Conference Presentation Descriptions Thursday September 24th Time:  Thursday 4-7 PM Location: Event Center - Main Event Room & Headwaters Tavern Event:  Attendee Check In Sponsor Check In Game Night Cash Bar

Friday September 25th Total Contact Hours: 6.75 Time:  Friday 7-7:50 AM Location: Event Center - Main Event Room Event: Attendee Check In Time:  Friday 8-9:45 AM Location: Event Center - Main Event Room  Contact Hours: 1.75 Event:  Welcome Conference Sponsor Intro Meet the OTAC Board

Break: 9:45-10 AM

Friday Morning Sessions 
10 AM - 12 PM

Session Title: From Triage to Transition: Development and Implementation of a Collaborative Geriatric Falls Pathway in the Emergency Department
Presenter: Kara La Grande, MS, OTR/L
Co-Presenters: 

• Kaci DeWitt-Rickards PT, DPT, GCS
• Heidi Kunugi, OTD, OTR/L
• Amie Phinney BSN, RN
  
• Zachary Kuhns PT, DPT
  

Location: Event Center - Front of Main Room
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Falls among community-dwelling older adults contribute significantly to Emergency Department (ED) utilization and preventable hospital admissions. This course presents the development, implementation, and outcomes of a multidisciplinary Geriatric Falls Pathway piloted in the ED at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, integrating physical and occupational therapists as primary clinical decision-makers. Participants will review falls epidemiology, identified gaps in mobility assessment and follow-up care, and key operational elements of pathway design. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes from a 90-day pilot, implementation challenges, and real-world case examples will provide actionable strategies for ED-based fall prevention initiatives.In occupational therapy, mindfulness is often used as a preparatory activity. This interactive workshop reframes mindfulness as a form of intentional “doing,” emphasizing its role in supporting regulation, participation, and identity across settings. Participants will engage in guided meditation, breathing exercises, gentle stretching, and artistic expression while exploring application through occupational therapy frameworks. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will examine how to adapt mindfulness for diverse sensory needs, diagnoses, and environments. The session emphasizes practical translation, equipping practitioners with flexible, occupation-centered strategies that can be integrated into a variety of settings.

Session Title: The Occupation of Doing Nothing: Exploring Mindfulness Practice in OT Intervention
Presenter: Molly Gleason, OTR/L

Location: Event Center - Back of Main Room
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: 

Session Title: Menopause: A Role-Emerging Opportunity for Occupational Therapy
Presenter: Alison R. Herman, DHSc, MPH, OTR/L

Location: Event Center - Bear Den
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: In occupational therapy, mindfulness is often used as a preparatory activity. This interactive workshop reframes mindfulness as a form of intentional “doing,” emphasizing its role in supporting regulation, participation, and identity across settings. Participants will engage in guided meditation, breathing exercises, gentle stretching, and artistic expression while exploring application through occupational therapy frameworks. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will examine how to adapt mindfulness for diverse sensory needs, diagnoses, and environments. The session emphasizes practical translation, equipping practitioners with flexible, occupation-centered strategies that can be integrated into a variety of settings.

Session Title: Working Dogs in Occupational Therapy: Clinical Application, Ethics, and Legal Distinction
Presenter:  Sarah Hauser, MA OTR/L
Co-Presenter (will not be present at conference): 

Location: Event Center - Yoga Room

Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description:  Animal-assisted therapy is rapidly growing across OT settings, yet confusion remains around working dog classifications and legal protections. This session provides advanced clinical insight into how service dogs, therapy dogs, facility dogs, and emotional support animals differ in training, purpose, and federal protection. Participants will explore how animal-assisted interventions enhance occupational performance, mental health outcomes, and engagement while addressing ethics, liability, and ADA compliance. Ideal for practitioners seeking clarity and practical application in rural and multidisciplinary settings.

Session Title: From Basecamp to Breakthrough: An OT Entrepreneur Field Lab
Presenter: Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD

Location: Outside
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Step outside the lecture hall and into an interactive Entrepreneur Field Lab designed for occupational therapy business owners and leaders. Participants will rotate through experiential stations focused on brainstorming, strategy, burnout prevention, leadership, and sustainable growth. Using real business challenges and peer collaboration, attendees will explore new ways to problem-solve through movement, reflection, and action. This session blends occupational therapy principles with entrepreneurship, creating a dynamic environment where participants leave with practical ideas, meaningful connections, and one clear next step to move their business forward.

