Quincy University Occupational Therapy

09/09/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month, and at the Quincy University Occupational Therapy Department, we recognize that mental health is a fundamental pillar of overall health, well-being, and meaningful daily participation.

As occupational therapists and future practitioners rooted in Franciscan values of compassion, dignity, and service, our role goes beyond physical rehabilitation. We are dedicated to supporting mental health, fostering resilience, and helping individuals build purposeful routines that sustain them through life's challenges.

Occupational therapy promotes mental wellness by empowering individuals to engage in activities they find meaningful, building coping strategies, and creating supportive environments where everyone feels valued and connected.You are never alone, and your life has purpose.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available:Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (free, confidential, and available 24/7).Text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.

Let’s continue to break the stigma, check in on one another, and support mental health every single day. ***dePreventionMonth

09/01/2026

National Grief Awareness Day 💜

Grief is a deeply personal and complex journey that can impact every facet of daily life—from simple daily routines to meaningful activities and roles.

At Quincy University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program, we recognize that healing involves addressing the whole person. Occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in supporting individuals through grief by:
✨ Re-engaging in Meaningful Activities: Helping clients safely rebuild routines and reconnect with everyday occupations that promote purpose and comfort.
✨ Adapting Daily Routines: Modifying environments, tasks, or schedules to match an individual's emotional and physical energy levels during times of loss.
✨ Promoting Emotional & Physical Well-being: Incorporating holistic wellness, mindfulness, and coping strategies into personalized therapy plans.

Grief is not something to be "fixed"—it is a journey to be navigated. OTs are dedicated to walking alongside clients, helping them find balance, function, and hope along the way.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Occupational Essentials Kits ready to go home with students at the end of the week.

08/19/2026

Every day as an occupational therapist brings a new opportunity to restore dignity, rebuild independence, and help someone get back to the moments that make life meaningful. Whether you’re helping a patient relearn to paint, adapt to daily routines, or regain confidence after an injury, this isn't just what you do—it's who you become.

At Quincy University, our Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is designed to turn your passion for serving others into a lifelong calling. Grounded in our Franciscan tradition, we foster a supportive, close-knit learning community where you aren't just a face in a crowd. With small cohorts and dedicated faculty walking alongside you every step of the way, you’ll get the personalized attention you need to master your clinical skills and lead with compassion.

Why Start Your Journey at Quincy?

Flexible Hybrid Format: Balance your education with your life while receiving top-tier instruction.

January Start: Why wait to make an impact? Start sooner, serve sooner, and enter a rapidly growing, high-demand profession.

Personalized Mentorship: Learn in intimate, student-centered cohorts guided by experienced clinicians.

Service-Driven Mission: Develop a clinical practice centered on human connection, purpose, and community wellbeing.

Picture the future you could build—and the lives you could transform. Your purpose begins here.

📲 Ready to make a lasting difference? Click the link in our bio to learn more about our January cohort and apply today!

08/19/2026

Megan is a member of our QU OTD Advisory Board and doing great things in Colorado!

Presenter: Megan Paben, MOT, OTR/L, ASDCS CTP, CIA, TIE-soon adding OTD

Presenter Bio: Megan Paben, MOT, OTR/L, ASDCS, CTP, CIA, TIE, earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the College of Saint Mary in 2007. She began as a school-based OT in rural Nebraska before transitioning to outpatient pediatrics, specializing in sensory processing, vision, and feeding, and later advancing into clinic management and ADHD pathway development.

Since relocating to Colorado in 2018, Megan serves as a school-based OT, lead motor staff member, outpatient pediatric clinician, and OT/PT Specialist for the Colorado Department of Education. She is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinical Specialist, Certified Trauma Professional, Trauma-Informed Educator, and Certified Inclusivity Assessor. Megan has led Sensory Inclusion Nights, serves on OTA and OTD advisory boards, and will complete her OTD in April 2026.
Session Title: Sensory Inclusion Nights

View more details of this session, and every session at this link: https://www.otacco.org/Conference-Presentation-Descriptions

Don’t forget to sign up for your sessions today! Search your email for “OTAC Conference: Session Sign Up Is Live!” to see the full e-mail with instructions for desktop and mobile.

08/12/2026

Want to help shape the future of healthcare? 🩺 Join us!

Quincy University's OTD program is looking for volunteers to help our students learn and grow.

By participating as a mock client in our simulations, you'll give our future occupational therapists the hands-on practice they need.

Why Volunteer?

No experience needed: No acting or healthcare background required. We'll give you everything you need to know.

Make a difference: Your time helps students build confidence and essential skills.

See innovation in action: Experience firsthand how we're training the next generation of OTs.

Fun & low-stress: Think of it as a creative way to give back to your community.

Flexible hours: We work around your schedule.

What to Expect:

You'll be given a simple "scenario" or "role" to play.

You'll interact with a student, just like a real client would.

The whole process is guided and supportive.

Ready to make a real impact on education and healthcare?

Click the link in our bio to sign up! 👉 [https://redcap.link/QUOTDVolunteerForm]
(https://redcap.link/QUOTDVolunteerForm)

08/11/2026

Celebrating Leadership. Advocacy. Impact.

Quincy University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is incredibly proud to celebrate OTD Advisory Board member Dr. Tiana Polite Brown on an extraordinary professional achievement!

Dr. Brown was formally recognized by Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer for her outstanding leadership in advancing occupational therapy and improving access to rehabilitative healthcare across the state.

Beginning in 2024, Dr. Brown worked alongside the Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy, legislators, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to advocate for legislation expanding occupational therapy practice to include dry needling by appropriately trained practitioners. Her leadership and advocacy helped contribute to the unanimous passage and signing of House Bill 165 into law—a historic milestone for occupational therapy in Delaware.

The Governor’s proclamation recognizes Dr. Brown for her “extraordinary contributions,” leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on healthcare in Delaware.

This is occupational therapy leadership in action.

We are honored to have Dr. Brown serve on the QU OTD Advisory Board, where her expertise, advocacy, and commitment to advancing our profession help inform and inspire the next generation of occupational therapists.

Congratulations, Dr. Brown! We are so proud to have you as part of the QU OTD community!

07/15/2026

🇺🇸 Better Late Than Never: Celebrating Independence in More Ways Than One! ✨

Our 4th of July looked a little different this year as we took some time to unplug and celebrate with family, so we're bringing this special message to your feed a little late!

While the fireworks may have already gone off, the Quincy University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is still reflecting on a theme that matters every single day: Independence.

In occupational therapy, "independence" isn't just a holiday—it’s our daily mission. Whether it's helping a child learn to write, supporting an adult recovering from an injury, or assisting a senior in staying safe at home, OTD professionals empower individuals to reclaim their autonomy and live life to the fullest.

🌟 How OT & Independence Go Hand-in-Hand:
Adapting & Overcoming: Finding creative solutions so everyone can participate in the activities they love (from backyard BBQs to everyday routines).

Holistic Healing: Focusing on the mind, body, and spirit to restore daily functioning.

Empowering Communities: Breaking down barriers to make the world more accessible for all.
We hope you all had a safe and wonderful Independence Day.

Join us in thanking all the occupational therapists and future OTD students who work tirelessly to bring freedom and independence to others 365 days a year! 🦅❤️🤍💙

05/27/2026

During our Hawk Summit Lab last week the OTD Program took a much deserved wellness break to play some pickle ball. Needless to say we had a great time!