2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Dr. Jennifer Moore headlines 2015 by accepting the position as Occupational Therapy Department chair. Dr. Letha Mosley contributed to the professional community in 2015 through her presentation at the AOTA Educational Summit in Denver, CO. In a presentation aimed at progressive learning strategies, Dr. Mosley explained her evaluation of Problem-Based Learning (Pro-PBL) and why it has evidenced enhanced student outcomes. When asked to put into words 2015, Dr. Lorrie George-Paschal immediately responded with “Wow! The year flew by with many great accomplishments for our department and for me!” In addition to collaboratively teaching six courses, she stayed busy with scholarship and service by conducting six IRB approved studies and giving nine peer- reviewed professional presentations. She also made gains in the development of two instruments based on the Theory of Occupational Adaptation and submitted one manuscript for review. This year, Mrs. Brittany Saviers began work towards her PhD in Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She too made an impact in the classroom and community by spearheading student advocacy projects and service learning experiences. Research done by Dr. Tina Mankey was recently recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association in one of their newest publications, Transitions Across the Lifespan: An occupational therapy approach. Her work with transition services in Arkansas has been used as an example to illustrate one of the best in practice. Also this year, Dr. Mankey recruited OT graduate students to participate in a healthcare career fair hosted by HOPE Club at Hall High School in Little Rock which strives to promote healthcare careers among minority populations. The vast knowledge of Dr. David Stearns was sought out by UAMS for the purpose of giving a presentation on suturing, which he taught last May. Another year of successful learning in Anatomy and Neuroscience was made possible through his valuable insight and extensive surgical background. Mrs. Veronica Rowe was recently awarded the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award, a scholarship that recognized her achievements for her Doctoral Study of Occupational Therapy through Texas Women’s University. With a captive audience consisting of eight current practitioners, Dr. Marc Willey led the course “Anatomical Review of the Upper Extremity for Clinicians” last December. The goal of the course was for five OTs and three PTs in attendance to review anatomy and to gain an advanced knowledge of how to evaluate and treat selected conditions such as brachial plexus injuries, fractures, tendon lacerations and nerve lacerations. As Fieldwork Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth LeQuieu continued to enrich the educations and lives of all our OT students in 2015. Her dedication pays off every semester through the successes of both clinical partnerships and students. Dr. Cathy Acre added another successful year of community events to her repertoire, such as the annual Halloween Dance and ACTS Performance. Additionally, she continued to serve on the Arkansas State Medical Board in 2015. 25+ conference presentations locally, nationally, and worldwide 15+ Number of studies our faculty contributed to this year Official Welcome to Our Department Chair! Leaders in Research Faculty Update Faculty outside with Dr. Ishee, Dean of CHBS
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2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Dr. Jennifer Moore headlines 2015 by accepting the position as Occupational Therapy Department chair.
Dr. Letha Mosley contributed to the professional community in 2015 through her presentation at the AOTA Educational Summit in Denver, CO. In a presentation aimed at progressive learning strategies, Dr. Mosley explained her evaluation of Problem-Based Learning (Pro-PBL) and why it has evidenced enhanced student outcomes.
When asked to put into words 2015, Dr. Lorrie George-Paschal immediately responded with “Wow! The year flew by with many great accomplishments for our department and for me!” In addition to collaboratively teaching six courses, she stayed busy with scholarship and service by conducting six IRB approved studies and giving nine peer-reviewed professional presentations. She also made gains in the development of two instruments based on the Theory of Occupational Adaptation and submitted one manuscript for review.
This year, Mrs. Brittany Saviers began work towards her PhD in Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She too made an impact in the classroom and community by spearheading student advocacy projects and service learning experiences.
Research done by Dr. Tina Mankey was recently recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association in one of their newest publications, Transitions Across the Lifespan: An occupational therapy approach. Her work with transition services in Arkansas has been used as an example to illustrate one of the best in practice. Also this year, Dr. Mankey recruited OT graduate students to participate in a healthcare career fair hosted by HOPE Club at Hall High School in Little Rock which strives to promote healthcare careers among minority populations.
The vast knowledge of Dr. David Stearns was sought out by UAMS for the purpose of giving a presentation on suturing, which he taught last May. Another year of successful learning in Anatomy and Neuroscience was made possible through his valuable insight and extensive surgical background.
Mrs. Veronica Rowe was recently awarded the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award, a scholarship that recognized her achievements for her Doctoral Study of Occupational Therapy through Texas Women’s University.
