The Comprehensive Breast Rehabilitation Program | Generation Y and Student Supervision in Occupational Therapy Fieldwork | What is MSSE? Techniques for Cognitive and Behavioral Improvement in the Geriatric Population | Electronic Documentation in Healthcare Settings | Feeding Program | Technology Uses in Early Intervention | The Feldenkrais Method | Chronic Pain Management
Morning Workshop 1
The Comprehensive Breast Rehabilitation Program
Presented by Kalpa Solanki, MS, OTR/L and Arla Murray
Most patients recover from mastectomy surgery without any significant problems. However complications such as lymphedema, muscle weakness, and tightness can arise and impact a person?s return to their daily activities. Occupational Therapy specializing in the treatment of breast cancer rehabilitation can help restore functional performance through manual therapy, exercise, and lymphedema management. By providing a compassionate environment and dedicated also breast cancer survivors, The Comprehensive Breast Rehabilitation Program focuses on a treatment plan that addresses the unique rehabilitative needs of mastectomy patients.Occupational Therapy services may include the following:
- Shoulder mobilization
- Lymphedema Management
- Therapeutic Activities
- Scar Massage
- Patient Education
- Pre-Operative Coaching (Educating patients prior to their surgery on what to expect following their procedure, including a home exercise program, positioning strategies, clothing adaptations, and daily activity guidelines)
Kalpa Solanki, MS, OTR/L received her BS and MS degrees in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. She has over 15 years of experience in adult rehabilitation and has educated therapy students in several states. Her decision to focus on women?s breast health stems from her own experience as a breast cancer survivor.
Arla Murray, OTR/L has over 30 years of experience in a variety of settings including rehabilitation, home health, and school based therapy. As a breast cancer survivor, Arla incorporates her clinical knowledge and personal experience to create a compassionate and therapeutic environment.
Morning Workshop 2
Generation Y and Student Supervision in Occupational Therapy Fieldwork
Presented by Megan Kreider, MS, OTR/L
?Y? do they act this way? Understanding Characteristics of Today?s Generation Y Fieldwork Student
Generation Y students are now populating OT programs and infiltrating the clinical world through fieldwork and employment. This presentation will discuss the broad characteristics of Generation Y students related to demographics, communication styles, values, and workplace attitudes. Discussion will be directly related to Generation Y student interactions during fieldwork and clinical experiences.
Megan Kreider, MS, OTR/L is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Program at Alvernia University. Her clinical experience includes acute care and geriatrics. Mary Seamon-Zellers, MS, OTR/L is a full time faculty member at Alvernia University. Her areas of experience include pediatrics, mental health, home health and geriatrics.
Morning Workshop 3
What is MSSE? Techniques for Cognitive and Behavioral Improvement in the Geriatric Population
Presented by Leslee Wlodyka, BS, OTR/L
Willows Program, The Reading Hospital Medical Center
This program will consist of the background of MSSE, including practical techniques and designs for MSSE in the workplace using case studies.
Morning Workshop 4
Electronic Documentation in Healthcare Settings
Presented by Kelly Gehman, COTA/L
Therapy Program Manager for Select Rehabilitation
This program will address issues with how electronic documentation directly affects patient care and therapists' job requirements.
Morning Workshop 5
Feeding Program
Presented by Michele Peterson, MS, OTR/L
Michele Peterson is an occupational therapist in the Berks county area. She has been practicing in a variety of pediatric settings since 1996. Michele is the owner of Pediatric Therapy and Feeding Services, a private practice specializing in the treatment of feeding difficulties as well as other neurological and behavioral issues. The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding is used for treatment at the practice. Michele lives in Berks county with her husband and 2 sons.
Afternoon Workshop 1
Technology Uses in Early Intervention
Presented by Barbara L. Zerbe, M.S. and Angela Kurl, M.S.
This session will consist of:
- EI philosophy overview (routines-based, natural environment, parent coaching)
- Low Tech options for families (visual strategies with little resources)
- High Tech options for families (visual strategies that use technology to create, education applications, etc.)
- Other possible uses for IPads for teachers and therapists (daily session notes, emailing service coordinators, GPS, etc.)
and a M.S. in Special Education from Albright College. She is currently attending Arcadia University for a certificate in Infant Mental Health. Last year, she participated in the Pa Reflective Supervision Project. For the past eight years, she has been working in the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program as a Special Instructor and Team Supervisor for Kencrest Services in Berks and Lancaster counties. Kencrest recently received a RiverCrest Grant for IPads for all 0-3 employees.
Angela Kurl holds a B.S. in Psychology from Temple University and a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She is the co-owner and admistrator for AKT Pediatric Therapy Services which serves families in Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties. She currently uses her IPad in her daily work with families.
Afternoon Workshop 2
The Feldenkrais Method
Presented by Michelle Shilling, OTR/L, Certified Feldenkrais Practictioner
The Reading Hospital and Medical Center
Michelle Shilling will present on the Feldenkrais Method, which is a series of exercises used to promote easier, lighter, and freer movements. Goals of using this method include facilitating improved posture, coordination, ease of movement, self awareness, and relaxation. This introductory class on the Feldenkrais Method is designed to be used with clients of all levels, regardless of ability or disability. Please be prepared to actively participate in a Feldenkrais ATM Lesson. You will need to bring a yoga mat, or the equivalent.
Afternoon Workshop 3
Chronic Pain Management
Presented by Kayla R. Riegel, OTD
Chronic pain has recently become a diagnosis of medical interest, but one which has often been misunderstood. The chronic pain patient is always a challenge to treat, particularly within the hospital and rehabilitation environments. This presentation will aid in the understanding of chronic pain, and discover how we as Occupational Therapists can provide appropriate interventions for the chronic pain patient across the continuum of care.
Ms. Riegel graduated in 2006 with her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University. Four years later, she attended Misericordia University where she graduated in 2011 with her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. As an Occupational Therapist, Ms. Riegel has worked throughout the continuum of care, from acute injury, to rehabilitation, to outpatient clinics. Ms. Riegel currently works for the Behavioral Medicine Center, as part of The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, treating clients with chronic pain.