On the eve of their Aug. 5 commencement, students in the Presbyterian College Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program demonstrated the results of their hard work and research at the program’s inaugural capstone symposium in Belk Auditorium.

Presented at the symposium:

Erin Callaham

“Addressing Occupational Performance in Veterans Transitioning from Military Service to Academia”

Research Mentor: Dr. Karol Young

Doctoral Capstone Experience site: Upstate Warrior Solution

DCE Site Mentor: Theresa Thompson

Madilyn Campbell

“Establishing an Occupational Therapy Student Infused Health Initiative Program at Presbyterian College”

Research Mentors: Dr. Cindy Erb and Dr. Melissa Turpin

DCE Site: Presbyterian College

DCE Site Mentors: Dr. Cindy Erb and Dr. Melissa Turpin

Victoria Clouse

“The Cognitive Benefits of Purposeful Leisure Activities for Older Adults: A Systematic Review”

 Research Mentor: Alisa Kollmann

DCE Site: Foothills Retirement Community and Mauldin Senior Center

DCE Site Mentor: Ailee McKain and Tammy McKinney

Kayla Jarvis

“Addressing Self-Determination in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder from an Occupational Therapy Lens in Collaboration with Applied Behavior Analysis”

Research Mentor: Dr. Karol Young

DCE Site: SOS Healthcare

DCE Site Mentor: Alyssa Buford

Jillianne Jordan

“Minimizing the Effects of Repeated Military Separation Through an Emotional Regulation Pilot Program”

Research Mentor: Dr. Cindy Erb

DCE Site: Sterile Services Company

DCE Site Mentors: Dan Wrightsman and Raymond Hammond

MaryClaire McGraw

“Self-Regulaltion: The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Foster Care System”

Research Mentor: Dr. Moni Keen

DCE Site: Thornwell

DCE Site Mentor: Rebecca Moore

Azah Merrill

“Diversity in Occupational Therapy”

Research Mentor: Dr. Cindy Erb

DCE Site: Presbyterian College

DCE Mentor: Dr. Selena Blair

Jessica Miebach

“Oral Care and Hygiene Practices for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Population”

Research Mentor: Dr. Cindy Erb

DCE Site: Magnolia Memory Care

DCE Site Mentor: Susan Billings

Hailey Neifert

“Establishing the Foundation for a Student-Infused Occupational Therapy Center: Developing a Formal Proposal”

Research Mentors: Dr. Cindy Erb and Dr. Melissa Turpin

DCE Site: Presbyterian College
DCE Site Mentors: Dr. Cindy Erb and Dr. Melissa Turpin

Chandler Nesmith

“Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Participation in an Occupation-Based Program Utilizing a Sensory Integrative Approach to Enhance Social Participation Skills”

Research Mentor: Dr. Cindy Erb

DCE Site: J.O.Y. School

DCE Site Mentor: Margaret Insignares

Haven Parker

“Redefining Occupational Therapy in South Carolina: Bringing Back Mental Health”

Research Mentor: Alisa Kollmann

DCE Site: PHC Rehabilitation

DCE Site Mentor: Sarah Wilbanks

Cassidy Smith

“Occupational Therapy in Foster Care Education Emerging Practice: The Distinct Role of Occupational Therapy in Foster Care Education”

Research Mentor: Dr. Cindy Erb

DCE Site: South Carolina Foster Parent Association

DCE Site Mentor: Anna Skipper