Updated 03/15/23
Degree(s) Offered:
Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational
Science/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
PROGRAMS INFORMATION
BIO: Michele Peterson, MS, OTR/L is the academic fieldwork coordinator for the Occupational Therapy program at Gwynedd Mercy University. She has been licensed in the occupational therapy field for over 20 years and has experience working in the area of pediatrics, specifically: school-based, preschool age, birth to three, and pediatric in-patient and out-patient settings. She holds a specialty certification in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to feeding. Ms. Peterson experience in the fieldwork realm has allowed her the opportunities to develop emerging fieldwork sites within community settings. She has been an integral part of co-developing an adaptive fitness program with a local non-profit organization and school. Ms. Peterson is in the process of pursing her Educational Doctorate degree in Higher Learning from Gwynedd Mercy University. She earned a post-professional M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, and B.S. and associate degrees in Science and Occupational Therapy from Penn State University.
Degree(s) Offered:
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant Studies
PROGRAMS INFORMATION
BIO: Heather Herner is a Level I Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Harcum College. She holds an Associate of Science Degree from Harcum College and a Bachelor of the Arts degree from Allentown College of St. Francis deSales (now DeSales University). Heather's clinical experience is primarily in pediatrics working in the school-based setting with children with special needs.
BIO: Heather Tessa Angelo B.A., COTA/L is joining Harcum College as an Instructor/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator/Fieldwork Preceptor in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Tessa graduated from Temple University in 2011 with her bachelor's degree in communications and then went to Philadelphia University (now Jefferson) in 2012 where she received her associate’s degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Tessa brings 8 years of clinical experience in the adult/geriatric setting, specifically in inpatient and acute rehab. She specializes in caregiver training to support family members to safely prepare for loved ones returning home post-rehab stay. Tessa enjoys helping students develop their professional and clinical skills and looks forward to learning and excelling in this new endeavor in academia.
Degree(s) Offered:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: After graduating with her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College in 2009. Anna Grasso worked in a variety of practice areas with clients across the lifespan before transitioning into academia in 2017. Anna received her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2021 from Temple University. Her main focus area for clinical practice and research is on home modification to support aging-in-place. She regularly performs home safety assessments through Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, and enjoys sharing her expertise with fieldwork students.
Degree(s) Offered:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
BIO: Susan is a graduate of Stockton’s MSOT program herself and has worked as a clinician in the field for the past 17 years in a wide range of rehabilitative settings, primarily working with the adult and geriatric populations. She holds certifications in assistive technology, advanced seating and positioning and is working to become a certified dementia practitioner. Susan thoroughly enjoys work roles which focus on education and training whether it be with students, new OTs. clients or caregivers.
Degree(s) Offered:
Bachelor of Health Science in Occupation
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: Erica is an assistant professor of instruction and the academic fieldwork coordinator in the occupational therapy program at Temple University. She completed her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy at Temple University where her capstone project focused on promoting childhood wellness and social emotional competency through yoga and mindfulness programming. Erica has clinical practice experience in various settings across the lifespan including adults and pediatric rehab, long-term care, home health, and community based practice. She received her Master's in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Science, Health Science, at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
BIO: Jeanne Coviello has over 31 years' experience as an OT. She describes herself as passionate about all things, specifically OT. Jeanne is an active member of both A OTA and POTA. Professional activities include scholarly publication, presentations at state and national conferences, and she has served as a board committee member for the AOTA Test Prep Product. She has extensive experience working in adult rehabilitation settings, both at a staff and clinical management level since graduating from Towson University with a BS degree in OT. Jeanne earned her OTD at Thomas Jefferson University with the focus of her research on students' development of clinical reasoning during Level II fieldwork.
BIO: Gillian is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and an Assistant Professor of Instruction at Temple. She has over 25 years of combined national and international experience as a clinician, educator, author, coach, speaker, and yoga instructor. Gillian is an active AOTA and WFOT member, and volunteers with other organizations as well such as the Occupational Therapy African Regional Congress (OTARG), Saudi Arabia OT Association (SOTA), providing advice on education and disabilities to NGOs such as The World Bank (WBG). She is a community and social service advocate and champion, committed to addressing racial injustice, anti-oppressive practices and developing inclusive program
Degree(s) Offered:
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant Studies
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: Sarah Klunk, MBA, OTR/L has been in the field of Occupational Therapy since 2002. She received her BS degree from Elizabethtown College and her MBA degree from Holy Family University. During her career, she has provided occupational therapy services in various adult settings including subacute rehab, acute rehab, outpatient, and acute care hospital settings with an expertise in trauma and ICU care. She has also worked in administrative roles, clinical program development, and transitioned to the Thomas Jefferson University fieldwork team in August 2020.
Degree(s) Offered:
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: Leigh Leonard has been a clinician in the field of Occupational Therapy (OT) since 2014. She received an OTD from Chatham University in 2021. an MS in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University - Center City in 2014; a BS degree from Ursinus College. Leigh's clinical experience has been focused in pediatrics, particularly school-based, pediatric out-patient, and pediatric in-patient, mostly in the NICU. Her doctoral capstone project focused on improving professionalism skills in Level II OT students. Leigh is presently the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor at Thomas Jefferson University. Center City campus.
