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Occupational Therapy Newsletter

Winter 2025

Message from the Chair

This time of year is filled with excitement and possibility—a chance to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, set goals to further enhance our programs and prepare for another transformative journey. As we welcome 2025, we are delighted to share our Winter Newsletter with our incredible community of alumni, students, faculty, staff and colleagues.

This year is particularly special as we look forward to hosting the AOTA Inspire 2025 Annual Conference & Expo from April 3 to 5, right here in Philadelphia! This event presents a remarkable opportunity to showcase the talent and innovation that define both our city and our entry-level and post-professional programs. Most notably, this year’s Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture will be delivered by Dr. Roseann Schaaf, Professor and Director of the Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence. Stay tuned for additional details about the events we will be hosting during the conference—we can’t wait to see you in April!

In this Winter 2025 newsletter, we celebrate student achievements, provide updates on ongoing projects and share a preview of AOTA preparations. Additionally, we spotlight inspiring alumni and highlight our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion with the DEIJAB feature. Together, we are embracing the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead with energy, collaboration and optimism.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Catherine Verrier Piersol, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy

Feature Story

Student Occupational Therapy Association

By Emily Hale (MSOT-CC, 2025)

The Fall 2024 Semester was vibrant and engaging for the three Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) chapters. In September, over 80 Jefferson occupational therapy students and faculty attended a Phillies versus Cubs baseball game at Citizens Bank Park. Ticket sales went to fundraising efforts for the Center City and East Falls’ SOTA organizations.

The Center City SOTA hosted its first World Occupational Therapy Day in October. This event promoted the profession and the impact it can have on an individual’s life. Community members had the opportunity to learn about OT, participate in OT assessments, use adaptive devices and even play at a sensory table hosted by the Autism Advocacy group. Members of Jefferson’s undergraduate SOTA board also joined the event.  

The East Falls Masters’ SOTA organized a Fall Bake Sale and lent their support by volunteering at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapely’s annual haunted house.

Notably, Zoe Petrides, secretary of the East Falls OT Assistants’ SOTA chapter, was honored with the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association’s OTA Student Award this past month.

All SOTA chapters continue to offer valuable educational and leadership opportunities for occupational therapy students year-round. They are eagerly preparing for the AOTA Inspire Conference, which will be in Philadelphia in April 2025. 

  • Jefferson occupational therapy students and faculty attending the Phillies versus Cubs baseball game at Citizens Bank Park.
  • The Center City SOTA hosted its first World Occupational Therapy Day in October.
  • East Falls Masters’ SOTA at the Fall Bake Sale.
  • Zoe Petrides, secretary of the East Falls OT Assistants’ SOTA chapter, was honored with the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association’s OTA Student Award.

    Feature Faculty

    Christyn Mitchell, MS, MEd, OTR/L

    By Emily Hale (MSOT-CC 2025)

    Christyn Mitchell: A Journey of Passion and Purpose in Occupational Therapy

    From a young age, Christyn Mitchell knew she wanted to become an occupational therapist. Her interest was sparked in third grade when she joined her friends’ mother, an occupational therapist, on a “take-your-child-to-work” day at the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center. Inspired by the creativity and intelligence of the therapist, Chris’ passion for occupational therapy flourished.

    Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University, strategically selecting the major to align with occupational therapy prerequisites. While accepted into multiple master’s programs in occupational therapy, she chose to take time off to work and make a difference. Joining Teach for America, she taught in Philadelphia while earning a Master of Education from Chestnut Hill College. After two years, Chris returned to her first passion, reapplying to occupational therapy programs and enrolling in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her master’s degree.

    Chris began her occupational therapy career as a school-based therapist, working full-time while also taking on per-diem shifts at a rehabilitation facility. Her teaching background shaped her approach, enabling her to create tailored interventions that aligned with academic frameworks. Over time, she transitioned from contracting roles with the School District of Philadelphia to becoming a full-time employee at Green Tree School, where she served as program coordinator for the autistic support program for 11 years. This role allowed her to apply her occupational therapy expertise to programmatic initiatives—a rare opportunity for many in her field.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris took on the role of Director of Student Support Services at a traditional charter school. While she appreciated influencing students' preparation for life beyond school, she missed regular, direct interaction with students.

