University of Indianapolis Occupational Therapy Faculty & Staff

Areas of Expertise

pediatrics, specifically early intervention

Background

Has worked with children in early intervention, outpatient clinics, and school-based settings. Continues to serve as the secretary for the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) and volunteers for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Received her doctorate in occupational therapy from Chatham University where her capstone was "Changes in Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence in Fieldwork Educators after Participation in Evidence-Based Practice Short Course."

Research Interests

Use of evidence-based practice by OT students and clinicians, the impact of play on anxiety levels of children and their parents, interprofessional education

Education

• OTD, Chatham University
• MOT, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Psychology, University of Indianapolis

Fun Fact

I've only ever had one sip of coffee.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

I went to undergraduate and graduate school at UIndy; I love to see how the campus has grown, changed, and improved over the years.

Areas of Expertise

vestibular rehabilitation

Background

Teaches a variety of courses and lectures with topics including research, theory, introduction to the profession, professional behaviors and ethics, neuroscience, and vestibular rehabilitation. Past clinical work history includes acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, home care, work hardening/industrial rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation. American Occupational Therapy Association Ethics Commission Chairperson, 2019-2023; AOTA Representative Assembly Recorder 2023-2026. Has published in national and international journals and has presented at regional, national, and international conferences.

Research Interests

falls prevention, ethics, scholarship of teaching and learning

Education

• DHSc, University of Indianapolis
• MHS, University of Indianapolis
• BS in Occupational Therapy, Indiana University

Fun Fact

My guilty pleasures are coffee, chocolate and fantasy or dystopian novels (J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Hunger Games, Harry Potter and the like). Nothing better than curling up with a good book, a coffee and a box of chocolates! (Even better if the coffee is a mocha!) I am a bona fide crazy cat lady. In addition to my two cats, Rey and Finn, I foster cats and kittens through the Indianapolis Humane Society.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The friendly atmosphere. I have been a part of UIndy as a student, and now as faculty, and I find that in both roles the occupational therapy faculty members convey laughter, joy, warmth and caring.

Areas of Expertise

technology and OT, rural health, homebound adults

Background

Has done clinical work across the lifespan, working in a variety of settings from pediatric outpatient to inpatient acute care to adult outpatient and skilled nursing facilities. Is a published author with many presentations on the use of 3D printing in OT. Has also published and presented on activity engagement and depression in rural homebound older adults.

Research Interests

technology and OT, rural health, homebound adults

Education

• OTD, Indiana University Indianapolis
• MS, Indiana University Indianapolis
• BS, Indiana University Bloomington
• AS, Indiana University Bloomington

Fun Fact

I love to be outside. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, running, biking, gardening – anything that gets me out and about. My spouse and I have a bucket list of hitting all the National Parks in the U.S. (currently at 29). I had another life (prior career) in technical theatre and worked on the second largest stage in the United States.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The family-like and friendly atmosphere

Background

I always include my undergrad experience as a personal trainer and exercise scientist, as it helped me develop skills in one-on-one and group settings, understanding motivation, and educating others. In OT school, I took combined courses with PTs, including a full massage/soft tissue course, enhancing my manual therapy skills.

My first OT role was on a spinal cord injury unit at Brooks Rehab Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, while also working PRN at a nearby SNF. My husband and I then traveled as contract therapists, gaining valuable insights into diverse populations and varied healthcare systems across the U.S. This experience, including negotiating contracts, sparked my entrepreneurial spirit.

After starting a family, I worked in acute care in northern Idaho, home health and acute care in Corvallis, OR, and home health in Bloomington, IN. We eventually settled in Terre Haute, IN, where I took on multiple settings as a PRN OT with Union Health. In 2021, I launched my mobile/telehealth private practice, which I continue alongside acute care and inpatient rehab work at Union Hospital.

Research Interests

Women's Health - I have had the opportunity to collaborate on topics such as: 1) maternal pelvic health, 2) maternal food insecurity and am working on developing a guidebook for OT's in acute care to develop and standardize OB/GYN programming/services.

