NOVEMBER2024/VOL9
FIUOccupationalTherapy TheOccupationalTherapyDepartmentat FloridaInternationalUniversity(FIU)hopes thatyouenjoythisvolumeofournewsletter. Wearecommittedtodeveloping competententry-leveloccupational therapistswhowilldeliverevidence-based interventionstoempowerindividuals' participationinmeaningfulactivities. Weappreciateyoursupport,especiallyfrom ouralumniandcommunitypartners,in assistinguseducatefutureoccupational therapists.
ProgramUpdate Sinceitsfoundingin1975,ourprogramhasbeen dedicatedtoprovidinghigh-qualityeducationin occupationaltherapy Thisfall,wewelcomedanew cohortof44students,withanothercohortof44 studentsontracktograduateinDecember2024 Ourgraduatesgoontodeliverclient-centered, occupation-basedcaretomeetsociety’sneeds
The2023NBCOTreportindicatedourgraduates’ scoreat96%ishigherthanthenationalaverage passingscore
FIUistheNo 1rankedpublicuniversityinstudent experienceandNo 3overall(WallStreetJournal, 2024) FIUisaPreeminentStateResearch University,aprestigiousdesignationestablishedin 2013bytheFloridaBoardofGovernorstorecognize universitiesexcellinginstudentsuccess,research andnationalrankings
The OT department at FIU invites alumni, colleagues, and community partners to share our achievements and updates This newsletter is organized to showcase our research & evidence-based practice, culture and cultural diversity, community engagement, and occupational performance
NOTEWORTHY Faculty&Staff Dr. Alma Abdel-Moty Interim Chair & Clinical Professor
Dr. Tana Carson Assistant Professor
Aliyah Beckford Work-Study Student
Dr. Hector Huerta Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Ellen Modlin Assistant Professor
Dr. Rebecca Mojica Clinical Assistant Professor
Fatima Parpia Program Coordinator
Dr. Amy Paul-Ward Associate Professor
Rachel Perez Program Coordinator
Dr. Ana Rodriguez Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Ingris Treminio
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor
Prof. Gema Salvaggio Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Lorienne Watson Adjunct Faculty 02/19
MeetRachelPerez,ournewProgramCoordinator.Rachelbrings awealthofexperiencetoourdepartment,withabachelor’s degreeinPoliticalScienceandamaster’sdegreeinPublic AdministrationfromFloridaInternationalUniversity.Currently pursuingapost-graduatecertificateinbehavioranalysis, RacheljoinsusfromtheFIUCollegeofMedicine,whereshe supportedpatientsandfamiliesthroughtheGreenFamily NeighborhoodHELPprogram.We’rethrilledtohaveheronboard, andwelookforwardtothepositiveimpactshewillmakein supportingourstudents'success.
RachelPerez
NOTEWORTHY Dr.AlmaR.Abdel-Moty InterimChairperson
ClinicalProfessor
Dr Abdel-Moty assumed the role of Interim Chairperson of the OT Department in May 2024 She earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of Puerto Rico, a post-professional Master of Science in OT from Florida International University, and a postprofessional Doctorate in OT from Nova Southeastern University Prior to joining FIU in 1994, Dr Abdel-Moty practiced OT in Centro de Rehabilitacion Vocacional Río Piedras, PR, and at the University of Miami Comprehensive Pain and Rehabilitation Center in Miami, Florida
Dr Abdel-Moty is actively involved in a variety of scholarly, academic, and clinical activities For over a decade she was the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at FIU, where she focused on global fieldwork experiences in collaboration with occupational therapy practitioners in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe
She is committed to continuing the Department’s vision of establishing excellence in occupational therapy education and scholarly activities, as well as to prepare culturally responsive entry-level practitioners who will provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to a locally and globally diverse community
Dr Abdel-Moty hopes to celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary on April 26, 2025 with you Visit ot fiu edu for more information
03/19
NOTEWORTHY Dr.IngrisTreminio AcademicFieldworkCoordinatorand ClinicalAssociateProfessor
Collaboratingwithourdedicatedcommunityofclinicians tohelpFIUOTstudentsmeettheirprofessionalgoalswill beDr.Treminio'smainroleintheOTdepartmentasthe newAcademicFieldworkCoordinator.Shehassharedher passionforOTinFIUOTclassroomsforthepasteight yearsandrecentlytransitionedfromherroleasInterim ChairpersontoAcademicFieldworkCoordinator Dr Treminioisappreciativeofcommunitypartnersfortheir continuedsupporttofieldworkeducationinourprogram.
