NewsletterOOTA ConferenceOOTA Conference 2025

Voices and Lessons at the 2025 Annual Conference

Erika Eustaquio, OTD, OTR/L

As vibrant energy fills the rooms at the 2025 Annual OOTA Conference, occupational therapy (OT) students and practitioners from various settings, specialties, and career stages have come together to share their passions, knowledge, and lived experiences within the OT realm, reminding us why we do what we do. This article offers a glimpse of the reflections, quotes, and key takeaways from the diverse sessions held throughout the weekend. Thank you to all the presenters and attendees who celebrated Ohio OT talent this weekend. Your contributions are what make our community powerful!

Trauma-Informed Life Skills for the OT Practitioner

presented by Barbara Milliken, Ed D., OTR/L, CVW

Attendees praised the presenter for her engaging, informative, and well-delivered presentation, providing practical tools applicable to patient populations and practitioners. Attendees left the session eager to learn more about trauma-informed skills.

Dr. Milliken gave an incredible breakdown of the Polyvagal Theory, dysregulation signs, and trauma’s impact. Learning strategies to regulate through the autonomic nervous system is such a valuable addition to my clinical toolkit!

From Theory to Therapy: Pelvic Health Fundamentals and Manual Skills Lab

presented by Rakhi Srivastava, MOT, OTR/L & Emilie Kreimer OTS

The presenters were applauded for delivering such an engaging, informative, and enjoyable course, complete with a hands-on learning experience.

Excellent presentation and labs... I never knew we had so many muscles in the pelvis.

Strengthening Refugee Resilience and Community Connection through Occupational Therapy in Uncertain Times

presented by Rachel Rogers, MOT, OTR/L, Cassandra Mattix, MOT, OTR/L, Breeanna Host, OTD, OTR/L, & John Bazyk, MS, OTR/L

Attendees expressed appreciation for learning about the impactful, community-based practice area as well as the presenters’ dedication to refugee support through OT.

Great work you are doing for the refugees! Good to know about this practice area!

The Fascial Factor: Improving Upper Body Alignment and Upper Extremity Function

presented by Bonnie Boenig OT/L, MEd, C/NDT

The presenter was commended for her wealth of knowledge, with attendees describing her presentation as helpful as they look forward to applying their newly learned information.

I really enjoyed hearing Bonnie’s clinical examples of applying these techniques, her clear and approachable anatomy review, and getting hands-on with myofascial techniques. Fascia is more complex than most people realize, and I left this session feeling energized and ready to integrate what I learned into my practice!

Ethics/Licensure Update

presented by the OTPTAT Board

Good information on the developing Licensure Compact! It will be important to communicate the processes as much as possible to help members, others in practice, and employers understand the Licensure Compact impact & benefits.” Attendees also appreciated the interactive presentation delivery.

Trauma Responsive Care through a Cultural Lens

presented by Chioma Lindo, DHSc, BS/MS OT, OTR/L, & Shanese L. Higgins, DHSc, MOT, OTR/L, BCMH, FAOTA

Drs. Higgins and Lindo emphasized the importance of not only employing concepts of trauma-informed and -responsive care but also cultural intelligence. While practitioners should continue to advocate for their own patients, the presenters urged for organizational and systemic changes to support culturally-responsive care models across all clinics and settings.

They did a wonderful job and I enjoyed learning from them!” says one attendee, out of many, who praised the presenters for their thought-provoking and informative session.

One Team for Assistive Technology (AT): Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Program to Improve Access and Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

presented by Megan McKim, MOT, OTR/L, Ann Marie Polovick, MA, CCC-SLP, Kristen Martin, MOT, OTR/L, CPST, BCP, & Sara O’Rourke, MOT, OTR/L

Attendees described this course as inspiring, impressive, and informative, stating, “what an amazing service to offer families.”

I took away some great information that I will definitely use in my practice! Thank you!

Promoting Occupational Justice through Community Programming: Building Strength in Unity to Transform Community Challenges

presented by Karla Reese, DHSc, OTR/L

The presenter led this session with heartfelt commitment to advancing occupational justice through the role of OT. Attendees reflected on ways to foster unity, address systemic barriers, and support meaningful engagement in underserved communities.

Occupational Therapy’s Role in Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction

presented by Adam Snyder, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT & Stephanie Eakins, OTR/L

I thought the presenters did a great job of balancing reviewing some basic neuro information (e.g., levels of SCI and the type of bowel dysfunction associated with it) with intervention information. There was enough review to make the rest of the presentation easy to understand, but enough new knowledge to make it very informative and worthwhile to attend.

