B.S., Utica College of Syracuse University
O.T.D., Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Certifications/specialties: Certification in Physical Agent Modalities (CPAM); Impact Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT); certified to administer the ADL-focused Occupation-based Neurobehavioral Examination (A-ONE); certified to administer the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Interests: If it is Occupational Therapy, she is interested in it but has had more specific experience and expertise in hand therapy, neurological rehabilitation, acute and chronic mental health assessment and intervention, adult dysphagia (eating and swallowing disorders), cognition, physical agent modalities, and best practices in teaching and learning. Meeting the distinctive needs of clinical clients to participate in their preferred life activities is foundational to all occupational therapy. Carrying this concept over into meeting the distinctive needs of a diverse set of students learning to become the best entry-level clinicians they can be is a natural extension of her clinical interests.
General background: Over 35 years of clinical experience as a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) across a wide variety of adulthood (ages 21 – 100+) settings. She has worked in acute care hospitals with inpatient rehabilitation units, outpatient services, acute- and long-term psychiatric care hospitals and units, extended care group homes for adults with developmental disabilities, and in subacute and long-term care facilities.
Clinical background: Her clinical experience encompasses orthopedics/hand therapy, complex medical, acute neurological, chronic or progressive neurological, psychiatric, and social-emotional conditions. “Dr. Pam” has established and expanded clinical services in each of her clinical settings and overseen the operation of both individual therapy services (Occupational Therapy) and multidisciplinary departments (Occupational, Physical, Speech-Language Pathology, and Respiratory therapies). Early in her career, she mentored occupational therapy students and continued to do so until she changed her practice area from clinical practice to academic practice. All through her clinical career, she was active in providing training and education to her department staff and the staff of other clinical and non-clinical departments.
Administrative background: In her roles as Rehabilitation Manager and Director of Rehabilitation, she also served as the clinical case manager responsible for developing and maintaining productive relationships with insurance company case managers to ensure appropriate coverage for client rehabilitation stays. During her 30 years of supervisory and management positions, she continued to actively treat a significant clinical caseload.
Academic background: She took her first foray into the academic world in 2011 as an adjunct instructor in a weekday master’s level occupational therapy program. She added the position of adjunct instructor at Dominican College in 2013. In 2014, she was recruited by the outgoing OT Program Director to take on the challenge of becoming the Interim Program Director, a full-time academic position, and has been fully committed to the Graduate Occupational Therapy Program and Dominican College ever since. Dr. Pam earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree in 2010 from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, focusing on Aging and a particular interest in cognition.
Courses taught:
Previous – Professional Practice Skills I
Current – Clinical Conditions, Adulthood I, Management and Leadership; Modules in Advanced Practice – Physical Agent Modalities, CarFit
Catherine Cavaliere, Ph.D., OTR/L
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy; Coordinator of Research
Ph.D., Health Sciences, Seton Hall University – 2011
Post Baccalaureate Certificate in O.T., Quinnipiac University – 1997
B.A. Philosophy, Catholic University – 1993
About Dr. Cavaliere:
Dr. Cavaliere has been a practicing clinician for over 20 years, with 15 years working in pediatrics. She has worked in early intervention, schools, and private practice. Dr. Cavaliere received her Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Seton Hall University in early 2011. Her doctoral work used Polyvagal Theory to guide her investigation of the physiologic components of sensory processing and the differences in heart rate variability in response to sensation in children with autism and typically developing children. Dr. Cavaliere’s ongoing research interests focus on sensory health, trauma-responsive practices, and mental health promotion. Clinically, In 2014, she opened her private practice where she serves children and adolescents with sensory processing disorders and their families. In addition, Dr. Cavaliere has lectured extensively to various audiences, including scholars, colleagues, teachers, and parents, on sensory processing and related topics
Dr. Cavaliere serves on the Institutional Review Board and the Faculty Affairs Committee at the College and is the faculty mentor for the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, Occupational Therapy’s National Honor Society. In 2021, Dr. Cavaliere partnered with the Retention and Student Success department at Dominican College to aid their efforts to support student academic and life success. The Take Charge! Program is designed as an occupation-based mentoring model run by Dr. Cavaliere and Level 2 fieldwork students to provide additional facilitation of success to undergraduate students at risk for academic failure.
Courses taught:
Research in Occupational Therapy
Research Symposium
Adolescence in O.T. Practice
Most recent scholarship:
Publications:
Champagne, T. & Cavaliere, C. (2021) Mental health promotion in children and youth. In Pizzi, M., Amir, M. (Eds.). (In press). Interprofessional perspectives on community practice: Promoting health, well-being and quality of life. SLACK.
Damiao, J.& Cavaliere, C. (2021). The relationship between smartphone addiction and academic performance in college students. Global Journal of Health Sciences, 13(9), 10-15. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v13n9p10
Cavaliere, C. (2020). Sensory Health: Expanding Our Thinking about Sensory
Processing. World Journal of Yoga, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation,2(3). WJYPR.MS.ID.000540.
