Faculty
Read more about our doctoral faculty and the scholarship they have produced since 2010.
Dana Howell, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L
Professor, OTD Program Coordinator and RHB Doctoral Program Liaison
Education:
B.S. Colorado State University
OTD Creighton University
Ph.D. University of Idaho, Adult Education
Email: Dana.Howell@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6256
Research/Academic Interests:
- Interprofessional education
- Qualitative research
- Quality of life for people with physical disabilities
Publications:
Dr. Howell’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Smith-Forbes, E., Howell, D. M., Willoughby, J., Armstrong, H., Pitts, D.G., & Uhl, T.L. (2016). Adherence of individuals in upper extremity rehabilitation: A qualitative study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(8), 1262-1268. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.11.008
- Smith-Forbes, E., Howell, D. M., Willoughby, J., Pitts, D.G., & Uhl, T.L. (2016). Specificity of the minimal clinical important difference of the Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) for distal upper extremity conditions. Journal of Hand Therapy, 29, 81-88. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2015.09.003
- Maddy, K., Howell, D.M., & Capilouto, G. (2015). Current practices regarding discourse analysis and treatment following non-aphasic brain injury: A qualitative study. Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders, 6.2, 211-236.
- Gregg, B., Howell, D.M., Quick, C.D., & Iwama, M. (2015). The Kawa River Model: Applying theory to develop interventions for combat and operational stress control. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 31(4), 366-384.
- Skubik-Peplaski, C., Howell, D.M., & Hunter, B. (2015). The environmental impact on occupational therapy interventions. Occupational Therapy in Health Care. Early Online, 1-13.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Editor, Journal of Occupational Therapy Education (JOTE)
- Contributing Editor, Potential Patterns, Journal of Allied Health
- Clinical experience as an occupational therapist in adult rehabilitation in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, and home health
- Cardinal Hill Research Committee
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists
- American Occupational Therapy Association
Awards/Accolades:
- UniversityFellowsAward,2016
- Jean SteffanSmithFacultyAward,2011,2013,2015
- DepartmentofOccupational TherapyExcellence in Scholarship Award,2014
- Dr.Deborah R.LabovitzScholarshipAwardfrom the KentuckyOccupational
- TherapyFoundation, 2008
- Journal ofAllied Health’sJ.WarrenPerryDistinguished AuthorAward(co-recipient) forthearticle, “Using theSF-36to DeterminethePerceived Health RelatedQuality ofLifein PersonsOver65 in RuralIdaho,”2007
Amy Marshall, Ph.D., OTR/L
BSOS Program Coordinator and Associate Professor
Education:
B.S. Western Michigan University
M.S. Eastern Kentucky University
Ph.D. University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences
Email: Amy.Marshall@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-5896
Research/Academic Interests:
- Postsecondary transition services to adolescents with disabilities in traditional and nontraditional educational settings, primarily through the use of qualitative method
Publications:
Dr. Marshall’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Marshall, A., Powell, N., Pierce, D., Fehringer, E., & Nolan, R. (2012). Youth and administrator perspectives on transition in Kentucky’s state agency schools. Child Welfare, 91, 95-116.
- Powell, N. W., & Marshall, A. (2011). The relationship factor: A vital element for making or breaking successful transitions for youth at risk. Reclaiming Youth, 20, 13-21.
- Blakeney, A., & Marshall, A. (2009). Water quality, health and human occupations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, 46-67.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- World Federation of Occupational Therapy
- Society for the Study of Occupation
- International Society for Occupational Science
Awards/Accolades:
- Excellence in Service Award, Eastern Kentucky University Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Spring 2014
- Nominee for EKU University Programs Service-Learning Teaching Award, Spring 2013
- Recognized by EKU Academic Affairs as an “Academic Star” one of approximately 50 EKU faculty identified by students as being essential to their success at EKU, Fall 2012
- Recognized by EKU students as a “Person on campus who has most made a difference,” EKU-MAPS Program, Fall 2010
Shirley O’Brien, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Foundation Professor
Education:
B.S. Temple University
M.S. Rush University
Ph.D. University of Kentucky, Educational Policy Studies and Evaluations
Email: Shirley.O’Brien@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6329
Research/Academic Interests:
- Pediatrics
- School-based practice
- Advocacy for children and families
- The biological foundations of occupation
Publications:
Dr. O’Brien’s work can be found in several journals including:
- O’Brien, S.P., Marken, D., Petrey, K.B. (2016). Student perceptions of scholarly writing. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 4(3), Article 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1253
- Myers, C.T. & O’Brien, S.P (2015). Teaching interprofessional collaboration in the health sciences: Using online education across institutions. Occupational Therapy in Healthcare, 29(2), 178-185.
