Mind at Ease: A Mindfulness Program to Support Parents of NAS Infants

Date: 4/23/2025 Student Name: Leah Bicknell Capstone Project Title: Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson, OTD, OTR/L Abstract: Purpose: To develop a virtual mindfulness-based program to support parents of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) infants post-discharge, promoting emotional resilience, self-compassion, and regulation. Background and Significance: Parents of NAS infants face high stress, guilt, and anxiety, with limited psychosocial support after hospital discharge. Mindfulness interventions reduce postpartum distress and improve parental sensitivity, which is critical for NAS-affected families. Statement of the Problem: Parents of NAS infants often lack structured, accessible mental health support post-discharge,contributing to emotional and caregiving challenges. Research Design:v Program development based on literature review, clinical observation, and feedback from my capstone site mentor. Methods: Created a four-week virtual mindfulness program and in-service training for child life specialists and social workers. Included pre/post surveys and trauma-informed practices. Results: Program was developed but not implemented. Pilot feedback highlighted strong structure but raised concerns about virtual access and session density. Discussion: Mind at Ease offers accessible, trauma-informed support for parents, promoting caregiver wellbeing and infant development. Virtual delivery expands reach to underserved populations. Conclusion: The program addresses critical gaps in post-discharge care for NAS families, with potential for adaptability and interdisciplinary impact

Getting in the Game: Innovating an Occupational Therapy Training Curriculum for Managing Performance Anxiety in Collegiate Athletes

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Myiah Sturdivant Capstone Project Title: Getting in the Game: Innovating an Occupational Therapy Training Curriculum for Managing Performance Anxiety in Collegiate Athletes Capstone Faculty Advisor: Phyllis Ross, OTD OTR/L CAPS, CHT, CLT, Shanteria Watson, OTD, OTR/L Abstract: The purpose of this study examine effectiveness in an OT training curriculum aimed at educating OT faculty on performance anxiety within the collegiate athlete population, and to advocate and educate OT faculty on occupational therapy’s role in student athlete care to be used for future learning material. Student athletes are challenged by balancing the multiple role demands and contexts required to navigate their new everyday life (Gates, 2023). Performance anxiety is characterized as intense feelings of emotional distress before, during, or after performing in front of others (Beenen, 2025). Athletic performance and occupational balance are closely linked, with an imbalance exacerbating performance anxiety symptoms (Heinrich, 2018). Previous research has shown the prevalence of anxiety in student-athletes to range from 8.6% to 48% (Hwang, 2023). There is minimal research on Occupational Therapy’s role in working with athletes to manage performance anxiety. With an absence of evidence based literature there is a need to address the knowledge gap within in OT’s role working with this client population. The research design used to create this project was program development which included needs assessment of learners and a pre-post test to track knowledge gains. From the needs assessment, targeted learners showed interest in performance anxiety and the athlete population, but had limited exposure in trainings. Feedback from the training was positive with suggestions for improvement, and learners showed an increase in knowledge specifically on the definition of performance anxiety and its components, as well as, commonly used screening tools. Performance anxiety significantly impacts student-athlete wellbeing and occupational balance identifying a need for OT within this setting and population. This curriculum serves as foundation for expanding OT\u27s role in collegiate athletics and addressing performance anxiety. Implications of the study were that information was collected from Howard University facult

Preserving the Howard OT Legacy: Inspiring Learning, Documenting History, and Sharing Stories

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Marc Mathieu Capstone Project Title: Preserving the Howard OT Legacy: Inspiring Learning, Documenting History, and Sharing Stories Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joylynne Willis, OTD, OTR/L Abstract: Preservation of institutional history is crucial for creating professional identity, acknowledging foundational accomplishments, and inspiring future generations. Howard University has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a legacy of academic excellence and innovation dating back to its founding in 1867. Among its many renowned programs, the graduate occupational therapy (OT) department stands out for its commitment to training highly skilled practitioners and advancing the field. While earlier research has highlighted the value of diversity and representation in healthcare, there is lack of documentation on the rich history of the OT department at Howard. This research aims to gather, organize, and exchange knowledge, experiences, and insights on the history of OT at Howard to help preserve the legacy of the OT department at Howard and inspire others

