Pitt Occupational Therapy

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Pitt Occupational Therapy

The Official page of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy. Ranked 3rd in the country by U.S. News & World Report

This site has been developed to share the activities and accomplishments of the University of Pittsburgh Occupational Therapy faculty and students. The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the advancement of learning and service to society. This is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility, self-restraint, concern for others, and integrity. The University believes these

principles apply to social media, which encourages active discussion and sharing of information and thoughts. The University is not responsible for comments or postings made by visitors. Comments also do not reflect the opinions or policies of the University of Pittsburgh. Please show respect for your fellow users by keeping the discussion civil. The University will remove comments that are racist, sexist, abusive, profane, violent, obscene, spam, that advocate illegal activity, contain falsehoods or are wildly off-topic, or that libel, incite, threaten or make ad hominem attacks on University students, employees, guests or other individuals, or are otherwise deemed inappropriate. Messages that are religious in nature, or are selling products or promoting commercial, political or other ventures are also not permitted.

07/22/2025

Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student ➡️ Mia Dektor! 💙💛

Coming from Cranberry Township, PA, Mia is most excited to make an impact on people's lives and help them become the best versions of themselves. Mia is looking forward to starting her dream of becoming an occupational therapist and meeting new people!

We’re thrilled to have you in the program! 👏

07/18/2025

As part of the Future Health Care Provider Outreach Program (FHCPOP), OT faculty member, Kelsey Voltz-Poremba, and first-year OT students Cecilia Long, Iasha Patel and Krista Velegol shared their expertise on new food introduction to a group of 20 local high school students at Bridgeside Point last Friday.

FHCPOP gives the students the opportunity to engage in an interprofessional case alongside fellow Pitt students in Pitt Athletic Training, Pitt Emergency Medicine Program, Pitt Physical Therapy, Health Informatics, and University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies.

One of the primary missions of FHCPOP is to develop and deliver sustainable experiential, career-oriented learning events and mentoring for middle and high school students, specifically introducing them to potential career options available within the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Learn more about the program here:
https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/story/physician-assistant-students-continue-to-shine/

07/15/2025

Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student ➡️ Kathryn Fink! 💙💛

Coming from Lancaster, PA, Kathryn is most excited to help others achieve their goals and teach skills to help them in everyday settings. Kathryn is looking forward to getting to know all of her fellow classmates and learning more about the field of occupational therapy.

We’re thrilled to have you in the program! 👏

07/14/2025

"We need new strategies that enable older adults to maintain their independence and safety. Those solutions, which include technology and environmental modifications, exist! And they work!"

Pam Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA was featured in Public Source's article, "The Growing Risks of Aging Alone". She was featured as an expert resource in understanding the concerns for seniors about new strategies of technology solutions.

Congratulations on your feature, Pam! 👏

Read the link to the article here: https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-senior-citizens-face-risks-aging-alone/

07/11/2025

As part of the most recent Pitt OT NewsLink, we shared the story of Bridgette (Loiselle) Pepmeyer (MOT, 12) and her experience working at Brother Andre's Cafe supporting in an occupational therapy role and beyond!

Read the full article here: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/story/coffee-community-and-capability-how-occupational-therapy-fuels-brother-andres-cafe/

Want to receive the latest NewsLink to your inbox? Sign-up using this form:
https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2hhktqQFhD1qDQO

07/10/2025

Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student ➡️ McKenna Shaffer! 💙💛

Coming from Somerset, PA, McKenna is most excited to help people regain independence and enhance their quality of life through meaningful, everyday activities. McKenna is looking forward to learning from the experienced faculty and gaining hands-on clinical experience!

We’re thrilled to have you in the program! 👏

07/07/2025

Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student ➡️ Annika Sinha! 💙💛

Coming from Tampa, Florida, Annika is most excited to help people do the things they love so they can reach their personal goals and is looking forward to fieldwork opportunities as well as the hands-on learning.

We’re thrilled to have you in the program! 👏

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07/03/2025

Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student ➡️ Mei Smith! 💙💛

Coming from Seattle, Washington, Mei is most excited to learn about the creativity and ingenuity required for OT. Mei is looking forward to meeting everyone and exploring the city of Pittsburgh!

We’re thrilled to have you in the program! 👏

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07/01/2025

OT Assistant Professor, Cara Lekovitch, and co-author and OT professor, Natalie Leland, had an article recently published entitled, “Delivering Rehabilitation Education to Patients and Caregivers After a Hip Fracture: A Qualitative Examination of Post-Acute Care Documentation”. This article includes authors from our alumni of the OTD (Rebecca Funk, OTD ‘20; Julia Lam, OTD ‘20), MS (Salamah Alshammari, MS ‘21), and PhD (Stephanie A. Rouch, PhD) programs!

This article looked at how caregivers are taught to help patients after a hip fracture. It found that occupational and physical therapists worked well together on educating caregivers without repeating the same information. These education strategies gave patients and caregivers the knowledge they needed to support recovery.

Read the article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02703181.2025.2481576

06/30/2025

Amy Hartman, PhD, OTR/L, recently had the opportunity to present her findings from her Settling Down for Sleep study at the National Sleep Conference in Seattle with an oral presentation and poster session! 👏

Her presentation discussed the impact that sensory and arousal systems can have on sleep for children with ADHD. In addition, Amy also led a Leadership Development Workshop for trainees through her involvement with the Sleep Research Society. Congratulations, Amy!

06/27/2025

“For anybody who’s feeling stuck or losing that passion for occupational therapy, I think the Pitt CScD program will really help them find their spark and empower them to improve the practice area that they’re in,” Beckwith said. “I think every OT would benefit from it.” - Bethany Beckwith, graduate of the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program (OT CScD) at SHRS

Learn about Beckwith’s experience in Pitt’s OT CScD program and the value of her path to a post-professional degree through this link: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/news/reigniting-spark-occupational-therapy-doctor-clinical-science-program

Join our upcoming webinar to learn more about the CScD program on Monday, June 30th here: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/rfi-event/

06/26/2025

Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student ➡️ Caitlyn Rose! 💙💛

Coming from Burke, Virginia, Caitlyn is most excited to blend creativity, compassion, and problem-solving to help individuals thrive in their daily activities. Caitlyn is looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends!

We’re thrilled to have you in the program! 👏

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Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Telephone

+14123836620

Website

http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/OT/

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