With a captive audience consisting of eight current practitioners, Dr. Marc Willey led the course “Anatomical Review of the Upper Extremity for
Clinicians” last December. The goal of the course was for five OTs and three PTs in attendance to review anatomy and to gain an advanced knowledge of how to evaluate and treat selected conditions such as brachial plexus injuries, fractures, tendon lacerations and nerve lacerations.
As Fieldwork Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth LeQuieu continued to enrich the educations and lives of all our OT students in 2015. Her dedication pays off every semester through the successes of both clinical partnerships and students.
Dr. Cathy Acre added another successful year of community events to her repertoire, such as the annual Halloween Dance and ACTS Performance. Additionally, she continued to serve on the Arkansas State Medical Board in 2015.
25+ conference presentations locally,
nationally, and worldwide
15+ Number of studies our
faculty contributed to this year
Official Welcome to Our Department Chair!
Leaders in Research
Faculty Update
Faculty outside with Dr. Ishee, Dean of CHBS
2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
This past fall’s incoming class of 48
students stood out among the
multitude of applicants, and have
immediately made themselves known through exceptional community activism and academic commitment.
They represent 23 different
Arkansas cities, and some have come from as far as
Colorado & California.
The average new class member’s incoming GPA:
3.80
Welcome Class of 2017!
Roster
Leanna Andres
Annemarie Beck
Angela Bishop
Kerrie Bollinger
Alyssa Bradley
Lindsey Butler
Kristopher Byrd
Grant Camden
Savannah Chandler
Chelsea Coffelt
Jaci Covington
Sarah Davis
Madeline Eckart
Sarah McDougall
Taylor Lichty
Mackenzie Mallett
Karina Mashburn
Kimberly McElroy
Chandler McGuire
Megan Mervish
Melissa Mortimore
Elizabeth Pianalto
Hanna Qedan
Emily Ratcliff
Erin Faisst
Mac Gaskin
Cindy George
Olivia Gray
Jessica Hayes
Bryanna Hill
Elana Hillbrand
Wade Ivy
Taylor Johnson
Hannah King
Matthew Lacy
Rachael Rice
Lindsey Roe
Katie Shepherd
Morgan Sims
Jennifer Speaks
Shannon Spurr
Lauren Tannahill
Chris Tingey
Emily Turner
Sarah Van Camp
Alex Vericker
Shelby Ward
Jordan Wilson
2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
College of Health and Behavioral Science student leaders, including our own, collaborated and contributed to
discussion at the CHBS 6th Annual Interprofessional Education Forum
Awards for research also made their way into our students’ repertoires this year. Thesis
student Casey Stewart
(left) was invited to present her work “What are the Perceived Barriers to Successful Community Reentry for Parolees Living in Transitional Living Facilities”.
Monica Beard-Raymond’s study titled
“Exploring Family Outcomes and experiences from participation in the leadership education in Neurodevelopmental and related disabilities program” and
Leila Lipham’s work
titled “Exploring the impact of violence exposure on older children’s occupational success” both were honored and submitted to the department as a part of their honors coursework
Jeremiah Freeman (“Switching it UP!: Creating a Switch Adapted Toy”, left) and
Haley Harris (“Producing
Roots: A Therapeutic Gardening Experience in a Rural Community”, left) presented research alongside their faculty advisors at the 2015 National Conference
Student Awards &
Accomplishments
UCA OT students (right) accept the 2015 Intercollegiate Challenge
Maddak Award for
Product design.
Praises from AOTA came in the form of awarding our
students Gold Membership Status at the 2015
National Association in Nashville.
Florence Wood Scholarship
Winner Melodie Mauney (right) was
recognized this past August for her dedicated work and service through her occupational therapy education. The scholarship is awarded annually by the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Organization.
During her Level II Fieldwork experience at the Ladstuhl Regional Medical Center in
Germany, Kirby Kirkland (right) had the
unique opportunity to assist in rehabilitating the injured hand of a soldier who had risked his life to save others during a bombing last year.
On account of their exceptional performance serving the community, both
Veronica Bausom
(right) and Joshua McDowell (right) were
recognized last April at the 2nd Annual Service Learning Awards ceremony. Josh accepted the Leadership award for his involvement at Conway Regional Rehabilitation, and Veronica was extended the Exceptional Achievement Award for initiatives at the Boys and Girls Club.
ACTS Jr.