Doing, Being, Belonging, and Becoming: An Occupational Perspective of Health Engagement among Veterans with a History of Homelessness

presented by Alyssa Clark, M.S., OTR/L

Attendees appreciated the informative materials, the interactive group brainstorming, and the hands-on case study, which included an accompanying app. “Alyssa did a great job!” one attendee emphasizes.

Enhancing Self-Regulation in Pediatric Clients through Interoception

presented by Emily Riepenhoff, OTR/L, CPST, Emily White, OTR/L, & Colette Jackson OTD, OTR/L

Occupational therapists continue to lead the way in providing comprehensive, evidence-based care, employing their knowledge of science, sensory processing, and neuro-affirming therapeutic practices. The presenters established several stations and provided a resource packet and handouts so attendees could better understand how to leverage a variety of interventions to achieve improved interoceptive processing skills. Many appreciated the resources shared.

Good information, and the hands-on component was very helpful!

Workshop: CarFit Technician Training: Helping Older Adults Drive Safer and Longer

presented by Emma Strange, MSW, LSW

This interactive workshop gave attendees the chance to explore the CarFit program in action, learning how to support older adults in staying safe and confident on the road. With a focus on real-life application and community impact, the session highlighted simple yet meaningful ways to promote independence and aging in place.

Integrating Occupational Therapy in Primary Care for LGBTQIA2S+ Communities: Enhancing Well-Being and Inclusive Practices

presented by Colton Sayers, OTD, OTR/L, CNS, Bridget Farrell, OTD, OTR, & Michelle LeRoy, PhD, OTR/L, BCP

Attendees found the session meaningful and thought-provoking. Many appreciated the thoughtful inclusion and clarification of affirming terms such as “2S” and “IA2S+,” along with the emphasis on pronoun use. Several expressed interest in future sessions focused on post-gender-affirming care and intervention strategies.

You are doing such important work! Great presentation!

Aligning Neurodivergent School-Based Interventions with AOTA Guidelines-2024

presented by Pam Felix, OTR/L, Cortney Schoene, MA, CCC-SLP, & Lauren Rawlins, OTR/L

Attendees appreciated the practical tools and affirming approach this session offered for supporting students with autism. The presentation highlighted inclusive IEP goal development, collaborative strategies, and neurodiversity-affirming practices to enhance participation in school settings.

Perspectives of Transitioning into Adulthood with IDD

presented by Beth Ann Hatkevich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Carolyn Contonio, OTD, OTR/L, Shiloh Reynolds, OTD, OTR/L, Emma Kennedy, OTD, OTR/L, & Hannah Waite OTD, OTR/L, B.S. Rec Therapy

This thoughtful session offered valuable insight into the transition to adulthood through the lens of individuals with IDD, families, and service providers. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the barriers faced during this process and the meaningful role OT can play in supporting independence, advocacy, and participation. “Mental health plays a big role in lots of things,” an attendee points out.

Supporting Occupational Justice: Reimagining Functional Literacy Supports to Inspire Lifelong Change

presented by Lisa Johnson, OTD, OTR/L

Dr. Johnson’s passion for this topic really shined through and made the presentation very engaging and meaningful.” Attendees were captivated by the presenter’s energetic delivery, emphasizing the importance of functional literacy. “The speaker was very knowledgeable and shared her resource book!

Building Lives, not Just Skills: OT in the Clubhouse Model

presented by Hallie Foy, MOT, OTR/L, Natalie Centers, MOTR/L, and Meghan Seiler MOTR/L

This session introduced many attendees to the Clubhouse model as a strengths-based approach to mental health care. The presenters sparked interest in how OT can contribute to this setting, with attendees noting the importance of expanding OT presence in Clubhouse programs.

All presenters were amazing! I never knew about the Clubhouse model of mental health treatment.

Enhancing Functional Recovery in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) through a Sensory Integration Approach

presented by Cassidy Palmer, MOT, OTR/L, CNS, Tillie Drexelius, and Colton Sayers, OTD, OTR/L, CNS

Attendees gained practical tools and clinical insight into using sensory integration to support individuals with FND. The session deepened understanding of sensory processing challenges and offered strategies to enhance functional outcomes through individualized care. As one attendee shared, “This was super informative,” while another noted, “Content was interesting!”