BIO: Amanda Lyons has been a clinician in the field of Occupational Therapy (OT) since 2010. She received an MS in OT from Thomas Jefferson University - Center City in 2010; a BS degree from University of Delaware; and her OTD degree in OT from Salus University. In addition to her OTD degree. Dr. Lyons received a specialty certification in remedial vision rehabilitation from Salus University. Dr. Lyons's clinical experience has been within a variety of settings, including acute care, subacute care, and outpatient therapy with a specialty in traumatic brain injury. Dr. Lyons is presently the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University - Center City campus.
BIO: Allison Giannone is the interim Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and adjunct faculty at Thomas Jefferson University, Center City. She earned her doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. Allison’s doctoral capstone focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, in which she conducted qualitative research exploring faculty perceptions of supports and barriers to OT student success within their academic program. Allison’s clinical experience primarily includes school-based practice and early intervention. She also has clinical experience in acute care and home-health care. Allison transitioned to academia in September of 2022 but continues to work within early intervention practice settings. Her primary interests include school-based and early intervention practice with a focus on implementing trauma-informed care within preschool emotional support programming.
Degree(s) Offered:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: Courtney has been an occupational therapist since 2005 after graduating from the University of Scranton (BS. MS). She began her career in the acute care hospital setting, expanding her practice Into home care and community-based outpatient occupational therapy. In each of her clinical positions, Courtney has rigorously sought additional clinical certifications in her field of practice. Her love of learning has evolved into teaching and mentorship. Areas of expertise include Adults and Aging, Homecare. Acute Care, and Adult Physical Rehabilitation. Certifications include: Board Certification for Gerontology. LSVT BIG- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT- BIG). Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Degree(s) Offered:
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: Kelly Otchet is the Director of Fieldwork Education and an Assistant Professor at University of the Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree from University of the Sciences. Kelly has worked in various pediatric settings including specialty longterm care, school based, and early intervention until transitioning into academia in 2020. Her primary areas of interest lie in pediatrics, school-based services, and the incorporation of research and technology into OT practice.
BIO: Nicole Roberts OTD, MOT, OTR/L is one of the academic fieldwork coordinators for the Occupational Therapy program at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of University of the Sciences receiving her BS in Health Science and MOT degrees from the University. She has worked in a wide variety of pediatric settings, geriatrics, and home care, but found her niche with young adults with disabilities post-transition from the school system. This population was the focus of her OTD capstone that she completed at Temple University in 2017. She has worked with fieldwork in the past and has joined the fieldwork team full time July 2020.
BIO: Emily Bubel is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator at University of the Sciences and has served in this role since January 2020. She has been an Occupational Therapist since graduating in 2005, with experience focused in the skilled nursing, early intervention, and home health settings. Prior to working as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, she was an adjunct instructor for 7 years. She earned her BSHS and MOT from University of the Sciences and her post professional OTD from Misericordia University.
Degree(s) Offered:
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
BIO: Kristy Meyer, OTD. MS, OTR/L, BCP is an Assistant Professor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in Widener University's Institute of Occupational Therapy Education program. She completed her postprofessional doctorate at Mount Mary University where her research focused on the development of self- efficacy in Level II fieldwork students. Before joining the faculty at Widener University, she worked as an academic fieldwork coordinator for Harcum College. Kristy's clinical experience has been primarily in pediatrics working in school-based, early intervention, and outpatient settings. She maintains board certification in pediatrics.
BIO: Nakia Lynn is a Co-Director of Fieldwork Education and Clinical Assistant Professor at Widener University's Institute of Occupational Therapy Education program. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. Nakia has worked in various practice areas with experience across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. Her clinical concentration has been with adults and older adults in home care. While working in home care, she received her Aging in Place Certification (CAPS) for home modifications. Nakia continues to practice occupational therapy per diem in a home care setting. Prior to joining Widener University, she was an adjunct at Thomas Jefferson University and an academic fieldwork coordinator and assistant professor at Harcum College. Nakia's doctoral capstone focused on the impact of education in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion on self-efficacy in occupational therapy faculty members. Justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are essential topics to her in occupational therapy education and the healthcare system as a whole.
BIO: Kevin Wegner, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CSRS, CBIS, CDP is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Co Director of Fieldwork Education in Widener University’s Institute of Occupational Therapy Education program. He completed his BS in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in 2002 and then his post professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Rocky Mountain University in 2013. At Rocky Mountain University, his research focused on the implications of sleep, recovery and length of stay for the critically ill patient in the ICU. Before joining the faculty at Widener University, he worked as the Inpatient Rehabilitation Manager for Cooper University Health Care. Kevin’s clinical experience has been primarily in adults working in acute care, rehabilitation and accreditation. He maintains specialty certifications in Lymphedema, Stroke Rehabilitation, Brain Injury and Dementia.
Philadelphia Region Occupational Therapy Fieldwork & Capstone Consortium
