Occupational Therapy Newsletter
Spring 2023 Recap
The Occupational Therapy newsletter publishes twice per year, in January and June.
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Welcome to the latest edition of Occupations, the newsletter for Colorado State University’s Department of Occupational Therapy. Read on to learn more about some of our activities and accomplishments from a busy year!
Dr. Jaclyn Stephens received official word from CSU President Amy Parsons of her promotion to associate professor with tenure. Dr. Stephens’s promotion is the culmination of six years of hard work. Congratulations, Dr. Stephens!
Dr. Jen Weaver is featured for her amazing research on the recovery of consciousness of people with severe traumatic brain injury and the funding she attained to support that work. In recognition of her accomplishments, Dr. Weaver received the 2023 College of Health and Human Sciences Tenure-Track Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award.
Fieldwork administrative support staff, Debi Krogh-Michna, received a much-deserved Classified Personnel Council Outstanding Achievement Award. Krogh-Michna has been the backbone of fieldwork education in OT for as long as I can remember. Dr. Patti Davies returned from a year’s sabbatical, which included two extended trips to Denmark where she conducted EEG research with Danish collaborators. Her first trip was funded through a Fulbright award and the second through her host collaborator. While in Europe, Dr. Davies also spent time with an OT program in Belgium that has been working with us for some time.
CSU-OT had a great showing at the AOTA conference. Andy Persch and Marla Roll became Fellows of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Read about the many reasons they have earned this recognition, below.
At the 21st Annual Knowledge Exchange and the College Award’s Ceremony, we celebrated several amazing individuals: Karen Atler (OT’s Outstanding Alumna), Taneal Behm (OT’s Outstanding Fieldwork Educator), and Colin Heffern (Legacy Award). Heffern was a longtime friend of OT who passed away this year.
We are grateful to donors who invest in the future of CSU-OT. Learn below about Wanda Mayberry’s continuing legacy with her estate gift and a new endowed scholarship dedicated to diversity created by Teresa Boynton (’73, ’89) and her husband, Bruce. You can read and watch videos describing their gifts.
And, finally, we bid farewell to Karen Atler and David Greene who are both retiring. Atler leaves us after 22 years, and Greene, who returned after his 2019 retirement, will enjoy his free time after 27 years at CSU.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you. I also invite you to send your own personal and professional updates. I’d be so pleased to welcome you in person to CSU-OT. Please take me up on it.
Go Rams!
Anita Bundy, Department Head
Outstanding occupational therapy graduate Jasmine Tran has a passion for inclusive excellence
As a first-generation student, there are many barriers to overcome when accessing higher education. Tran did not let this stand in her way and was able to thrive and be successful in the OT program.
Two-time cancer survivor Ashley Montijo (’17) continues to find joy in her career as an OT
Occupational Therapy alumna Ashley Montijo (’17) has taken her skills to Littleton High School since earning her master’s in occupational therapy from Colorado State University.
Faculty member emerita Wanda Mayberry’s spirit shines bright through her planned gift
Wanda Mayberry is one of those very special donors whose big-hearted ways are making dreams come true for students pursuing a future in Occupational Therapy.
Diverse-OT raises awareness for Teresa and Bruce Boynton OT Diversity Scholarship with RamFunder campaign
The Diverse-OT Student Club aims to diversify the field of future occupational therapists who practice with cultural responsiveness and integrate principles of equity and inclusion in all they do.
Health and Human Science Matters podcast welcomes James Graham to discuss his research mission
James Graham, director of the Center for Community Partnerships, sits down to discuss his unique path through higher ed and his research mission to support the long-term health and independence of adults with disabilities and chronic conditions.
Susan Mingils joined the Health and Human Science Matters podcast to discuss her research
Susan Mingils discusses her research studying the potential positive impacts music and rhythm can have on physical and cognitive functions, as well as her experience as a Dean’s Fellow in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Visualized coma recovery gauge aims to help families of patients advocate
Colorado State University faculty member Jen Weaver’s research on the recovery of consciousness of people with severe traumatic brain injuries helps give a voice to those who often cannot speak.
Andrew Persch and Marla Roll added to the American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows
Associate Professors Andrew Persch and Marla Roll etched their names onto the fellowship roster, which recognizes their significant contributions to the profession.
Anita Bundy receives the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award for her contributions to occupational therapy
Anita Bundy has another distinguished accomplishment in her stellar career as she was named the recipient of the 2023 Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award by the AOTA.
Karen Atler retiring from CSU after 22 years of dedication to occupational therapy
After 22 years of service and dedication to Colorado State University’s Department of Occupational Therapy, Associate Professor Karen Atler is eyeing fresh opportunities as she transitions into a new life in retirement.
Occupational therapy highlights diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice at annual Knowledge Exchange
The Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University hosted students, alumni, faculty, and OT practitioners on April 28 for the 21st annual Knowledge Exchange event.
Video: Center for Community Partnerships’ outreach programs showcased at Alder Hall event
For over 30 years, the Center for Community Partnerships’ diverse and skilled staff has helped individuals overcome challenges related to school, work, sleep, and independent living.
Engage with stories and network with OT on LinkedIn
Find your classmates and mentors, track the latest research, connect with future employers, and more on LinkedIn with the Department of Occupational Therapy!
Engage with OT
Alumni and friends make our Rams Family strong! Whether you join us for a day at the annual OT Knowledge Exchange or for a lifetime as a donor, your time, talent, treasure, and testimony shape our shared future.