From Fieldwork to Capstone: Understanding the Roles and Benefits of OT Practitioners

presented by Bailey Peters, OTD, OTR/L, Marnie Renda, OTD, OTR/L, ECHM, & Karla Reese, DHSc, OTR/L

Attendees gained a clearer understanding of the capstone mentor role and practical tools to support students in developing meaningful, collaborative projects that benefit both the mentor and the site. “Excellent presentation!” shared by an attendee.

Teaching Self-Determination Skills to 8-10th Grade Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

presented by Matthew Husband, OTD, OTR/L

This thoughtful hot topic session explored the value of nurturing self-determination in students with autism. Attendees learned about a group-based goal setting approach designed to build students’ confidence in planning, prioritizing, and making decisions, supporting greater independence both in and outside the classroom.

Social Skills Training for Neurodivergent College Students: Perceptions and Impact

presented by Janine Ricketts, OTD, MS, OTR/L & Dana Ilg, OTD, OTR/L

Attendees engaged in an insightful hot topic session focused on supporting neurodiverse students in higher education through social skills training. The discussion highlighted how OT can play a role in fostering confidence, building connection, and promoting meaningful participation on campus.

Body and Spatial Awareness Effects on Balance, Anxiety, Self-Regulation, and ADL

presented by Danielle Nelson, MS, OTR/L, CNSI

This well-received workshop left a strong impression on attendees, many of whom highlighted Danielle’s passion, depth of knowledge, and engaging teaching style. One attendee remarked, “Danielle has so much energy and clearly enjoys sharing her knowledge.” The session offered practical strategies that participants were eager to explore further, and in some cases, were already applying in practice after the session.

This was outstanding and I’m so impressed with her work. I hope to be able to integrate some into practice as I learn more!

Mentoring: Fostering Excellence Through Connection

presented by Karla Reese, DHSc, OTR/L & Becky Finni, DHS, OTR/L, RAC-CT, FAOTA

It was a pleasure learn about the theories and approaches to mentorship that have been reworked and developed over the years to drive more positive interactions from an intradisciplinary perspective as well how that translates to the ever-changing OT world.

Passion Without Collapse: Building Resilience Against Compassion, Fatigue, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Burnout

presented by Emily Vachon, OTD, OTR/L

This session introduced key strategies to recognize and address burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress in OT practice. Attendees found the topic valuable for mental health and workplace sustainability.

Everyone needs to be educated on this topic. [This is] great for mental health.

Addressing PFD in School-Based Practice

presented by Danielle R. Griffin, MS OTR/L, BCP, CEIM, CKTP & Mary Jo Bravo-Giancola OTR/L

This session explored the vital role school-based OT practitioners can play in identifying and addressing pediatric feeding disorders (PFD). The presentation offered practical guidance and legislative support for incorporating feeding-related goals into IEPs and 504 plans, empowering therapists to expand their impact within the school setting.

I liked the resources shared. The presenters did a great job!

Addressing Stigmatizing Language in Clinical Documentation in the Context of Occupational Justice

presented by Ciara Hampton, OTD, OTR/L, Monica Robinson, OTD, BCMH, FAOTA, FNAP, & Michelle Reynolds, OTR/L

Ciara did an excellent job and identifying some of the most commonly utilized words with bad connotations typically seen in documentation. With over 60% of reviewed documentation denoting negative vs only 20% showing positive language; it drives home the need for reflection when charting since notes have higher transparency in todays EMR world, and we can make a difference beyond the reaches of our sessions.

Nature, Naturally Therapeutic – Take it Outside!

presented by Patricia M. Wagner, MA, OTR/L

Thank you for the resources and books to learn more! Love your passion!” says one attendee. Many have raved about this session, leaving attendees eager for more, with another attendee expressing, “Therapeutic value of nature makes so much sense!

NBCOT: Information You Need to Know

presented by Samantha Jensen, OTD, OTR/L

This session provided helpful guidance on navigating the NBCOT process, covering certification steps, renewal reminders, and available support resources. Attendees walked away with useful insights to feel more confident and informed.

OTs and Ohio AgrAbility – Working Together to Keep Farmers with Disabilities Farming

presented by Logan Fields, OTD, OTR/L & Laura Akgerman, CRC, MA

AgrAbility is a one-of-a-kind resource that provides free evaluative services to farmers with disabilities for necessary adaptations that promote the longevity of safer farming. Logan and Laura noted that the average age of farmers is 58.2 years old, they hold one of the highest rates of suicide, and have less access to Healthcare in rural services. OTPs can bridge that gap by utilizing AgrAbility's amazing resources!