- Vaught, E. L., Wittman, P., & O'Brien, S. (2013). Occupational behaviors and quality of life: A comparison study of individuals who self-identify as adult children of alcoholics and non-adult children of alcoholics. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 18(1), 43-51.
- Bibb, S. I., O’Brien, S. P., & Custer, M. G. (2012). LoAD books: Using e-technology to facilitate children’s reading skills. American Occupational Therapy Association Technology Special Interest Section Quarterly, 22(1), 1-4.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Continuous service in the American Occupational Therapy Association, Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, state associations, and other professional groups
- Reviewer, The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT)
- Reviewer, FA Davis
- Department Committees: Curriculum Committee and OTD Subcommittee
- University Committees: Chair of Faculty Senate (2016/2017), Academic Budget Committee Subcommittee, E-Campus Quality Workgroup, Faculty Innovation Workgroup, Joint University Budget Review Committee, President’s Research and Scholarship Fund
Awards/Accolades:
- University Foundation Professor, 2016-2018
- Faculty Innovator, Eastern Kentucky University – College of Health Science 2015
- American Occupational Therapy Foundation, Leaders & Legacy Society (Inaugural Group), 2015.
- Jean Steffan Smith Faculty Award, 1996, 2007, 2008, 2010
- Distinguished Education Leader, EKU Student Government Association, May 2007.
- Service Award, American Occupation Therapy Association, 2001.
- Honorary Member, Golden Key National Honor Society, 1999.
- Lindy Boggs Award for Political Activity (Activism in the legislative and policy making environment), American Occupational Therapy Association, 1997.
- Distinguished Service Award, Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, 1994-95.
- Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (Mentoring in education and pediatric practice), 1992.
Doris Pierce, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Department of Occupational Science and
Occupational Therapy Endowed Chair and Professor
Education:
B.S. The Ohio State University
M.A. University of Southern California
Ph.D. University of Southern California, Occupational Science
Email: Doris.Pierce@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6302
Research/Academic Interests:
- Transitions
- Occupational science
Publications:
Dr. Pierce’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Pierce, D. (2014, October). Occupation in innovative secondary transition practices: Theoretical congruence and temporal challenges. In K. Reed (Ed.), Proceedings of the Joint International Conference in Occupational Science. Minneapolis Minnesota: Society for the Study of Occupation: USA.
- Bailliard, A., Clark, F., Laiberte-Rudman, D., Merryman, B., Shaw, L., Wood, W., & Pierce, D. (2013, October). Doctoral programs in occupational science: Diversity and potential. In K. Reed (Ed.), First Annual Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (pp. 78-80). Lexington, Kentucky: SSO:USA.
- Pierce, D. (2013, October). The persistence of partition and the danger of epistemic closure in occupational science. In K. Reed (Ed.), First Annual Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (pp. 12-13). Lexington, Kentucky: SSO:USA.
- Dennis, C., Marshall, A., Randall, Y., Rybski, D., Smith, V., Barrett, K., & Pierce, D. (2013, October). Undergraduate programs in occupational science: An innovative disciplinary trend. In K. Reed (Ed.), First Annual Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (pp. 58-59). Lexington, Kentucky: SSO:USA.
