OT Doctoral Capstones

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  Bright Futures: A Transitional Resource Guide​

  Leslie Ayala

  Bright Futures: A Transitional Resource Guide (BF) is a caregiver-informed collection of personal narratives shared by 15 caregivers of children with Down syndrome (DS), designed to promote preparedness, advocacy, and connection through storytelling and peer-recommended resources during key life transitions, including starting school and entering adulthood. Professionally published on the DS Coalition for El Paso website, BF was developed in collaboration with a software developer and funded by a grant from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, ensuring long-term, public accessibility.

  Goals of BF:

  • Disseminate trusted resources and lived experiences among caregivers of children with DS to support fellow caregivers during key life transitions
  • Advocate for caregivers by providing a platform to share their stories
  • Foster a sense of community among caregivers of children with DS in the El Paso, Texas
  • Highlight the role of occupational therapists as transition managers and caregiver support professionals

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  Caring for Caregivers: an Occupational Therapy-Centered Mental Health and Wellness Program

  Natalie Burgess

  Objective: Address the mental health and wellness needs of caregivers of individuals with disabilities at Fundación Integra A.C.

  Methods: Conducted a needs assessment, developed and implemented an 8-week occupational therapy-based wellness program, and evaluated outcomes using pre/post assessments and weekly feedback surveys.

  Results: Caregivers showed reduced stress, improved self-reported health, and increased use of mindfulness and coping strategies.

  Conclusion: Occupational therapy interventions can improve caregiver well-being and support sustainable caregiver education in community settings.

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  Enhancing Developmental Care in the NICU: A Program Evaluation and Roadmap for Trauma- Informed Practice

  Roberto Conner

  This capstone evaluated the current state of trauma-informed developmental care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children’s Hospital to identify barriers and inform sustainable improvement strategies. The capstone student shadowed across multiple disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and lactation consultants. The capstone student surveyed NICU team members and interviewed unit leadership to assess staff knowledge, confidence, and feedback mechanisms. The capstone student found that staff expressed moderate confidence in delivering developmental care but faced barriers, including communication gaps between disciplines, limited leadership prioritization, and knowledge gaps. The capstone student developed a roadmap specific to the needs of the NICU. The roadmap includes actionable steps to take as well as evidence-based recommendations based on observations, shadowing experience, survey feedback, and formal interviews.

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  Strength-Based Peer Mentoring to Empower Independence for Adults with Autism

  Annmarie De La Rosa

  Adults with autism face disproportionately high rates of unemployment or underemployment, limited engagement in post-secondary education, and restricted opportunities for social participation. This is largely due to the abrupt discontinuation of services after high school—often referred to as the “service cliff” (Roux, 2015). The loss of structured supports can result in a decline in functional independence, increased mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, and heightened social isolation (Chun et al., 2023; Schiltz et al., 2021).

  This Capstone project aimed to address the unmet post-secondary needs of young adults with autism by implementing a peer mentoring program grounded in a strength-based occupational therapy approach. The project targeted improvements in independence with activities of daily living (ADLs), reduction in mental health symptoms, and increased social participation—ultimately supporting a higher quality of life. (Chun et al., 2023; Schiltz et al., 2021).

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  Pasos Seguros: Investigating the Impact of Latin Dance and Fall Prevention Education on Fall Risk in Older Adults

  Noelia de la Rosa

  Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury and mortality among older adults, posing a significant public health concern worldwide. By participating in fun, culturally relevant, and recreational fall prevention interventions, older adults are more likely to be motivated and stay engaged in fall prevention educational programs.

  Methods: Pasos Seguros (confident steps) provided six weekly 60-minute sessions at the UTEP Rehab Sciences Complex, each including 45 minutes of chair-supported Latin dance instruction (cumbia, bachata, salsa) followed by 15 minutes of fall prevention education (home safety, medication effects, and emergency preparedness) through the UTEP Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

  Results: A paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant improvement in TUG performance from pretest (M = 8.64, SD= 1.52) to posttest (M = 7.32, SD = 1.56), t(16) = -4.60, p < .001, 95% CI [-1.93, -0.71]. A paired-samples t-test demonstrated statistically significant improvement in fall prevention knowledge from pretest (M= 13.18, SD = 2.46) to posttest (M = 14.18, SD = 1.74), t(16) = 2.55, p = .022, 95% CI [0.17, 1.83].