Professionalismisanareaofstrengthforstudentsinour program.Fieldworkeducators(FWEs)commonlycommend FIUOTstudentsfortheirpunctuality,abilitytoworkinateam, andtheirabilitytoacceptandimplementfeedback FIUOT studentsarealsoknownfortheirabilitytoestablishrapport withtheirclients.BeingaFWEtoourOTstudentsisrewarding. Licensedclinicianscanearn12CEUsperbienniumfor supervisingLevelIIstudents.Continuetomakeanimpactin thefutureofourprofessionbybecomingafieldwork educator.
WewanttothankDr Treminioforherleadershiplastyearas InterimChairperson Hereffort,guidanceandunrelenting professionalismdidnotgounnoticed Furthermore, congratulationsaregoingherwayassheearnedawelldeservedaccolade,beingpromotedtoClinicalAssociate Professorthissemester.
Forissuesrelatedtofieldwork,contactotfw@fiu.edu.
04/19
Dr.EllenModlin
Dr.ModlinisajuniorfacultymemberintheDepartmentofOccupational Therapy.ShejoinedFIUinAugustof2023.ByFebruaryof2024,she assembledaninterprofessionalteamofcross-disciplinaryfacultyfromthe NicoleWertheimCollegeofNursingandHealthSciencestoapplyfora multi-yearfederalgrantwithasignificantaward Herproposalsubmitted totheUS DepartmentofEducationwasselected,andshewasawarded $443,000infundingforher3-yearproject,ReServ-OPS:AnInterprofessional PreserviceTrainingProgramtoIncreaseQualifiedOccupationalTherapy, PhysicalTherapy,andSpeechLanguagePathologyRelatedServices PersonnelinEarlyIntervention,EarlyChildhood,andSchool-based Settings Thisprojecthighlightsthevalueofinterprofessionalcollaboration ineducationalandclinicalsettingstobestmeetclients’needs
Dr.Modlin’sscholarshipcontinuestobeevidentinhermostrecent publication,ExploringPerformanceSkillsintheOccupationofLearningto Read,publishedintheJournalofOccupationalTherapy,Schools,&Early Intervention.Herposter,RelationshipsBetweenPerformanceSkillsinthe OccupationofLearningtoRead,wasacceptedtothe2024Florida OccupationalTherapyAssociationannualconference.
Dr.AmyPaul-Ward Dr AmyPaul-WardisthesecretaryofFIUFacultySenateandthenew editorofPracticingAnthropology,thejournaloftheSocietyofApplied Anthropology Inthisnewrole,sheaimstocontinueherquestof intersectinganthropologywithoccupationaltherapy
InAugust2024,Dr AmyPaul-WardwasinvitedbyNSUtobeapartoftheir annualDialoguewithaScholarSeries.Thepresentationwasattendedby NSUOTDstudentsenrolledintheOccupationalScienceandWellnessin OccupationalTherapycourses.Dr.Paul-Wardsharedhowanthropology andoccupationaltherapyhaveintersectedinheracademiccareer. Feedbackfromtheaudienceincluded–“Dr.Paul-Wardchallengedmy thinkingofoccupationalscience,occupationaljustice,andtheroleof occupationaltherapy.Asafutureoccupationaltherapypractitioner,Ineed tounderstandthescienceinvolvedinapatient'sdesiredoccupation,how theydefinemeaningfuloccupations,andthecontributionthatdesired occupationsmaketothepatient’swell-being.Meaningfuloccupationscan lookdifferentacrossculturesandculturalconsiderationsneedtobetaken whenworkingwithpatients."
