Education Sessions Financial Strategies in 2025 (1-Hour) |
![]() Presenter: Paul Backofen Bio: Paul Backofen is a Licensed Financial Advisor and fiduciary with over a decade of experience helping individuals and business find an efficient pathway to financial stability and success. | Abstract: There is a retirement crisis in this country. Healthcare professionals graduate into crushing debt and a hostile work environment for tenure. They are left with no guidance on navigating the financial world and are frequently preyed upon by misinformation peddlers. Building a successful practice and organizing oneself in a way that efficiently plans for the future is essential for the success of the practitioner as well as their patients. If OTs cannot thrive, who will tend to their patients? |
Presenter: Allen Romero Espelita, NBCOT Ambassador-Nevada Bio: Allen Romero Espelita, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, CLT, CPAM, CEAS I, received a Bachelor of Science in OT in 1999 in Manila, Philippines, and earned a Post‐professional OT Doctorate in April 2019. He earned a post-professional course in dysphagia at the University of the Philippines. He has 26 years of diverse clinical experience. A member of the Nevada Occupational Therapy Association (NOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). He is currently the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Ambassador for the state of Nevada, and as The American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee Ambassador for the state of Nevada. He presented at both local, national and international conferences. | Abstract: During this session, an NBCOT Ambassador will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams. Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, advice from other students, and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience. |
Incarceration: Using Occupational Therapy to Address This Social Determinant of Health (1-Hour)
Bio: Noah Claypool, OTD, OTR/L, earned his doctorate from UNLV in 2023 and is a military veteran with 21 years of service. He develops OT-based reentry programs for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in Southern Nevada, focusing on reducing recidivism through addressing social, emotional, and economic barriers. He also practices in acute and long-term care settings. Charisma Cato is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at UNLV and a proud graduate of USC, where she studied Human Biology and Healthcare Studies. Passionate about client-centered, evidence-based care, she is committed to advancing leadership, research, and advocacy to improve health outcomes and expand access for diverse communities. |
Abstract: Incarceration directly and indirectly affects the health and well-being of the justice-impacted person, their family, and the community. Occupational therapy practitioners can address the complex barriers associated with the reentry and reintegration processes and assist clients in finding purpose and occupational balance. To effectively use our therapeutic use of self to provide holistic, client-centered care, practitioners must understand the lived experiences of patients, clients, and family members who have been justice-impacted. This presentation will assist occupational therapy practitioners in developing a broader understanding of the physical, social, psychological, emotional, financial and spiritual impacts of incarceration. |
Improving Occupational Performance in Outpatient Mental Health OT (1-Hour)
![]() Presenter: Monica J. Jones, OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C Bio: Monica J. Jones, OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C, is a practicing occupational therapist based in Bishop, California. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2014 and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University in 2024. Dr. Jones holds a Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International and is an approved provider through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Her research centers on the use of cognitive behavioral approaches to improve performance and satisfaction in meaningful occupations, with the goal of advancing evidence-based mental health treatment in outpatient and educational settings. | Abstract: Integrating cognitive behavioral approaches in the outpatient occupational therapy setting may improve performance and satisfaction in meaningful daily activities for individuals living with mental health conditions. A retrospective study examined the effectiveness of such interventions in an outpatient mental health setting. The study analyzed 48 patient charts, aged 8 to 78, who were experiencing mental illnesses that adversely affected their daily functioning. Results indicated that incorporating cognitive behavioral-based interventions led to clinically significant improvements, as measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), in both performance and satisfaction in 90% of patients across various occupations, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or gender (Jones, 2024). These results indicate the value of cognitive behavioral strategies in occupational therapy, particularly for addressing occupational challenges related to mental health, lifestyle deficits, or insomnia. By adapting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, such approaches can facilitate better engagement in daily activities, improving overall well-being. |
Supervision of the COTA for the New Grad OTR from the COTA Perspective (1-Hour)
Presenter: Sherilyn Wheeler | Abstract: A well-structured and supportive OT-COTA supervisory relationship benefits both professionals and enhances patient care. By acknowledging the COTA’s perspective and implementing strategies for effective collaboration, healthcare organizations can facilitate smoother transitions for new graduate OTs while optimizing the expertise of experienced COTAs. |
Transform Your Morning Practice: Occupational Therapy Practitioners Embracing the Miracle Morning Routine (1-Hour)
