Deborah Francis's Story

Kaitlynn Dewhirst's Story

Shannon Gravelle's Story

Our Students

We admit 10-12 students each year (May start). Our students work in a mix of hospital settings, community settings, the health service planning sector and the health regulatory sector. All of our students are based in Canada, from Whitehorse and Vancouver in the west, to St. Johns and Halifax in the east, and many points in between. The program is available to international students.

Below you will find our student profiles.

Current Students A - C

	Name: Sabrina Adair Advisor: Dr. Nicole Bobbette Position at Application: CEO/Founder Place of Employment: Enabling Adaptations Inc. Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University
	Name: Juvy Alix Advisor: Dr. Afolasade Fakolade Position at Application: Clinical Resource Coordinator Place of Employment: Providence Healthcare - Unity Health Toronto Academic Background: Masters of Applied Disability Studies, Brock University
	Name: Nagham Azzam Iqbal Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Nixon Position at Application: Outpatient Social Worker - Developmental Pediatrics & Rehabilitation Place of Employment: Hamilton Health Sciences - Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre Academic Background: Master of Social Work, McMaster University
	Name: Faith Balshin Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Auais Position at Application: Associate Clinician Place of Employment: Reflection Centre Academic Background: Master of Science, Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University & Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology, Yorkvillle University
	Name: Lindsay Beavers Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Nixon Position at Application: Manager, Simulation Program Place of Employment: Unity Health Toronto Academic Background: Master of Science, Physical Therapy, Western University
	Name: Jessica Bergevin Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Norman Position at Application: Physiotherapist and Physiopilates Instructor Place of Employment: Synergy Physiotherapy and Pilates Academic Background: Master of Science, Physical Therapy, Queen's University Research Proposal Title: Pushing for Prenatal Care Change by Delivering Physiotherapy Reccomendations
	Name: Mary Bertone Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Norman Position at Application: Director and Associate Professor Place of Employment: University of Manitoba, School of Dental Hygiene Academic Background: Master of Public Health, University of Manitoba Research Proposal Title: Exploring cultural humility in dental hygiene education at the University of Manitoba: A mixed methods study
	Name: Jennifer Bertoni Advisors: Drs. Nicole Bobbette & Marcia Finlayson Position at Application: Interprofessional Educator (Adult and Forensic Mental & Health Addications) Place of Employment: Thunder Bay Regoinal Health Sciences Centre Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Queen's University & Master of Public Health, Lakehead University Research Proposal Title: Mental Wellness through Culture, Equity, and Justice
	Name: Archana Bhuvitharan Advisor: Dr. Dorothy Kessler Position at Application: Occupational Therapist/Case Manager-Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Program Place of Employment: Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, D'Youville University
	Name: Lorin Brathwaite Advisor: Dr. Nicole Bobbette Position at Application: Instructor/Coordinator Rehabilitation Therapy Technology Place of Employment: Barbados Community College Academic Backgroud: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Brunel University
	Name: Katelyn Bridge Advisor: Dr. Dorothy Kessler Position at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: Modern OT Therapy Services Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Queen's University Research Proposal Title: Factors Influencing Recovery Following Non-Catastrophic Injury in a Motor Vehicle Accident: An Interpretive Descriptive Study
	Name: Sarah Burt-Hawco Advisor: Dr. Marcia Finlayson Position at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: Eastern Health Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Queen's University Research Proposal Title: Empowering Community-Dwelling Older Adults to Become Self-Advocates for Health Care Services
	Name: Arwen Caines Advisor: Dr. Megan Edgelow Position at Application: Clinical Director Place of Employment: Society for Autism Support and Services Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, McMaster University
	Name: Shawn Carter Advisor: Dr. Heidi Cramm Position at Application: Executive Director Place of Employment: Edgewood Health Network Academic Background: Master of Science, Applied Disability Studies, Brock University
	Name: Cortney Clark Advisor: Dr. Janet Jull Position at Applicaiton: Indigenous Access and Recruitment Coordinator Place of Employment: Queen's University, Faculty of Health Sciences Academic Background: Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences & International Relations, Western University Research Proposal Title: Reconciling Indigenous Health through Research Relationships and Storytelling.
	Name: Kristin Collins Advisor: Dr. Dorothy Kessler Postion at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: North York General Hospital Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Queen's University Research Proposal Title: A Student-led Clinic for Innovative Interprofessional Education in Geriatrics

