In OTS 912 - Evidence-Based Practice for OT, I continued to research the benefits of theater used in therapy and the significant role occupational therapists can play in facilitating the learning of skills through drama. With every class I took, I found ways of incorporating my capstone idea and refining my research. Each course worked...Read More

Leah Simpkins believes in taking an active part in her student’s educational experience. She goes above and beyond to ensure her online students have just as much opportunity to interact and build a relationship with her as their on-campus counterparts. Simpkins’ personal attention and dedication to helping students learn and feel connected makes her a...Read More

A long-time EKU instructor, Cindy Hayden serves as a cheerleader and mentor for her students throughout their educational experience. Hayden goes above and beyond to ensure her online students have just as much opportunity to interact and build a relationship with her as their on-campus counterparts. Hayden strives to make her personal experiences and extensive...Read More

A long-time EKU instructor, Dana Howell believes in accessibility and taking an active part in her student’s educational experience. She goes above and beyond to ensure her online students have just as much opportunity to interact and build a relationship with her as their on-campus counterparts. Howell’s personal attention and dedication to helping students prepare...Read More

Donna Colaianni believes in accessibility and taking an active part in her student’s educational experience. She goes above and beyond to ensure her online students have just as much opportunity to interact and build a relationship with her as their on-campus counterparts. Colaianni’s personal attention and dedication to helping students feel connected makes her a...Read More

Gaile Ebony Seay graduated from EKU Online’s OTD program in December 2021. While a student in the program, Seay also authored two books designed to help children practice handwriting while learning about Black history and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Her books, “The Black History ABCs: Handwriting 101” and “The HBCU ABCs: Cursive 101”...Read More

Dr. Gregg Pitts graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After serving five years active duty as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, he returned to EKU to complete his master’s and eventually doctorate in occupational therapy. Pitts is currently the founder and owner of three Commonwealth Hand and Physical...Read More

Gaile Ebony Seay graduated from EKU Online’s OTD program in December 2021. While a student in the program, Seay also authored two books designed to help children practice handwriting while learning about Black history and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Her books, “The Black History ABCs: Handwriting 101” and “The HBCU ABCs: Cursive 101”...Read More

For many, the advocacy landing page for informed occupational therapists is the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD). In 2014, many OTs and several subgroups joined together to form a grassroots coalition that drew off of the “person first” voices and experiences of occupational therapy leaders and members.Read More

After volunteering with an occupational therapist in the Exceptional Family Members Services in Italy, Kirsta von Hellens was inspired to pursue a career in occupational therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Eastern Kentucky University in 2000 and worked as an OT for a school district in northern Kentucky after graduation. She...Read More