From the Department of Occupational Therapy
As we embrace the vibrancy of spring, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and upcoming events from the Department of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Audrey Kane, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Shelly Lane, Professor Emerita, on their well-deserved accolades. Dr. Kane's induction into the esteemed AOTA Roster of Fellows and Dr. Lane's recognition with the AOTA Outstanding Mentoring Award are shining examples of the outstanding contributions our faculty make to the field of occupational therapy.
Our department recently had the privilege of hosting two impactful events for the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association – Advocacy Day and the Child and Youth Conference. These events provided invaluable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and advancing our shared mission of enhancing occupational therapy practice.

Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating the AOTA Inspire Conference in Orlando. Our department will be strongly represented, with 8 faculty and 14 current students presenting 18 sessions. This is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in occupational therapy education, practice, and research. Additionally, we are excited to welcome over 50 students who will be attending the conference to further their learning and professional development.

I invite you all to join us at our Alumni Reception during AOTA Inspire, where we can reconnect and celebrate our shared achievements. It will be a wonderful opportunity to reminisce and forge new connections.

Following the conference, we will be opening our doors for an Open House to warmly welcome the incoming Class of 2027. This is a special time for us to introduce them to our department's culture of excellence and support them as they embark on their occupational therapy journey.

Lastly, mark your calendars for VCU Alumni Weekend (April 19-21), where we will come together to reconnect with friends and see what's new with VCU OT - as well as recognize those alumni who have supported our admissions.
I encourage you to stay updated on all our events through this newsletter and our social media channels.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to advancing the field of occupational therapy. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing our journey of excellence together.
Dr. Stacey Reynolds receives Applied Research Grant to Improve Access to Community-Based Occupations via a Rideshare Training Program
Dr. Stacey Reynolds was recently awarded an Applied Research Grant from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). The project entitled Improving Access to Community-Based Occupations via a Rideshare Training Program is a 1-year project to train autistic adults to use Rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft).

“Transportation options are limited for those with divergent social, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
This project will train autistic adults to use Rideshare services to better access leisure and employment opportunities in the Central Virginia area” says Dr. Reynolds. This program was originally developed with a capstone OTD student (Ginger Belongia, OTD, 2022) in the Department of Occupational Therapy. The training modules are freely accessible at this site: https://sites.google.com/ view/saferideshareprogram This grant project is in collaboration with Alissa Brooke from the Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (VCU-RRTC).
Congratulations to Dr. Virginia Chu on receiving a NIRA award!
Dr. Virginia Chu was recently honored as part of the VCU inaugural class of National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) scholars. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, created the NIRA in partnership with Marlon Levy, M.D., interim senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences. The award honors VCU faculty members who were nationally or internationally recognized for exceptional accomplishments during their current evaluation period. Dr. Virginia Chu, seen here with Dr. Ben Darter, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, were the recipients from the College of Health Professions. Read the full article here.
VCU Occupational Therapy Student on winning Interprofessional Case Competition Team
Occupational Therapy students Anne Franklin and Erika Poole (both Class of 2025) competed in the final round of the 2023-2024 International Interprofessional Case Competition, as part of separate interprofessional teams made up of learners across professions from institutions all over the world. This year's I2C2 event had 62 students from 11 universities in multiple countries assigned to 12 interprofessional teams representing a wide range of health professions managing a complex medical condition. The teams competed virtually to resolve a complex clinical case, and Erika’s team won the competition!
VCU College of Health Professions Releases Inaugural Biennial Inclusive Excellence Report and Receives Excellence in Diversity Distinction
The VCU College of Health Professions has released its inaugural biennial inclusive excellence report, highlighting its efforts to advance inclusion and belonging through College-wide initiatives and within each of its nine departments. In addition to featuring various programs, initiatives, and outcomes, the report also highlights various members of the CHP community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The report was released just after receiving the news that the College has been designated as an INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award recipient for 2023. The College is one of only 62 health professions schools recognized by the INSIGHT into Diversity magazine for excellence in diversity and is the first and only academic unit within the VCU Health Sciences Campus to receive the award. Read here for more information.
Congratulations to our Student Scholarship Winners!
Top Row: Kayla Whitley, Meraj Shaikh, Madison Quesinberry, Alexandra Copeland
2nd Row: Marina Nguyen, Caterina LaRocca, Marisa Fujimoto, Anne Franklin, Alyssa Tsui
3rd Row: Jessa Lopez, Mary Davis, Ashley Gros, Iliza Guinoo, Rachel Armstrong
Bottom Row: Kayla Ragsdale, Jacob Montour, Isaiah Wills, Angela Geraci, Erika Poole


AOTA Daily Schedule
(Click the AOTA logo for a list of VCU presentations)




With 18 sessions, an alumni reception (Friday), and the awards and recognition ceremony (Saturday), there are many opportunities to connect with VCU. Hope to see you there!


VCU Alumni Reception
Friday, Mar 22 5-7pm
Salon 21 | The Rosen Centre

Awards & Recognitions Ceremony
Saturday, March 23 | 5:15 pm–6:30 pm

Come join VCU to celebrate past and present faculty receiving awards and recognition.
Congratulations to Dr. Audrey Kane! She will be inducted as a Fellow to the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is receiving this distinction in recognition of her contributions, specifically for her “service, leadership, advocacy for diversity and inclusivity” which will appear on her award.

Congratulations to Dr. Shelly Lane, professor emerita. She will be receiving the AOTA Outstanding Mentoring Award.
VCU Occupational Therapy
900 E. Leigh St., Box 980008
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0008
Phone: (804) 828-2219
Fax: (804) 828-0782