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MaryEllen.Thompson@eku.edu
859-622-6347

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

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