    Chris has always been passionate about mentoring. After completing an AOTA fieldwork educator workshop hosted by Jefferson, she mentored Jefferson students for over eight years, offering traditional and innovative fieldwork opportunities. Recognizing her strengths and dedication, Jefferson invited Chris to teach as an adjunct instructor in 2021. Though hesitant at first, she embraced the opportunity, crediting her faith for the courage to step into this role. In 2022, she joined Jefferson’s faculty full-time and enrolled in the Doctor of Health Science program at the Jefferson College of Health Professions.

    Today, Chris teaches five courses in the MSOT program at Jefferson’s East Falls Campus and guest lectures on topics like coaching, autism spectrum disorder and sensory integration. She also serves as Assistant Director of Jefferson’s Autism Center for Excellence (JeffACE), Coordinator of the GOALS2 program, and a doctoral student, all while being a devoted mother to her 11-year-old daughter.

    Raised as the youngest of nine children by a single parent, Chris developed resilience and a strong work ethic early on. She worked two jobs while pursuing her undergraduate and master’s degrees, even walking on to a Division 1 soccer team for a year. Inspired by her mother’s ability to manage numerous responsibilities, Chris views her commitments as “one thing on her list of things to do.”

    Chris is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession. She values mentoring students, especially those from underserved and marginalized communities, and finds joy in teaching occupational therapy—a role she now considers her favorite. “If I did nothing else except teach and interact with students, I would be so happy,” she shared.

    Her advice to students is rooted in empowerment. Quoting Brené Brown, Chris encourages students to see their clients as “powerful and capable.” She reminds them that “broken crayons still color—it might just look different,” emphasizing the importance of building capacity and meeting people where they are.

    Chris strives to be known for her kindness, integrity and compassion. Her faith has guided her to see others through diverse perspectives, ensuring they feel valued and purposeful in every interaction.

    Any further questions can be directed to Chris via email: [email protected]

    Malachy Clancy, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR

    Assistant Professor, OTD Program, Center City Campus

    By Emily Hale (MSOT-CC 2025)

    Dr. Malachy Clancy’s passion for health care began in high school, driven by a desire to care for others. At just 16, he became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in his hometown, focusing on trauma and critically ill patients. He was fascinated by how individuals recovered and returned to their daily lives. Encouraged by his mother, a nurse, to explore occupational therapy, Dr. Clancy applied to programs and never looked back. He earned a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, now St. Joseph’s University.

    Although he developed an interest in research during his graduate studies, Dr. Clancy began his occupational therapy career at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, working on the cardiac surgery floor. One of his first patients was a heart transplant recipient. As he gained expertise in cardiac care, he treated many patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) and became curious about the psychosocial factors influencing patient selection for advanced therapies, such as the adequacy of social support. A pivotal moment came when a patient he believed required inpatient rehabilitation was discharged home shortly after a tracheostomy. When he expressed disagreement with the discharge plan, a colleague challenged him with, “If you don’t like the rules, go and change them.” This moment solidified his resolve to pursue a PhD in Health Policy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

    The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges, as Dr. Clancy developed rehabilitation plans for patients with the virus. He conducted research on using the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) to predict outcomes for COVID patients. Encouraged by former faculty, he joined a World Health Organization (WHO) committee to develop guidelines for Post-COVID conditions, also known as Long COVID. Over two and a half years, he collaborated with international researchers and practitioners to identify effective treatment approaches.

    In 2022, Dr. Clancy joined the Department of Occupational Therapy at Jefferson, seeking mentorship and collaboration with other researchers. In addition to teaching, he engages in impactful research and service activities. He serves on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Long COVID Care Network, collaborating with clinicians nationwide to improve care for individuals with Long COVID. As a key stakeholder for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), he focuses on Long COVID patients with autonomic dysfunctions. Recently, Dr. Clancy was appointed to the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ Advisory Committee for Long COVID, where he will provide recommendations on care priorities over the next two years. He has also submitted a grant proposal to investigate the educational and resource needs of rehabilitation professionals caring for Long COVID patients.

    Currently, Dr. Clancy is developing an AOTA Community of Practice for Acute and Critical Care, providing occupational therapists with resources and networking opportunities in this specialized area. As a founding co-facilitator, he leads monthly meetings and fosters professional development. His research extends to two projects for the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation: (1) promoting social equity and supporting caregivers pre- and post-heart transplant, and (2) examining frailty and assessment tools for lung transplantation outcomes. Despite his many responsibilities, Dr. Clancy values the opportunity to connect with practitioners worldwide, focusing his research on translating practice guidelines into actionable care improvements.