Advocacy in Action: Advancing Inclusive Hair Care Practices in Acute Rehabilitation Settings

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Alexcia Bryant Capstone Project Title: Advocacy in Action: Advancing Inclusive Hair Care Practices in Acute Rehabilitation Settings Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson Abstract: Purpose: The overall goal of this capstone project is to support OTs acquiring knowledge and practical strategies to support the hair care needs of Black and African American patients through a culturally responsive training and an assessment tool that summarizes how to address these needs through the OT process. Background and Significance: As the occupational therapist creates the client centered intervention plan regarding hair care, they must be knowledgeable of the tactics and use appropriate products used to evaluate and enhance occupational performance successfully. Therefore, OTs should understand that: African hair is curly and more susceptible to damage regarding mechanical fragility (Bosely & Daveluv 2015), learning about hair care for various hair types supports bathing and grooming occupations (Johnon et., al, 2022), racism and a lack of culturally appropriate and culturally competent services negatively impact mental health within black communities and descendants of Black Africans use hairstyles to express identity (Lashley, 2020). Statement of the Problem: When offering hair grooming services as part of acute care rehabilitation, hospitals do not offer the proper products needed to manage the different textures of African American/Black hair. Research Design: The Culturally Responsive Education conceptual framework is used in the in this project to promote advocacy regarding inclusive hair care practices. Methods: To achieve this, the development of an advocacy in-service training highlighting the proper products to successfully complete hair grooming tasks and potential solutions to address the inequities of providing generic grooming kits to the African American community was provided. Additionally, an assessment was developed as a client-centered occupational profile tool that measures cultural considerations, knowledge, and preferred hairstyles and appropriate tools regarding hair care within the African American population or descendants of the African Diaspora. Results: The in-service presentation and occupational profile assessment tools examines the need for diverse education to enhance inclusive hair care provision in acute care rehabilitation settings. This project identified how diverse and inclusive education yield practical strategies for advocacy regarding the protocols of acute-care rehabilitation centers for providing equitable hair grooming tools/products for African American hair textures. Discussion: Based on this project, it is evident this education and practical advocacy strategies need to be addressed in both educational and clinical settings to provide equitable hair care ADL interventions. Conclusion: Advocacy through training and assessment tools increase awareness and provide tangible skills to implement inclusive hair care practices in acute rehabilitation settings

Beyond the Mind: A Podcast Series Advocating for Mental Health Services and Addressing Anxiety in High Schools

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Kennedy Coates Capstone Project Title: Beyond the Mind: A Podcast Series Advocating for Mental Health Services and Addressing Anxiety in High Schools Capstone Faculty Advisor: Sylvia Anderson DHEd, MBA, OTR/L, CAPS Abstract: This project explores the challenges and research gaps related to adolescent anxiety in a high school setting. It aims to identify specific mental health needs and advocate for school-based interventions through the development of an educational podcast. The podcast offers practical strategies and resources for both students and school staff to further address anxiety. Data was collected through observation and a review of existing literature, along with survey feedback from 13 doctoral students in the Howard University Occupational Therapy program. Respondents recommended enhancing the podcast with visuals, sound effects, and subtitles to improv engagement and accessibility. Detailed responses from the 13 respondents can be found in the appendix section of the paper (Figure 2). Research supports podcasts as an effective medium for adolescent education. Findings emphasize the importance of integrating accessible and affordable mental health services in schools and highlight the need for continued research on podcast effectiveness and additional strategies to reduce anxiety in adolescents

Everyday Explorers An Occupation Based Play Curriculum: Increasing First Time Mothers Knowledge of Developmental Milestones

