Misericordia Occupational Therapy Department

02/28/2026

It’s officially spring break at MU and we’re all looking forward to some warmer weather and color 🌺 🌼 🌹

As we patiently await some blooms and sunshine ☀️, we look back on how our students color our world 🌎

Dr. Lalit Shah and members of the junior and graduate classes plan color coordinating outfits to wear each Friday. It’s so much fun to see what the color of the week is and how many students participate.

Thank you Dr. Shah and MUOT students for brining some joy to the campus each week!!

02/20/2026

Mary Johnstone, OTS is completing her doctoral capstone at the Catherine McAuley House, a shelter supporting mothers and children experiencing homelessness.

Her project is a stress-reduction and resilience-building program using crafting, mindfulness, and reflection to support both moms and their children. Some of the sessions pictured are:

🪨 Affirmation Stones
🎨 Paint-Your-Own Tote Bags (filled with self-care materials!)
🌊 The Kawa Model (using the river metaphor to reflect on life’s challenges and strengths)
✨ Strengths Jars
🖼️ Vision Boards
🧁 Baking sessions

She also collaborated with volunteers from the Mission, Ministry & Service Office, who generously prepared and served dinner for the families.

Through creativity and shared experiences, this program focuses on empowerment, coping skills, and building confidence — one session at a time!💛

02/14/2026

Caity Balestrini, OTS, is currently completing the program component of her doctoral capstone at Fellowship Equestrian Services, located in Bangor, PA.

She is working alongside of Jennifer Lomastro, a therapeutic riding instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), to deliver occupation-based and community-focused horseback riding services to adults with physical disabilities. To prepare for this program, she held an informational volunteer training session and developed clinical pathways to guide skill development of participants, based on equine-related task difficulty. She is also conducting research related to the current state of interdisciplinary collaboration between skilled therapy practitioners and professionals delivering equine-assisted services.

Additionally, she is gathering feedback from these professionals on the Equine-Assisted Services Evaluation Tool (EASET), which she developed to track functional progress, set goals, and better translate occupational performance to equine-assisted services.

Gypsy Vanners Jazzy and Rosie are also getting their first experiences as therapy horses! 🐴

02/11/2026

Congratulations to our newest members of the OT National Honor Society, Pi Theta Epsilon! 🕯️ 🌹

Six of the best and brightest students from the junior class were inducted on Friday evening in a ceremony that celebrated their accomplishments thus far in their academic career.

Pi Thera Epsilon and its members support advancements in occupational science and occupational therapy through research and leadership. With a renewed focus on scholarly research under the direction of Dr. Karen Weis, the members and officers of the MU chapter are focusing on sharing research with each other every month and raising money to promote research across the country.

Congratulations Abigail, Kayleigh, Jenn, Paige, Morgan, and Sara. 💙💛

01/22/2026

Doctoral capstone students finished their academic classes in December by experiencing the impact they have had on others as friends, leaders, and supporters.

In Dr. Karen Weis’ Interdisciplinary Education  and Leadership class, students anonymously validated… “You are someone who truly embodies a spirit of gratitude” “You are someone who has given me things to think about,”  “You are someone who is a champion for those who need a voice,” and “You are someone who helps me see a different perspective.”

Together, they are going to have an amazing impact on this community and the OT profession through their capstone projects that are in full swing right now their and future work!

01/20/2026

01/19/2026

Calling all Misericordia OT students 🩺✨
Join us for an 8-week workshop series for healthcare students exploring how the Sisters of Mercy values—mercy, service, justice, and hospitality—can guide your future practice.
📅 Feb 18–April 15, 2026
📍 Bevevino Library | McGowan Room
Come reflect, connect, and grow as a compassionate healthcare provider.

01/18/2026

‼️Spots Still Available!!!‼️

🍴 Introducing “Tasting Together” – A Social Group for Autistic Students! 🍴

Do you know a student who loves food and wants to build social skills? “Tasting Together” is a weekly program designed for local autistic students to connect through a shared interest: food!

👥 What’s Included?
Learn and practice social participation skills (initiating/responding, emotional regulation, collaboration)
Prepare simple, tasty after-school snacks and meals
Build friendships and confidence while exploring easy recipes to enjoy with family and friends

📅 When: Mondays, Jan 19 – Apr 13, 2026 | 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Misericordia University OPT Building
Leader: OT Doctoral Candidate, Morgan Gayton, under the supervision of an OTR
Eligibility:
Ages 9–15
Diagnosis of autism or sensory processing disorder
Reads/Writes/Speaks English
Reliable transportation to/from Misericordia University
✅ Benefits:
Social engagement and skill-building
Kitchen safety and food prep knowledge
Strengthened social confidence
⚠️ Risks: General kitchen-related injuries
📩 Interested? Contact Morgan Gayton:
📧 gaytonm@misericordia.edu
📞 570-991-8187
Please include your name, your child’s name, and your contact info.

✨ Let’s make connections—one recipe at a time! ✨

01/12/2026

👀🔎 Looking for FREE OT services for you or someone you know? 👀 🔎

Check out a few of the groups that are running on campus this semester! If you have any questions about these services, please reach out to the contact person listed on each flyer or the OT Department Chair Dr. Lori Charney lcharney@misericordia.edu 📧

01/07/2026

Calling All Employers!

Do you employ a Misericordia University Occupational Therapy graduate?

We value your feedback!

Please take a few minutes to complete our Employer Survey. Your input helps us measure program outcomes, meet accreditation requirements, and improve the preparedness of future graduates.
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CZPQJTY

Thank you for supporting excellence in occupational therapy education!

01/06/2026

Proud to see Misericordia University partner with the Dallas Township Police Department to launch the Blue Envelope Program 💙🚔—an important step toward safer, more inclusive interactions for autistic and neurodiverse drivers.

This thoughtful initiative helps reduce anxiety, improve communication, and prevent misunderstandings during traffic stops, reflecting our shared commitment to understanding, dignity, and community well-being.

I’m especially proud of our students who helped advance this meaningful work through outreach and advocacy.