Lunch: 12-1:30 PM

Friday 2 Hour Afternoon Sessions 
1:30  - 3:30  PM

Session Title:  Sensory Inclusion Nights
Presenter: Megan Paben, MOT, OTR/L, ASDCS CTP, CIA, TIE-soon adding OTD
Location: Event Center - Front of Main Room

Contact Hours: 2.0

Session Description:  Families of children with disabilities in southern Colorado Springs face barriers to community engagement, including limited inclusive venues and adaptive recreation. In response, this capstone developed, implemented, and evaluated Sensory Inclusion Nights, a community-based initiative promoting social participation for individuals with special needs (ages 0–21) and their caregivers. Grounded in the Person–Environment–Occupation model, MOHO, and Dunn’s Sensory Processing framework, the program adapted recreational spaces to meet diverse physical and sensory needs. Events included adaptive obstacle courses, rhythm-based movement, fine motor and sensory stations, and calming zones. A formal Program Guide was created to support replication, sustainability, and community impact.

Session Title: Out of the Box Billing: Getting Jazzy with Colorado Medicaid Outpatient Billing for Emerging Practice
Presenter: Holly Ross, OTR/L, WSI/T, LTP, ATRIC

Location: Event Center - Back of Main Room
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Ready to get jazzy with billing? This interactive two-hour workshop helps occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) confidently navigate documentation and reimbursement in emerging practice settings. Participants will explore creative ways to justify medically necessary services beyond traditional clinic models while connecting interventions to meaningful functional outcomes. We’ll break down how to make the most of the OT CPT coding manual and walk through a real claim form to show how documentation becomes reimbursement. Through hands-on activities, attendees will practice writing justifications and tackling “out-of-the-box” billing scenarios. Leave with practical Colorado Medicaid Outpatient billing strategies—and a fresh perspective that documentation can be powerful, engaging, and even fun.

Session Title: Reclaiming OT’s Roots: Advancing Mental Health Practice, Policy, and QMHP Recognition in Colorado
Presenter: Bianca M. Daugherty, OTD, OTR/L
Co-Presenters:

Location: Event Center - Bear Den
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: This presentation will explore occupational therapy’s (OT) foundational role in mental health and the importance of recognition of OT practitioners as Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs) in Colorado. Despite OT’s roots in supporting psychosocial well-being, few practitioners identify as working in a mental health setting, and many in medical or rehabilitative settings report low confidence in addressing mental health needs. Attendees will learn how OT can promote mental health across all practice areas. The session will end with an introduction to OTAC’s QMHP task force and a call to action to advocate for OT’s role in mental health in Colorado.

Session Title: What Should I Eat? A Study on Nutrition & Stroke in the IRF Setting
Presenter: Sarah Kaster, MS, OTR/L
Co-Presenter: 

Location: Event Center - Yoga Room
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: My OT and nursing colleagues and I at Capron Inpatient Rehabilitation felt there was a need for expanded education about nutrition in regards to stroke, our number one admitting diagnosis. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to see if teaching nutrition through hands-on OT and nursing education would be effective in the IRF environment. The study showed a positive statistically significant effect in healthy eating patterns at 90 day post discharge and was published. This presentation will be about the study, the nutritional guideline used, and about being a clinician conducting research.

Session Title: Neuro Rehab in the Wild: Interdisciplinary Mobility and Recovery Outdoors
Presenter: Becky Kinnison, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, LSVT-BIG
Co-Presenters:

Location: Outdoors
Contact Hours: 2.0

Session Description: This session introduces how nature‑based therapy can be integrated with evidence‑based neurorehabilitation to support functional recovery in individuals with neurological conditions. Participants will engage in experiential outdoor activities—including hiking, trail walking, adapted fishing, blow‑dart activities, raised or hanging plant interaction, and modified outdoor sports—to explore practical applications for neurorehabilitation. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between OT and PT, the session highlights strategies for improving functional mobility, dynamic balance, gait mechanics, and postural control in natural environments. Attendees will gain adaptable, accessible treatment approaches that enhance engagement, carryover, and outcomes within OT practice.