Furthermore,Dr Paul-Ward’swork,TeachingAnthropologicalContentfor HealthcareProfessionals,wasacceptedaspartofaroundtable discussionattheAmericanAnthropologyAssociationAnnualConference
NOTEWORTHY Weareexcitedtoannouncethe launchoftheFIUFundamentalsof AdaptedSwimInstruction Microcredential!
Dr.TanaCarsonreceivedthe2024OutstandingAlumni Awardforentrepreneurship,innovationand/orthought leadershipfromtheUniversityofFloridaCollegeofPublic HealthandHealthProfessions Herworkincludes developingresearchtrainingandserviceprograms focusedontwoimportant,yetunderstudied,areasof autism:drowningpreventionandauditoryhyperreactivity.Sheisacertifiedadaptedswiminstructorand anAmericanRedCrossWaterSafetyInstructorTrainer. Sheco-foundedIMPACTAutismatUFandservesasa boardmemberforKids4KidsUSAandFriendsofMonroe CountyParksandBeaches ShedevelopedandcocoordinatestheKeysSwimprogram Dr Carsonisthe ownerofAdaptiveAssociates,aconsultingfirmfor adaptedprograms,research,andservice.
EvidenceofDr.Carson’spassionforadaptedswimming isevidentinherscholarlywork.Recently,shedeveloped theFundamentalsofAdaptedSwimInstructionmicrocredential.EnrollmentisthisprojectisfreeforFIU students Formoredetails,visit https://go.fiu.edu/SwimMicroCredential Dr.Carsonis scheduledtopresent,AdaptedSwimInstructionTraining Needs:ResultsfromaSurveyofAquaticProfessionalsat AssociationofAquaticProfessionalsConferencein February2025.
Intheareaofautism,incollaborationwithcolleaguesGuerrero,T.,Gayle,C.andNiebles,M., anFIUOTstudent,shepublished,ModifiedCognitiveBehavioralTherapyApproachReduces LoudnessDiscomfortLevelsforanAutisticChildwithHyperacusis:CaseReportinthe Journal,FrontiersinPsychiatry-Autism.
06/19
AOTA2024 IncollaborationwithDr.TanaCarson, FIUOTPiThetaEpsilonmembers: AlexusForsheeandKimberlyStern, andSOTAmembers,JenniferJimenez andRubieMelendez,presentedtheir poster,WaterSafetyAutismTraining& EducationResourcesforSafety (WATERS)attheAOTAInspire2024 AnnualConferenceinOrlando,FL.
Thispresentationintendedtoraise awarenessofavailableresources forparentsofchildrenwithautismin thetopicofdrowningprevention andwatersafetyforchildrenwith specialneeds.
BreakfastwithaScholar
07/19
KatieBrandt, wastheguestspeakeratthe AOTFBreakfastwithaScholar,whereshe deliveredthepresentation,TheCaregiver Trifecta:EmpoweringFamilyCaregiversand ClinicianstoPlanforPersonhood,Dignity andConnectionatEveryStageofCare. ThankyoutoDr.LynneRichardwho sponsoredstudents,facultyandcolleagues toattendthisinspiringevent
Drs SeanBrim‘15,IngrisTreminio’10,AlmaAbdel-Moty‘92, AmandaSpeights‘10,HectorHuerta‘05,‘08, JacquelineAchon‘13,andKristanLlaca’13
JackieAlcindor,DestyniWilliams,AlexusForshee,Kimberly Stern,JazminAdlam,AlinaCastellanos,JustinSison
PiThetaEpsilon TheMuChapterofPiThetaEpsilon, AOTFhonorsocietyforthe occupationaltherapyprofession,held itsinductionceremonyinthespring 2024semester CrystalCabrera deliveredathought-provoking speechcharginginducteesto promoteandadvocateforthe profession.
