Capstone research projects are an option for a number of degrees at Western Michigan University. They are a completion of a faculty advisor-approved research, application or curriculum project related to the student's professional practice. While the requirements vary according to program, they generally integrate the student’s major studies, and extend, critique and apply knowledge gained throughout the program. They are usually completed in a one-semester timeframe.

ScholarWorks hosts capstone projects voluntarily submitted by students and their advisors. The collection is therefore a small sample of the total number of completed capstones at the university.

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Capstone Projects from 2024

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Implementing the Positive Approach to Care® Methods as an Effective Training Curriculum for Staff at an Adult Day Center, Delaney Acri

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Implementation of a Bilingual Feeding Program for Hispanic Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sarah Aguilar

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Sensory Room Protocol and Education on Sensory Processing Differences in the School Setting, Bethany R. Antor

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A Pilot Intervention for Adolescent Adoptees: The Interoception Curriculum, Francie X. Bailey

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Wild Wheels: Meaningful Art Program Designed for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Alexis Bailey-Lauchie

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Integrating Sport’s Vision Training into Vision Therapy: The Role of Occupational Therapy, Emily M. Beaird

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Expanding Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management at Western Michigan University, Kaitlyn R. Brady

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Cityscapes and Classrooms, Sheridan Britney

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Development of Occupation-Based and Trauma-Informed Care Resources to Promote Successful Reentry Following Release from Prison, Anna Burch

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Enhancing Pre-Vocational Programs for High School Students with Disabilities: The Impact of Occupational Therapy and Support Staff Education, Maria Calzada

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Program Development for Group Interventions Targeting Loneliness in Older Adults, Antoinette Cave

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Mindful Teaching in Adolescent Dance Educaton: Prioritizing Mental Health, Camille Chimner

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Trauma Informed Care Resources for Foster and Adoptive Families, Nitasha Cooper

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A How-To Guide for Implementing Level I Faculty-Facilitated Fieldwork Sites: A Western Michigan University Model, Jordyn Diaz

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Reimagining Comfort: Designing for Climate Resilience, Dissinger

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Evaluating Sensory Processing and Functional Outcomes of Children Participating in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Read and Ride Program: A Single-Subject Research Study, Samantha Dunleavy-Shotsberger

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Impact of Trauma on Development: Creating Training Materials for Effective Trauma Evaluations, Jessica M. Englerth

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Student Comprehension of Addressing ACOTE Standards Related to Fieldwork Educators and Level I Fieldwork Sites, Baileigh Grabow

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Inclusive Yoga Programming for Children with Diverse Needs, Allison H. Hansel

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Enhancing Self-Regulation Skills with the Zones of Regulation, Sara Hayes

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The Development of an 8-week Neurodiversity-Affirming Caregiver Co-Regulation Coaching Program., Carissa Heestand

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Integrative Sensory Room for General Education and Special Education 3rd-5th, Julia Henderson

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The Effects of Customized Art-Based Interventions on the Quality of Life of Older Adults with Early-Stage Dementia, Kalei Hubert-Mclennan

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The Role of Occupational Therapy in Transition Programs for High School Students with Disabilities, Kara Hutchison

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The Integration of Occupational Therapy in Transition Programs to Improve Outcomes for Students, Morgan Jagiela

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Implementation of an Occupation-Focused Education Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Riley Janssen

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Combating Social Isolation Among Older Adults Through Intergenerational Relationships with Children; Facilitating Meaningful Connection During Intergenerational Interactions By Improving Sensory Environment and Increasing Engagement During Group Activities, Lillian John

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Friends at Work: Creating a Peer-to-Peer Program for Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace, Claire Johnson

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Pediatric Developmental Milestones and Surveillance; Understanding Pediatrician, OT, SLP, BCBA, and Respective Pre-professionals’ Current Knowledge, Roles, and Confidence, Gabrielle A. Jones

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Development of CARF Accreditation Requirements for a Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Individuals Independently Living with Post-Traumatic Brain Injury, Samantha Kowalczyk

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Improving the Care of Individuals with Neurogenic Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Brooke Loucks

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A Descriptive Study: Capability for Change in Older Adult Falls Prevention Using an Intelligent and Intuitive Online Learning Platform at a Medical Care Facility, Emily N. Makowski

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Navigating Improvement for a Master of Occupational Therapy Program: Enhancing Content for a Mental Health Course, Emily Markovicz

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Incorporation of Animal Assisted Therapy into Occupational Therapy Interventions for Pediatric Clients in an Outpatient Setting, Jamie Markus

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Connections Over Compliance: A Toolkit to Create a Pathway to Success for Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Students, Mary Kate Nelson

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Promoting and Sustaining an Adaptive Sports Program on a College Campus Through Outreach and Resource Developmen, Morgan E. Otero

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Occupational Therapy Health & Wellness Promotion for Adults Living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Sydni Rodriguez

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Occupational Therapy's Role in Post-Secondary Transition Programing for Young Adults with Disabilities, Mallory Rubley

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Designed Memories: How can the built environment affect memories, Jared Schneider

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Development of Clinical Practice Tools to Improve Understanding of Neuro Vision Rehabilitation, Shreena Shah

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Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Ice Skating for Individuals with Disabilities, Anna Tamburrino

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Grant Funding for Non-Profit Organizations and Community Focused Entrepreneurship, Tyler Turnquist

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Implementation of A Life Skills Program with Houseless Youth, Stephanie Velasco

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Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy: An Activities Program for Catholic Dominican Sisters with Dementia, Alyssa J. Visockis

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Utilizing the Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (FMA/UDS) Registry to Conduct Research Related to Wheelchair Repair Frequency, Brooke Wilson