  Discussion: The Pasos Seguros program demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving functional mobility among older adults, as evidenced by paired T-test analyses. The 1.32-second mean improvement in TUG performance represents a clinically meaningful change.

  Conclusion: These findings provide strong evidence for the integration of culturally-relevant physical activity interventions with structured fall prevention education as an effective approach to improving functional mobility in older adults.

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  Empowering Caregivers Through an Occupation-Based Approach to Physical and Mental Health

  Maria Duarte

  Problem Statement: The informal caregivers at Fundación Integra A.C., primarily family members providing daily, unpaid care to loved ones with significant physical and cognitive needs, often lack the training and support necessary to safely mange the physical and mental demands of caregiving, increasing their risk of injury, burnout, and reduced quality of life.

  Methods: 5-module caregiver education course over 8 weeks in person/via Zoom and all material was delivered in Spanish.

  Results: Increased confidence, knowledge, and reduced stress.

  Discussion: Small sample size, limited statistical significance however, still showed meaningful gains.

  Conclusion: Physical and mental health focused program is effective among caregivers and sustainable in underserved areas.

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  Problematic Technology Use: An Education Program

  Elijah Duran

  There is a growing body of research on problematic technology use and its impact on children with autism. Studies have shown that excessive or unbalanced use of technology may contribute to challenges in mental health and social functioning for this population (Ang et al., 2018; Cerniglia et al., 2017; Ezeh et al., 2021; Hoge et al., 2017; Kawabe et al., 2016; Small et al., 2020; Yucelyigit & Aral, 2018). However, there is limited research on how this issue is being practically addressed. Children with autism, who are already at higher risk for developing problematic behaviors with technology (Normand et al., 2022; Young & Abreu, 2017), along with their parents, can benefit from increased awareness and access to strategies that support healthy technology use. Currently, there is a gap in the literature regarding occupational therapy-based educational programs designed to address this issue in this vulnerable population

  The primary purpose of this project is to educate parents of children with autism, and their children, about problematic technology use and to provide practical strategies for promoting healthier, more balanced use. By raising awareness and offering actionable tools, the project aims to support the mental health and social well-being of this vulnerable population by educating their parents. Ultimately, the goal is to empower families with resources that help protect and enhance the quality of life for children with autism. In addition, this project may serve as a foundation for future research into effective educational interventions targeting problematic technology use in this population, helping to expand the support available to families facing similar challenges.

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  Supporting the Parents of Transition Aged Students with Autism

  Miguel Duran

  The present capstone project sought to develop and implement an 8-week parent support program for the parents of transition aged youths diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder residing within the Socorro Independent School District. The parent support group included the topics of preparing for the transition process, state and local resources, and identifying caregiver strain for the first half of the program. The latter half of the program consisted of self-care and leisure activities for the parents to address levels of caregiver strain. The goal of the program was to identify potential changes in three areas: caregiver strain, perceived levels of preparedness, and quality of life. Wilcoxon signed-ranks and paired sampled t-test indicated no significant changes across all quantitative measures. Despite the quantitative results indicating no significant changes the school district and its parents indicated verbal satisfaction and willingness to continue the parent support program.

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  “The Estrada Protocol”: A Mindfulness Approach to Rehabilitation

  Krysten Estrada

  Although there are numerous resources that effectively address the physical aspects of elbow injuries in baseball players, limited research explores athletes’ mental recovery. This fourteen-week Capstone Experience at Border Therapy Services in El Paso, Texas, focused on creating and implementing “The Estrada Protocol,” a mindfulness rehabilitation plan aimed at supporting both the physical and psychological needs of baseball players recovering from elbow injuries. Working closely with site supervisor and subject matter expert Mark Scott and his staff, the researcher led meetings, educational sessions, and athlete interviews, while administering pre- and post-readiness assessments. Initial results yielded limited familiarity with the protocol, however, post-test findings demonstrated improved knowledge and confidence, allowing staff to implement the protocol effectively. “The Estrada Protocol” addresses the importance of acknowledging mental health during rehabilitation for career-altering injuries.

