. They bought all the necessary supplies and prepared everything to make it stimulating to the senses. Emma mentioned they bought plants of various sizes, colors, smells, and textures to ensure there was something for everyone. They then posted fliers around the home and launched the nursing home gardening club. Residents came and planted their plants and learned a new way to take care of themselves by participating in hands-on activities and getting fresh air. Though Emma is back at college now, the activities coordinator, Crystal, has kept the club going by offering garden tea parties to ensure residents stay engaged. Right before she left, a big celebration was held to honor the garden,
Fieldwork Spotlight
Justin Matzner, Dolphin Assisted Therapy
This past summer, Senior student, Justin Matzner completed his level I fieldwork at Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida. Island Dolphin Care is a non-profit organization that provides animal-assisted therapy and educational programs for children and adults with special needs and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Justin’s role was divided between working in the therapy classroom and assisting with aquatic sessions. In the therapy classroom, Justin worked with individuals on fine motor skills, balance, communication, and coping mechanisms. During aquatic sessions, he helped facilitate the client’s interactions with the dolphins by informing dolphin trainers about the specific client’s needs and goals. Throughout his time there, Justin feels he gained valuable hands-on experience in the area of animalassisted therapy, which he hopes to further explore in his career.
Interested in Studying Abroad?
Occupational Therapy Students are eligible to study abroad for an intersession or summer program. If you are interested in participating in this unique experince, please contact the of Global Education via email (kara.bishop@scranton.edu and studyabroad@scranton.edu or stop by the office located on the first floor of O‘Hara Hall.
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