- Wright-St Clair, V. A., Pierce, D., Bunrayong, W., Rattakorn, P., Vittayakorn, S., Hocking, C., & Shordike, A. (2013). Cross-cultural understandings of festival food-related activities for older women in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Eastern Kentucky, USA and Auckland, New Zealand. Journal of Cross-cultural Gerontology, 28, 103-119. doi:10.1007/s10823-013-9194-5
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Kentucky State Representative, Representative Assembly, American Occupational Therapy Association
- Chair, SSO:USA Subcommittee on Publications
- President, EKU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors
Awards/Accolades:
- Keynote, French Occupational Therapy Association, Paris
- Keynote, Indiana Occupational Therapy Association
- Service Commendation, Maturing the Profession Task Group, American Occupational Therapy Association
- Keynote, Sixteenth Japanese Occupational Science Symposium, Sapporo, Japan
- The Chautauqua, Eastern Kentucky University
- Tenth Annual Ruth Zemke Lecture in Occupational Science, Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (SSO:USA)
- Keynote, Twenty-fourth Annual Midwest Deans’ Occupational Therapy Research Conference
- Keynote, Occupational Therapy Research Day, Shawnee State University
- Keynote, Ph.D. Symposium Colorado State University
- Keynote, AOTA/NBCOT Student Conclave
Colleen Schneck, Sc.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Department of Occupational Therapy and
Occupational Science Chair and Professor
Education:
B.S. EasternMichigan University
M.S. Boston University
Sc.D. Boston University, Therapeutic Studies
Email: Colleen.Schneck@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-3300
Research/Academic Interests:
- Sensory processing problems in children and adolescents
- Topics of interest to pediatric occupational therapists and school system personnel
Publications:
Dr. Schneck’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Leigers, K., Myers, C., Schneck, C. (2016). “Social Participation in Schools: A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners”. American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
- Martin, S., Welborn-Mabrey, D., Kitzman, P., Effgen, S., Schneck, C. (2015). “Reliability of the Test of Pretend Play- A pilot study”. Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation.
- Schneck, C. M., Brandenburger-Shasby, S., Myers, C. T., Smith, M. A. (2012). The Handwriting Without Tears versus Teacher-Designed Handwriting Instruction in a first grade classroom. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools & Early Intervention,5(1), 31-42.
- Myers, C. T., Schneck, C. M., Effgen, S. K., McCormick, K. M., Shasby, S. B. (2011). Factors associated with therapists’ involvement in children’s transition to preschool. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65, 76-85.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy for over 20 years in a variety of settings including school systems
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Foundation Board, Member (at large)
- Related Services Advisory Committee; Kentucky Department of Education, Member (at large)
- Research Committee; Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center; Lexington, Kentucky, Member (at large)
- American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference Proposals
- SIS Practice Conference Proposals
Awards/Accolades:
- Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association
Anne Shordike, Ph.D., OTR/L
Part Time Faculty
Education:
B.A. San Francisco State University
M.O.T. Texas Woman's University
Ph.D. California Institute of Integral Studies, Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Mind
Email: Anne.Shordike@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6345
Research/Academic Interests:
- Occupational therapy in mental health
- Occupation and health in the community
- Culture and diversity and occupation
Publications:
Dr. Shordike’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Wright-St Clair, V. A., Pierce, D., Bunrayong, W., Rattakorn, P., Vittayakorn, S., Shordike, A., & Hocking, C. (2013). Cross-cultural understandings of preparing food: Deriving knowledge from elder women in Thailand, USA and New Zealand. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology.
- Hocking, C., Shordike, A., Vittayakorn, S., Bunrayong, W., Rattakorn, P., Wright-St. Clair, V., & Pierce, D. (2013). Different ways of doing food: The methods, findings and implications of the international multisite study of preparing and sharing food. In D. Pierce (Ed.), Occupational science for occupational therapy. Thorofare, NJ: Slack.
- Shordike, A., O’Brien, S. P., & Marshall, M. (2011). From altruism to participation: Bridging academia and borderlands. In D. Sakellariou, N. Pollard & F. Kronenberg, (Eds.), Occupational Therapy without Borders, Second Edition, Elselvier.
- Shordike, A., Hocking, C., Pierce, D., Wright St-Clair, V., Vittaykorn, S., Rattakorn, P, & Bunrayong, W. (2010). Respecting regional culture in an international multi-site study: A derived etic method. Qualitative Research 10(3), 333-357.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- National association for the Mentally ill (NAMI)
- Board of Directors, Canaan House
- Director of Living with Difference: Oral Histories of Life and Disability in Kentucky -This project constitutes the largest oral history collection in the state of Kentucky
Awards/Accolades:
- 2005-Service Award from the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, for service as the liaison to the World Federation of Occupational Therapy
- 2004-Auckland University of Technology Vice Chancellor’s Award for the Best Research Team, for the international collaborative research by Wannipa Bunrayong, Doris Pierce, Clare Hocking, Phunjai Rattakorn, Anne Shordike, Valerie Wright St.-Clair, Soisuda Vittayakorn.