Session Title: National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park
Presenter: Mark Stump, Recreational Program Director

Location: Offsite: Transportation leaves from front of Event Center at 12:45 & returns at 3:45 PM
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Dive into the world of adaptive skiing through an interactive session at the National Sports Center! Participants will receive a client profile and work collaboratively to assess and identify the most appropriate adaptive ski equipment to meet their client's unique needs. This hands-on experience will not only familiarize you with a range of adaptive gear but also deepen your understanding of inclusive recreation and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Perfect for professionals and students alike who are passionate about accessible sports and recreation!

Break: 3:30-4 PM

Friday 1 Hour Afternoon Sessions
4-5 PM

Session Title: Practicing at the Top of Scope – Contemporary Dry Needling
Presenter: Keri Maywhort, PT, DPT, OCS

Location: Event Center - Front of Main Room
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: This session discusses dry needling as a newly authorized intervention for occupational therapists in Colorado and traces its evolution from a trigger point technique to a more contemporary systems-level, evidence-informed approach. Emphasis is placed on clinically reasoned, targeted application rather than symptom-driven needling. Participants will examine neurophysiologic mechanisms across musculoskeletal, peripheral and central nervous systems and explore effects on pain modulation, motor control, range of motion, and occupational performance. The lecture will translate current science into practical clinical frameworks and highlight how dry needling complements clinical practice.

Session Title: TBI in the Justice System: Helping This Population Reach Heights They Never Thought Possible
Presenter: Jessica Cortez, M.A., CCC-SLP, CBIS

Location: Event Center - Back of Main Room
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: This presentation highlights the high prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the justice system, much of which goes undiagnosed and untreated. These untreated effects often contribute to incarceration and homelessness. The session explores the benefits of early detection and intervention in school-age children to reduce future justice system involvement. It also examines how functional, person-centered evaluation and treatment for justice-involved individuals can reduce recidivism and support more meaningful lives. Finally, therapists will be challenged to consider their role in improving outcomes for this population.

Session Title: Advocacy Matters: Tri-Alliance Presentation
Presenter: Molly Hahn-Floyd, OTD, OTR/L

Location: Event Center - Bear Den
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: Advocacy plays a critical role in shaping healthcare delivery, reimbursement, and professional practice across rehabilitation disciplines. This session highlights current federal and state policy challenges impacting speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Attendees will explore real-world advocacy efforts, including Medicaid reimbursement initiatives, legislative engagement, and coalition-building strategies. Emphasis is placed on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen influence, improve patient access, and protect professional practice. Participants will leave with practical strategies to engage in advocacy at local, state, and national levels.

Session Title: Planting Seeds of Hope: Suicide Prevention in Everyday Practice
Presenter: Caroline Stertz, MS, OTR/L

Location: Event Center - Yoga Room
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: This session provides an engaging, practical introduction to the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention model. Participants will learn to recognize verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs; ask direct and compassionate questions about suicide; and offer hope while connecting individuals to appropriate support. Drawing from evidence based QPR principles, the workshop emphasizes that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility and that simple, timely actions can save lives. Attendees will leave with increased confidence, clear language tools, and practical strategies to support clients, colleagues, and community members experiencing suicidal distress.

Session Title: Value of Nature-Based OT Practice & Policy
Presenter: Amy Allen, OTD, OTR/L, CLT

Location: Outdoors
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: OTPs fundamentally promote human activity, which is the primary driver of climate change. OT clearly has a primary role in supporting ecological sustainability. Nature-based therapy has shown benefits in physical and mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, social connection, and illness prevention. Incorporating nature into OT practice can improve outcomes for our patients and our planet.

Break: 5-5:30 PM

Time: 5:30 - 6:45 PM
Location: Event Center - Main Room & Headwaters Tavern
Event: Happy Hour with appetizers & cash bar!

Saturday September 26th Total Contact Hours: 5.25

Time:  Saturday 6:45 -7 AM
Location: Event Center - Main Event Hallway
Event: Exhibitor Check In

Time:  7:30 -8:15 AM 
Location: Event Center - Main Room
Event: Sponsors & Exhibitors

Time:  8:30 -9:45 AM 
Location: Event Center - Main Room
Event: Keynote Sponsor Intro & Keynote Speaker

Keynote Title: Climbing Higher: Innovation, Accessibility, and the Future of OT Practice
Presenter: Erik S. Johnson, OTD, MS. OTR, FAOTA 
Contact Hours: 1.25
Session Description: In this keynote, Dr. Erik Johnson shares insights from his experiences as clinician, educator, and former Army officer. Drawing on lessons from combat deployments, including receiving the Bronze Star Medal for developing innovative rehabilitation approaches during combat operations, as well as his work with Xbox on advancing game accessibility, he highlights how creativity, leadership, and emerging technologies can expand the future of occupational therapy practice.