Arc Arkansas
Aspire Christian Academy
Boys & Girls Club of Faulkner
County
Chenal Heights
Cradle Care
Community Connections
Conway Regional Health Systems
Equestrian Zone
Faulkner County Juvenile Drug
Court
Faulkner County Senior Center
Grow! Learning Centre
Hope Preschool
Faulkner County Day School-
Workforce
“Our program shows its worth not
only through outstanding
academics, but also by the
standard of community devotion
that is continually exceeded by
students and faculty alike”
Community Engagement
ACTS, ACTS Jr., and ACTS
in the Rock
The Acting Creates Therapeutic Success programs are
just a few of the ways our faculty and students serve
the community weekly! This year’s performances did
not disappoint, leaving audiences in laughter and the
lives of our performers enriched. A myriad of abilities
combined to create touching and artistic experiences
on some of central Arkansas’ biggest stages.
This year we thanked over fourteen community partners in
the Conway, Little Rock, and Russellville area that involved
our students with their populations!
Over 787 hours given
through service-learning as well
as countless more
through a variety of other
community engagements
2016 Alumni Newsletter
Seeking to increase cultural awareness, the Student Caucus for Diversity in Occupational Therapy
SCDOT proudly
accepted new members in 2015. Additionally, members recognized Josh Krolikowski for his leadership achievements by presenting him with the SCDOT award. Their commitment professional inclusion and personal growth makes this club stand out.
Led by faculty advisors Mrs. Rowe and
Mrs. LeQuieu, Pi Theta Epsilon,
concluded another year of academic
success with all members achieving
GPAs well over 3.5. Coupled with
volunteerism, PTE is committed
to developing well-rounded students
that will transition into leaders in the
field of Occupational Therapy.
The UCA campus welcomed a brand new Registered Student Organization last
year on behalf of the efforts of current OT students Aly Hill & Markii Landry.
The Best Buddies program is a national organization that
creates one-on-one partnerships between individuals with intellectual
and developmental disabilities with the goal of creating opportunities for
employment.
Congratulations 2015 PTE Inductees!
Veronica Bausom
Brittany Beamon
Lauren Bolding
Lydia Cody
Shelbi
Cottingham
Kelsy Dement
Jordyn Ferrell
Madison Guist
Jenna Henson
Alyssa Hill
Lacey Lockwood
Elizabeth Melcher
Kate Pfeiffer
Madison Schmidt
Cody Stoops
Shelby Walker
Katrina Williams
Mary Young
The Student Occupational Therapy
Association, SOTA,
advocated for its members in 2015 by raising funds to send members to
the AOTA National Conference. Additionally, SOTA maintained a
service relationship with Soul Food Café, a local organization that
provides clothing and meals for underprivileged community
members.
With their futures at the forefront
of their minds, the members of
SPOT bring in guest
speakers, host a mock interview
day, and truly set a strong
precedent for other pre-
occupational therapy clubs.
Student Organization
Highlights 2015
2016ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Issue #
Renowned initiatives were taken by the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences this year to emphasize the importance of inter-professional education. Having served on the College Inter-Professional Committee since 2010, Dr. Paschal and other faculty members regularly speak to the importance of having open, collaborative discussion between all heath professionals. Formal affairs, such as the Annual IPE Forum, and casual events like the CHBS tailgate both serve to help students interact much like they will in their future professional settings.
Classroom Highlights
“The class of 2017, enrolled in last fall’s Professional Foundations course, had the unique opportunity to
engage in advocacy projects as a way to gain experience promoting OT by educating other
professionals, the public, consumers, and regulatory bodies, just to name a few. Seven advocacy groups
promoted OT through different venues outside of the classroom, including AOTA Student Challenge,
AROTA, legislative committees, as well as community and campus outreach.” –Mrs. Saviers
“’It was just a big circle of learning’ – that’s what one class of 2017 student said during a focus group related to the Service-Learning mentoring project that worked with adolescents from the Faulkner County Drug Court. Like most of my favorite teaching moments, this student’s observation resulted from an authentic learning environment! When consumers are present—that’s when the magic happens. This student went on to say that because of this experience – ‘[we] the OT students learned, the adolescents learned, and even Dr. Paschal learned!’ … a classic example of the life-long learning concept embraced here at UCA.” –Dr. Paschal
“In the course, Theories in Occupational Therapy, the Class of 2016 did a “sensory” day at the Health Promotion and Wellness residential hall (HPAW). The OT students set up different sensory booths for other students to explore various activities and raise awareness of occupational therapy.” –Dr. Mankey
2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
2015 Graduate Assistants
Issue Date
Faculty Advisor 2015t Class 2016 Class
Dr. Moore Meredith Wallis, Stephanie San Kelsey Postel, Hillarie Hallman
Looking back on 2015, we are proud of how much our graduate assistants contributed the successes we experienced. From helping direct a play, to fostering an appreciation for
research in the younger class of students, the GAs that served truly went above and beyond for the department in countless ways.