Current Students D - L

	Name: Kaitlyn Dewhirst Advisor: Dr. Rosemary Lysaght Position at Application: Clinical Mental Health Program Specialist Place of Employment: Government of Northwest Territories Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, Queen's University Research Proposal Title: Are we ready for integrated service delivery (ISD)? Measuring the Organizational Climate for ISD: An explanatory mixed methods study
	Name: Colleen Dunphy Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Norman Position at Application: Manager, Collaborative Practice & Education Place of Employment: St. Michael's Hospital Academic Background: Master of Science, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto Research Proposal Title: Translating Cancer Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guidelines into Competencies for Physiotherapists in Canada
	Name: Heather Edward Advisor: Dr. Megan Edgelow Position at Application: Deputy Chief Operations Place of Employment: Frontenac Paramedics Academic Background: Master of Arts, Leadership, University of Guelph
	Name: Sandra Ezepue Advisors: Drs. Afolasade Fakolade & Setareh Ghahari Position at Application: Health Promotion Specialist Place of Employment: East Mississauga Community Health Centre Academic Background: Master of Public Health, Brock University Research Proposal Title: Project Holistique: Developing and pilot testing an onilne stigma reduction education program to improve access to skin and soft tissue infections support and treatment for people who inject drugs
	Name: Emily Gambling Advisor: Dr. Heidi Cramm Position at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: Primary Care Network for Vancouver Coastal Health Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, McMaster University
	Name: Shannon Gravelle Advisors: Drs. Beata Batorowicz & Sandra Fucile Position at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: St. Amant - Outreach Therapy Academic Backgroud : Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, University of Ottawa Research Proposal Title: Assistive Technology in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice: Exploring perceptions of practitioners and academic curriculum leaders
	Name: Tabitha Hamp Advisor: Dr. Setareh Ghahari Position at Application: Patient Services Manager Place of Employment: Home and Community Care Support Services Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, McMaster University Research Proposal Title: Exploring and addressing Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) staff’s knowledge and perceptions of institutional attitudes related to refugees’ eligibility for home care services in Ontario.
	Name: Toni Harrington Advisors: Dr. Megan Edgelow Position at Application: Director, Complex Care and Specialty Services Place of Employment: Homewood Health Academic Background: Master of Applied Science, Occupational Health Science, McGill University & Master of Social Work, Memorial University Research Proposal Title: An Expert and Evidence Informed Framework to Prevent Prolonged Absence from Work for Public Safety Personnel with a Work Related Psychological Injury.
	Name: Blake Hawkins Advisor: Dr. Catherine Donnelly Position at Application: Director, Policy and Governance Place of Employment: Castlemain Group Academic Background: Master of Library and Information Studies, Health Information, University of British Columbia
	Name: Lauren Hershfield Advisor: Dr. Sandra Fucile Position at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: BC Childrens Hospital Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto Research Proposal Title: A parent targeted virtual group intervention for pediatric feeding disorder: Mixed method design
	Name: Sanzana Hossain Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Norman Position at Application: Sr. Partner - Abilities and Accessibility Place of Employment: Peel District School Board Academic Background: Master of Science, Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University
	Name: Heidi Knupp Advisor: Dr. Heidi Cramm Position at Application: Case Manager Place of Employment: Workers' Compensation Board Academic Background: Master of Science (thesis), Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta
	Name: Sophie Labossière Advisor: Dr. Vincent DePaul Position at Application: Occupational Therapist Place of Employment: Correctional Services Canada Academic Background: Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, University of Ottawa Research Proposal Title:The Co-Design of a Cognitive Health Product for Oasis Programs: A Phased Research Project

Current Students M - Z

	Name: Heather MacLeod Advisor: Dr. Dorothy Kessler Position at Application: Senior Geriatric Acessor/Clinical Team Leader Place of Employment: Bruyere Continuing Care Academic Background: Master of Science Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie Universtiy Research Proposal Title: A mixed methods study to understand the barriers and facilitators of implementing the Living with Risk: Decision Support Tool into both the community and hospital clinical settings
	Name: Katya Masnyk Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Norman Position at Application: CEO Place of Employment: Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators Academic Background: Master of Science, Maternal and Child Health, The John Hopkins University Research Proposal Title: We need to talk; Incorporating the patient voice into a structured critique of the physiotherapy communication competency.
	Name: Dianne Millette Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Norman Position at Application: Registrar and CEO Place of Employment: College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia Academic Background: Master of Health Science Health Administration, University of Toronto Research Proposal Title: The "How and Why" of Continuous Professional Development Selection by Physiotherapists in Canada
	Name: Shelley-Ann Morgan Advisor: Dr. Setareh Ghahari Academic Background: Master of Science, Aging and Health, Queen's University, PhD in Cultural Studies, University of the West Indies & Master of Business Administration, Nova Southeastern University
	Name: Linda Ngan Advisors : Drs. Mohammad Auais & Janet Jull Position at Application: Project Manager Place of Employment: Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network Academic Background: Master of Science, Rehabilitation Therapy, University of Toronto Research Proposal Presentation: Addressing Health Literacy in Practice: Physiotherapist's Knowledge and Perspectives
	Name: Katrina Pollock Advisor: Dr. Janet Jull Position at Application: Manager of Research and Consultative Services Place of Employment: Tlicho Government Hotiitseeda Program Academic Background: Master of Arts, Public Administration and Public Policy, Concordia University
	Name: Josee Seguin Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Nixon Position at Application: Coordinator, Developmental and Rehabilitation Place of Employment: CHEO, Ottawa Pediatric Hospital Academic Background: Master of Science, Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University Research Proposal Title: Exploring How to Build the Capacity of Canadian Occupational Therapists for Engaging in "Anti-Oppressive Behaviour and Culturally Safer, Inclusive Relationships
	Name: William Sevilla Myers Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Nixon Position at Application: Director of Operations Place of Employment: Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Children and Family Development Academic Background: Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
	Name: Avita Sharma Advisors: Drs. Rosemary Lysaght & Megan Edgelow Position at Application: Registered Clinical Counsellor Place of Employment: Progressive Rehab Academic Background: Master of Education, Counselling Psychology, University of British Columbia Research Proposal Title: Examining the relationship between vocational rehabilitation service provision and work outcomes for injured workers in British Columbia: An exploratory retrospective study
	Name: Lisa Vaters Advisor: Dr. Heidi Cramm Position at Application: Family Coordinator Place of Employment: Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services Academic Background: Master of Science, Botany & Plant Physiology, University of Guelph Research Proposal Title: The grief experiences of family members whose loved one was serving or has served in the Canadian Armed Forces Post Afghanistan
	Name: Laura Williams Advisor: Dr. Nicole Bobbette Position at Application: Senior Director, Patient Experience and Engagement Place of Employment: University Health Network Academic Background: Master of Social Work, York University
	Name: Bernice Yamoah Advisors: Dr. Setareh Ghahari & Dr. Dorothy Kessler Academic Background: Master in Health Economics and Management (Management of Healthcare Institutions), University of Oslo in Norway, Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands
	Name: Lawrence Yu Advisors: Dr. Jordan Miller Position at Application: Senior Physiotherapist Place of Employment: Adelaide Health Clinic Academic Background: Master of Science, Physical Therapy, McMaster University Research Proposal Title: Exploring the usability and utility of the Physiotherapy Entrustable Professional Activities Assessment (PEPAA) for the assessment of demonstrated competence during clinical placement