Break: 9:45-10:15

Saturday Morning Sessions 
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Session Title: Practice Based Evidence: Disseminating Clinical Information Through OT Practice
Presenter: Melissa Weiser-Rose, MS, OTR/L
Co-Presenter:

Location: Event Center - Front of Main 
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Practice based evidence can be life changing for our patients. Creativity and understanding the unique needs of each individual leads to successful occupation. Disseminating information through OT Practice can be one approach to collaborate with colleagues. Engage with the OT community to promote professional growth through sharing clinical achievement.

Session Title: From Loss to Living: Using ACT to Support Identity Reconstruction in Chronic Pain and Illness
Presenter: Katy Owens, OTR/L, TPS

Location: Event Center - Bear Den
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Chronic pain and illness can disrupt identity, leaving individuals feeling lost, disconnected, and unsure how to re-engage in meaningful life activities. This interactive workshop explores how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be integrated with occupational therapy to address identity loss, shame, and participation barriers. Through experiential activities and real-world application, participants will learn how to support clients in reconnecting with valued roles and occupations despite ongoing symptoms. This session moves beyond symptom management, offering practical strategies to foster psychological flexibility and restore engagement in daily life across a variety of clinical settings.

Session Title:  Beyond Bereavement: Understanding Grief in Occupational Therapy Practice
Presenter: Kara Alcorn-Borodach, OTD, OTR/L

Location: Event Center - Yoga Room
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Grief shows up in occupational therapy practice more often than we may realize — not only following the death of a loved one, but after stroke, traumatic injury, chronic illness, and other life-altering losses of function, role, and identity. This session offers a clinically grounded and deeply human exploration of grief through foundational theory and reflective discussion. Through a guided experiential activity, attendees will gain insight into the lived experience of loss, followed by a facilitated discussion to process emotional responses and reflect on therapeutic implications. Practitioners will also leave with tools to address compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and self-care.

Session Title: Bridging Strength & Occupation: Integrating Kettlebell Training into Occupational Therapy Practice
Presenter: Amber Galdamez, MS, OTR/L, RKC
Co-Presenter:

Location: Onsite: Fitness Center
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: This session introduces kettlebell training as an occupation-based intervention to enhance strength and functional performance in occupational therapy practice. Participants will explore how foundational kettlebell movements translate to ADLs and IADLs through activity analysis and case-based applications. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning, safety, and adaptability across populations, including older adults, post-rehabilitation clients, and deconditioned individuals. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate strength training into treatment while maintaining an occupation-centered approach to improve participation and independence.

Session Title: Paired VNS Therapy: Expanding Upper Extremity Recovery After Stroke
Presenter: Amanda Saylor, OTR/L, CNS, CBIS
Co-Presenter: 

Location: Outside
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: This session will introduce Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy as an adjunct to rehabilitation for individuals with chronic stroke and upper extremity deficits. Participants will review the underlying mechanism of action, clinical rationale, and evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving functional outcomes. The course will also emphasize identification of appropriate patient candidates within real-world clinical practice. Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, attendees will explore principles of task-specific training paired with VNS, including strategies to optimize movement quality, dosing, and progression. The goal is to equip clinicians with practical skills to evaluate and integrate this approach into practice.

Lunch: 12:15-1:45 PM
Visit our Sponsors & Exhibitors in the back of the Main!

Saturday Afternoon Sessions 
1:45 - 3:45 PM

Session Title: Foundational Sleep Practice Knowledge for Occupational Therapy
Presenter: Natalie R Rolle, MOT OTR/L

Location: Event Center - Front of Main
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description:  Are you interested in sleep and its importance, do you wonder why we sleep and how the body helps us successfully achieve this occupation, then this is the presentation for you! This presentation will cover the importance of sleep, why and how we sleep, the most validated sleep techniques that research has to support healthy quality sleep, and a discussion on how you can start incorporating this into your practice (or how you can start your own)!

