Misericordia Occupational Therapy Department

10/09/2026

🎶 Occupational Therapy in Action: Creating Sensory-Inclusive Community Experiences! 💙💛

The Misericordia University Occupational Therapy Department was proud to support the NEPA Philharmonic during a special event at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock, with Dr. Lori Charney serving as a consultant to help promote a more sensory-inclusive experience for participants.

This collaboration demonstrates an important role of occupational therapy: consulting with community organizations to identify sensory needs, modify environments, and develop practical strategies that support participation and inclusion.

Members of Misericordia University’s Cougars for Autism Awareness student group assisted with the implementation of a Sensory Lending Library, providing participants access to sensory regulation tools including:
🎧 Noise-reducing headphones
🔵 Wiggle cushions
🙌 Fidgets
🧣 Scarves for movement and dancing
🍬 Gummy snacks as an additional sensory option

Rather than having to leave when sensory needs arose, participants had strategies available to help regulate, move, take a sensory break, and continue enjoying the performance.

This is occupational therapy beyond the clinic. Through consultation, environmental modification, sensory-informed strategies, and community partnership, OTs can help organizations create experiences that support access, participation, inclusion, and belonging.
We are especially proud of our Cougars for Autism Awareness students for helping bring these strategies to life and demonstrating Misericordia University’s commitment to creating more inclusive communities. 💙💛

10/09/2026

Hello everyone!

MSOTA is excited to announce that our clothing store is officially open! 🎉

Show your MSOTA spirit and check out our available clothing and merchandise! https://msota.deco-apparel.com/ (Link in bio, too)

If you have any questions, please reach out to your class rep or Kaylee, [email protected]!

Thank you for supporting MSOTA, and happy shopping! 💙💛

10/04/2026

OT seniors in Dr. Karen Weis’s Occupational Performance Analysis course honed their evaluation skills by administering the Test of Grocery Shopping Skills at the local Weis Markets. 🛒

Students assessed important living skills while analyzing the impact of environmental context. 📝

Thanks to Misericordia’s campus security and Weis Markets for supporting our students learning experiences! 💙💛

10/02/2026

Our junior OT students in Dr. Cheryl Jayne’s Introduction to Occupational Science course spent time learning about the ways in which culture influences, and is influenced by, occupation.

They wrapped up the week by creating paper kintsugi art to show how culture is represented in symbolic forms and used to communicate, perpetuate, and share knowledge about occupations and the occupational being who engage in them.

The ancient Japanese art of kintsugi is used to repair ceramics and pottery to create something new and beautiful. The students’ paper versions were a simpler way to share this art form with them.

Great job juniors! Keep up the good work.

10/02/2026

We are proud to highlight the community engagement efforts of Dr. Lori Charney and Dr. Orley Templeton, who are serving as consultants with the NEPA Philharmonic to help create a more inclusive and accessible concert experience.
Drawing on their expertise in autism, sensory processing, and inclusive programming, Dr. Charney and Dr. Templeton are collaborating with the Philharmonic to support the development of a sensory-friendly event that welcomes individuals and families of all abilities. Their consultation helps ensure that audience members can engage with and enjoy the performing arts in a comfortable, supportive environment.
This partnership exemplifies how our faculty extend their knowledge beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact throughout the community. We are grateful for opportunities to work alongside community partners like the NEPA Philharmonic to promote accessibility, inclusion, and participation for all.

💛 Music for the whole family, with room to experience it your way.

Join us this Monday at the Dietrich Theater for a 45-minute sensory friendly string trio concert with NEPA PHIL musicians Laura Bald, David Creswell, and Chialing Pidd. The interactive program features upbeat fiddle tunes, Gershwin, and Americana music.

🎻 Sensory Friendly Strings
📅 Monday, October 5 at 1 PM
📍 Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock
🎟️ FREE admission

🎧 Sensory headphones & fidgets available
🍎 Healthy snacks
💛 Additional accommodations available

Sensory Friendly Partners:
Misericordia University Occupational Therapy
Children's Service Center
Marywood University: Music Department Music Therapy
Marywood University Art Therapy

Concert presented by Dietrich Theater
2026–27 Season Sponsored by PNC

09/29/2026

Students and faculty had a strong showing at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) annual conference this past weekend at Elizabethtown College. 🪶

With a variety of poster and podium presentation, topics ranged from modeling programs for pediatric development and resilience development for women experiencing homelessness to trauma informed care approaches for first responders, and multi-tiered systems of support in school based practice.

Great job everyone! Way to advance the profession of OT through education and advocacy!

09/24/2026

🎓 Celebrating Our Doctoral Graduates & Faculty at POTA!

We’re proud to spotlight our doctoral graduates, students, and faculty who are presenting their scholarship and practice innovations at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) this weekend!
From infant development and first responder mental wellness to school-based OT, sensory interventions, higher education, lymphedema care, stroke rehabilitation, and more—our presenters are sharing work that advances occupational therapy and supports healthier communities.

📚 Poster & Podium Presentations
📍 Elizabethtown College: McCormick Gallery, Esbenshade 370/382 & Hoover 110/211
📅 Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27

Join us in celebrating their research, collaboration, and contributions to the profession! 👏

09/21/2026

As we kick off Mercy Week here at the University, we wanted to take an opportunity to highlight some of the amazing things our students do that support the Mercy Charisms or address the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. ✝️

First up, is the doctoral capstone work of Dr. Kaitlyn Dixon.

Dr. Dixon and her faculty mentor Dr. Kathy Hughes-Butcher saw a need on campus regarding lack of access to professional work attire among the students and set out to address it.

They worked together with the University to create Catherine’s Closet a free clothing closet in the Henry Science Building that is open to all students in need of professional clothing and accessories.

By addressing injustice and creating a warm and welcoming place for students, Dr. Dixon has made a profound impact on our campus. We are so glad to see her hard work come to fruition at the grad opening event held today.

While clothing donations are not currently needed,monetary donations are always accepted through the MMS Office.

09/19/2026

It’s finally here! Time for Homecoming 2026!! 💙🌟💛

Make sure to stop by the MUOT tent to chat with faculty, students and alumni and grab a cookie and some tea. 🍪☕️🫖

We can’t wait to see you! 🏈

09/17/2026

💙🌟💛 Welcome Home MUOT! 💛🌟💙

🏈It’s time for HoCo 2026🏈

Stop by the MUOT table to visit with friends, fellow students, alumni, & faculty. Have a
spOT of tea 🫖 and grab a cookie (or 2 🍪)

We can’t wait to see you! 🎉

See you Saturday 8am-12pm!