Invited Presentations:
Take Charge! Supporting the success of diverse students in higher education
New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference (November 2021)
Sensory Health: The missing piece in the wellness conversation (Webinar)
OccupationalTherapy.com (August 2021)
The Impact of Sensory Health on Well-being
New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference (November 2020)
Poster presentations at the Annual New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference – November 2021:
The Efficacy of Early Intervention for Goal Achievement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study Across Settings
Nadia Rust OTD, OTR/;, Catherine Cavaliere PHD, OTR/L John Damiao, PhD, OTR/L; Vanessa Ezemadu, Nadine Distefano, Stephanie Gerard, Enxhi Lapaj, Kara Petrosky, and Emely Tavarez
Dominican College of Blauvelt-Department of Occupational Therapy
Development and validation of a new sensory health measure: Sensory Health Awareness and Responsiveness Profile
Catherine Cavaliere, Ph.D., OTR/L, John Damaio, Ph.D., OTR/L, Victoria Schulze, COTA, OTS, Gabrielle Cocca, OTS, Katarina Soares, OTS
Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life Following COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Study
Michael Pizzi, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Catherine Cavaliere, Ph.D., OTR/L; John Damiao, Ph.D., OTR/L; Angela Butler, OTS; Lindsey Curtin, OTS; Lia Fau, OTS; Chris Gray, OTS; and Nicole Weick OTS
Posters accepted for presentation at the 2022 Annual American Occupational Therapy Association Conference- March/April 2022:
The Impact of Sensory Processing Preferences on First-Year College Students Success
Catherine Cavaliere, PhD, OTR/L; John Damiao, PhD, OTR/L; Katherine Nelson, OTS, Olivia Brehmer, OTS, Stephanie Brosnan, OTS, Lauren Constenla, OTS, & Matthew Schurman, OTS
Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life Following COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Study
Michael Pizzi, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA; Catherine Cavaliere, Ph.D., OTR/L; John Damiao, Ph.D., OTR/L; Angela Butler, OTS; Lindsey Curtin, OTS; Lia Fau, OTS; Chris Gray, OTS; and Nicole Weick OTS
Development and validation of a new sensory health measure: Sensory Health Awareness and Responsiveness Profile
Catherine Cavaliere, Ph.D., OTR/L, John Damaio, Ph.D., OTR/L, Victoria Schulze, COTA, OTS, Gabrielle Cocca, OTS, Katarina Soares, OTS
Other:
Proposal Reviewer for the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference 2020, 2021
Let’s talk Sensory Health with Dr. Cavaliere
The Innovative O.T. podcast – Episode 7 (January 2020)
John Damiao, Ph.D., MS, OTR/L
Visiting Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University 2020
BS/MS in Occupational Therapy, Dominican College 2009
AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant, Union County College 2000
About
Dr. John Damiao began his OT career graduating from the OTA program at Union County College, NJ in 2000. While practicing as a COTA, he enrolled in the Dominican College weekend OT program, graduating in 2009. In 2017, he enrolled in the PhD in Health Related Sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University graduating in 2020.
Dr. Damiao has worked with pediatric and adult clients with developmental disabilities from 2000-2017. During this time, he also spent 2 years working under a Google Impact grant as the inventor and lead designer of the indieGo mobility device. Dr. Damiao taught as an adjunct instructor at Dominican College from 2012 until 2017 when he joined the Dominican College OT program full-time.
While maintaining a robust teaching schedule, Dr. Damiao has continued to practice clinically, providing volunteer OT services at multiple organizations throughout Rockland County.
Dr. Damiao’s interests consist of promoting student success, statistical analysis, research methodology, neurorehabilitation, and assistive technology. He also serves as a research mentor and statistician to multiple projects annually. He enjoys the creative and collaborative aspects of mentoring and conducting research projects alongside his colleagues and students. He is also an avid musician, and devoted father and husband.