ThemissionofPiThetaEpsilonisto supportthepracticeofoccupational therapybypromotingresearch, leadership,andscholarlyactivitiesby itsmembers.Theorganizationserves notonlytheprofession,buthelpsto ensurequalityhealthcareservicesfor thegeneralpublic
2024-2025 Executive Board
Veronica Cortes - President
Victoria Alonso - Vice-President
Brianna Vogt - Secretary
Emily Borno - Treasurer
BriannaVogt,EmilyBorno,EmilyNourishirazi,VictoriaAlonso,HelenMedina,CarolynBoyer,MeridithKashi, VeronicaCortes,AshleyTuttle,JazminAdlam,&AlinaCastellanos
NOTEWORTHY NOTEWORTHYAchievements Dr.AlmaAbdel-Moty InJuly2024,Dr AlmaAbdel-Motyreceivedthe ProfessionalTrajectoryAwardfromtheColegiode ProfesionalesdeTerapiaOcupacionaldePuerto Ricoduringtheir13thannualconvention.This awardisatestamenttoherunwavering dedication,remarkablecontributions,and outstandingimpactinthefieldofoccupational therapy.
Dr.RebeccaMojica Dr RebeccaMojicaearnedanFIUTop ScholarawardforherEngagementBeyond theClassroom Sheisthefacultyadvisorfor theStudentOccupationalTherapy Association(SOTA),andPiThetaEpsilon (PTE),thehonorsocietyforoccupational therapystudents.Hercommitmentand passionforherstudentspermeatesbeyond theclassroom.Sheconstantlyparticipates instudentandcommunityevents,thus advocatingfortheOTprofession.
DuringDr Huerta’sprofessional developmentleaveinspring2024, hedevelopedaprotocoltitled,The IntegrationofStandardPatient SimulationExperiences, being implementedthissemester Integratingstandardpatient simulationexperiencesintoentryleveloccupationaltherapy curriculumoffersamultitudeof benefits,enrichingtheeducational journeyofaspiringtherapistsand preparingthemforthecomplexities ofreal-worldpracticeSimulationbasedlearningprovidesasafe environmentforstudentstoapply theoreticalknowledge,develop clinicalreasoningskills,andrefine theirtherapeutictechniquesunder guidedsupervision
AstheOTrepresentativeinthe College’sinter-professional education(IPE)committee,she providesstudentswithample opportunitiestocollaboratewith otherdisciplines.Inconjunction withcolleagues,shepublishedan articletitled“ASystematicReview oftheRelationshipbetween SocialIsolationandPhysical HealthinAdults.inHealthCare. Byimmersingstudentsinrealisticscenariosthatmimic clinicalsettings,educatorscanbridgethegapbetween classroomlearningandhands-onpractice,fostering confidenceandcompetenceamongfutureoccupational therapists
Dr AnaRodiguez‘03,‘07,hasbeen afacultymembersince2015 Recentlysheearnedapromotion toClinicalAssociateProfessor
Herdedicationtothewell-beingofourstudentsisevidentin thedeliveryoftheStressandCopingStrategiesProgram, culminatinginanarticletitled“GraduateStudents’ PerceptionsofaStructuredCopingStrategyProgramfor AcademicSuccess”tobepublishedintheJournalon ExcellenceinCollegeTeachingintheDecember2024issue.
In2025,shewillpresent,GraduateStudents'Perceptionofa FacultyFacilitatedCopingStrategyProgram,asaroundtable presentationattheLilyConferenceinSanDiego,CA.