![]() Presenter: Yvonne Randall, EdD, MHA, OTR/L, FAOTA Bio: Yvonne Randall, EdD, MHA, OTR/L, FAOTA, is passionate about engaging all people to maximize their individual potentials. Her expertise as an occupational therapist and educator extends to individualized programs for the person living with neurocognitive challenges and their care partners and as an international professional speaker. As a former director of an Adult Day Care agency her goal was to provide quality, evidence-based services for individuals with cognitive challenges and dementia focused on social, physical, and cognitive initiatives. Dr. Randall has taught professionally in higher education academic programs for over twenty-eight years. | Abstract: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) play a pivotal role in guiding clients toward meaningful routines that enhance daily living. However, the demands of the profession can sometimes overshadow OTPs' own self-care and personal development. This educational session introduces Hal Elrod's "Miracle Morning" routine, tailored specifically for OTPs, to foster personal well-being and professional growth. Participants will explore the six Life S.A.V.E.R.S. practices. |
Enhancing Client Outcomes: The Role of Occupational Engagement in Occupational Therapy (1-Hour)
Bio: Dr. Yvonne Randall, EdD, MHA, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an experienced occupational therapist and educator with over 28 years in higher education. She specializes in supporting individuals with neurocognitive challenges and their care partners through individualized, evidence-based programs. A former adult day care director and international speaker, she is dedicated to enhancing quality of life through social, physical, and cognitive engagement. Shania Marion Novilla is a third-year occupational therapy student with a background in Kinesiology. Raised in Las Vegas and originally from the Philippines, she developed a passion for working with older adults during her fieldwork at an adult day care. Her capstone project focuses on how OT practitioners build a sense of belonging and professional identity in acute care settings. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with family. | Abstract: Occupational engagement is fundamental to occupational therapy, serving as both the means and the end of therapeutic intervention. This educational session delves into the significance of fostering occupational engagement among clients, emphasizing its impact on health, well-being, and participation in daily life. By integrating the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, practitioners can better understand and facilitate meaningful client engagement. The OTPF-4 outlines the profession's domain and process, highlighting the importance of enabling clients to participate in desired occupations within their contexts. The PEOP model complements this by illustrating the dynamic interaction between personal factors, environmental influences, and occupational choices that collectively shape performance and participation. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will explore strategies to assess and enhance occupational engagement, ultimately leading to improved client outcomes |
Plagiocephaly in Premature Infants: Enhancing NICU Caregiver Education (1-Hour)
Bio: Hailee Efferson, OTD/S, recently graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Occupational Therapy program. She completed her capstone project at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, where she focused on enhancing caregiver education in the NICU to prevent and manage plagiocephaly. Hailee is passionate about early intervention and maternal health, with clinical interests in neonatal care and caregiver support. Bio: Kaitlin Ploeger is an Associate Faculty in Residence at UNLV with a clinical background as an occupational therapist specializing in neonatal and pediatric intensive care (NICU/PICU). She brings over a decade of experience across outpatient pediatrics, orthopedic rehabilitation, and acute care settings. Her research interests include neurosensorimotor development, musculoskeletal imbalances, and educating caregivers on positive sensory experiences during critical periods to support optimal development and co-regulation. | Abstract: Plagiocephaly, a cranial deformity, is a common concern in infants, especially those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Due to factors such as the infant's having a malleable skull and prolonged supine positioning, NICU infants are at a higher risk for developing this condition. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the potential developmental delays associated with untreated plagiocephaly. This quality improvement project focused on the importance of caregiver education in the NICU, particularly the role of NICU nurses in preventing and managing plagiocephaly. The project aimed to provide strategies for preventing plagiocephaly and evaluate the effectiveness of a one-on-one educational session designed to enhance NICU nurses' confidence and perceived ability to support cranial development. After the session, NICU nurses completed a questionnaire to assess their confidence in implementing strategies to prevent plagiocephaly. The results suggest that the educational session was effective in increasing nurses' confidence and improving their perceived ability to manage preventive strategies. These findings highlight the importance of continued education and resource development to support NICU nurses in their role in preventing plagiocephaly. These efforts are essential for improving outcomes for infants and aiding caregivers in managing this common condition. |
Facial Burns and Its Impact on Feeding and Swallowing: An Occupational Therapy Perspective (1-Hour)