Current Courses Taught:
Kinesiology in OT Practice
Intro to Research
Research Symposium
Foundations in OT
Advanced Practice in OT
Damiao, J., & Gentry, T. (2021) A systematic review of the effectiveness of pressure relieving cushions in reducing pressure injury. Assistive Technology https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.2010148
Damiao, J., Pizzi, M., Kiely, C., Ben Are, S., Chitre, M., Dolan, A., Numa, D., & Yastion, M. (2021) Adapting an off-the-shelf mobility device for early intervention: A case study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools & Early Intervention https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2021.2003731
Damiao, J., & Cavaliere, C. (2021). The relationship between smartphone addiction and academic performance in college students. Global Journal of Health Science; Vol. 13, No. 9. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v13n9p10
Damiao, J., & Kean, D. (2016). Upper extremity neuro-rehabilitation Through the use of power mobility. Assistive Technology, 28.1, p17-21.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2015.1059906
Textbook Chapter
Gentry, T., Andelin, L., Capps, M., Damiao, J. & Lent, B. (2021). Assistive technologies for people with traumatic brain injuries. In N.Zasler, D. Katz, & R. Zafonte (Eds.). Brain injury medicine: Practice and principles (3rd ed., Ch. 73). demosMEDICAL. https://www.springerpub.com/brain-injury-medicine-third-edition-9780826143044.html
Non-peer Reviewed
Damiao, J. (Feb. 2022). Recline and Tilt Provides Effective Pressure Injury Prevention. OT Practice
Damiao, J. (July 9, 2013). Going for the Goal: Power soccer as a motivational tool to learn power mobility skills. OT Advance Online Issue
Damiao, J., & Kean J. (February 23, 2017) Google Accessibility Summit, San Francisco, Ca
Presented on the indieGo project and the need for innovations in mobility technology at the Google Accessibility Summit to Google, industry and advocacy leaders.
Damiao, J. (October 23, 2017) 7th Adirondack Assistive Technology Conference, Tupper Lake, NY
Provided the North Country Assistive Technology (NCAT) Distinguished Lectureship presentation titled: The Maker Movement and AT: Tools for Improving Outcome Measures
Presentations
Cavaliere, C., & Damiao, J. (November 2020). The impact of sensory processing difference throughout the lifespan: A narrative review. Short course: New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Virtual.
Cavaliere, C., & Damiao, J. (March 2020). The impact of sensory processing difference throughout the lifespan: A narrative review. Short course: Accepted for presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Boston, Ma
Poster Presentations
Damiao, J., (2021). Coping Strategies Used Among Health Profession Graduate Students in Reaction to Virtual Learning. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Virtual.
Damiao, J., Blood, N., Balkaran, M., Ballard, D., Cheeseborough, M., Fraija, E., Lee, S., Monfort, J., & Yusupova, C. (2021). A Systematic Review of the Preferred Learning Styles of Allied Health Students. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Virtual.
Damiao, J., Cadet, L., Polanco, M., Moreyn, S., & Lazarus, E., (2021). A Systematic Review of Telehealth as an Effective Delivery Model for Occupational Therapy Services Amongst Children and Adolescents. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Virtual.
Piren, C., & Damiao, J. (November, 2020). Crash Course in Virtual Learning: Lessons to carry into the Post-Covid Era? New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Virtual.
Damiao, J., Leyden, E., Montarsi, H., Rose, V., & Somwaru, B., (March, 2020). Using an Unloaded Shape Capture Method for Wheelchair Seating. Accepted for presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Boston, Ma.
Lisewski, T., Miele-Moran, C., Otsman, F., Sweeney, D., & Damiao, J., (March 2020). Smartphone Addiction & Its Effects on Sophomore College Students’ Grade Point Averages. Accepted for presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Boston, Ma.
Damiao, J., Leyden, E., Montarsi, H., Rose, V., & Somwaru, B., (November, 2019). Using an Unloaded Shape Capture Method for Wheelchair Seating. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Palisades, NY
Catubig, R., Cudlitz, T., Eliachov, V., Gough, K., McInerney, S., Walters, V., Garbarini, J., & Damiao, J. (April, 2019) Enhancing Participation through the use of Assistive Technology for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. American Occupational Therapy Association Conference, New Orleans, La.
Grants and Awards:
Inventor/Lead Designer of the .25 M Google Impact Challenge Grant winning device, ‘IndieGo’, through The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY.
Investigator/Developer/Researcher of a 0K research grant through The Center for Discovery, working to develop power mobility opportunities, technology, trainings, community outreach and outcomes for individuals with significant motor and intellectual challenges.
Recipient of the Pace University College of Health Professions 2021 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Teaching – 00
Cathy Kenney MiniGrant (2019)- 3D Scanning as a Tool for Creating Assistive Technology Solutions – 00.
Honoring Leadership Award – Inducted into the Dominican College Alumni Hall of Achievement, April 29, 2017.
Distinguished Service Award – Awarded by the Speech and Hearing Association of the Hudson Valley (SHAHV) May 12, 2015.
Mary Walsh Roche, MS, OTR/L, LMT, RYT
Occupational Therapy Program Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Assistant Professor
A.O.S., Swedish Institute
B.A., Iona College
M.S., Columbia University
Certifications/specialties: Licensed Massage Therapist, Trained in Peggy Huddleston’s Prepare for Surgery: Heal Faster Program; Alumna of the Center for Mind Body Medicine’s (CMBM) Advanced Training program; Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Training Program; Certified yoga teacher; Reiki Master Level Teacher; Tai Chi Easy Practice Leader; Certified Infant Massage Instructor
Interests: cooking, literature, music, yoga
General background: Mary has over twenty years of experience as an occupational therapist in a variety of practice settings.