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Holistic Education to Empower and Enhance Women's Health Throughout Pregnancy, Birth, and the Postpartum Period, Hannah Wilson

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Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Pui-Shan Yung,

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Support Group Development and Implementation for Parents with Disabilities, Jessica Zydorczyk

Capstone Projects from 2023

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Outcome Measures at a Private Outpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic, Kelly Alter

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THE TYPOLOGY OF SURVIVAL, Briana Alvarado

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Patient Centered, Kiara Bartlett

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Addressing Sensory Processing and Mental Health Needs in the Middle School Setting, Kate Bergsma

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Occupational Therapy Integration in Psychosocial Rehabilitation: The Clubhouse Model, Kenzie Callahan

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Expanding Trauma Treatment with Sensory Based Occupational Therapy, Domonique Chambers

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Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) Consumer follow-up for Aging in Place, Bianca Cordova

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Advocacy Efforts for the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, Caitlin Cornish

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Integrating Occupational Therapy Strategies in Autism Community Programs, Danielle Daoud

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Exploration of Driving Rehabilitation Best Practices to Sustain an Occupation Focused Driver Rehabilitation Program, Kelsey East

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Social Skill Program Development: A Bottom-Up Approach, Sydney Fallis

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Communities Helping Communities: Identify Impact Through Surveys, Sarah D. Farrar

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Features of Optics and Mounts that Facilitate Participation in Birding for Power Wheelchair Users: An Exploratory Study, Alexander Field

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ADHD in College Students, Bailey Flaherty

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Interdisciplinary Amputee Care from Injury to Independence: Medical, Occupational Therapy, and Prosthetic Intervention, Amanda Fox

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Interdisciplinary Collaboration between Occupational Therapy and Dentistry for Autistic Patients and Sensory Processing Differences, Mallory Fox

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Service Gap in Kalamazoo County: Establishing a Reimbursable, Child-Led Multidisciplinary Feeding Tube-Weaning Protocol, Piper Friend

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Occupational Therapy in a Daytime Homeless Shelter Setting, Ruth Erin Garcia

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Evaluation of Soft Employability Skills in Students with Disabilities attending a Vocational Training Program, David Gasser

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Occupational Therapy's Role in Medication Management with the Corewell Health System, Anthony Genna

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Swim Instructor Education for Adaptive and Inclusive Swimming, Anna Griesbach

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Hope on the Slopes: Occupational Therapy's Role in Adaptive Ski Programming, Claire Hague

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The Effects of Theatre-Based Interventions with Older Adults Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Diseases, Calli Hudson

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An Occupational Therapist's Role as a Prospective Payment System Coordinator and Identifying Patient Trends in an Inpatient Rehab Center, Autumn Idalski

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Occupational therapy's role in serving individuals with social, emotional, and cognitive deficits at Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Molly Ireland

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The Role of Occupational Therapy in Transition Programs for High School Students with Disabilities, Taylor Kehren

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Increasing Quality of Life: Providing Education and Resources for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jeanette Kymes

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Entry Level OTA Module Content: Sexual Activity as an ADL, Peightyn Larson

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Efficacy of Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Perceived Exertion During Therapy When Compared to Traditional OT Intervention, Luke Lee

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Resident Reported Changes to Social Engagement and Quality of Life Due to Increased Physical Activity within a Senior Living Facility, Sydney LeRoy

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Occupational Therapy's Impact Utilizing Trauma-Informed Care With At-Risk Youth, Kerri Lindeman

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Program Development of Meaningful Work for those with Brain Injury: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Alyssa McKenna

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MAKING NATURE ACCESSIBLE: BUILDING AN ACCESSIBLE WELLNESS RETREAT WITHIN NATURE FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES, Jenna Morell

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Ins and Outs of Running a Successful Non-Profit Organization at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy, Megan Morrill

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Seeking Identity in the Built Environment The Impact of Latinx Culture Centers on College Campuses, Nancy Munoz

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Improving Efficiency of Referrals and Documentation at Drive Well Michigan Driver Rehabilitation Clinic, Paige Norgan

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The Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Lens Within a Gymnastics Center to Promote Greater Inclusivity and Cohesion in Classes, Kimberly Ortiz

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Outdoor Community Based Rehabilitation Program Development, Dylan Pritel

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TheraShield, LLC a Company Designing Products to Increase Comfort and Maintain Skin Integrity, Alissa Remijan

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TRAVELING WITH A PURPOSE, Nina Rossman

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PLEASE WAIT: RE-DEFINING THE WAITING EXPERIENCE THROUGH DESIGN, Kedzie Rutan

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Exploring and Implementing Evidence-Based Educational Approaches in an Entry-Level Doctoral Occupational Therapy Program, Hannah Schultheiss

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Advocating for Occupational Therapy at the Systemic Level, Alyssa Schwartz

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An Accessible Garden for CDS: Facilitating Participation, Building Skills, and Raising Awareness, Kelyn Rae Sckrabulis

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Therapeutic Gardening for Older Adults at a Community-Based Day Center: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Anna Serbantez

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Inclusive/Exclusive, Sophia Shettler

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Traumas Effect On Children’s Development, Spatial design as intervention: The role of interior design in supporting children with trauma, Brooke Slater

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Dog and Owner Emotional Relationship Training, Andrea Sowles

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Substance Use Disorder: Parent Support Group, Alexandra Superson

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Development of a Community Living Coffee Shop, Micah Taniguchi

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Creating Opportunity for the Homeless Population to Engage in Meaningful Occupations, Jada S. Toliver

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Occupational therapy's role in increasing client engagement in substance use disorder treatment programming with a community-based interdisciplinary team, Jennifer Tornga