Dr. Ashley Erwin ’24 presenting her capstone research on dying as a meaningful occupation.

Dr. Ashley Erwin, a 2024 graduate of Presbyterian College’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, is making an impact in healthcare as a traveling occupational therapist. With a passion for helping patients regain independence and dignity, she is applying her expertise across the country while continuing to advocate for an often-overlooked area of care: occupational therapy in hospice settings.

A life on the move

Erwin recently completed an assignment at a skilled nursing facility in Arkansas and is preparing for her next role in Washington state. Her work as a traveling occupational therapist requires adaptability, as each placement brings different challenges and opportunities.

“It really depends on who needs help,” Erwin said. “Some facilities focus on skilled nursing, others are more inpatient. Every assignment is different, and you have to be ready for anything.”

The decision to become a traveling therapist was a natural fit for Erwin, who enjoys the flexibility and variety of working in different states. She typically takes assignments lasting a few months before moving on to another location, allowing her to experience different healthcare environments and refine her skills in diverse settings.

“It’s a 39-hour drive from Arkansas to Washington,” she said. “But that’s part of what makes it exciting. You get to see new places, meet new people, and help where you’re needed most.”

A sensory blanket created by occupational therapist Dr. Ashley Erwin for patients with dementia and high sensory needs.

Pioneering research in hospice care

While Erwin’s current work focuses on rehabilitation and skilled nursing, her capstone research at Presbyterian College delved into a field that is still developing within occupational therapy: hospice care. Recognizing that end-of-life care is often viewed solely through a medical or palliative lens, she sought to highlight the role occupational therapy can play in making patients’ final days as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

“I was drawn to the idea that occupation, in some form, is still meaningful at every stage of life,” Erwin said. “Even in hospice care, people have daily routines and activities that provide comfort and purpose. I wanted to explore how occupational therapy could support that.”

For her research, Erwin built upon an existing palliative care model, collaborating with experts to adapt it specifically for hospice patients. She conducted extensive research and interviews, working with professionals in the field to refine the approach.

“We often think of hospice as something grim or to be avoided, but it’s something everyone will face, whether personally or with a loved one,” she said. “If we can better understand how to support families and patients through that transition, we can make a real difference.”

Her findings sparked interest among other occupational therapists, and she hopes her work will contribute to broader discussions about the role of OT in hospice care.

A moment of dignity and comfort

One of Erwin’s most memorable experiences came while working alongside social worker Stefanie to support a hospice patient at home. The patient, who had been home for about four months, was declining rapidly but had one final request: she wanted to feel pretty and complete a self-care day of painting nails and pampering.

“She passed about three days later with her family around her,” Erwin said. “The husband called the social worker and me about a week later and said when she passed, she felt like her best self. Even when she could not speak anymore, she was still showing off her nails to her kids.”

Moments like these reaffirm Erwin’s commitment to her work.

“My goal is to give as many people and their families dignity, love, respect, and honor during their last moments of life,” she said.

From Winthrop to Presbyterian College

A native of South Carolina, Erwin completed her undergraduate studies at Winthrop University before enrolling at Presbyterian College. Transitioning from a larger school to PC’s small, close-knit occupational therapy program was a significant shift, but one that she found rewarding.

“It was a different experience going from a bigger university to a small doctoral program, but that’s what made it special,” she said. “The professors were so involved, and our cohort really became a family.”

The OTD program at PC, still in its early years, underwent significant adjustments as it grew. Erwin and her classmates were part of those formative changes, helping to shape the program for future students.

“There were a lot of changes as the second class came through, and we had to adapt,” she said. “But that’s part of occupational therapy—learning to go with the flow and problem-solve as new challenges come up.”

Despite the rigorous nature of the program, Erwin said the experience prepared her well for the realities of the profession. She credits PC’s hands-on approach with giving her the confidence to step into various healthcare settings and make an immediate impact.

“Our professors always emphasized real-world application,” she said. “That’s why I felt ready to take on traveling assignments right out of school. You learn quickly how to be flexible and meet the needs of different patients.”

Looking ahead

As Erwin embarks on her next assignment in Washington, she remains connected to her former classmates and mentors. The bonds formed during her time at PC continue to be a source of support and encouragement.

“We still talk in our group chat every day,” she said. “It’s great to have that network of people who understand what you’re going through and can offer advice and encouragement.”

While she is focused on gaining more experience in various OT settings, Erwin hopes to one day revisit her research and contribute further to the field of hospice care.

“For now, I’m soaking up as much as I can from each experience,” she said. “But I’d love to keep exploring how we can make occupational therapy a bigger part of end-of-life care.”

With her dedication to patient care, research, and adaptability, Erwin represents the kind of innovative thinking that is shaping the future of occupational therapy. Whether in a skilled nursing facility, a hospital, or a hospice setting, her commitment to improving lives remains at the heart of her work.