Clinical background: Mary was as an occupational therapist with the NYC Department of Education for eight years. There she participated in the Senior Instructional Therapist Training Program teaching workshops on seating and positioning and adaptive equipment to therapists in the New York City school system. During that time Mary was also involved in performing home accessibility evaluations and recommending environmental modifications for clients in the community. In 2007 she transitioned to work in adult inpatient rehabilitation at Bellevue Hospital where she worked on the orthopedic and neurological units. She also worked in outpatient traumatic brain injury rehabilitation at the James J. Peters Bronx VA Hospital and on the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.
Prior to working at Dominican College, Mary was an Integrative Health Specialist with the NYU Department of Integrative Health Programs at Rusk Rehabilitation. There she designed and implemented programs to help pediatric and adult patients, their families, caregivers, and staff ease pain, anxiety and stress through integrative health modalities such as reiki, guided imagery, adaptive yoga, and meditation.
Administrative background: Mary started as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Program at Dominican College in the summer of 2016. From 2012-2015 Mary served as the Westchester Rockland District Chair for the New York State Occupational Therapy Association. Mary is currently the Director of the Bronxville Senior Citizens where she develops wellness and social programs for active community dwelling older adults.
Academic background: Mary’s educational background includes a B.A. in English from Iona College, in New Rochelle, NY. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. After beginning her career as an occupational therapist, Mary studied at the Swedish Institute in New York City, where she received an A.O.S. in massage therapy. Mary completed a certificate in advanced shiatsu studies from the Ohashi Institute. She is a graduate of the first cohort of the Integrative Health Leadership Program at Duke Integrative Medicine. In 2018, Mary served as the Project Scholar for the New Jersey Council for the Humanities Literature in Medicine: Humanities at the Heart of Healthcare program where she led a series of Literature and Medicine Sessions for first and second year medical students in the Arbor Vitae Literary Society at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Mary is currently a doctoral student in the Medical Humanities Program at Drew University working on her dissertation which focuses on loss and the lived experiences of older adults.
At Dominican Mary coordinates all Level I and Level II fieldwork placements and teaches the Introduction to Occupational Therapy and the Level I Fieldwork Seminar courses. Mary enjoys introducing students to the core tenets of the profession as well as its history and evolution. Mary also enjoys working with community partners to develop clinical affiliations and fieldwork experiences for students in traditional as well as emerging areas of practice.
Courses taught:
Introduction to Occupational Therapy
Level I Fieldwork Seminar
Research/Scholarly Interests:
Integrative health and wellness
Mind-body skills and non-pharmacologic methods of pain management
Narrative medicine and ethics
Productive Aging
Recent Publications and Presentations:
Lopes, A., Palase, N, Rigney, C. Wolosin, S., Garbarini, J., & Walsh Roche, M. (April 2019) The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on Graduate Occupational Therapy Students Perceived Stress and Well-being. Poster Presentation at The American Occupational Therapy Association Conference (AOTA), New Orleans, LA.
Lopes, A., Palase, N, Rigney, C. Wolosin, S., Garbarini, J., & Walsh Roche, M. (November 2018) The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on Graduate Occupational Therapy Students Perceived Stress and Well-being. Poster Presentation at The New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference (NYSOTA), Palisades, NY.
Rust, N. & Walsh Roche, M. (November 2018) True Partners: The Dominican Charism in Occupational Therapy Education and Practice. Poster Presentation at The New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference (NYSOTA), Palisades, NY.
Rust, N. & Walsh Roche, M. (June 2018). True Partners: The Dominican Charism and Occupational Therapy Education and Practice. 15th Biennial Dominican Colloquium, Providence, RI.
Lopes, A., Palase, N., Rigney, C., Wolosin, S., Garbarini, J., & Walsh Roche, M. (May 2018). The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on Graduate Occupational Therapy Students Perceived Stress and Well-being. International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (ICIMH), Baltimore, MD.
Walsh Roche, M. (April 2018). Mindfulness Practices and Graduate Occupational Therapy Students Perceived Stress and Well-being. Drew University Medical Humanities Colloquium, Madison, NJ.
Lopes, A., Palase, N., Rigney, C., Wolosin, S., Garbarini, J., & Walsh Roche, M. (March 2018). The Effect of Mindfulness Practice on Graduate Occupational Therapy Students Perceived Stress and Well-being. Drew University Medical Humanities Symposium, Madison, NJ.
Walsh, M., DeSio, T., Abatemarco, J. & Tafurt, M. (May 2016). Integrative Occupational Therapy: Building a Pediatric Rehabilitation Family Integrative Health Program. International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (ICIMH), Las Vegas, NV.