- Service Awards from The Society for the Study of Occupation: USA, 2004, 2005 for service as chair of Call for Papers Subcommittee of the Conference Committee and 2006, 2007 for development of silent auction to fund research initiatives
- Service Award from the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, 1997, for service as Chair of the Mental Health Special Interest Section
- Volunteer appreciation awards 1996-2002 from the Hope Center, a homeless shelter for men
Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Ph.D., OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA
Associate Professor
Education:
B.S. Eastern Michigan University
M.S. Wayne State University
Ph.D. University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences
Email: Camille.Skubik-Peplaski@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6325
Research/Academic Interests:
- Occupation-based practice
- Occupational therapy practice framework
- Reimbursement
- Client-centered practice
- The therapy environment
Publications:
Dr. Skubik-Peplaski’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Skubik-Peplaski, C., Howell, D., Hunter, E., (2015). The Environmental Impact on Occupational Therapy Interventions.Occupational Therapy in Health Care, DOI 10.3109/07380577.2015.1063180
- Skubik-Peplaski, C., Howell, D., Hunter, E., & Harrison, A. (2015). Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions of Environmental Influences on Practice at an Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program: a Pilot Study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 33(3): 250-262.
- Skubik-Peplaski, C., Howell, D., & Harrison, A. (2014) Becoming occupation-based: a case study, Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 28(4), 431-443.
- Skubik-Peplaski, C., Carrico, C., Nichols, L., Chelette, K. & Sawaki, L. (2012) Behavioral, neurophysiological and descriptive changes following occupation-based intervention. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66:e107-e113.
- Skubik-Peplaski, C., Rowles, G., & Hunter, E. (2012). Environmental influence on occupation-based interventions in inpatient rehabilitation. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, Jan 26(1), 33-47.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- 30+ years of experience as an occupational therapist in a variety of settings including school-based practice, pediatric rehabilitation, and adult rehabilitation
- Held positions as an occupational therapist, outpatient therapy coordinator and practice coordinator creating occupational therapy programs and sustaining competent practice with a workforce of 75 therapists at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital
- Continuous service in the American Occupational Therapy Association, Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, Kentucky Board of Occupational Therapy, and other professional groups
Awards/Accolades:
- Appointed by Governor Brashear to the Kentucky Board of Occupational Therapy 2010-2013
- Reappointed by Governor Brashear to the Kentucky Board of Occupational Therapy for a second term 2013- 2016
- 2015 AOTF Leaders and Legacy Society- Inaugural Member
- 2015 Best Poster UK PM &R Research Day
- 2014 Jean Stephan Smith Faculty Award by Eastern Kentucky University Occupational Therapy Students
- 2014 Best Poster UK PM &R Research Day
- 2011 Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association
- 2007 Awarded Distinguished Alumna of the Year by Eastern Michigan University
- 2004-2005 Awarded Distinguished Service Award by the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- 1996-1997 Awarded Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
MaryEllen Thompson, Ph.D., OTR/L
Graduate Coordinator and Professor
Education:
B.A. University of Puget Sound
M.A. University of Southern California
Ph.D. Arizona State University, Educational Psychology/Lifespan Development
Email: MaryEllen.Thompson@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6347
Research/Academic Interests:
- Research: Morning routines of Adults with Chronic Disabilities; Use of photo techniques in qualitative research; Adults with diabetes; Adolescents with disabilities – Transition and Inclusion issues; Tourette Syndrome and related disorders
- Teaching: Foundations, Theory, Research, Pediatrics
Publications:
Dr. Thompson’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Thompson, M.E. (2014). Occupations, habits, and routines: Perspectives from persons with diabetes. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Science, 21, 153-160.
- Strom, P, Thompson, M.E., & Strom, R. (Winter, 2013). Teamwork skills assessment for inclusion classrooms. Middle Grades Research Journal, 8(3), 83-98.
- Thompson, M.E., & Oekler, A. (2013). Use of participant-generated photographs versus time use diaries as a method of qualitative data collection. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 12, 624-637.
