FIU OT IS…
NOTEWORTHY November 2023/ Vol. 8
FIU Occupational Therapy We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and surrounded by the same meaningful connections and occupations that are pictured in the photo above. Some of our current Year-2 students are pictured together with our newly appointed Dean, Jorge Valdes, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Lynne Richard, and Interim Chair of the OT Program, Ingris Treminio. We would like to share the exciting changes our college is undergoing that are acting as momentum for continued collaboration and student success.
Program Status Our 48-year history of providing excellence in OT education is unwavering. This Fall, we admitted a class of 51 students that began their first year of OT school. Our 45 Year-2 students are preparing their Master’s projects to be presented to our community in the Spring and learning treatment interventions. We currently have 37 students completing their second Level II Fieldwork experiences and scheduled to graduate in December 2023. Our 2022 NBCOT pass rates were 100% and 90 % of our students are successfully employed within 6 months of graduation, mostly practicing in the South Florida community. FIU has been named one of America’s best colleges – fourth in the nation among public universities and 29th overall – by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE FIU OT IS EVOLVING We are happy to announce a change in leadership and a new research faculty member.
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Learn about our International partnerships and presentations as well as clinical fieldwork experiences.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS FIU OT continues to thrive with the help of local partnerships in making a difference in our community.
NOTEWORTHY
FACULTY & STAFF Alma Abdel-Moty
Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator and Clinical Professor
Tana Carson
TE Assistant Professor
Kelly Diaz-Rios
Federal Work Study Student
Hector Huerta
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ellen Modlin
TE Assistant Professor
Rebecca Mojica
Clinical Assistant Professor
Fatima Parpia Office Coordinator
Amy Paul-Ward Tenured Associate Professor
Rachel Perez
Office Coordinator
Ana Rodriguez Clinical Assistant Professor Ingris Treminio
Interim Chair and Clinical Assistant Professor
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY January 2025 / Vol. 001
FIU OT is Evolving We are pleased to announce that our former Chair, Lynne Richard, Ph.D., OT/L, FAOTA, is serving as the Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Dr. Richard joined FIU in 2013 and holds a Ph.D. from Rutgers University and an MA from Seton Hall University. Our program continues to excel under her leadership in her new role. Ingris Treminio, DrOT, OT/L, is serving as the Interim Chair of the Occupational Therapy Program. Dr. Treminio joined FIU in 2015 and holds an MS in OT from FIU and a DrOT from NSU. Dr. Treminio is invested in continuing the program legacy of student excellence and strong community partnerships that enable success for OT stakeholders at all levels.
Our Dedication to the Community Remains the Same Our commitment to quality education, research, and community engagement remains the same. We thank our community partners for being the most important piece of the puzzle. You are a treasured resource and part of our success! How can you continue to help? Accept a student fieldwork placement, refer a good student to our program, volunteer to speak to our students, or give: Use this link to make a donation to the FIU OT Program
Thank You
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY Welcoming Our Newest Faculty Member January 2025 / Vol. 001 5 Things to Know About Dr. Modlin:
Dr. Modlin is a new Florida resident, moving from New York to South Florida two years ago. She earned her entry-level master's degree in occupational therapy at New York University, and following a rich career in early intervention, preschool, and school-based practice, she returned to New York University to earn a PhD. Prior to moving to Florida, Dr. Modlin spent several years as a clinical assistant professor at an OTD program. She is now a tenure-earning assistant professor at FIU. Dr. Modlin seeks to understand visual perceptual processing and its role in literacy development. She hopes to highlight the unique contribution occupational therapists can make to support emergent readers in achieving their literacy outcomes. She is excited to establish new relationships within our community and engage with FIU in teaching, research, and service.
Family First: My husband Avery and I live in South Florida. We are proud of our three grown sons ages 23, 23 (yes, twins), and 21. Our children live all around the globe and enjoy visiting us to experience all that Florida has to offer. Community service is a commitment that we all share. Volunteering at local firehouses, police departments, and municipal government offices are just a few examples. I look forward to finding opportunities to serve the community in South Florida. OT Inspiration: My high school philosophy teacher posed a question to the class about the newest invention to come to market: the microwave oven. He asked, ‘Isn’t it strange that people feel compelled to work extra hours to earn enough money to purchase time-saving appliances?” This got me thinking about how we choose to spend our time and about meaningful activities. Further exploration of this theme led me to the field of occupational therapy, a therapeutic discipline that helps people achieve independence, meaning, and quality of life. I have enjoyed 26 years as a practicing therapist and look forward to extending a fulfilling career in my new role. World Travels: I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing their culture, food, and natural resources. My husband and I have traveled throughout North America, Europe, and parts of the Middle East. Through my travels, I have learned that we are all much more the same than we are different. I hope to highlight this notion in my research endeavors. JFK to MIA: I was born and raised in New York, as were my husband and three sons. We always had fond memories of visiting Florida, enjoying the warmth of the climate and the people. Once our children moved out of the house, we chose to explore all the wonderful things that Florida has to offer. We are happy with our choice, and since then, have not looked back. Vision: My vision for my new career path at FIU is to use my clinical experience to inform my research by identifying ways that occupational therapists can participate in evidence-based treatment and programming to support clients in emerging areas of practice. Some of these areas include literacy, aging in place, and health outcomes related to healthy eating practices.