Walsh, M., Eberhardt, A., Ingraham, M. & Shrestha, D. (May 2016). Mindfulness and Imagination: The Creation of a Pediatric Rehabilitation Adaptive Yoga Program. International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (ICIMH), Las Vegas, NV.
Walsh, M., Eberhardt, A., Ingraham, M. & Shrestha, D. (November 2015). Mindfulness and Imagination: The Creation of a Pediatric Rehabilitation Adaptive Yoga Program. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, White Plains, NY.
Walsh, M. (November 2014). Mind Body Skills and Occupational Therapy Practice. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Albany, NY.
Walsh, M. & Siminovich-Blok, B. (October 2014). The Practice of a Modified Form of the Ignatian Examen by Healthcare Workers. International Symposium of Contemplative Studies, Boston. MA.
Walsh, M., Lesser, S. & LaSorse A. (November 2005). Adaptive Environments for Children. United Cerebral Palsy of New York City Techworks Expo, Brooklyn, NY
Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD), Chatham University -2016
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, University of Durban Wetville – 1993
About Dr. Rust:
Dr. Rust has been a practicing occupational therapist for nearly 30 years. Her early clinical experience spanned both medical and community settings with clients all across the human lifespan. For over 20 years now, she has focused on pediatrics and continues to practice in New York City in Early Intervention. In addition, she served as an independent evaluator in an NIH-funded research study examining the efficacy of sensory integration intervention in autism. Dr. Rust’s experience includes more than 15 years of managing and supervising occupational therapy and multidisciplinary departments. She currently manages the occupational therapy department for The Bronx McCarton Early Intervention Center.
Dr. Rust earned her Bachelors in Occupational Therapy from the University of Durban Westville, South Africa. She subsequently earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in 2016. Her doctoral capstone examined the impact of a collaborative training and consultation program on teachers’ competence in providing pre-writing instruction. Her continued research and scholarship interests include Early Intervention, sensory integration and related topics, cultural humility and responsiveness, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and community health and wellness.
As a full-time faculty member at Dominican College since October 2017, Dr. Rust is the faculty advisor to the Dominican College chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD). Additionally, she leads the occupational therapy program in a collaborative interprofessional student education training with the doctoral physical therapy program on cultural humility, diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion in healthcare.
Current Courses taught:
Tools of Practice
Professional Practice Skills I
Childhood and OT Practice
Recent Publications:
Edeer, A. & Rust, N. (2021). Diversity, inclusion, and justice with community-oriented interprofessional practice. In Pizzi, M. & Amir M. (Eds.). (in progress). Interprofessional perspectives on community practice: Promoting health, well-being and quality of life. SLACK
Recent Presentations
Rust, N. & Govender, S. (November, 2021). A Justice Lens to Integrating Community Practice-based Experiences into Education and Curricula. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference
Cavaliere, C., Rust, N., Ezemdu, V., Distefano, N., Gerard, S., Lapaj, A., & Petrosky, K., Tavarez, E. (2021). The Efficacy of Early Intervention for Goal Achievement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study Across Settings. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference
Rust, N. (April, 2021) Effective Learning Strategies and Test Taking Techniques. New York State Occupational Therapy Association Student Conclave
Fau, L., Connor, K., Mentor Rust, N. (May 2021) Finding Joy in Time of Chaos: How to Handle Anxiety During COVID-19. National Alliance on Mental Illness Rockland
Moderated Virtual Community Practice Chats in Support of Dominican Students and Alumn. (2020- 2021). Topics: Telepractice, COVID 19- and Occupational Therapy, Interoception, Diversity, Inclusion, and Occupational Justice, Resilience.
Constenla, L., Hernandez, L., Nelson, K., Mentor Rust., N. (September, 2020). Sensory Play: What do my child’s senses have to do with their mental health?’. National Alliance on Mental Illness Rockland
Coronel, F., Feretti, S., Magno, J., Rust, N., & Damiao, J. (April, 2020). Gamified Instructional Strategies: Cultural Competence Skills for Occupational Therapy Students. Accepted at American Occupational Therapy Association. Boston.
Physical Therapy
Emil Euaparadorn
Director of Physical Therapy Program and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
B.S., Health Science, Touro College
M.S., Masters in Physical Therapy, Touro College
DSc, Doctor of Science of Physical Therapy, Andrews University
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) Certification
Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)
Dr. Euaparadorn is widely recognized as a leading Physical Therapist in orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation. As one of the most highly credentialed PT’s in New York, Dr. Euaparadorn has spoken at both National and International professional conferences in his areas of expertise. Dr. Euaparadorn has achieved several certifications in both neurological and orthopaedic realms and has gone through a comprehensive fellowship program in manual therapy, in order to receive the highest distinction one can achieve in Manual Therapy, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy.
