UNE hosts annual Maine Occupational Therapy Association conference

The University of New England hosted the Maine Occupational Therapy Association (MEOTA) Fall Conference on Saturday, Nov. 16, with an all-day event on its Portland Campus for the Health Sciences. The event brought together a record-breaking attendance of more than 170 occupational therapy practitioners from across Maine and beyond for a day of professional development, networking, and continuing education.

The conference featured a diverse lineup of expert speakers and workshops focused on current trends and innovative practices in the field of occupational therapy, including several faculty, emeriti, and alumni of the University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) degree program, including: 

• Jennie Dapice, Ph.D., OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor of occupational therapy at UNE lectured on “Canine-Assisted Occupational Therapy in Education” 
• Betsy Cyr, PT, D.P.T., DHSc, PCS, assistant clinical professor; Kathryn Loukas, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, professor emeritus of occupational therapy; and recent graduate Bella Crugnale, M.S.O.T. ’24, OTR/L, presented “Pedaling for Play, Participation, and Physical Activity: Wheeled Mobility Opportunities in Maine for Children with Disabilities” 
• M.S.O.T Program Director Kris Winston, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, and Lisa Clark, M.S., OTR/L, closed the event with “An Exploration of Ethical Practice.”

Attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of topics, including evidence-based practices, emerging technologies in therapy, and strategies for addressing the evolving needs of diverse patient populations, such as “Navigating Identity and Autonomy with Long COVID” with Marion Russell, O.T.D., MOTR/L SCFES, and “A Novel Approach to Pain Management for Farmers” with Brie Wiesman, OTR/L, a UNE OT field work educator.  

The conference also provided a platform for students, faculty, and professionals to collaborate and discuss key challenges and opportunities within the field during a business meeting led by MEOTA President Kimberly Davis, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, a 1991 UNE alum.

The annual conference is a vital component of MEOTA’s mission to advance the profession of occupational therapy in Maine. Winston said UNE’s occupational therapy department is proud to support the continued growth of the field through such events, which promote collaboration, education, and innovation.

“The MEOTA conference is an important event for occupational therapy practitioners to come together, share knowledge, and inspire each other,” Winston shared. “It was an honor for UNE to host such a well-attended gathering of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of occupational therapy.”

In addition to educational sessions, the conference included an exhibition area showcasing the latest products, tools, and resources available to support occupational therapy practices.