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  Every Blessing Crafts

  Alan Frausto

  Depression is highly prevalent among residents in Long-Term Care Settings (LTCS), approximately up to 50% reported in studies (Matos Quieros et al., 2021; Shrestha et al., 2020; Ulbricht et al., 2019). Occupational Injustice (OI) such as occupational deprivation is a risk factor for residents in LTCS developing depression (Janssen & Grabanski, 2023). Additionally, Causey-Upton (2015) identified occupational marginalization, occupational imbalance, and occupational deprivation as specific forms of OI that residents face.

  The field of occupational therapy (OT) has utilized arts and crafts as one of the first interventions since the beginning of the profession (Christiansen & Haertl, 2019, p. 129). Engagement in art activities have been found to improve those with depression (Ching-Teng et al., 2019; Dunphy et al., 2019; Durocher et al., 2021; Vaartio-Rajalin et al., 2021),cognition (Chiang et al., 2024; Galassi et al., 2022; Masika et al., 2020), quality of life (Curtis et al., 2018; Jensen & Bonde, 2018; Richards et al., 2019) and social participation (Boersma et al., 2021; Nartker, 2022; Rodrigues et al., 2019). Arts and crafts are an intervention for depression and to promote occupational engagement. However, there is limited current research on the field of OT and art activities for residents in LTCS (Durocher et al., 2022).

  Every Blessing Crafts is an 8-week arts and crafts program for residents at Mountain View Health and Rehabilitation (MVHR) that engage in weekly sensory and/or educational crafts that will be donated for children at Every Little Blessing (ELB) in El Paso, Texas.

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  Transitioning to Graduate Level Academics: A Preparation Program for an Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

  Sergio Garcia

  The objective of the capstone project was to create an online preparation program for The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Department of Occupational Therapy’s-Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program that would ease the transition experience into the program and would help increase their early academic success. The capstone project involved the planning, creation, and implementation of the program. The finalized program consists of four interactive, self-led, and self-paced modules. Interactive elements include activities, questions, opportunities for reflection, and hyperlinks. The finalized program will be implemented with incoming UTEP OTD students on a yearly basis.

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  Warrior Life Transition Program

  Joshua Gartner

  The problem that exists is that the Willliam Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC) treats issues amongst active duty and veteran personnel in a reactionary manner. 6 domains of need: Mental health, (including, sub-domains of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress), occupations, pain, family life/connection (Relationships), sleep and alcohol/ substance abuse. Currently there is no one assessment at the WBAMC IMC that looks to assess all of these areas in a reactive way. This project was to develop a reactive assessment to address these domains of need.

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  Mind Matters: Addressing Food Insecurities as a Mental Health Barrier

  Nicholas Thomas Guerra

  Food insecurity (FI)—the limited or uncertain access to adequate food—is a growing concern among college students and is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and reduced occupational engagement. Nationally, 41% of college students report experiencing FI, with higher rates among marginalized groups (Nickolaus et al., 2020). At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 61% of students are affected, a figure influenced by financial strain, limited access to aid, and unique border-related barriers such as immigration status and language (El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, 2022; Weigel et al., 2007). This capstone project, grounded in the Person-Environment- Occupation (PEO) model, examines how FI contributes to stress and reduced academic and personal performance. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the project highlights trends linking FI with risky behaviors and diminished participation in daily life. An OT-led, online seminar series was developed to teach stress management and coping strategies, addressing key occupations identified in the OTPF-4. The initiative promotes wellness, resource awareness, and occupational justice, aiming to improve quality of life for food insecure students.

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  Reclaiming Control: A Self-Management Education Program for Cancer Survivors

  Monica Elisa Gutierrez

  Cancer survivors face physical, emotional, and cognitive side effects after cancer treatment which negatively affects their quality of life (QOL).