Dr. Euapardorn began his career working at Mt. Sinai Hospital for many years before going into the world of private practice. He has taught at several other PT school institutions in both Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant departments. Dr. Euaparadorn continues to be involved with private practice and brings his real world experience, along with extensive training into the classroom, in order to provide students with practical hands on solutions to real world problems.
Mark Amir
Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education
B.S., Physical Education in Secondary Education, Brooklyn College
B.S. Health Sciences, Touro College
M.A., Masters in Physical Therapy, Touro College
MPH, Masters in Public Health, City University of New York
t-DPT – Executive Private Practice Management, EIM
DipMDT, Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy, McKenzie Institute International
Mark Amir helps students integrate newly acquired didactic skills that match their innate strengths, to a clinical setting, which can positively impact the lives of their clients, themselves, and their community. Matching clinical affiliations with a student-centered focus allows graduates to seek career opportunities that best fit their needs.
Dr. Amir has hired, trained, and mentored hundreds of clinicians and aspiring clinicians over his 25+ year experience as a physical therapist, business owner, teacher, and advocate of our profession. He uses his passion of learning topics related to leadership, management, professionalism, and customer service to educate new student professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges of their new career.
Dr. Amir was a private practice, multi-state outpatient physical therapy owner for over 20 years. He managed several clinic mergers and acquisitions and consulted several clinicians through the same process. Dr. Amir is currently a managing partner of a company that provides innovative workplace injury prevention services to large and midsize companies in New York State. From 2010 to 2015, Dr. Amir was a contractor to APTA’s Payment & Policy Department advising members and staff on regional and national health care issues. He remains active in NYPTA and APTA advocacy and legislative initiatives currently serving as the Bk/SI district’s Legislative Liaison and Treasurer. Dr. Amir served in multiple NYPTA roles as Director, delegate to the House of Delegates and Legislative Chairperson. He attended numerous NYPTA Delegate Assemblies representing the interest of Bk/SI and multiple Lobby Days and Federal Affair Days in Albany and Washington DC, representing the interest of the physical therapy profession.
Being a lifelong learner, Dr. Amir is working on his PhD with a special interest in administration and clinical education. He is also currently coediting a textbook on inter-professionalism in healthcare.
Dr. Amir continues to enjoy hobbies of boating, running, biking, boxing, and martial arts training. He was a Krav Maga martial arts instructor, a High School football coach and coached his own kids in flag football.
B.S., Information Technology, Marist College
D.P.T. Hunter College Masters in Physical Therapy, Touro College
Dr. Stefanie DiCarrado received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hunter College (NY) in 2014. Dr. DiCarrado is the owner of and physical therapist at DiCarrado Physical Therapy, PLLC a home based outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab practice in Westchester County and New York, NY. She is board certified in Neurologic Rehabilitation (NCS), a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS), and a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Dr. DiCarrado is passionate about the blend of neurologic and orthopedic rehabilitation and the use of technology to improve patient care; her research activities involve the effects of fatigue in individuals with neurologic diagnoses and the use of different cues to improve rehabilitation potential. Dr. DiCarrado is currently studying to become a CMPT (Certified Manual Physical Therapist) through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
B.S., Hacettepe University School of P.T. and Rehab (Turkey)
M.S., Institute of Health and Sciences Dokuz Eylul University (Turkey)
Ph.D., Institute of Health and Sciences Dokuz Eylul University (Turkey)
Dr. Edeer has more than 20 years of experience providing physical therapy for adults and older people with various orthopedic conditions and serving as faculty in professional entry level physical therapy in Turkey and USA. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at both national and international scientific meetings. Dr. Edeer’s primary research interests involve management of shoulder pathologies, preventing fall in geriatric population, exercise intervention in various conditions. Dr. Edeer joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program as full time core faculty in 2012. She teaches PT 639 Research I, PT 789 Research II and PT 889 Research III courses. She is on the NYPTA’s Research Committee and Dominican College IRB Committee. She is a reviewer for Disability and Rehabilitation, ISRN Rehabilitation Journal, Gulhane Medical Journal, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and she is rater for MORE Rehab.
See Dr. Edeer’s reviewed publications and grants funded
Selected peer reviewed publications and grants funded.
Minsun Hong, Ngozi Onyema, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Valerie Olson. In community dwelling females age 65 or older, gait speed declines as kinesthetic awareness of the lower legs decreases. Advances in Aging Research, Vol.6 No.1 2017.
Danielle T. Freund, Allison M. Liccardo, Alanna M. Rooney, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Valerie Dong Olson. The Effects of Static Versus Dynamic Stretching on Average Power in The Young-Adult Athletic Population. MOJ Yoga & Physical Therapy – November 21, 2016. http://medcraveonline.com/MOJYPT/MOJYPT-01-00006.pdf
Kelly M, Jacobs D, Wooten ME, Ozcan Edeer A. Comparison of electromyographic activities of lumbar iliocostalis, and lumbar multifidus muscles during stabilization exercises in prone, quadruped, and sitting positions. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, Vol 28 (2016) No 10, October, p: 2950-2954.