Session Title: From Awkward to Awesome: Collaborative Communication in OT/OTA Fieldwork
Presenter: Rebecca Kinnison, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
Co-Presenters: 

Location: Event Center - Bear Den
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: Fieldwork and capstone experiences are critical components of occupational therapy training, shaping professional identity, clinical reasoning, and confidence. Students and educators involved in fieldwork and capstone experiences frequently encounter challenges related to communication, expectations, generational differences, and diverse learning styles. This interactive workshop brings together occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students and educators to explore strategies for effective communication and mentorship within clinical education. Through interactive lecture, panel discussion, and active learning activities, participants will develop practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, strengthening collaborative learning environments, and supporting successful fieldwork and capstone outcomes.

Session Title: Saddle Up: Integrating Equine Movement for Meaningful Functional Outcomes:
Presenter: Lena Dubensky Masri, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, PATH Intl CTRI

Location: Event Center - Yoga Room
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description:  Hippotherapy is a dynamic, movement-based intervention that utilizes equine movement to support functional outcomes in therapy. This session will provide attendees with a foundational understanding of hippotherapy, clinical reasoning for its use, and its application to occupation-based goals.

Participants will explore how equine movement influences postural control, bilateral coordination, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. Through case examples and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to identify appropriate candidates for hippotherapy and translate hippotherapy interventions into meaningful functional outcomes across pediatric and adult populations.

Session Title: Behind the Wheel with Low Vision
Presenter: Terri Cassidy, OTD, OTR/L, CDRS

Location: Onsite: Fitness Center
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: About 90% of the decisions you make while driving are based on what you see. If you have a visual impairment, how do you know if driving is a safe option for you? This workshop will review Colorado Driving Laws, naturalistic driving studies, OT low vision interventions, and a framework for assessing driving risk in the clinic. We will also trial different visual aids (field expansion lenses and bioptic lenses) and coach each other through passenger activities in golf carts.

Session Title: Why Water Works: Applying Aquatic Therapy in Occupational Therapy Practice
Presenter: Taylor Kozell, OTD, OTR/L, CNS-AP, PAq

Location: Onsite: Pool
Contact Hours: 2.0
Session Description: This interactive course explores “Why Water Works” in occupational therapy practice. Participants will learn how the properties of water support movement and function, and how to apply these concepts clinically. Through case discussion and hands-on pool activities, attendees will develop skills in intervention adaptation, clinical reasoning, and safety.

Break: 3:45-4:15 PM

Saturday 1 Hour Afternoon Sessions
4:15 - 5:15 PM

Session Title: Keynote Sponsor Vivistim Presentation
Presenter: 

Location: Event Center - Front of Main
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: More information to come!

Session Title: Conference Sponsor Presentation 
Presenter: 

Location: Event Center - Bear Den
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: TBD. Interested in becoming our Conference Sponsor - click here!

Session Title: NBCOT® National Certification Exam: Information You Need to Know
Presenter: Jill Groskreutz, MBA, OTD, OTR/L, CLT

Location: Event Center - Yoga Room
Contact Hours: 1.0
Session Description: During this session, an NBCOT Ambassador will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams. Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, and advice from other students and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience.

Break: 5:15-5:30 PM

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Event Center - Main Room 
Event: Visit our Sponsors & Exhibitors!

Time: 5:30 - 6 PM
Location: Event Center - Entry Way/Balloon Arch
Event: Meet up for school photos! Have a specific time or location for your school? Email info@otacco.org to add here!

Time:  6:30 PM
Location: Event Center - Main Room 
Event: Scavenger hunt prize drawings! Some prizes require you to be present to win!

Time: 5:30 - 6:45 PM
Location: Event Center - Main Room & Headwaters Tavern
Event: Happy Hour with appetizers & cash bar!

Sunday
September 27th
Total Contact Hours: 2.0

Time: 7:30-8:30 AM
Location: Event Center - Main Room 
Event: Free breakfast burritos (pre-order in registration!)

Time: 7:30-8:30 AM
Location: Event Center - Main Room 
Event: Posters & Project Presentations
Contact Hours: 1.0

Time: 8:45 - 9:45 AM
Location: Event Center - Main Room
Event: OTAC Awards
Contact Hours: 1.0