UNE Occupational Therapy faculty share knowledge in evidence-based practice

Kathryn Loukas, Regi Robnett, Jessica Bolduc, and Judy Kimball at the Fall MeOTA Conference
Kathryn Loukas, Regi Robnett, Jessica Bolduc, and Judy Kimball at the Fall MeOTA Conference

Four faculty members from the University of New England Occupational Therapy Program in the Westbrook College of Health Professions gave presentations at the Maine Occupational Therapy Association’s (MeOTA) Fall Conference.

The conference highlighted evidence-based and emerging practice areas for occupational therapists throughout the state of Maine. It was held at Kennebec Valley Community College and included about 140 OT practitioners from throughout the state and represented a wide range of areas of OT practice.  “It was wonderful for the UNE OT Faculty to be able to share knowledge in the state in topics that are important to the profession,” said Loukas. “Almost all of the presentations included student and/or alumni research.”

Professor Judy Kimball, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, presented on single subject design research encouraging all practitioners to engage in research. Professor Regi Robnett, Ph.D., OTR/L, and Adjunct Professor Jessica Bolduc, O.T.D., MSOTR/L, presented on visual perceptual testing related to driving through use of the ChoRo assessment (developed by Robnett). Clinical Professor Kathryn Loukas, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, presented with alumnus Anna Brown (M.S.O.T., ‘12) and the O.T. practitioners at Spurwink regarding the effect of sensory-based strategies on educational participation and need for restraint and seclusion in a day treatment program. Associate Professor Nancy MacRae, M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, and students Chelsea Cadeaux ’18 and Janelle Tumbleson ‘18 also attended.

To learn more about the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit www.une.edu/wchp

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

Anna Brown, Kira Personette, Kathryn Loukas, and Shane Smith present the program and research from Spurwink occupational therapy
Anna Brown, Kira Personette, Kathryn Loukas, and Shane Smith present the program and research from Spurwink occupational therapy

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.