Shenandoah University Division of Occupational Therapy

This week we are highlighting Bella Oswald '27, in our MSOT Weekend program!

How would you define OT?
"Occupational therapy is a broad profession that can be hard to pinpoint an exact definition, and can often get confused with physical therapy. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages who have experienced an injury, illness, or other condition that limits their participation in daily life. Rather than focusing solely on the diagnosis, we aim to look at the person as a whole and help them to establish, adapt, or regain skills needed to live as independently as possible. A simple way to distinguish physical therapy from occupational therapy is that physical therapy can help you walk to the door, while occupational therapy can help you open the door."

One skill gained?
"One skill I have gained is the ability to use clinical reasoning strategies when working with individuals. Understanding not only barriers to participation, but supports as well to find realistic, meaningful, and therapeutic interventions specific to the patient."

Study tip?
"My best advice for new grads is to establish friendships with your classmates and build relationships. This program is academically challenging, however having a supportive group of people who are going through the same experience makes all the difference. Encourage each other, collaborate, and try to have fun when you can!"

Favorite OT school memory?
"My favorite memory from OT school is building relationships with peers and supporting and learning from each other during in person labs, group assignments, and fieldwork opportunities."

If OT school had a theme song, what would it be?
“Make your own type of music” -Cass Elliot

We are proud of you Bella!

MSOT Weekend students kicked off finals weekend with a midday Reflect & Connect Walk! Students stepped outside to collaborate with classmates, reflect on their Level I fieldwork experiences, and share insights learned throughout their placements. A great opportunity to connect with peers, celebrate growth, and wrap up the semester together!

The OTD SOTA group met this week for a summer social with games and chick-fil-a before heading into finals next week!

GEL alert! Students and faculty spent the week in Rhode Island volunteering at Empower SCI, a week long camp for teens and young adults with SCI. We facilitated adapted biking, surfing, gaming, and even got to experience a historic ghost tour!

Are you applying to Shenandoah University's OT graduate programs in the OTCAS 2026-27 cycle? Don't miss these critical prerequisites! Plan your courses now to stay on track. You may apply with up to 9 outstanding prerequisite credits.

We want to congratulate Dr. Cathy Harris, PP-OTD Alumni and Dr. Alysha Skuthan on their latest publication in the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Early Intervention, and Schools. Dr. Harris' capstone focused on intentional mentorship and resultant implications on role competency for school-based occupational therapists. Check out their publication here: https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2026.2712898
Way to go!
-PP

Ready to take the next step in your OT career?
We’re looking for a Visiting Assistant/Associate Professor to join our OTD program at Shenandoah University. Check out the flyer below for position details, requirements, and how to apply.
https://jobs.silkroad.com/ShenandoahUniversity/EmploymentPortal/jobs/3066?embedded=true

We couldn't be more proud of MSOT Faculty Member and PP-OTD Alumni Dr. John Adkins on his latest publication with Dr. Alysha Skuthan in the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education! He completed a qualitative research study for his capstone project, diving into OT students' soft skills in the classroom and their implications for clinical practice. The article is available here: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol10/iss3/5/ Well done Dr. Adkins and Dr. Skuthan! -PP

This week we are highlighting Elizabeth Castro, in our MSOT Weekend program!

How would you define OT?
"Occupational therapy is a holistic profession that promotes health, well-being, and independence by helping people overcome barriers to participating in the meaningful activities that give their lives purpose. "

One skill gained?
"I have gained the skill of analyzing environments and activities through an OT lens. I have learned how to evaluate how the person, environment, and activity interact to support participation in meaningful occupations. I now find myself using this skill in my everyday life without even thinking about it!"

Study tip?
"My advice for future grad students is to be confident in your abilities; you were accepted into the program for a reason! Growth takes time, so give yourself grace and trust the process."

Favorite OT school memory?
"My favorite memory from OT school so far was going to Dominica on a GEL trip and gaining hands-on experience. This trip taught me so much about myself and the kind of practitioner I want to become. I also loved experiencing it alongside my peers, professors, and all the new people we met."

We are proud of you Elizabeth!

Is your schedule flexible? Do you enjoy mentoring future occupational therapists? We need you!

The MSOT Loudoun program is seeking adjunct faculty members to help teach our Community Application course beginning this fall. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your clinical experience, mentor students and help prepare the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners.

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Please reach out to Callie Victor at [email protected] to learn more!