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Gina Samuels Capstone Project Title: Everyday Explorers An Occupation Based Play Curriculum: Increasing First Time Mothers Knowledge of Developmental Milestones Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson, OTD OTR/L Abstract: Purpose: To develop a play-based curriculum increasing understanding of child developmental milestones among first-time adolescent mothers (16-21 years). Background and Significance: Adolescent mothers in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C. face educational and socioeconomic barriers limiting parental effectiveness. Statement of the Problem: Limited capacity to identify and foster child development among young mothers in underprivileged communities. Research Design: Curriculum guided by Developmental Frame of Reference, Constructivist Learning Theory, and Play-Based Learning. Methods: Implementation through practical activities using household items and training crisis shelter staff in Southeast D.C. Results: Anticipated improvements in maternal comprehension of developmental progression and earlier identification of delays. Discussion: Curriculum combines neurodevelopmental research with realistic practices despite limitations of sample size. Conclusion: Program fosters child development while empowering young mothers as confident caregivers. Implications: Low-cost resources ensure sustainability and accessibility, offering a scalable model for occupational therapy in high-risk communities

Increasing Access to Public Parks and Trails: A Toolkit to EnhanceKnowledge, Confidence, and Inclusion for Adults with Down Syndrome

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Lana Goldenberg Capstone Project Title: Increasing Access to Public Parks and Trails: A Toolkit to EnhanceKnowledge, Confidence, and Inclusion for Adults with Down Syndrome Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden Abstract: Background: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) face numerous barriers to participating in outdoor physical activities. In Montgomery County, Maryland, accessibility efforts have improved, yet many individuals with DS and their families and caregivers are unaware of resources to help them access public parks and trails. Purpose: Develop, implement, and evaluate an occupational therapy (OT)-informed educational resource, the Inclusive Outdoor Engagement Toolkit (IOET), to promote access to outdoor trails in Montgomery County, Maryland, for individuals with DS. Methods: This program was developed based on a needs assessment conducted with members of the DSNMC and family members of individuals with DS. The toolkit was developed using current research, reviewed by a content specialist and piloted with caregivers and family members, refined, and posted to the DSNMC website. Results: An online toolkit was developed to decrease barriers and promote access to public parks and trails in Montgomery County, Maryland. Feedback on the prototype was positive, and reviewers found it helpful to learn about accessible spaces. Conclusion: This is a low-cost, OT-informed resource which may be used to promote community engagement and outdoor participation among adults with DS. This product needs to be tested with more potential users

­­An Open-Source Sensory Regulation Toolkit for School-Based Occupational Therapists: Supporting Ethnic Minority Families of Children with Sensory Processing Needs

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Saba Masih Capstone Project Title: ­­An Open-Source Sensory Regulation Toolkit for School-Based Occupational Therapists: Supporting Ethnic Minority Families of Children with Sensory Processing Needs Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden, OTD, OTR/L Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this project is to promote the ability of occupational therapists to support parents of children with sensory processing difficulties from minority backgrounds by developing a toolkit to optimize culturally sensitive parental coaching strategies that empower ethnic minority parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their child. Background and Significance: Ethnic minority families often face difficulties in managing their children\u27s behaviors because they have limited access to culturally sensitive care and specialized services. Without access to appropriate resources, these families struggle to find effective ways to help their children. This gap in support also means they have fewer resources to address challenges such as sensory processing issues. Statement of the problem: This project aims to develop a culturally sensitive toolkit that occupational therapists can use with ethnic minority parents and to integrate principles of parent coaching into this toolkit so that occupational therapists can use it during parent workshops. Methods: This product was created in response to a needs assessment carried out in MCPS with 10 occupational therapists who support diverse families. It was developed using current research, reviewed by content experts, and piloted with OTs and the families they serve. Results: An online, open-source toolkit was created for OTs in MCPS to reduce barriers and enhance access to culturally responsive resources for ethnic minority parents. During the initial use of the toolkit, both OTs and parents found it user-friendly and helpful. Conclusion: This free online, sensory-based toolkit offers OT-related content and additional resources for ethnic minority parents, providing culturally sensitive materials designed to reduce barriers, increase knowledge, and strengthen their ability to support and engage with their child