Dr.HectorHuerta
Dr.AnaRodriguez
AlumniSpotlight OccupationalPerformance Dr.EvelynTerrell EvelynTerrell,OTD,MHSA,OTR/L, FACHE,FATA,isaseasonedleaderwith over18yearsofprogressiveexperience inhospitaladministrationand25years asalicensedoccupationaltherapist. Sheearnedherbachelor'sdegreein OccupationalTherapyfromFlorida InternationalUniversityin1999. Additionally,sheholdsaMasterof ScienceinHealthServices AdministrationandaDoctorate in OccupationalTherapy.
EvelyncurrentlyservesastheExecutiveDirectorof StrategyatNicklausChildren'sHealthSystem,whereshe spearheadsstrategicplandevelopmentand organizationalclimateassessment.Herresponsibilities includeoverseeingtheStrategy&BusinessDevelopment departmentandcollaboratingwithexecutive,clinical,and physicianleadersinstrategicplanningand implementation
Withastrongoperationsbackground,Evelynhasled numerousservicelinesandprograms,notablyin telehealthstrategy,externalaffiliations,andvirtualcare delivery.Herleadershipextendstoglobalhealth, rehabilitationservices,orthopedicsurgery,andother pediatricsubspecialties
Beyondherprofessionalendeavors,Evelynisdeeply engagedinlocalcommunityandnationalinitiatives.She hasover17yearsofteachingexperienceasanadjunct facultymemberandguestlectureratlocaluniversities. Additionally,sheholdsprominentvolunteerleadership roles,includingservingontheBoardofDirectorsofthe GreaterMiamiChamberofCommerceasViceChairofthe HealthcareCommittee,andontheBoardoftheHealth CouncilofSouthFlorida.Sheisalsoanactivememberof theNationalAssociationofLatinoHealthcareExecutives (NAHLE)
Evelyn'scommitmenttohealthcareextendstoher involvementinprofessionalorganizations,whereshe servedasCo-ChairoftheAmericanTelemedicine Association(ATA)TelerehabilitationSpecialInterest Group. SheistheCo-ChairoftheFloridaOccupational TherapyAssociation’sTechnologySpecialInterestSection SheisrecognizedasaFellowoftheAmericanCollegeof HealthcareExecutives(FACHE)andtheATACollegeof Fellows(FATA),reflectingherdedicationtoadvancing healthcareonbothlocalandnationallevels.
10/19
AlumniSpotlight OccupationalPerformance Chelsea Barton, ‘13 , Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Daytona State College, where she was awarded the Faculty Teaching Award.
Members of the Class of 2014 traveled to balmy Wynwood, FL for a weekend reunion full of fun, good food, and memories.
Greg Welch, FIU OT alumnus (center back) shared his knowledge and expertise with our students as he demonstrated upper extremity mobilization techniques in the Biomechanics course taught by Dr. Ana Rodriguez.
ChelseaBarton,‘13andDr.AbdelMotypresented,Facilitating SuccessfulFieldworkExperiencesat DaytonaStateCollege.
GuestspeakersDr.HectorHuerta‘05&RaquelVanDerBiest‘05 atthe15thAnnualEngagingtheLowVisionCommunitythrough Education,Research,andServiceattheMiamiLighthouse
Someoftheattendeesatthecontinuingeducation courseheldattheMiamiLighthouseoftheBlindin April2024.
FIU Occupational Therapy students volunteered with the WOW Center, a clinical partner that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities with the goal of helping clients lead meaningful and productive lives.
Dr. Rodriguez ‘03, ‘07 led a tour and information session to members from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
SAVETHEDATE April26,2025
Joinusforamemorablecelebrationofthe50thanniversaryofFIU's OccupationalTherapyDepartment!Thismilestoneeventwillbringtogether alumni,faculty,students,andcommunitypartnerstohonorourrichhistoryand excitingfuture.Enjoyinspiringtalks,reconnectwitholdfriends,anddiscoverthe impactourgraduateshavemadeinthecommunity Together,let'scelebrate thejourneyofempoweringlivesthroughoccupationaltherapyandenvision thenextchapter.Don’tmissthisopportunitytobepartofaspecialmomentin ourdepartment’slegacy!