- Thompson, M.E. (2013). Use of participant-generated photography in a research contribution course. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1(4), 1-13.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- 20+ years of clinical work in occupational therapy in a variety of areas and settings including work primarily in pediatrics within the school system, home health, acute care, NICU, and outpatient care
- Certified in giving Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests
- Trained at the Ayres Clinic
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Society for the Study of Occupation
- SSO: USA member of Conference committee
- Kentucky Diabetes Network
- Committee Chair, Admission, Progression and Retention Committee, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department, Eastern Kentucky University
- Committee Chair, MS Sub Committee, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department, Eastern Kentucky University
- Committee Member, ADA Committee, University wide, Eastern Kentucky University
- Committee Member, Curriculum Committee, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department, Eastern Kentucky University
- Committee Member, Quality Enhancement of Graduate Programs
Awards/Accolades:
- University Funded Research Grant, 2012, American Occupational Therapy Foundation Research Grant, 1986, and California Foundation Occupational Therapy Research Grant, 1986
Renee Causey-Upton, OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor
Education:
B.A. Eastern Kentucky University
M.S. Eastern Kentucky University
OTD Chatham University
Ph.D. In progress, University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences
Email: Renee.Causey-Upton@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-8297
Research/Academic Interests:
- Outcomes following total knee replacement
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Occupational therapy education and pedagogy
- Team-based learning
- Adult rehabilitation
Publications:
Dr. Causey-Upton’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Causey-Upton, R. (2015). A model for quality of life: Occupational justice and leisure continuity for nursing home residents. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 33(3), 15-188.
- Causey, R. (2013). Breathing easier: Pulmonary rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. OT Practice, 18(21), 13-17.
- Causey, K. R. (2012). Pulmonary rehabilitation: Pathways to better breathing [Program manual]. Functional Pathways, Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Crum, K. R. (2011). Readiness for discharge: Occupation-based treatment in the orthopedic setting.OT Practice, 16(14), 14-18, 23.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Clinical experience as an occupational therapist and rehabilitation manager in acute care settings and skilled nursing facilities
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- Associate Editor, editorial board member, and reviewer, Journal of Occupational Therapy Education (JOTE)
- Member of Curriculum Committee, Eastern Kentucky University
- Member of the OTD Sub-Committee, Eastern Kentucky University
- Member of the Academic Practice Committee, Eastern Kentucky University
- Member of Faculty Development Committee, Eastern Kentucky University
- Member of the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education (JOTE) Committee, Eastern Kentucky University
- Member of College of Health Sciences Alumni Affairs Committee, Eastern Kentucky University
- Advisor for junior and senior occupational science students
Awards/Accolades:
- Deep Physical Agent Modalities Certification through the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy
- Marketing Strategy for Business Leaders Certificate through Cornell University
- Recognition as a Champion’s Club Member from the Alzheimer’s Association, 2014.
- Recipient of a Lilly Conference Scholarship award from Eastern Kentucky University to attend the Lilly International Conference on College Teaching, 2013.
- Recipient of the Madonna Marsden Writing Award from Eastern Kentucky University, 2003.
- Recipient of the Department of English and Theatre Writing Award, Eastern Kentucky University, 2003
Julie Baltisberger, Ph.D., OTR/L
Assistant Professor
Education:
B.A. University of California, Berkeley
M.S. Eastern Kentucky University
Ph.D. University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences
Email: Julie.Baltisberger@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6303
Research/Academic Interests:
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Mothering
- School-based practice
- Qualitative and mixed methods
Publications:
Dr. Baltisberger’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Baltisberger, J. A. (2015). “Bent but not broken”: A mixed methods study of mothering during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy degree, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky.
- Hunter, E. G., Baltisberger, J. A. (2012). Functional outcomes by age for inpatient cancer rehabilitation: A retrospective chart review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, XX(X), 1-.
- Marken, D., Pierce, D, & Baltisberger, J. (2010). Grandmothers’ use of routines to manage custodial care of young children. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 28(4), 360-375. doi:10.3109/02703181.2010.535119
- Schoenberg, N., Baltisberger, J., Bardach, S., & Dignan, M. (2010). Perspectives on pap test follow up care among rural Appalachian women. Women & Health, 50(6).
- Pierce, D., Atler, K., Baltisberger, J., Fehringer, E., Hunter, E., Malkawi, S., & Parr, T. (2010). Occupational science: A data-based American perspective. Journal of Occupational Science, 18(1).
