2025 Session Descriptions
Student Center on EMU's Campus
900 Oakwood St.
Ypsilanti, MI
Parking at Pine Grove Lot at corner of Structure Dr. & Oakwood: Campus Map
REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST 8:00 - 8:45 AM
MORNING WORKSHOPS A 8:45-9:45 AM
Pelvic Health & OT: Empowering Your Daily Life
Presenter: Janelle Kloske, MOTR/L, ATP, CSOT, TIPHP
Description: This presentation will include OTs role in pelvic health. Additionally, discussion of the occupational therapy framework, emphasizing a biopsychosocial lens for addressing ADLs and client factors related to toileting, sexual activity, and intimacy will be explored.
What Happens When AI Joins the Treatment Team?
Presenter: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL, CBIST
Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer on the horizon; it’s here, and it’s reshaping healthcare fast. Insurance companies are already using AI-driven systems to scrutinize and deny claims at scale. So the real question isn’t if OTs should adopt AI, it’s how quickly we can learn to use it wisely. In this dynamic session, we’ll explore how AI can enhance your occupational therapy practice
without replacing the heart of what you do. From hands-free documentation and smarter coding tools to creative ways AI can support clients during therapy sessions, you’ll leave with actionable insights for today, not someday. We'll discuss practical applications of AI for streamlining documentation, including ambient transcription, dictation, and coding support, while showing you how to evaluate platforms for HIPAA compliance and EMR integration. We’ll also dive into how AI can become a collaborative tool in therapy: helping clients with TBI or
Autism brainstorm conversation starters, build grocery lists, or structure daily routines. You’ll learn the differences between cloud-based and locally hosted AI tools, how to assess them for ethical use, and why every OT should be cautious of AI’s limitations, like hallucinated sources or biased outputs. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this session will empower you to be the OT
who’s using AI, not the one left behind by it.
Student Sponsored Session
Redefining Early Career Opportunities: How We Launched a Private Practice as New Grads
Presenters: Savanna Hughey & Mallory VanBuskirk
Description: In this dynamic and practical session, two recent graduates share their inspiring journey from students to private practice owners. Fueled by a passion for pediatric occupational therapy and a desire to create a more flexible, child- and family-centered model of care, Mallory and Savanna founded Motivate Children’s Therapy. This presentation will walk attendees through the tangible steps they took to launch their neurodiversity-affirming, in-home and community-based practice, including business formation, legal and financial setup, service models, documentation tools, and marketing strategies. More than just a how-to, this session will empower occupational therapy practitioners to rethink traditional career paths, embrace creativity, and explore entrepreneurship as a way to prevent burnout and reclaim purpose. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to start a practice—no business degree required—and how to align their professional paths with their passions and values. Ideal for new grads, early-career clinicians, or any OT looking for inspiration and actionable guidance outside the conventional clinic setting.
MORNING WORKSHOPS B 10:00-11:00 AM
The Joy of Bal-A-Vis-X: Patterned, Repetitive, Rhythmic Movement
Lead Presenter: Katy Held
Movement Educator, Bal-A-Vis-X Trainer, Purposeful Movement LLC
Description: Come learn about a fun, interactive brain integration program using patterned, rhythmic, repetitive exercises using sandbags and racquetballs. Quickly improves balance, eye tracking, focus and confidence! Great for clients ages 4 to 104!
Strategies to Increase High-Repetition Upper Extremity Training in Stroke Rehabilitation
Presenter: Elizabeth Yost, OTD, OTRL, BCPR
Description: To improve UE function after stroke, research supports high-repetition, task-specific training. It can be challenging to achieve high repetitions, especially in the chronic stage of stroke. This session will describe practical strategies to increase UE repetitions for chronic stroke survivors, and share insights gained from a "More More UE" program at the University of Michigan-Flint. Sharing of ideas, barriers, and strategies used in your clinical practice is encouraged!
Student Sponsored Session
Navigating the Student to Clinician Transition
Presenter: Alissia Wells
Description: Making the jump from student life to your first clinical role is exciting—but it can also feel a VERY overwhelming. Between adjusting to new expectations, managing productivity, and battling imposter syndrome, it’s easy to feel like you’re figuring out everything on the fly. This presentation is here to make that transition smoother. We’ll break down the real differences between being a student and being a clinician, share practical tips for time management and documentation, and talk about mindset shifts that can boost your confidence. With real-life examples, open conversation, and easy-to-use strategies, you’ll leave feeling more prepared, supported, and ready to step into your role with clarity. I'll even through in a little bonus: How to become an licensed OT! This session is all about turning those first months into a strong, positive launchpad for your career.
ENDOWED LECTURE AND LUNCHEON 11:15-1:45 PM
Reconsidering Occupational Enablement!
Keynote Presenter: Dr. H.J. Polatajko
AFTERNOON WORKSHOP FOR PRACTITIONERS & FACULTY
1:45-3:00 PM
The Realities of Sexual Exploitation Human Trafficking
Presenter: Bridgette Henderson, BSW
The testimony of a legally identified survivor of human trafficking.
AFTERNOON WORKSHOP FOR EMU STUDENTS 2:00-3:00 PM
POSTER SESSION 3:00-4:30 PM
A poster session will follow the afternoon workshops. Earn up to 2 PDUs.