  A remote 6-week self-management program was implemented to educate survivors on how to manage these challenges. Comparison of pre- and post-program surveys demonstrated increased confidence in managing side effects after participation in the program, indicating that self-management interventions can effectively enhance survivors’ symptom management skills. The Self-Management Program is effective in empowering cancer survivors, improving self-efficacy, and enhancing QOL.

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  Holistic Support Toolkit: Integrating Occupational Therapy in Trauma-Informed Parenting for Adoptive and Foster Families

  Zenyacy Ortega Rojero

  Objective: Adoptive families often face challenges related to early childhood trauma, impacting emotional regulation and daily routines.

  Methodology: A bilingual, trauma-informed toolkit was created using feedback from foster/adoptive parents and CASA staff. A pre/post questionnaire assessed the impact on staff knowledge and confidence.

  Results: The toolkit significantly increased staff understanding of trauma, OT’s role, sensory processing, and caregiver support (p < .05 across all ten indicators).

  Discussion: Findings highlight OT’s contribution to trauma-informed care and the importance of interdisciplinary education for those supporting foster and adoptive families.

  Conclusion: The toolkit promoted caregiver confidence and trauma-responsive approaches and has potential for long-term sustainability at CASA and beyond

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  A Call for Integration of Trauma-Informed Care into Occupational Therapy: Improving Provider Competency Through a Case Study of a Cooking Skills Program for Survivors of Human Trafficking

  Natalie Pravinkumar

  Trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and violence, has evident lasting physical and mental health effects, such as chronic illness, behavioral changes, and depression. While trauma-informed care (TIC) helps providers recognize and respond to trauma, this training is often limited to mental health and social work fields. Many survivor populations never receive interventions designed with TIC in mind, restricting outcomes leading to reduced rehabilitation and reintegration.

  Occupational therapy (OT) is fundamentally client-centered and functional, making it well suited for TIC. However, while they cover many similar topics, most OT programs do not include specific curriculum on TIC.

  TIC education in OT school programs may lead to better outcomes for trauma survivors as future practitioners will be better equipped to apply TIC principles in interventions.

  This project explores the use of TIC in developing and implementing a cooking skills program for survivors of human trafficking, which then serves as a case study within a TIC curriculum for OT students to promote TIC integration in future practice to improve survivor outcomes.

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  The Role of Occupational Therapy in Postnatal Mental Health: An Eight-Week Postpartum Program

  Paola Quiroz

  Postpartum mental health includes various conditions such as postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression amongst others (Barbic Skye et al., 2021). Rates of postpartum depression (PPD) have been increasing in recent years, impacting mothers, children and entire families by changing the way a mother interacts with others (WHO, 2024). Postpartum mothers face unique challenges when transitioning into motherhood resulting in increased maternal stress and ultimately leading to PPD or PPA. Although rates of PPD and PPA are increasing, there is limited research involving non-pharmaceutical treatment options for new mothers.

  Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in maternal mental health because it addresses various challenges mothers face during this critical time. Occupational therapists can work with mothers to help facilitate the transition into motherhood by teaching coping skills that promote emotional stability (Slootjes et al., 2016). Very little research addresses postpartum mental health, decreasing the number of resources available to mothers. Additionally, the role of occupational therapy (OT) in maternal mental health is a growing field, but there is limited information about OT and mothers experiencing PPD or PPA (Barbic Skye et al., 2021)

  The purpose of this project is to develop an eight-week program addressing mother’s mental health up to eighteen months postpartum. The program aims to help mothers learn how to recognize symptoms of PPD and PPA, implement coping techniques to decrease symptoms, and consider techniques to smoothly transition into the role of motherhood to help improve their occupational engagement and performance.

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  Colostomy Care: EP

  Michelle Ramirez

  Objective: This capstone project aimed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy in colostomy care through a structured educational booklet.

  Methods: Six adult inpatient participants at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus received the booklet and completed pre- and post-surveys.

  Results: Participants had a 7.37% increase in scores, with statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence (p < .001). Patients reported the material was easy to understand and helpful.

  Discussion: The project highlights the OT's role in education and emotional support during post-operative recovery. The booklet is a sustainable, low-cost tool that can be replicated across diverse clinical settings.