Kelly M, Finley M, Lichtman S, Hyland M, Ozcan Edeer A. A Comparative Analysis of High Velocity versus Low Velocity Exercise on Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial, J Geriatr Phys Ther 2015, October/December 2016, 39(4): 147-158.
Brown A, Alfieri V, Fazulak D, Ozcan Edeer A, Olson V. The Immediate Effects of Two Different Stretching Interventions on Passive Shoulder Internal Rotation In Collegiate Baseball Players, Journal of Student Physical Therapy, 2015, Vol. 8, number 5, article 1.
Tuna Donat H., Yesilyaprak Subasi S., Acar S., Ozcan Edeer A. Factors affecting the benefit of a six-month supervised exercise program on communninty-dwelling older adults: interactions among age, gender, and participations. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27: 1421-1427, 2015.
Donat Tuna H, Ozcan Edeer A, Malkoc M, Aksakoglu G. Effect of age and physical activity level on functional fitness in older adults. European Review Aging and Physical Activity 6(2):99-106, 2009.
Ustunkaya O, Ozcan Edeer A, Donat H, Yozbatiran N. Shoulder pain, functional capacity and quality of life in professional wheelchair basketball players and non-athlete wheelchair users. The Pain Clinic 19(2):71-76(6), 2007
Donat H, Ozcan A. Comparison of the effectiveness of two programs in older adults at risk of falling: unsupervised home exercise and supervised group exercise. Clinical Rehabilitation. Mar;21(3):273-83, 2007
Ozcan A, Subasi SS, Yemez B, Celiker O. “The relationship of pressure-pain threshold with alexithymia in healthy young subjects” J Musculoskeletal Pain, 13(3):27-32, 2005
Ozcan A , Donat H, Gelecek N, Ozdirenc M, Karadibak D. “The relationship between risk factors for falling and the quality of life in older adults” BMC Public Health, 5(90), 2005
Ozcan A., Ozdirenç.M., Akın F. “Light touch and pain sensation differences between dominant and non-dominant hands of healthy subjects” J British Hand Therapy, 10 (3/4):76-79, 2005
Ceran F., Ozcan A. “The relationship of functional rating index with disability, pain and quality of life in patients with low back pain” Medical Science Monitor, 2006 Oct;12(10):CR435-9. Epub 2006
Başkurt Z., Başkurt F., Ozcan A., Yılmaz O. “The immediate effects of heat and TENS on pressure pain threshold and pain intensity of patients with stage shoulder impingement syndrome” The Pain Clinic, 18(1):81-85, 2006
Donat H., Ozcan A., Özdirenç M., Aksakoğlu G., Aydınoğlu S. “Age-related changes in pressure pain threshold, grip strength and touch pressure threshold in upper extremity of elderly people” Aging Clinical Experimental Research, 17(5):380-384, 2005
Özdirenç M, Ozcan A., Akın F., Gelecek N. “Physical fitness in rural compared with urban children in Turkey” J Pediatrics International 47(1):26-31, 2005
Salik Y, Ozcan A. “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A survey of physical therapists in Izmir, Turkey” BMC Muskuloskeletal Disorders, 5(7), 2004
Ozcan A., Tulum Z., Pınar L., Başkurt F. “Comparison of pressure pain threshold, grip strength, dexterity and touch pressure of dominant and non-dominant hands within and between right-hand and left hand subjects” J Korean Medical Science, 19(6):874-8, 2004
Teoman N., Ozcan A., Acar B. “The effect of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in postmenopausal women” Maturitas, 47:71-77, 2004
Ozcan A., Tulum Z., Bacakoğlu K., “The relationship between quality of life and functional status measurements in shoulder impingement syndrome” Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica, 37(3):219-225, 2003
U. Demiroren, A. Ozcan, M. Ozfidan, O. Celiker Tosun, AI. Inan, “The relation of pain in patients with cervical arthrosis with sensory, flexibility and functional conditions” The Pain Clinic, 15(4):369-372, 2003
Ozdirenç M., Biberoğlu S., A. Ozcan, “Evaluation of physical fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus” Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 60:171-176, 2003
Başkurt F, A. Ozcan, Türeyen C., “The comparison of effects of phonophoresis and iontophoresis of naproxen in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis” Clinical Rehabilitation, 17(1):96-100, 2003
Ozcan A. Genç A., Türeyen C., Ekin A. “Comparison of effects of interferential current, laser and piroxicam phonophoresis for the treatment of impingement syndrome of shoulder”, Journal of Turkish Hand and Microsurgery, No: 8-9, 2002
GRANTS
“The influence of height-adjustable standing desks on computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in male and female college students: A pilot study”, 00, Dominican College, Excellence in Teaching Grant, Project Manager, 2017
The usage of an online education tool on 1) interdisciplinary clinical decision making and 2) preparation of physical therapy licensure exam, 00, Dominican College, Cathy Kenny Mini-Grant, Project Manager, 2016
The assessment of the dynamic balance in older adults to decrease the fall risk, 00, Dominican College Cathy Kenny Mini-Grant, Project Manager, 2015
The determination of neuromusculoskeletal changes causes falls and the investigation of effects of rehabilitation program preventing falls in older adults, .000, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Project Manager, 2005.