Our Alumni

Below you will find our alumni profiles.

Alumni

	Name: Dr. Rhona Anderson Advisor: Dr. Marcia Finlayson Position at Graduation: Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream and Director of Clinical Education Place of Employment: Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto Dissertation Title: Student Leadership: Preparing Student Health Professionals to Lead
	Name: Dr. Teresa Avvampato Advisor: Dr. Marcia Finlayson Position at Graduation: Professor Place of Employment: Durham College Dissertation Title: Building Capacity in Occupational Therapy Delivery: Supporting Intraprofessional Collaboration Preparation
	Name: Dr. Kimberly Bitz Advisor: Dr. Marcia Finlayson Position at Graduation: Occupational Therapist, Community Recovery - Mental Health & Addictions Place of Employment: Saskatchewan Health Authority Dissertation Title: Missed Opportunities: Advancing Canadian Occupational Therapy Practice for Harm Reduction Among Women Who Consume Alcohol
	Name: Dr. Gregory Cutforth Advisor: Drs. Catherine Donnelly and Jordan Miller Position at Graduation: Provincial Director, Urgent and Primary Care Centres Place of Employment: BC Ministry of Health, Primary Care Division Dissertation Title: Patient Function as a Health Indicator of Team-Based Primary Care: A Study of Why, What, and How for Health Leaders
	Name: Dr. Deborah Francis Advisor: Dr. Janet Jull Position at Graduation: Clinical Assistant Professor Place of Employment: D'Youville University Dissertation Title: Changing the Landscape: A critical race informed narrative inquiry of a canadian university told by black, indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) students.
	Name: Dr. Sara MacNaull Advisor: Dr. Heidi Cramm Dissertation Title: Understanding the lived experiences and perceived impacts of incarceration on the well-being of adult family members
	Name: Dr. Deni Melim Advisor: Dr. Beata Batorowicz Position at Application: Teacher, Education with a Community Partner Program(ECPP), Trauma Responsive Elementary Classroom Place of Employment: Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board Dissertation Title: Narrative Inquiry: Leading the Implementation of a Self-Organized School-Wide Trauma Informed Approach
	Name: Dr. Sharon Randhawa Advisor: Drs. Setareh Ghahari & Heather Aldersey Position at Application: Clinical Supervisor Place of Employment: Centre for Autism Services Alberta Academic Background: Master of Science in Behaviour Analysis, Simmons University Research Proposal Title: Exploring the Decision-Making Experiences of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Caregivers and Autism Service Providers: An Interpretative Description
	Name: Dr. Candi Raudebaugh Advisors: Drs. Marcia Finlayson & Kathleen Norman Position at Graduation: Instructor Place of Employment: Red Deer Polytechnic Dissertation Title: Life Skills Training for Therapy Assitant Students: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
	Name: Dr. Karen Shannon Advisor: Dr. Beata Batorowicz Dissertation Title: Leading and Learning: Effective collaboration in rehabilitation services in schools.
	Name: Dr. Gurech James Wai Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Auais Position at Graduation: Director, Office of the Alberta Health Advocates, Alberta Health Place of Employment: Alberta Health Services Dissertation Title: Toward a transformational roadmap to end pj paralysis: A mixed-methods impact study on patient ambulation initiative at hospitals in Alberta

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