University of New England - Occupational Therapy

05/08/2026

Huge congrats to Occupational Therapy faculty member Elise Ostensson and her colleague Dr. Marissa Lyon for winning the 2026 Open Collaboration Award! 🌟

Faced with a lack of affordable neuroscience resources, Elise and Marissa used a grant to build a customized, zero-cost neuroscience resource specifically for OT and PT students.

Read more here: https://library.une.edu/blog/2026/05/06/2026-oer-award-recipients/

05/03/2026

Thank you to our alumni for joining us for an evening of sharing memories and connecting with faculty and current students. It was wonderful to see everyone, and we hope to see you all—and many more—next year in Boston! ✨

05/01/2026

Our students and faculty are back and settling in after enjoying some of these highligts from AOTA INSPIRE in Anaheim, CA!

🌼 MSOT '26 Student Julia White & Dr. Kris Winston presenting their poster on Service as Occupation: The Yellow Tulip Project
🧠 Dr. Carrie Beals presenting on OT needs of college students after concussion
📚 Dr. Carol Lambdin-Pattavina presenting on fostering professional identity in OT
🎤 An inspiring keynote by J.R. Martinez
🤝 Great networking for faculty and staff

✨ Stay tuned for a special alumni spotlight! Connecting students, faculty, and alumni reflects our commitment to advocacy and supports students’ professional identity development with faculty mentors at their side.

04/30/2026

We would like to extend our congratulations to Sydney (far right) and team on this outstanding achievement!

04/25/2026

Earlier this month, UNE students in the Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program helped fit people with disabilities with adaptive tricycles provided by the Maine Trykers. Thank you to all the students and faculty who helped to make this a memorable event.
https://www.une.edu/UNE-students-foster-outdoor-access-for-locals-with-disabilities-at-adaptive-bicycle-fitting

04/25/2026

So proud of the hard work of all our OT students who created unique and inspiring adaptive projects for our annual expo. Check out this story recapping the event with links to local news media coverage.
https://www.une.edu/UNE-occupational-therapy-students-showcase-real-world-adaptive-designs-for-children-with-disabilities

04/14/2026

We love seeing our alumni recognized for excellence! 👏

Congratulations to Meaghan Bessette ’20, UNE Occupational Therapy alum and senior occupational therapist, on being named Employee of the Quarter at New England Rehabilitation Hospital!

As a dedicated clinical instructor, Meg mentors multiple students each year, helping shape the next generation of OT practitioners. We’re proud to call her a UNE OT alum and grateful for the impact she continues to make in the profession.

Congratulations, Meg—we’re cheering you on! 💙💚

We are proud to recognize Meaghan Bessette, senior occupational therapist, for being named our employee of the quarter.

Meg is an exceptional leader of our stroke program, guiding the team through successful certifications while ensuring patients receive the highest quality care grounded in the most up-to-date best practices. Her dedication to excellence strengthens both our program and the outcomes of the patients we serve.

Always eager to explore new technologies, Meg is equally committed to teaching and mentoring others. Her impact extends well beyond our walls through community engagement, including educational presentations on stroke prevention and involvement with volunteer programs that help spread awareness and knowledge.

In addition, Meg serves as a clinical instructor, mentoring multiple students each year and playing a vital role in shaping the future of occupational therapy. Her willingness to teach, guide and support learners reflects her deep passion for the profession.

Congratulations, Meg!

04/03/2026

Don't miss a celebration of occupational therapy at UNE on April 14 with two special events that are open to the public! The Expo celebrates the creativity and innovation of our first-year OT students showcasing their interactive pediatric adaptive projects. You may also choose to participate in the Nancy MacRae Meaningful Occupations Fundraiser while you attend, which raises funds for occupational therapy research.

04/03/2026

Maine LEND is a federally funded, interdisciplinary leadership program housed at the University of New England that prepares professionals, family members, and self-advocates to improve systems of care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities through family-centered and inclusive practice. Learn more and apply here:https://www.une.edu/lend/apply

04/01/2026

Hope everyone has a sweet month celebrating everything that Occupational Therapy represents!

03/20/2026

Calling all UNE OT Alumni!
We would love to reconnect with you next month at our Alumni Reception during AOTA Conference. Please let us know you are coming through this link: https://www.alumni.une.edu/AOTA2026

Bonus - If you register before April 6, you can choose to enter to win a free ticket at the UNE table for the April 24 Breakfast with a Scholar event, in addition to the Alumni Reception.