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Clinical experience in working with children with disabilities in early intervention and school systems
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
- AMBUCS National and Bluegrass Chapters
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA)
- Society for the Study of Occupation, USA (SSO-USA)
- World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)
Awards/Accolades:
- Golden Apple Award, Eastern Kentucky University Housing Department, 2010-2011
- Related Services Scholarship, Kentucky Dept. of Education, November, 1997
- Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Therapy Honor Society, January, 1997
- Appalachian Traineeship Award for Occupational Therapy, December, 1996
Leslie Hardman, OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor
Email: Leslie.Hardman@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6323
Research/Academic Interests:
- Pediatrics
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- World Federation of Occupational Therapy
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- Kentucky Division of Early Childhood
- Council for Exceptional Children
Melba Custer, Ph.D., OT/L
Assistant Professor
Education:
B.A. University of Kentucky
M.S. Eastern Kentucky University
Ph.D. University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences
Email: Melba.Custer@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-1268
Research/Academic Interests:
- Survey and outcome research
- Program development
- Rehabilitation practice issues
Publications:
Dr. Custer’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Pitts, D.G., Umansky, S. C., & Custer, M. (2016). Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries. In R. J. Sanders, R. P. Astifidis, S. L. Burke, J. P. & Higgins, M. A. McClinton Eds.), Hand and upper extremity rehabilitation: A practical guide (4th ed). St. Louis: Elsevier Churchill Livingston.
- Custer, M.G., Huebner, R. A., & Howell, D. M. (2015). Factors predicting client satisfaction in occupational therapy and rehabilitation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 (1), 6901290040. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.013094
- Custer, M., Huebner, R. A., Freudenberger, L., & Nichols, L. (2013) Client chosen goals in occupational therapy: Strategy and instrument pilot. Occupational Therapy in HealthCare, 27 (1), 58-70.
- Bibb, S., O’Brien, S. & Custer, M. (2012). LoAD Books: Using e-technology to facilitate children’s reading skills. American Occupational Therapy Association Technology Special Interest Section Quarterly, 22(1), 1-4.
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Clinical experience in adult rehabilitation with an emphasis in hands and the upper extremity in a variety of settings including home health, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
- American Society of Hand Therapists
- Received DPAM Specialty Certification-February 2013
Awards/Accolades:
- 2015 Best Poster, University of Kentucky Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research Day
- 2014 Best Poster, University of Kentucky Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research Day
Cindy Hayden, D.H. Ed., OTR/L, CHT
Associate Professor
Education:
B.A. Eastern Kentucky University
M.S. University of Kentucky
Ph.D. A.T. Still University, Health Education
Email: Cindy.Hayden@eku.edu
Phone: 859-622-6318
Research/Academic Interests:
- Scholarship of teaching and learning
Publications:
Dr. Hayden’s work can be found in several journals including:
- Hayden, C. & Marken, D. (2015) Shared Grades as Academic Practice. The American Occupational Therapy Association Education Special Interest Section Newsletter.
- Hayden, C. & Fehringer, E. (2013). Abstract. Occupation-based practice: A three-year study of the impact of an occupational science curriculum on Level II fieldwork students’ perceptions of occupational-based practice. First Annual Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA From the Twelfth Annual Research Conference. Lexington, KY 1, (1), 71.
- Hayden, C. (2013). Online learning of safe patient transfers in occupational therapy education. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Retrieved from http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/login.cgi?logout=1&context=ojot
- Hayden, C. (2013). Instructional design for learning: a psychomotor clinical skill online. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. Retrieved from http://itdl.org/Journal/Jan_13/Jan_13.pdf
Associations/Affiliations/Work History:
- Associate Editor, Journal of Occupational Therapy Education (JOTE)
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, Education Chair (2013-2015)
- Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association
- Presented at State and National Conferences
- Pi Theta Epsilon faculty advisor
- Editorial Board, AOTA OT Online Test Prep
- Editorial Board, AOTA OTA Online Test Prep
- University Committee, CHS representative on QEP Implementation, Critical Reading Committee
- Curriculum Committee, OTD representative (2016-2018)
- OS/OT Department Faculty Development Committee, Chair
Awards/Accolades:
- Nominated for the Excellence in Teaching OT department award, Spring 2014
- Nominated for the Excellence in Service OT department award, Spring 2014
- NSCC-High Scores on Student Evaluations of courses, 4.7/5 for 2009, 2010, 2011
- High Scores on Faculty Evaluation by Dean 4.6/5 for 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011
