How can occupational therapists advocate for neurodiversity? Join us as we talk with Bryden Carlson-Giving, a neurodivergent, doctoral student at Boston University and pediatric occupational therapy practitioner based in Minnesota. He seeks to promote strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming practices, amplify the voices of the disabilities community, and challenge ableism within healthcare and research. From helping individuals discover and embrace their sensory processing differences to collaborating with their family and education team to improve their ability to be neurodiversity-affirming, Bryden aims to maximize his client's quality of life and well-being to support authentic, neurodivergent development.

Jessica Peterson, OTR, MSOT, PMH-C a PPOTD student at Sargent College, and Gayle Schwee, OTR, MOT, PMH-C met working as occupational therapists in acute care. Together, they started Matrescence Occupational Therapy, a private practice in Austin, TX, focused on helping mothers through their transitions to or within motherhood. Jessica and Gayle felt they could fill a gap in healthcare and support for mothers by viewing their transitions in occupations, role, and identity through an occupational therapy lens. You can learn more about them and the work they do at www.momsOT.com.

Join us as we talk to Lauren Tamburello about her journey in public health, challenges working through the height of the pandemic, learning about healthcare technology, and yoga! Lauren is a double Terrier and currently works at Artera as a Sr. Patient Experience Consulting Manager.

What is AI, and what is its power in healthcare? This episode features Wesley J. Wildman, a philosopher of religion and computational social scientist in Boston University's School of Theology and Faculty of Computing Data Sciences. He also is executive director of the Center for Mind and Culture, which applies computing and data-science techniques to address pressing social problems. An ethicist who studies emerging technologies, he recently published (with Kate J. Stockly) Spirit Tech: The Brave New World of Consciousness Hacking and Enlightenment Engineering (St. Martin's).

What is trauma informed care, and why is it important? Join us as we talk with Dr. Amy Lynch, an associate professor at the College of Public Health in the Occupational Therapy Department at Temple University. Find out more about the American Occupational Therapy Association’s first ever book on trauma: Trauma, Occupation, and Participation: Foundations and Population Considerations for Occupational Therapy, which Dr. Lynch is the lead editor for.

Dr. Lori Vaughn and Dr. Scott McNeil are Co-Chairs of the OT Department at Springfield College and fellow graduates of BU's Post-Professional OTD Program. In this episode, Lori and Scott share their story of what led them from Peer Partners to Co-Chairs and friends. Lori initially worked in school-based practice and has been in academia for over 17 years teaching pediatric related content, research and a variety of professional issues. She is now transitioning out of the chair role to a full time teaching position and passing the role to her colleague and Co-Chair, Scott. Scott has close to 20 years of experience in various adult/older adult settings, fieldwork education, academia, and his scholarship is focused on diversity in OT, sucessful aging, and inclusive teaching and learning.

How can occupational therapy support sex trafficking survivors? Why the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association's state mentorship program is vital? In this episode, we welcome Hayley Davis, OTR/L, CSRS, and CLIPP. After 20+ years of clinical experience, Hayley is currently a Post-Professional Doctoral Candidate at BU Sargent. Tune in to hear about her time in Nepal and the program she helps started there.

Emily Scannell (SAR) is an occupational therapist (OT) completing Boston University’s post-professional doctor of occupational therapy program. She works as an OT in school, hospital, and summer camp settings, and is passionate about helping people participate in meaningful activities. Her doctoral project is focused on improving the social and academic success of elementary school students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder through a children’s book “Wonderfully Wired” and a school staff guide, both of which are currently being developed.

Wendy Colby is an Innovative Global Education and Technology Leader who specializes in driving impact and digital transformation, particularly through her role as the inaugural Vice President and Associate Provost of BU Virtual. BU Virtual is an innovative new unit inside of Boston University committed to leveraging and growing BU's online and hybrid portfolio of graduate and certificate programs to align with market demand and reach new segments of learners.  

You can learn more about BU Virtual at bu.edu/virtual

How can occupational therapy support sex trafficking survivors? Why the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association's state mentorship program is vital? In this episode, we welcome Hayley Davis, OTR/L, CSRS, and CLIPP. After 20+ years of clinical experience, Hayley is currently a Post-Professional Doctoral Candidate at BU Sargent. Tune in to hear about her time in Nepal and the program she works on there.