OTA Faculty and Students from SCF Present at State Conference

Four faculty members from the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) presented at the Florida Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference during the fall. Seventeen SCF students also offered presentations at the conference held Oct. 26-27 in Orlando. The conference was entitled “Advancing Your Practice – Translating Knowledge Faster.”

Faculty presenters were:

· Debra Chasanoff, who spoke on preventing medical errors.

· Lora May Swart, who presented on incorporating evidence-based practice into fieldwork experiences.

· Barbara Ingram-Rice, who talked about Florida laws and rules.

· Amanda Kotolski, who offered a presentation on addressing abuse and violence during home and community occupational therapy visits.

Students who performed research and presented posters include:

Receiving Positive Vibes with ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response): A New Spine-Tingling Approach to Occupational Therapy.

• Jennifer Bowers
• Jason Demerin
• Shelby Fisher
• Carly Houston

Dive into Another World for Better Mental Wellness; How Occupational Therapy Can Help.

• Kathryn Kolaczynski
• Jennifer Sheehan
• Terri Sweat

“E-I-E-I-O! Occupational Therapy on the Farm: Supporting Youth’s Mental Health with Farm Animals.

• Jennifer Brandon
• Bethany Christopher
• Stephanie Nelson

Paddle Your Way to a Healthy Mind with Occupational Therapy.

• Nicole Brannock
• Sarah Delaney
• Khadijah Gland

Mental Health Out of Whack? OT Has an App for That!

• Carl Andre
• Tracey Durden
• Stefanie Garza
• Kristina Sheppard

For information about the OTA program at SCF, visit SCF.edu/OTA or contact Debra Chasanoff, program director, at ChasanD@SCF.edu or 941-752-5346.