HealthMatters

Join us for an interesting conversation with Dr. Tami Atkins to hear about how the integration of responsible artificial intelligence into occupational therapy curricula can remove barriers to evidence-based practice and equip students with essential skills for today’s technology-driven healthcare landscape.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Samantha Brown to learn about simulation rooms in academia. Through Samantha Brown's years of expertise in healthcare as both a clinician and educator, specifically in physical therapy, she demonstrates the importance of a simulation room. This conversation also delves into what a simulation room is and how students utalize it!

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Join us for a conversation with Carolyn Ferrer, a seasoned occupational therapist with over 16 years of experience, as she wraps up her Post-Professional OTD at Boston University’s Sargent College. Carolyn spent 13 years working in inpatient rehab in Detroit, where she supported individuals with spinal cord injuries, strokes, limb loss, and other complex medical conditions. Her time there, especially through the challenges of the pandemic, not only sharpened her clinical skills but also deepened her perspective as a practitioner and person. In the years that followed, Carolyn transitioned into teaching, starting as a guest lecturer and eventually becoming an adjunct instructor. Inspired to take the next step in her career, she returned to school to pursue her PP-OTD. She found the “just right challenge” at Sargent College, where a supportive environment helped her balance school, teaching, and life. Tune in to hear Carolyn reflect on her experience in the program and share insights from her doctoral project—an innovative continuing education initiative that equips OTs to better support clients living with chronic conditions in managing their daily lives.

Join us for an exciting new episode featuring Kimberly Day, an occupational therapist who owns Sunny Day Therapy! Kim discusses her passion for teaching about executive function through her program, Kid Power, which integrates her knowledge of physical exercises, reflexes, sensory health, and mental health.

Listen as she discusses her doctoral work and follow her social media, https://linktr.ee/sunnydaytherapy, to learn about her products, services, and Story Power OT programs to enhance executive function and holistic strength.

Join us for a fascinating and enlightening conversation about advocacy, OT, and Emily's experience! Emily is an occupational therapist practicing in Syracuse, NY. She is a doctoral candidate (soon to graduate!) at Boston University's PP-OTD program. While she has had many experiences as an OT, she found her passion for the profession working with students with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Some of her meaningful occupations include hiking (especially with her dog Clover), musical theatre, spending time with her family, and puzzling at home. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Susan McGurk, clinical psychologist and faculty member at Boston University's Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Susan shares her journey from biology major to leading expert in psychiatric rehabilitation, cognitive functioning, and employment support for individuals with serious mental illnesses. In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of occupational therapy and psychology, dive into Susan’s development of the Thinking Skills for Work Program, and learn how self-management strategies can significantly enhance vocational outcomes. Susan also offers a glimpse into her personal life, sharing her love for running, gardening, and her beloved rescue dog, Venus. Whether you're a student, clinician, or simply curious about how cognition shapes everyday life, this episode delivers both professional insight and heartwarming stories.

Join us as for a joyful discussion on the power of affirmations with Shannon and Kayla, founders of My Happy Place. Based in Australia, Shannon and Kayla seek to empower individuals through various affirmation cards. Their mission is clear: to foster wellness by integrating evidence-based therapies with nature’s restorative powers.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Temor “Tay” Amin-Arsala, a new Clinical Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Sargent College! Temor's clinical practice history stretches across the entire lifespan in a multitude of settings, with an additional focus on LGBTQIA+ health. This discussion dives into Temor's experiences, academic and scholarly interests, and current leadership roles, including being the AOTA Massachusetts representative.

In this episode of HealthMatters, we’re joined by Katie Walker, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (CPR) at Sargent College. With over 45 years of history, CPR is a leader in combining research, training, and direct services to empower individuals with mental health challenges to reclaim their place in the community. Tune in as Katie shares insights into CPR’s latest groundbreaking project: an AI-driven intervention designed to improve metacognition and transform the way people think about work. Learn how an AI coach and online modules are being integrated into mental health care, offering innovative solutions for rehabilitation and inclusion. Join us for this inspiring discussion about the future of mental health and technology!

How have perspectives of psychiatric rehabilitation shifted over time? Join us as we speak with Dr. Marianne Farkas, ScD, a clinical professor at Boston University and one of the founding members of the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Dr. Farkas explain four major shifts in mental health rehabilitation that have taken place, in addition to various global perspectives on mental health and the importance of person-centered care. Tune in for this informative and impactful episode!