    Dr. Clancy attributes his success to curiosity, networking, building relationships and seeking mentorship. He advises occupational therapy students to embrace lifelong learning by attending conferences, seeking mentors, taking on leadership roles and advocating for change. “Stay curious and use resources to learn as much as possible,” he emphasizes.

    Any further questions can be directed to Dr. Clancy via email: [email protected]

    Meet our Alumni

    Michelle Marshina, OTD, OTR/L

    Dr. Michelle Marshina: Harnessing Coaching to Lead and Inspire

    Over the summer, Dr. Michelle Marshina (she/her) and I caught up to discuss her recent promotion and the impact of the Coaching in Context certificate, which she completed in 2022, on her professional journey. Her insights into the applicability and versatility of coaching skills in leadership and the evolving healthcare landscape inspired this article. We recently spoke again to dive deeper into her experiences.

    Dr. Marshina has been a part of the Jefferson community for 31 years. She began her career in 1993 as a Clinical Specialist at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. For 22 years, she managed therapy programs for traumatic brain injury, stroke and general rehabilitation, overseeing a team of 40 interdisciplinary professionals across two gyms. Six months ago, she was promoted to Program Director of Stroke and Brain Injury Inpatient Programs. In this role, she facilitates the integration of Moss Rehabilitation and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital into the Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Marshina views her role as uniting the best practices from both institutions to enhance patient care and elevate excellence. Creating an open and collaborative environment has been central to her success.

    “My greatest success in the last five months has been building relationships in my new role,” she says.

    Dr. Marshina’s commitment to Jefferson extends beyond her career—it also includes her education. In 2013, while balancing her responsibilities as a therapy manager and a mother of three young children, she earned her Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) from Jefferson. She fondly recalls the Advanced Evidence-Based Practice course as a highlight, equipping her with the skills to think critically and develop programs that have shaped her career. Reflecting on the experience, she noted how it “pushed her out of her comfort zone” and instilled valuable online learning skills.

    “Professionally, if you are 'comfortable,' you might stagnate,” she says.

    Dr. Marshina’s philosophy of lifelong learning has been pivotal in adapting to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. This was particularly true during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time marked by fear and uncertainty. As a therapy manager at Magee, she faced increasing complexities in inpatient rehabilitation while navigating shifting policies. Seeking new skills, she reconnected with Dr. MJ Mulcahey, her PP-OTD mentor, who recommended the Coaching in Context certificate at Jefferson.

    As a member of the program’s inaugural cohort in Fall 2021, Dr. Marshina embraced a coaching mindset. She explains, “Coaching is not about 'cheering people on,' providing supervision, or offering training; it is about partnering with someone in a conversation to gain clarity and achieve meaningful goals.” Through the program, she honed communication skills, focusing on active listening and asking open-ended questions. These skills have proven invaluable in leadership scenarios such as interviews, investigations and problem-solving. They have also helped her create a safe environment for open dialogue, allowing her to genuinely understand others’ perspectives.

    As a leader, Dr. Marshina believes, “task completion is important, but relationships come first.”

    Her coaching training has been instrumental in her current role harmonizing Moss-Magee operations. While already a relational leader, the certificate program deepened her understanding of the applied science, theories, and models behind effective professional relationships. “People need to be seen, heard, and valued to help avoid burnout,” she emphasized. This mindset drives her leadership approach, where she frequently asks herself: How can I be their partner? Who did I connect with today? Did I leave things better than when I started?

    When asked what advice she has for the Jefferson community about coaching, Dr. Marshina candidly shared, “Applying coaching skills will feel uncomfortable at first because you are testing your boundaries. That discomfort is necessary for meaningful change. Coaching well is harder to learn than you might expect, but it’s been invaluable.”

    Dr. Marshina’s belief in the transformative power of coaching remains unwavering. To her, it is more than a skill—it is a passion that energizes her leadership and professional growth.

    ~Marie-Christine Potvin, PhD OTR/L

    Meet our Students

    Meet Payton Cole: An Aspiring Occupational Therapist at Thomas Jefferson University

    Payton Cole, a dedicated student in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program, is on track to graduate in December 2024. Throughout her journey at Jefferson, Payton has experienced both personal and academic growth, and her passion for occupational therapy has only strengthened.

    Payton chose Jefferson for its 3+2 BS/MS Occupational Therapy program, which provided an ideal combination of a comprehensive academic structure and an inviting campus environment. "The East Falls campus offered a blend of city life while also providing a smaller, more intimate campus setting with smaller classrooms," Payton says. This balance allowed her to thrive in her studies and personal life.