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY Global Connections: International Fieldwork by Ashlee Tuttle
My name is Ashlee Tuttle and I am currently a year 2 student in FIU's Master of Occupational Therapy program. From the moment I learned that there were opportunities abroad for our Level I Fieldwork, I knew that it was something I wanted to do. I was able to complete my Level I Fieldwork experience in Nassau, Bahamas with my friend and classmate, Diana. This fieldwork experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Diana and I were able to immerse ourselves in and learn so much about Bahamian culture and learn from professionals with many different backgrounds in many different practice settings as well as our patients. We worked with OT, PT, SLP, massage therapists, and exercise physiologists in outpatient adults and pediatrics, inpatient acute, and home health settings. I am now rewarded with a plethora of knowledge to bring into my own practice as a future OT. The staff welcomed us into their clinic with open arms and guided us inside and outside of the clinic for the month that we were there, and the patients expressed their gratitude for having us there with them on their therapy journey. During our stay, we spent time building connections with them and learning about their diagnoses and challenges and many ways that OTs can be there to help. While we were there, The Bahamas was celebrating their 50th year of independence. There were parades, street decorations, performances, events going on at the main resorts, and a Bahamian sports Olympics where all the islands came together and competed against each other that we went to. We stayed in an Airbnb on the water and were able to enjoy a private beach full of wildlife and got to see many water friends through the crystal-clear water every day. We participated in some other water adventures like jet skiing, kayaking, and even deep-sea snorkeling with sharks. Although we did many of the typical touristy things, we also were able to spend some time with the locals who recommended us to all the best restaurants and all the best places to go. During one of the home health visits that I went to with a PT, he drove me around the entire island showing me all the good places as well as sharing some Bahamian history. His vast background of knowledge as a PT in Jamacia and willingness to share his experiences with me make him a great resource and friend. Everyone at Doctors' Hospital comes from extremely diverse backgrounds, which escalated the potential for learning even more. Throughout our time, we were able to build connections with so many people, leading to potential opportunities in the future.
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY Global Connections: International Fieldwork by Diana Cristancho For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to travel, learn about other cultures, and connect with people and nature. Going to Nassau, Bahamas for my level-one fieldwork was that and more. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life to learn and grow as an occupational therapy student and person alongside such passionate, knowledgeable, and caring people. While I was there, my classmate Ashlee and I worked with OTs, PTs, nurses, exercise physiologists, and massage therapists at the outpatient rehabilitation center and inpatient acute floor at the Doctor's hospital. We made connections with patients of all ages and a diverse group of diagnoses ranging from ASD, CVA, and orthopedic conditions. Immediately after landing in Nassau, we were greeted by an explosion of pride and colors it being the 50th independence day for the Bahamas. Flags were hung from every street and corner; music was playing, and everyone was dressed in vibrant blue, black, and yellow printed shirts. We were constantly kindly greeted by our coworkers and neighbors as well as introduced to all the festivities being prepared for the week. We were able to watch the Bahamian games, where all the islands in the Bahamas come to Nassau and compete in a variety of sports. Ashlee and I were lucky enough to see the volleyball games and enjoy a delicious dinner of typical Bahamian food. Staying in Nassau for a month, I experienced a different way of living starting from learning to drive on the opposite side of the street to being surrounded by nature and working in the field I love and am so excited to begin. Working in Nassau grew my appreciation for OT seeing how there are few OTs in all of the Bahamas, limited resources and equipment, and still a strong connection between all the employees and patients. I'm forever thankful for this experience and hope everyone who gets the chance to travel for their fieldwork takes it. Thank you to everyone at the Doctor's Hospital for welcoming us in and teaching us so much.
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY Global Connections: FIU Partners with Trinidad January 2025 / Vol. 001
In May 2023, Dr. Amy Paul-Ward continued her international research, traveling to Trinidad and Tobago as a recipient of a Fulbright Scholars Program Fellowship. This award allowed her to expand her research on disability access and inclusion across the Trinidadian/Tobagonian lifespan. While on the Fulbright, she worked with master’s students in the occupational therapy program at the University of the Southern Caribbean as they engaged in research on various rehabilitation topics. As part of her community-engaged project, she worked collaboratively with stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago to advocate for greater inclusion for persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life. As this work moves forward, Dr. Paul-Ward will continue working with stakeholders to identify local solutions that will lead to transformative changes in the educational, employment, and healthcare systems that support persons with disabilities.
