Date of Award

4-17-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Charity Brondyke, OTRL

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

Research supports the role of occupational therapy (OT) in school-based mental health promotion and the use of occupation-based interventions to enhance student participation, social-emotional learning, and self-regulation. However, there is limited evidence on the implementation of Every Moment Counts (EMC): Refreshing Recess in elementary school settings, particularly when adapted to real-world contexts. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to address this gap through the development and implementation of an adapted recess-based program at Douglas Elementary School in Douglas, Michigan.

This project involved implementing a six-week Refreshing Recess program designed to promote inclusive play, peer interaction, and emotional regulation during recess. Objectives included adapting and delivering structured recess activities, increasing student engagement, developing materials to support carryover and sustainability, and evaluating outcomes through observation and informal feedback. Collaboration with school staff was essential for successful implementation and ongoing program refinement.

Results indicated increased student participation, improved cooperative play, and positive responses from students and staff, which guided weekly adaptations to improve engagement and accessibility. This project contributes to the field of OT by demonstrating the feasibility of occupation-based mental health programming in schools and reinforcing the role of OT in supporting participation, inclusion, and well-being in school environments.

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