    Her inspiration to pursue a career in occupational therapy stems from a deeply personal experience. As a child, Payton witnessed her grandfather’s recovery journey after a stroke, where occupational therapy played a pivotal role in his rehabilitation. Seeing its impact on her grandfather and her family left a lasting impression. “I was drawn to the scope of practice of OT,” she explains. “The profession focuses on promoting independence and empowering individuals to participate in their daily tasks and so much more. To be a part of someone’s life in that manner and have that sort of impact has been amazing.”

    One of the highlights of Payton’s educational experience at Jefferson has been the people she’s met along the way. Reflecting on her time in graduate school, she says, "I have made lifelong friendships here at Jefferson. My cohort has allowed me to see the world from various viewpoints, and I truly would not be the person and practitioner I am today without them." Her cohort has significantly shaped her as both an individual and a future occupational therapist.

    Beyond academics, Payton has been actively involved in various activities at Jefferson’s East Falls Campus. During her first four years at the University, she was a proud member of the Jefferson Women’s Soccer team, an experience she cherishes. She also contributed to the University community as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during her undergraduate years and as the Treasurer of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) during graduate school. A fun fact about Payton is her undergraduate minor in Spanish, a skill that has proven invaluable during her clinical experiences. Her ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients has enhanced her impact in hospital settings and underscores her commitment to inclusive care.

    As she approaches graduation, Payton is eager to embark on her professional journey and continue making a positive difference in the lives of others through the power of occupational therapy.

    Meet Angelica Sanchez: A Future Occupational Therapy Assistant at Thomas Jefferson University

    Angelica Sanchez (she/her) is a dedicated student in the Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy (ASOT) program at Thomas Jefferson University. Originally from New York City, Angelica relocated to South Jersey in 2012, where she now embarks on an inspiring journey in occupational therapy.

    Angelica chose Jefferson because the ASOT program aligns perfectly with her professional goals. The program's hybrid, accelerated format provides both in-depth knowledge and clinical readiness within just two years. She appreciates the faculty's expertise and their genuine investment in student success. "The University has provided an inclusive, compassionate and motivating environment," she says. "Thanks to the faculty at Jefferson, I am now empowered with the self-confidence required to meet my goals and exceed my personal expectations."

    Despite beginning her academic journey with reservations and self-doubt, Angelica has found a place where she thrives. She credits much of her growth to the supportive community at Jefferson. Alongside her classmates, Angelica is learning to support individuals of all ages in achieving their daily goals—whether acquiring new skills or regaining lost abilities—through a holistic approach to care.

    Angelica’s path to occupational therapy is as inspiring as it is unique. Before enrolling at Jefferson, she had no prior college experience. She worked as a licensed hairstylist in New Jersey, enjoying one-on-one interactions with clients and helping them meet their hair care needs. However, after several years in the field, she realized she wanted to make a broader impact. Her career pivot was driven by a key moment in her life: her daughter’s recovery from a brachial plexus injury. During her daughter’s treatment, early intervention therapies, including occupational therapy, played a transformative role. Witnessing the profound impact of OT on her daughter’s recovery inspired Angelica to pursue this field.

    As a future Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Angelica is excited to work with clients to enhance their quality of life, just as occupational therapy helped her daughter. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others, particularly those facing challenges similar to her daughter’s experience.

    You can follow Angelica’s journey and stay connected with her through her Instagram handle: @angelic_angie16.

    Congratulations to Faculty & Students

    Congratulations to Lady Rios-Vega, OTD, OTR/L, CASI 

    We are excited to share that Dr. Lady Rios-Vega recently presented at two esteemed events: the PCORI Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. and the Engage Summit hosted by the AOTF. Her presentation, Engaging Hispanic and Latinx Autistic Communities in Research, highlighted innovative processes and strategies to foster meaningful community engagement.

    Congratulations to Sarah Klunk, MBA, OTR/L, CTP and Sara Loesche, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS!

    They represented Thomas Jefferson University at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association's Annual Conference at Gannon University in September 2024! 

    Congratulations to Amanda Parezo, OTD, MS, OTR/L

    She received the prestigious Governor’s Award from Governor Josh Shapiro! This well-deserved recognition honors her outstanding contributions. We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she continues to make and look forward to seeing her inspire even more in the future.

    Congratulations to Malachy Clancy, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR

    A huge congratulations to Dr. Clancy on his formal invitation from Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to serve as a member of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID (ACLC)! This remarkable achievement reflects his expertise, dedication, and passion for advancing healthcare and supporting individuals affected by Long COVID.