A Clear Space, A Clear Mind: Seniors\u27 Insights on Decluttering and Well-Being: Product Development

Date: 04/23/2025 Student Name: Courtney Cole Capstone Project Title: A Clear Space, A Clear Mind: Seniors\u27 Insights on Decluttering and Well-Being: Product Development Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to design a decluttering guidebook specifically tailored to the needs of seniors, promoting improved organization, safety, and mental clarity. Background and Significance: Older adults often face challenges with cluttered living spaces, which can negatively impact their mental and physical well-being (Sorrell, 2020). Clutter is defined as “an overabundance of material possessions that collectively create disorderly and chaotic home environments” (Rogers, 2021). Addressing clutter can enhance safety, mental clarity, and support aging in place. Statement of the Problem: Many older adults reside in cluttered or disorganized environments that contribute to a higher risk of falls, increased stress, and diminished independence impacting their mental health and overall wellbeing. These environmental challenges can negatively impact both mental health and overall well-being, making it difficult for older adults to age safely and comfortably in place. Research Design: The design and development of this project were informed by findings from the literature review and results of the needs assessment, which highlighted the significant impact that cluttered environments have on the mental health, safety, and daily functioning of older adults. Methods: Pre- and post-surveys and semi-structured interviews to gather participants’ perceptions and experiences with decluttering. Participants completed a pre-survey, attended a 30-minute one-on-one educational session on decluttering strategies, and then completed a post-survey to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the decluttering strategies. Results: Survey results indicated that participants found the guidebook easy to understand, the layout accessible, and the decluttering strategies helpful. Many reported feelings more confident in their ability to manage clutter. Feedback also included minor suggestions for improvement, such as adjusting the title of a section and updating an image to better reflect the guidebook’s tone. Discussion: Participants found the guidebook clear, readable, useful, and easy to follow, reported increased confidence in organizing their spaces, and offered minor suggestions for improvement, such as adjusting a section title, replacing a photo, and adding prompts to the reflection page. Conclusion: The decluttering guidebook effectively met the needs of senior residents by providing practical, easy-to-use strategies to promote organization, safety, and mental clarity. Implications: The guidebook may serve as a practical tool for senior centers, or transitional housing programs aiming to support aging in place and enhance daily functioning

Caregiver Wellness Promotion : A Virtual Webinar Utilizing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness Framework

Date: 04/23/2024 Student Name: Claudia Ezeani Capstone Project Title: Caregiver Wellness Promotion : A Virtual Webinar Utilizing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness Framework Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden Abstract: Purpose. This project aimed to develop and implement a virtual, asynchronous wellness webinar to support the holistic well-being of informal caregivers of individuals with aphasia. Background and Significance. Caregivers of individuals with aphasia often experience communication challenges, emotional strain, and role disruption. Despite their critical role in recovery, caregiver wellness is frequently overlooked in traditional rehabilitation approaches. Statement of the Problem. Existing caregiver programs tend to focus on basic education or stress management and are often inaccessible due to time constraints, transportation barriers, or competing responsibilities. Few interventions are tailored specifically to the multidimensional needs of aphasia caregivers. Research Design. A needs-based design was used, guided by the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and the Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model. Methods. Informal interviews, a structured needs assessment, and a literature review informed the development of the intervention. A prototype webinar containing eight short video modules was created and evaluated through stakeholder feedback. Results. Preliminary feedback indicated strong satisfaction with the webinar’s content, clarity, and flexible delivery. Suggestions included simplifying language, slowing narration, and improving visual readability. Discussion. The webinar’s asynchronous format and holistic content met caregivers’ expressed needs and aligned with occupational therapy principles by promoting role balance, engagement, and accessibility. Conclusion. This project fills a gap in caregiver support services for aphasia and provides a replicable, wellness-based intervention grounded in occupational therapy framework