![]() Presenter: Allen Romero Espelita, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, CLT, CEAS I, CPAM Bio: Allen Romero Espelita, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, CLT, CPAM, CEAS I, received a Bachelor of Science in OT in 1999 in Manila, Philippines, and earned a Post‐professional OT Doctorate in April 2019. He earned a post-professional course in dysphagia at the University of the Philippines. He has 26 years of diverse clinical experience. A member of the Nevada Occupational Therapy Association (NOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). He is currently the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Ambassador for the state of Nevada, and as The American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee Ambassador for the state of Nevada. He presented at both local, national and international conferences. | Abstract: Facial burns significantly impact essential occupations related to feeding and swallowing, which are fundamental activities of daily living (ADL). These injuries can impair physical structures responsible for oral intake, disrupt sensory and motor functions, and create long-term psychosocial challenges. From an occupational therapy perspective, the ability to eat independently is not only a basic human need but also a meaningful social and cultural occupation. When this ability is compromised, it affects overall health, self-esteem, and participation in social life. Occupational Significance: • Self-Care and Independence: Difficulty managing oral intake limits autonomy and increases dependence on caregivers. • Social Participation: Facial disfigurement and feeding challenges can lead to isolation and reduced social engagement. • Role Fulfillment: Patients may struggle to return to roles that require public interaction, which can impact work and family dynamics. |
Safe & Sound: Emotional Safety for Clients and Clinicians in OT Practice (1-Hour)
Bio: Dr. Sabrina K. Gowette, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Fieldwork Education at Hawai`i Pacific University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in Las Vegas. With a background in neurorehabilitation and community-based practice, she teaches on mental health, physical rehabilitation, and fieldwork preparation. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Dr. Elizabeth "Liz" Torres, OTD, earned her doctorate from the University of Kansas and has clinical experience across acute, inpatient, home health, and long-term care settings. Certified in Aging in Place, Living in Place, and Home Modifications, she practices in Kansas City and brings practical expertise to her teaching. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, coffee shops, cooking, and outdoor adventures with her dogs. |
Abstract: Emotional safety is a critical yet often underrecognized component of occupational therapy practice. From ensuring physical safety to navigating emotionally demanding and often vulnerable client interactions, OTs truly must balance their own well-being alongside their clients, making emotionally attuned care essential. Grounded in both theory and practical application, this presentation invites participants to explore emotional safety as a foundational element of ethical and inclusive OT practice. Through the use of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) six core principles of trauma-informed care—safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility, participants will define emotional safety within a trauma-informed framework and identify common physical and emotional safety risks in occupational therapy across diverse settings. They will gain practical tools and strategies to create safe, validating, and collaborative environments that enhance emotional resilience and promote positive well-being for both therapists and clients. |
Exploring the Occupation of Parenting with a Cognitive Disability (1-Hour)
Bio: Alysa Polley is an occupational therapy student dedicated to supporting parents with disabilities. Her work includes developing adaptive parenting tools, such as a one-handed bathing aid, and exploring the unique needs of parents with cognitive disabilities to promote inclusive, family-centered solutions. Kaitlin Ploeger, OTR/L is an Associate Faculty in Residence at UNLV with over a decade of clinical experience in NICU/PICU, outpatient pediatrics, and orthopedic rehabilitation. Her research focuses on neurosensorimotor development, musculoskeletal imbalances, and caregiver education to foster positive sensory experiences and co-regulation during early development. | Abstract: To investigate how parents with cognitive disabilities perform child rearing tasks and barriers associated with their disability, to improve the role of occupational therapy at supporting child rearing for parents with cognitive disability. Design: Qualitative Case-study, Phenomenology Setting: Gigi’s Playhouse Participant(s): Inclusion criteria: parents or expecting parents, individuals with mild to moderate cognitive disability, English speaking, 18+, and autonomy to consent participation. Exclusion criteria: non-English speaking, individuals with sever cognitive disability, and under 18. |
Workshops
Persistent Reflexes: Identification and Solutions for Children (3+ Years of Age) (2-Hours)
Presenter: Robyn Otty OTD OTR/L BCPR FAOTA Bio: Robyn Otty is the Program Director and Professor at Hawai'i Pacific University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Dr. Otty clinical expertise represents includes over 30 years as an occupational therapist practitioner working in pediatric, adult, and older adult settings. She is a committed to higher education and ensuring the future workforce practices to their top of their license. | Abstract: Persistent reflexes (PR) can influence a child's vital visual and motor processing abilities, thereby influencing their occupational performance in an academic environment. The increased prevalence of PR is theorized to be connected with changes in societal values and environments in which children play. This workshop will assess and address PR in various settings to provide an optimal opportunity to strengthen visual and motor skill development. Hands-on activities include evaluation for the presence of reflexes in school-age children and active problem-solving opportunities using neuroplasticity to make a lasting impact. |
Learning Through Play with LEGO Braille Bricks (2-Hours)