Education

• BS, Exercise Science, Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
• MS, Occupational Therapy, University of St.Augustine (St. Augustine, FL)
• ppOTD, Indiana University (Indianapolis, IN)

Fun Fact

I play the drums and used to be in a folk-rock band called "Sister" in graduate school.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The people! The culture! Everyone is so welcoming and supportive. I feel like I can unapologetically be myself. Also, the fact that Key Stadium has Kiesel Field is pretty cool...no relation, though.

Areas of Expertise

Medicare regulations; post-acute care and outpatient services; capstone development; health services management

Background

Has over 21 years of experience in management and leadership and many years of advocating for occupational therapy. Earned a place on the AOTA Roster of Fellows in 2016. Is very active in current post-acute care payment reform and has published on the topic of functional performance outcomes and rehabilitation intensity.

Research Interests

Functional outcome measures related to post-acute care and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOT)

Education

• OTD, Occupational Therapy, Indiana University at Indianapolis
• MS, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Biology, University of Indianapolis

Fun Fact

I love to bake, read, and collaborate with colleagues.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

Education for service and a student-centered focus is evident throughout campus.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

pediatric rehabilitation, feeding therapy, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. 

BACKGROUND

Worked predominantly in outpatient pediatric settings both in the United States and in Ukraine. Professional practice interests are within occupational enablement for children with various disabilities and family wellbeing. Developed and supported programs for social inclusion and participation of children with disabilities in Ukraine, as well as therapeutic intervention programs for institutionalized children with intellectual disabilities. Published and presented internationally at World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congresses and served as a WFOT Delegate from Ukraine. Has been instrumental in establishing occupational therapy as a profession in Ukraine. Continues to be involved in advocacy, professional regulation, professional standards and professional development initiatives as the head of the Ukrainian national professional association.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

feeding therapy 

EDUCATION

• MOT, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• Specialist, Physical rehabilitation, Classic Private University, Ukraine
• Specialist, Education, Zhytomyr State University, Ukraine 

FAVORITE THING ABOUT UINDY

I love the welcoming, supportive and collaborative atmosphere of our University, where each person matters as invaluable to the entire community. 

Areas of Expertise

biomechanics, hand therapy, physical agent modalities, orthosis fabrication, client education and satisfaction

Background

In 2018, she obtained her Certified Hand Therapist credential. She maintains clinical practice in upper extremity rehabilitation at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, IN, and is skilled in the design and optimization of rehabilitation documentation templates used in electronic medical record systems.

Research Interests

evidence-based hand therapy interventions, provider well-being, client education and satisfaction

Education

• DHSc, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• MOT, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• BA, Liberal Studies, Bethel College

Fun Fact

I am a Broadway nerd. I can never pass up an opportunity to see Wicked. If you are lucky (unlucky?), you may hear me belt out a show tune!

Favorite thing about UIndy

Everyone works together for the good of the students and community.

Areas of Expertise

cancer survivorship, lymphedema management, self-management of chronic conditions, adult neurological rehabilitation

Research Interests

cancer survivorship and exploring how the late effects of cancer treatments, including lymphedema, affect occupational roles and performance of everyday activities; OTs role in self-management strategies for improved health and wellness; use of occupation-based interventions in practice

Screen of Cancer Survivorship-Occupational Therapy Services (SOCS-OTS)

Education

• DHSc, Health Science, University of Indianapolis
• MHS, Health Science, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Occupational Therapy, Indiana University

Fun Fact

I enjoy running and yoga to maintain a healthy lifestyle and my greatest occupational role is being a mother to my two children.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The collaborative, cultural atmosphere for students and faculty

Areas of Expertise

gerontechnology, modification and design principles to support aging in place, geriatric rehabilitation, the use of occupational therapy to address the impact of disability on sexuality

Background

Beth Ann Walker, PhD, MS, OTR, QIDP, FAOTA is a professor at the University of Indianapolis. She teaches within the School of Occupational Therapy and the Master of Public Health Program. She educates MOT and OTD students on research methods and analysis, evidence-based practice, therapeutic skills, and addressing sexuality and intimacy in OT. Within the MPH Program, she educates students about global issues in sexual and reproductive health and social and behavioral science applications of public health theory.