Investigation of changes on upper extremity function related to aging, 00, Dokuz Eylül University, Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs, Project Manager, 2003.
Technological Improvements on Prosthesis and Orthotics and Applications Based on Biomechanical Principles. Government Planning Organization of Turkey, Project Researcher, 2001.
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, English, Colgate University
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Literature, Hunter College
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Touro College, School of Health Sciences
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Neurological Physical Therapy (OCS)
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy (NCS)
Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
LSVT BIG Certified Clinician
Dr. Duane Grell received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University, and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro College, in New York City. Dr. Grell is Board Certified in both Neurology and Orthopedics, and is currently pursuing his Fellowship in Manual Physical Therapy, as a way of continuously advancing his clinical skillset. Dr. Grell has a passion for teaching and recognizes the importance of promoting skilled physical therapy throughout the profession. As a professor, Dr. Grell recognizes the importance of blending orthopedic and neurological assessments in the classroom, as he believes that the dynamic interflow between the two systems is what guides movement.
As a clinician based in NYC, Dr. Grell’s treatment approach is centered around driver assessment and movement analysis, addressing any underlying movement dysfunctions or arthrokinematic issues that may be causing the musculoskeletal dysfunction. When working with clients with neurological impairments, Dr. Grell follows an ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) based approach, identifying and addressing the specific body function or movement that is causing the activity and participation limitations.
B.S., Health Science, Upstate Medical University @ Syracuse, NY
MPS PT, Masters of Professional Studies in Physical Therapy, Upstate Medical University @ Syracuse, NY
DPT, Upstate Medical University @ Syracuse, NY
DSc, Doctor of Science of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, MI
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)
Stephen Rodriguez has been a practicing physical therapist since 2000 and has worked in a variety of settings with a eclectic patient population. Dr. Rodriguez currently practices in NYC at a manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education specialty clinic. He believes in an integrated approach to physical therapy that combines many perspectives to help patients work towards a more optimal and efficient movement pattern.
Dr. Rodriguez has dedicated his post graduate studies to develop an advanced understanding of various schools of thought in clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, neurodynamic treatments, and pain processing. Dr. Rodriguez has had the privilege of studying under many accomplished international lectures and mentors. He has achieved certification in manual and manipulative therapy. He completed a Fellowship program with the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, where he has qualified as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.
Dr. Rodriguez believes in Evidenced Based Practice and instructs integrating the three pillars to benefit from contemporary research as well as innovative ideas from past experts. He believes in a dynamic classroom that encourages clinical reasoning along with a systematic approach to differential diagnosis for patho-anatomical issues as well as movement dysfunctions.
B.S., Quinnipiac University
D.P.T., Sacred Heart University
DSc, Doctor of Science of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, MI
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)
Karl Rusch, PT, DSc, DPT, OCS, ATC, CMPT, COMT completed his undergraduate coursework from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor’s of science in Athletic Training/ Sport’s Medicine. He graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2012 with his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy. Dr. Rusch completed his terminal doctorate of science in Physical Therapy in 2021. His focus is in sports medicine and orthopaedic rehabilitation.
Dr. Rusch was an assistant for two years in Gross Anatomy at Dominican College and a lab instructor at New York Medical College before he became a part of the full time faculty in 2015. Dr. Rusch is chair of admissions and is responsible for the anatomy and orthopaedic courses in the program.
He is a fellow in training for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) which is the highest clinical distinction you can obtain in Physical Therapy.
Dr. Rusch continues to work part time at New York Sports and Spinal PT in Scarsdale, NY. Dr. Rusch is a board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist, Certified Manual Physical Therapist and Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist that focuses on a variety of manual therapy techniques with appropriate therapeutic exercise. He is also a Certified Athletic Trainer who specializes in sport specific injury prevention and rehabilitation.
B.S., Clinical Health Studies, Ithaca College
D.P.T., Physical Therapy, Ithaca College
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS)
Certified Breathing Behavior Analyst (CBBA)
Dr. Justine Ward has a strong orthopedic physical therapy background with a deep specialization in women’s health. She is a Physical Therapist at KIMA Center for Physiotherapy and application to augment student learning.