Presenters: Mary Angela Terencio, OTD, OTR/L and Brittany Price, MOT, OTR/L Bio: Mary Angela Terencio is a school-based occupational therapist whose favorite occupation is play. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a doctorate’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. She is an ambassador of the Braille Program, which aims to assist local practitioners in utilizing Lego Braille Bricks with blind or visually impaired children. She is excited to share how this inclusive tool can increase students’ creativity, fine motor skills, and access to education and work through play. | Abstract: Reading and writing braille can change the lives of visually impaired children. Braille brings with it independence, intellectual development, and access to education and employment. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely qualified to use play and occupations to help children with visual impairments gain pre-requisite skills for braille. OT practitioners can also adapt and find ways for sighted and visually impaired children to be able to play and learn together with LEGO Braille Bricks. With LEGO Braille Bricks, children can start learning braille at an early age and develop a love of reading, through play. Play makes learning easier, longer-lasting, helps memorization, and boosts self-confidence. The LEGO Braille Bricks system includes 120 different activities that are designed to develop both academic and visual impairment skills, from pre-braille to complete braille. Pre-braille activities include tactile, auditory and kinesthetic activities to develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, imagination and early reading skills. Basic-braille activities include discovery games to learn the structure of the braille cell, distinguish dot combinations, learn letters, numbers and braille symbols. Braille activities include engaging opportunities to improve vocabulary and spelling, sequence numbers, perform simple calculations, and encourage socialization and rule-following in multiplayer games. At the end of this workshop, occupational therapy practitioners will be equipped to support educators and use LEGO Braille Bricks in their practice with visually impaired children. |
Posters Bridging the Gap in Occupational Therapy Practice: Integrating Mental Health Screenings in Rehabilitation Settings |
Presenter: Sabrina K. Gowette, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS
Bio: Sabrina K. Gowette, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, serves as an Assistant Professor and the Director of Fieldwork Education for Hawai`i Pacific University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in Las Vegas, NV. She is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and she teaches course content on mental health and well-being, physical rehabilitation, and fieldwork preparation. She has worked in neuro rehabilitation and community-based practice and is passionate about addressing mental health across diverse practice settings.
| Abstract: Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, are prevalent in rehabilitation settings, significantly impacting patient progress and outcomes. Despite this, early detection and management of these conditions often remain underutilized in traditional rehabilitation settings. This poster presentation explores the integration of mental health screenings into occupational therapy practice to enhance patient care in rehabilitation settings. Occupational therapists (OT) play a critical role in assessing and addressing the mental health needs of patients. By utilizing tools such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and C-SSRS, OTs can identify signs of mental health issues early and tailor interventions that support both psychological well-being and physical rehabilitation. The importance of integrating these screenings during the initial evaluation phase is emphasized, as early detection leads to more timely interventions, better patient engagement, and improved functional outcomes. This presentation will also highlight evidence-based interventions used by occupational therapists to manage mental health concerns in rehabilitation, including psychoeducation, sensory-based interventions, and mindfulness-based techniques. By incorporating mental health screenings and interventions, OTs can provide holistic care that addresses both the mind and body, ultimately improving rehabilitation outcomes. The objective of this presentation is to equip occupational therapy practitioners with the knowledge and tools to effectively assess and address mental health concerns in rehabilitation settings, promoting comprehensive patient care and enhancing overall rehabilitation success. |
Manualized Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children and Adolescents With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |
Presenter: Adam James McMahon Bio: Adam McMahon is an Occupational Therapist (OT) in Reno, NV. He currently works as an OT clinician in acute rehabilitation. Adam attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and earned his BS in Kinesiology in 2021. Adam then graduated with his doctorate in OT in August 2024 from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Austin Campus. Adam’s focus is on treating patients with neurological, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and cognitive disorders, and expanding his OTD capstone project for OT practitioners to treat children with post-traumatic stress disorder effectively. | Abstract: The capstone poster demonstrates the purpose for a manualized occupational therapy (OT) intervention for OT practitioners to treat children with post-traumatic stress disorder. The intervention uses an occupation-based approach informed by behavioral activation therapy and the model of human occupation principles. The manual includes two parts. Part one demonstrates the foundational principles for OT practitioners to obtain knowledge, skills, and tools before implementing the intervention. Part two outlines the treatment process beginning with evaluation, introducing manualized OT intervention to the child and the family member(s) and/or caregiver(s), treatment application, progress note, and discharge. The manualized OT intervention will allow OT practitioners to use an occupation-based approach involving graded occupation and to track treatment progress and outcomes. Furthermore, the manualized OT intervention will allow OT practitioners to study the efficacy of the intervention protocol. |