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY Local Partnerships January 2025 / Vol. 001
FIU OT Partners with YMCA Swim Buddies FIU Occupational Therapy's Assistant Professor, Dr. Tana Carson, is partnering with the YMCA Rec S.T.A.R.S program, and the Pembroke Pines YMCA Aquatic Center for YMCA Swim Buddies. With this partnership, OT students from Dr. Carson's interdisciplinary elective course titled, OTH 5166 "Adapted Swim Instruction for Individuals with Disabilities" are able to apply what they have learned in the course to a real-world, hands-on experiences with swimmers at the YMCA. The Swim Buddies program is dedicated to providing swim instruction to individuals with special needs, aged 4 and up. Swimmers are thoughtfully paired with an FIU OT "swim buddy" to work on swimming and water safety skills. The YMCA Swim Buddies program includes 6 sessions per season with seasons offered five times a year. The Swim Buddies program’s location varies, depending on the season, ensuring accessibility for all. If you are interested in YMCA Swim Buddies, contact "Jocelyn Lata, email: jlata@ymcasouthflorida.org. If you are interested in training to become an adapted swim instructor, contact Tana Carson, by email: tcarson@fiu.edu.
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY Local Partnerships January 2025 / Vol. 001
FIU OT Partners with Community-based Organizations Servicing Underrepresented Groups Over her 20-plus year career as a cross-trained social scientist and occupational therapy faculty member, Dr. Amy Paul-Ward has conducted community-engaged research to better understand the needs of underrepresented groups including foster care and homeless youth, children of incarcerated parents, and individuals with disabilities. For the past several years, she has partnered with Silent Victims of Crime, a community-based organization serving children of incarcerated parents and their caregivers. Through this partnership, Dr. Paul-Ward, her students, and SVC staff continue to explore best practices for incorporating occupational therapy-based activities into SVC’s existing programming. We know that many children of incarcerated parents experience difficulties in performing their everyday tasks. These include, but are not limited to, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), play, leisure, work, education, and social participation. As we continue to move forward by including opportunities for occupational therapy students to work on one with SVC families, we look forward to meeting children where they are and providing supportive strategies to help them develop needed life skills. Through this effort, we hope to move closer to our goal of reducing intergenerational incarceration by ensuring that children of incarcerated parents have the tools to support their academic, economic, and psychosocial needs.
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY January 2025 / Vol. 001
A spotlight on our Year 2 students Tatum Anderson., Mariana Gomez, Nicole Hertrich, and Jackie Alcindor for their participation in the Alzheimer's caregiver training session provided by Dr. R. Mojica and Dr. Rodriguez in collaboration with PT faculty and the Brain Center.
A spotlight on our Year 2 SOTA eboard members, Justin Sisson, Alina Castellanos, and Dr. H. Huerta participated in a round table discussion for prospective OT students held at the University of Saint Agustine campus
A spotlight on Dr. Alma Abdel-Moty for her recognition by the FIU Faculty Senate for her Excellence in Advising and Mentorship
BUSINESS NOTEWORTHY January 2025 / Vol. 001
A spotlight on Dr. Carson and Dr. Rodriguez, presenters at FOTA Conference 2023
A spotlight on Martia Sutton, OTR/L nominated by FIU OT for the 2023 Fieldwork Educator Award of Excellence
A spotlight on our Graduating Class of 2023!
NOTEWORTHY A Note From Pi Theta Epsilon...
Pi Theta Epsilon is a national honor society for Occupational Therapy students that recognizes dedication to scholarship and leadership within each school. Florida International University’s Mu Chapter demonstrates the mission of PTE through engaging in scholarly activities such as educational workshops and through the promotion of research by fundraising for the St. Catherine Challenge, which is organized yearly by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF).
Splinting Materials Workshop FIU OT year one and two students attended a handson presentation from Patricia Thomas, from Performance Health, to learn more about the variety of equipment available to us as future practitioners.
Painting with a Purpose Fundraiser for the St. Catherine Challenge FIU students, faculty, and friends attended the Painting with a Twist fundraiser, where all proceeds went to the St. Catherine Challenge.
2023-2024 Executive Board Members
2023 Induction Ceremony Pictured below is the class of 2024 inductees.
President: Alexus Forshee Vice President: Christy Tellez Treasurer: Megan Soto Del Valle Secretary: Ashley Sanchez Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Mojica
NOTEWORTHY A Note From Pi Theta Epsilon...
NOTEWORTHY
A Note From our Student Occupational Therapy Association...
SOTA’s goal is to increase the quality of life of individuals in the community by providing the education necessary to understand the options they have and their benefits. To achieve that goal, SOTA focuses on participating in experiences that help grow the cultural responsiveness and therapeutic use of self necessary to become a caring OT. Most recently, SOTA participated in a Cultural Responsive Workshop (Language Series), in which students from the OT program taught the cohort Spanish to broaden their vocabulary and improve their ability to connect to patients in their future workplaces. SOTA’s upcoming Leadership Development event will focus on teaching the program the latest information presented at the AOTA conference, including emerging practices. On World OT Day, October 27th, SOTA arranged a social event allowing all FIU students to visit and learn about the profession while simultaneously showing appreciation to all current OTs, educators, and students who work so diligently to further Occupational Therapy and its influence.
Year 2 students celebrating World OT Day 2023
SOTA and PTE led Cultural Responsive Workshop (Language Series)