As a professor, I am guided by the persistent realization of who I'm preparing my students to become -- occupational therapists who, in their future jobs, will interact with people during some of their most vulnerable moments -- parents who just found out that their infant is diagnosed with a developmental disability; an adult who has had a stroke; a teen who suffered a spinal cord injury from a car accident, etc.
My job is to help my students become the best occupational therapists possible, which involves helping people of all ages become successful in everyday activities and develop a meaningful range of health-promoting activities.
I am committed to teaching students both the art and science of OT practice. Because of this, I carefully design learning experiences that foster reflection, clinical reasoning, and the utmost respect for our clients.
I like to create a classroom environment that is relaxed, yet takes learning seriously. I'd like to think that I treat students as adult learners and as future colleagues. We discuss opposing views and use clinical case studies. I try to lead by example, to foster students’ intellectual enthusiasm and active engagement in scholarship.
Engaged Learning is at the heart of how we teach at CSU. For example, we launched a successful program to address the play/leisure and social-emotional needs of low-income urban youth attending afterschool care at The City Mission. OT students plan and facilitate the weekly groups of 8-10 children; they provide ways to take part in meaningful, structured leisure occupations, to broaden children's interests and promote the development of hobbies.
Students teach the children how to make greeting cards, crochet scarves, create masks, and do leather stamping. Through these tasks, children learn to recognize their emotions, think about their feelings and how one should act, and regulate their behavior based on thoughtful decision-making. They enjoy the activities and want more. As the weeks pass, children begin to interact as a cohesive group -- sharing materials and praising each other's accomplishments. They experience happiness and forget their problems. Our students make this possible.
I try each day to demonstrate my commitment to teaching. By varying my teaching methods, capturing students’ interest, and being active in local, state and national OT associations, I try to be a role model in both scholarship and professional practice.
