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Pioneering Leaders: Roberts' First Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Graduates
Roberts Wesleyan University's Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program reached a major milestone this year with the graduation of its inaugural class.
The OTD graduating class of 2024 (names below)
On May 10th, 2024, eight students participated in the long-awaited hooding ceremony to signify the completion of the intense three-year program.
From top to bottom, left to right:
- Dr. Gavin Marsh
- Dr. John Lambropoulos
- Dr. Nicole Deeb
- Dr. Brittany Daymon
- Dr. Chloe Linn
- Dr. Shae Davis
- Dr. Amanda Moerahoe
- Dr. Jane Matejcik
Drs. Nicole Deeb and Amanda Moerahoe, friends and roommates during the program
"Our first OTD graduates exemplify Roberts' commitment to developing servant-leaders of character," said Dr. Kathleen Stoklosa, program director. "They have worked tirelessly over the past three years. Their perseverance and passion for occupational therapy will serve them well as they embark on their careers helping others reclaim their lives. They are now ready to lead and make meaningful contributions to flourishing communities."
Dr. Stoklosa hooding Dr. Gavin Marsh
The graduates celebrated with families, friends, faculty and staff at a reception following the hooding ceremony.
Graduate Name | Capstone Title |
Jane Matejick | The Importance of Movement Integration in Elementary Schools: Development and Implementation of a Pilot Program |
Brittany Daymon | Advocacy in Action: Creating Accessible Paths for Powered Mobility Consumers |
Nicole Deeb | Park’N Move: A Program for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease Living in a Senior Living Community |
Amanda Moerahoe | The Effects of Task-based Mirror Therapy in Improving Upper Extremity Motor Function in Individuals Post-Stroke |
Shae Davis | Chronic Pain Through a Psychosocial Lens: How Occupational Therapy Practitioners Can Utilize Education and Reflection to Change Functional Outcomes |
Chloe Linn | The Feeding Experience: How Occupational Therapy Can Serve the Perinatal Population |
Gavin Marsh | Quality Improvement of Treatment for Individuals with Neuropathology Using Custom 3D Printed Devices and Bilateral Arm Training |
John Lambropoulos | What It Takes to Be an Effective Educator in the Modern Age: A Deep Dive into Education Delivery, Best Teaching Practice, and Artificial Intelligence in Pre-OT Course Design |
President Rupert A. Hayles Jr. congratulating Dr. Jane Matejcik
With its emphasis on hands-on learning and community immersion, Roberts' OTD program prepared this first cohort to become leaders in the occupational therapy field.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We look forward to seeing how you will use your skills and knowledge to improve lives as occupational therapy practitioners.
Photographs provided by Donovin Jones.