Dr. Walker is recognized globally for her work related to addressing sexuality and intimacy in OT. She developed the Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) and the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI) which is being translated into multiple languages. Dr. Walker has authored textbook chapters and journal articles, presented internationally and nationally, and conducted international research to determine priorities for education, practice, and research related to global OT practice. She was awarded the designation as a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association in 2021 in recognition of "Breaking the Global Silence in Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy".

Given her research expertise in OT and public health, she was nominated by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy to serve on a World Health Organization (WHO) development group to create a Package of Rehabilitation Interventions for People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This work led to further collaboration with the WHO to review and contribute to key publications, therapist training modules, and leaflets for the public related to COVID-19 sequelae.

Dr. Walker earned a Ph.D. in Health Behavior with a minor in gerontology from Indiana University and has an MS in Occupational Therapy from UIndy. Her clinical experience is in long-term care and she has research expertise in gerotechnology. Dr. Walker has published and presented nationally and internationally on the design and use of virtual gaming for health and rehabilitation, mobile phone technology, and assistive devices to enhance the independence of older adults. She also developed a theory for understanding the acceptance and use of technology by older adults.

One of her most rewarding experiences over the years has been working with OT students to develop resources and programming to meet the sexuality and intimacy needs of local adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities through partnerships with Easterseals of Indiana and the Village of Merici.

Research Interests

Primarily focused on the concept of "aging in place" and the design, use, and marketing of new technologies and assistive devices to enhance the independence of older adults. A secondary research interest is sexuality in OT practice, spurred by the shortage of practitioners addressing the subject.

Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI)

Education

• PhD, Health Behavior (minor in Gerontology), Indiana University Bloomington
• MS, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Psychology, Eureka College

Fun Fact

I love to laugh and have fun. I appreciate good athletic shoes and wear them most everyday (even with my dress clothes). I am also a fervent youth sport enthusiast and am very involved in my children's sporting endeavors.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

I truly enjoy getting to know my students on a first-name basis and getting the opportunity to contribute to my community by striving to instill in my students a passion for lifelong learning and making a difference in the lives of others.

Areas of Expertise

Geriatrics, home health, developmental pediatrics, school-based

BACKGROUND

Clinical experience that spans several practice areas, including sub-acute rehabilitation, dementia management, and geriatric neurological rehab via skilled nursing, home health, and school-based developmental pediatrics. Serves as Indiana Ambassador for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Research Interests

Increasing access to occupational therapy for underserved and/or minority populations.

Education

• MOT, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Interdisciplinary Science, Purdue University

Fun Fact

• I believe if family, friends, and food are involved, it’s a great time!
• I have the most loving husband and two daughters, and I absolutely adore our time together. 
• OT is the best profession in the world! 

Favorite Thing About UIndy

UIndy has such a friendly, warm, beautiful, personable, and welcoming campus atmosphere. It’s both fascinating and a bit surreal to experience UIndy, previously as a graduate student and now as a faculty member.

Areas of Expertise

pediatric outpatient treatment, fieldwork education, Sensory Integration certified, breast/bottle feeding, pediatric feeding

Background

Kristina has worked in the outpatient setting her entire career, starting with all ages then moving to all pediatric and finally to specializing in infant breast and bottle feeding. She has extensive training in feeding interventions for all ages. She has a passion for all of pediatrics but especially children with autism and has enjoyed being a fieldwork educator to several students each year. As an educator, she has a passion for empowering students to take initiative, improve problem solving, and practice advocacy while in the field. Kristina also take great pride in her two main occupational roles of wife and mother.

Research Interests

fieldwork education, professional issues, infant feeding, pediatric treatment, mentorship

Education

• OTD, Occupational Therapy, Chatham University
• MOT, Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• BS, Chemistry, University of Indianapolis

Fun Fact

I'm always up for hosting a good party - wine, birthday, baby/bridal shower, jewelry, tupperware, it's Friday, etc - you name it, I'll throw the party!

Favorite thing about UIndy

I love the close-knit, family feel of the UIndy community.