April proves to be a busy month for Occupational Therapy

Time & Date

Monday, April 23, 2018

By Kate Hunger 

The department of Occupational Therapy had a full schedule of events in April for OT Month.

Students from both occupational therapy classes participated in the Methodist Hospital OT Fair on April 12, where they helped educate more than 150 people on the profession. 

"It was the perfect way to promote occupational therapy to the community as part of OT Month," said Bridgette Piernik-Yoder, Ph.D., OTR, associate professor and chair of the department. 

Pi Theta Epsilon Induction 

Thirteen Occupational Therapy students were inducted on April 3 into the Sigma Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, an honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni. 

Conducted by the faculty of the Department of Occupational Therapy, the ceremony was attended by students' family and friends. 

"This is an academic honor society, but part of that comes with the responsibility to continue in a variety of ways to promote the profession," said Piernik-Yoder. 

The inductees include: Amy Chang, Laura R. Guilbeau, Amber L. Holt, Zachery Cruz Monita, Sandy Montelongo, Ailene G. Overton, Carly Nicole Peters, Rebecca Pulliam, Sarah Purcell, Savannah Lynn Sublousky, Ashley M. Tarver, Jackie Lynette, and Jacquelyn M. Wood. 

UT Health's Sigma chapter was established in 1992.

UT Health participates at AOTA Conference 

Several faculty and students traveled to Salt Lake City for the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, held April 19-23.

Faculty presenting at the conference include Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, Ph.D., OTR, Autumn Clegg Ed.D., OTR, CBIS, Ana Allegretti, Ph.D., OTR, and Precious Osuoha, Ph.D., OTR. 

Students presenters:

• Amy Honeck: "Does the use of assistive technology increase quality of life for individuals with brain injuries: A literature review"
• Amy Chang, Carly Peters and Abigail Morales: "Assessments used in occupational therapy interventions for children with cerebral palsy: A literature review"
• Sergio Rodriguez: "3D-printed cardholders as an assistive device in occupational therapy: A case study"