2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
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A
Thank you,
Kidsource Therapy! Through partnership with Kidsource Therapy, our students have the
opportunity to learn from accomplished therapists and receive hands on experience through their revolutionary SAFE (Sensory and Feeding Enrichment) Center. Kidsource focuses on providing therapy services
to enhance child development and provide support, education and assistance to families who need it with children from birth to 21. We especially want to thank David Bise, Kim Jacobi, Ashley Griffin, and
Amanda Van der Linden for their dedication to OT education as adjunct faculty. They play a significant role within our curriculum and
overall we applaud them for being exemplary alumni in the community!
2015 Alumni Accolades
Congratulations,
Brandi Akin! Through her Shooting for
Success program, based in Russellville, AR, kids in
kindergarten through twelfth grade with special needs have
the opportunity to learn the skills of basketball and participate in an environment supported by loving volunteers. Brandi Akin originally conceptualized this
program while a student in Occupational Therapy school.
We are so proud of the success of this program, and look forward
to seeing it continue in 2016!
Staying up to date with the happenings of the department has never been easier! Simply search for “University of Central Arkansas-Occupational
Therapy” and like our page for current news about our faculty and students all year long!
Congratulations,
LaTeasha Gaither-Davis! Owner of Therapeutic Focus, a pediatric therapy service facility in West Memphis, AR, LaTeasha Gaither-Davis followed her roots back to her hometown and has been diligently serving her community there over the last four years. As she looks back on 2015, LaTeasha speaks fondly of the summer program she partnered with through A Bit of Hope Farm. Here, children with special needs get the chance to interact with animals along with other activities. Kids up to age eighteen from Crittenden county and the surrounding areas spend the day horseback riding, petting chickens, getting their hands dirty in the garden and doing other enjoyable farm tasks. LaTeasha not only sees the benefit through the kids’ joyful smiles, but also notices the “functional value of the fine motor skills they are developing and the hand-eye coordination they learn while completing tasks like gardening.” We are proud to recognize LaTeasha this year for her significant work in her community and the promise she brings for this year as well!
Know someone who is not a member? The Alumni community here at UCA is at an all-time membership high. There is no better time for others to join! We request that you consider reaching out to those around you who know graduated from our program and have yet to start enjoying the benefits of
belonging to the Alumni Association
2016 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Carmen Hottinger Cynthia B. Cole Outstanding Fieldwork
Educator of the Year Award Winner
by Lynn Baker
Recently, Ms. Carmen Hottinger of Jonesboro, AR was presented the Cynthia B. Cole Outstanding Fieldwork Educator Award by Mrs. Elizabeth LeQuieu, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. During 36 years as a practicing occupational therapist, 11 years in pediatrics and 25 years at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Jonesboro, Carmen Hottinger has seen many changes. Certainly the emphasis in OT school has changed. “We weren’t trained on specific treatment options, how to apply what we learned in class and how to make it functional. We learned on-the-job, trying things out, without the use of computers or much technology. Also, the big push was psychology; now it’s a much more holistic approach. Students are much more informed now.”
Carmen has served 23 years as a Fieldwork Educator and says that the most rewarding part is watching the students grow and build confidence in themselves and their skills. It is especially fun, “When a student begins to make the connection between classroom learning and fieldwork applications, the ‘aha’ moment happens and the light bulb comes on.”
One of the most challenging parts of serving as a Fieldwork Educator for Carmen is letting go of her patients – allowing someone else take over their therapy. “However, it is exciting to see the students grow and become confident. And as they develop, I can easily tell which students are capable of working in this setting.”
Carmen’s advice to Level II students and new graduates: “You don’t have to know it all. Use your peers - collaborate. Don’t just focus on OT, but look at the whole person. Get input from all the others who work with your patients: physical therapists, nurses, case managers.”
Why does Carmen Hottinger continue to serve as a Fieldwork Educator? “It’s fun! It is so rewarding to watch a scared, new student grow in confidence, apply the things they’ve learned and say, ‘I can do this!’ I love the work I do. And I love to see someone else embrace it!”
THE YEAR IN FIELDWORK
“When a student begins to make the connection between
classroom learning and fieldwork applications, the ‘aha’ moment happens and the light bulb comes on.”
– Carmen Hottinger
Field Facts 220 Active Fieldwork Partnerships
20 New Fieldwork Sites Acquired in 2015
346 the number of total fieldwork experiences our students went on this year
15 Number of states that currently welcome our students on fieldwork assignments
2,423 Total continuing education units accrued by our fieldwork educators in 2015