CommunityEngagement NelsonGonzalez,Dr.KristianLlaca,Dr.AlmaAbdelMoty,Dr DudleyYacintheandAlexHughes
TheFloridaOccupationalTherapy AssociationLeadershipDevelopment Program–Cohort7,continuing educationcoursewasheldatFIUin September2024.Theeventwaswell attendedbystudents,clinicians,and alumni. Dr.JorgeValdes,deanofthe CollegeandDr AntonnetteFernadez, incomingFOTApresidentwelcomed theparticipants.Keynotespeaker NelsonGonzalez,andguestspeakers AndreJohnson,DudleyYacinthe,Alex Hughes,KristianLlaca,andYuHsiang Liang-Paultresharedwiththe audiencetheirexpertiseinthetopic ofleadership.Specialrecognitionto theco-chairpersons,Dr.KristianLlaca andAlexanderHughes,whoareFIUOTalumni.
DeanJorgeValdes(center)withparticipantsandguestspeakersforthe FOTALeadershipDevelopmentProgram-Cohort7
CommunityEngagement OTstudentsduringCafecitowiththe Dean(notpictured) 15/19
Members of Pi Theta Epsilon, faculty, family members and friends participated in the Parkinson’s Moving Day sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation. According to the Foundation, although the event is a fundraising walk, it is intended to: honor loved ones with Parkinson’s, raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease, and embracing the power of exercise – proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. The Pi Theta Epsilon team raised over $3000.
OTfaculty,students,alumni,familymembers, andfriendsshowedtheirPantherspiritandpride duringtheHomecomingFootballGame.The eventprovidedanopportunitytokick-offtheFIUOT50thanniversarytobecelebratedonApril26, 2025.
Go Panthers!
Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends
Nicole
Dean Jorge Valdes, Dr. Abdel-Moty, Dr. Mojica and Alex Hughes
Students, and Dr Paul-Ward participated in a Community Halloween Party for Children from underserved communities 17/19
KimberlyLevy,NicoleHertrich&Dr.IntiMarazita MembersoftheAOTAdiversity,equity,inclusion,and justice(DEIJ)committeevisitedFIUtoprovidestudents withapresentationandhands-onactivities.AOTAis committedtobuildingamoreinclusiveprofessionthat isstrengthenedbytheinclusionandengagementofits practitionersandisequippedtoaddresstheneedsof clientsofallbackgroundsandidentities.
FIUOTstudentsandrepresentatives fromAOTADEIJcommittee
TheStudentOccupationalTherapyAssociation(SOTA)sponsoredtheWorld OccupationalTherapyDaycelebration.Alumniandcolleagues,AllisonGarces‘09(UK), StephanieLlanos‘11(Trinidad), ZenobiaNeely‘11(Bahamas),RaquelCohen‘21 (Panama),andMariangieGaray(PuertoRico),sharedtheirexperiencesofworkingas anoccupationaltherapistabroad TheWorldOccupationalTherapyDaywascreated bytheWorldFederationofOccupationalTherapyonOctober27,2010.Sincethen,ithas becomeanimportantdateintheoccupationaltherapycalendartopromoteand celebratetheprofessioninternationally.Thisyear’stheme,OccupationalTherapyforAll, reflectstheimportantroleoftheprofessiontofacilitatetheabilityofindividuals, communitiesandpopulationstoparticipateintheactivitiesthattheywant,needorare expectedtodointheirdailylives(WFOT,2024).
We would like our alumni to share any awards, promotions, certifications, recognitions, and/or personal news by emailing occupthe@fiu edu
Follow us on social media for the latest FIU OT news
@FIUOTDept @fiusota
The OT faculty extends our gratitude to Fatima Parpia and Rachel Perez, our program coordinators.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication in providing vital support toward the development of future occupational therapists.
