Understanding Occupational Identity: Building on the Foundation of Occupational Science 

Ricardo C. Carrasco PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Jennifer Castelli OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Sustaining the “Self” in Therapeutic Use of Self

Annemarie Connor, PhD, OTR/L; Sarah Fabrizi, PhD, OTR/L; Lauryn Combs, OTS; Aubrie Fry, OTS

In the ever-evolving profession of occupational therapy, practitioners are often inundated with new technologies, standardized assessments, and specialized protocols. While these are essential, we must not overlook the most foundational instrument in our clinical toolbox: therapeutic use of self. Broadly conceptualized as the working alliance (WA), this is a collaborative relationship defined by agreement on goals, consensus on tasks, and strong interpersonal bonds (Bordin, 1979). This article operationalizes the WA as an evidence-based practice foundational to effective intervention and a critical protective factor against therapist burnout.

Differentiating Sensory, Executive Function, and Behavioral Challenges

Dominique Blanche Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Therapy West 2, Orlando

Executive Functioning in School‑Based Occupational Therapy: Assessment and Intervention Through an Occupational Lens

Dr. Pauline Kelly, OTD, OTR/L

The Influence of Positive Faculty-Student Relationships on Student Engagement: The Basics

Kurt Hubbard, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract 

High Risk Pregnancy and the Expanding Role of Occupational Therapy in Maternal Health

Sabina Khan PhD, OTD, OTR/L and Pamela Hess OTD, OTR/L

Abstract

Traditional Medicare versus Medicare Advantage disparities and outcomes

Amanda Kotolski, Ph.D., OTR/L

Approximately 65 million people in the United States are enrolled in Medicare. Aging consumers are faced with decisions regarding their choices of traditional Medicare or enrolling with a Medicare advantage program. Last year, in Florida, 613 Medicare planes were available to enrollees (CoverRight, 2025). In 2023, Medicare Advantage (MA) plan enrollment surpassed traditional Medicare (TM) in enrollment (51%) (Prusynski, R.A., D’Alonzo, A., Johnson, M.P., Mroz, T.M., & Leland, N.E., 2024). However, research studies are showing growing discrepancies of coverage, availability and outcomes of home and community health services. 

Supporting Occupational Engagement for Individuals Living with Cancer: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Kristin Domville, PhD, MOTR/L and Brianna Batista OTD

Cancer survivorship continues to increase in the United States, creating a growing need for rehabilitation services that address the functional and psychosocial challenges experienced during and after treatment. Individuals living with cancer often experience disruptions in daily occupations due to symptoms such as fatigue, pain, emotional distress, and changes in physical functioning (Fleischer et al., 2023; Fu et al., 2022). Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to support participation in meaningful activities and improve quality of life for this population.

Evidence-Based Cognitive Interventions for Older Adults 

Annette Bullard, MEd, BA, COTA/L

Lucerito Gonzalez, MSOT, COTA/L 

Advocacy in Action: Advancing and Protecting Occupational Therapy

Dr. Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L
Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) President

President’s Message

Beyond Intuition: Mentoring the "Natural" OT/OTA Student for Deep Reflection

Chelsea Barton, MS, ORT/L

The “natural talent” student.  They just have “it.”  They establish rapport easily with clients, they have strong clinical "gut feelings" and high emotional intelligence, they rarely need a fieldwork educator (FWE) to majorly intervene.  So, the FWE gives them one client to start, and they do well, next is 2, 3, 5, 7, and before midterm, they have the whole caseload.  The FWE is of course providing direct supervision, especially in the beginning, and the student is getting the full experience, and quickly, too.  They are taking on the entire caseload for longer than your typical students do.  Which is good, right?    

The Importance of Vanity in Acute Care OT: Strategies to Improve Mental Health

Alyssa M. Garcia, OTD, OTR/L

Acute care therapists are hypervigilant in preventing the secondary effects that come from prolonged hospitalization, but beyond the bedsores and contractures are a variety of secondary effects deteriorating patients' mental health (Alzahrani, 2021). The factors of hospitalization that affect patients’ mental health are forced dependency, lack of physiological control, feeling overwhelmed by lines and equipment, pain, fear, loneliness, delirium, sleep deprivation, disorientation, and, at times, an inability to communicate (Halvorsen et al., 2021). These factors, combined with the patients’ prior mental health history, increase the likelihood of developing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Halvorsen et al., 2021). Additionally, prolonged hospitalization can whittle away at patients' sense of self, self-esteem, and sense of control (Basile et al., 2021). Overall, this creates a cycle of reduced ADL engagement which leads to feelings of shame and helplessness which further exacerbates the patients’ mental health to perpetuate the cycle (Lianur et al., 2025). As experts in the intimate relationship between physical health, mental health, and occupational engagement, OTs are perfectly positioned to address this major concern (Smith et al., 2025).

Bridging the Gap: Promoting Clinical Fieldwork Educator Competency in Occupational Therapy Practice

Article Completed by MOT Students: AmRhein,N., Benitez, D., Clark, S., Eckhoff, E.

Corinne Painter, OTD MS, OTR/L - Faculty Advisor/ Editor

Leadership Role in Preventing Burnout

Dr. Kelly Trevino OTR/L, OTD

Sacred Pause: The Power of Rest, Ritual, and Reflection for OTs

Barbara Ingram-Rice, OT. LMT, CLT

Abstract

Passing the Baton of SIS Leadership of the FOTA Practice Standing Committee

Ricardo C. Carrásco, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Occupational Therapy Practitioner’s Evolving Contributions to the Modern Workforce 

Lyvette Carrasquillo, OTD, OTR/L, CVRT

Vanessa Grijalba, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Occupational Disruption: An Undeniable Reality for Occupational Beings, Part II

 Ricardo C. Carrásco, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Shirish Lala, EdD, MHS, OTR/L

Rooted in Regulation: The Role of Sensory Gardens in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Jennifer Martinc, OTD

Carolyne Teixeira OTD-S

An Online Hub for Fieldwork Educators and Capstone Mentors: The Florida Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium Website