AOTA Specialty Conference: Women's Health

Program Guide

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Pre-conference Session #1: Beyond The Pelvic Floor for a Multi-system Approach to Pelvic Rehab

• Thursday, October 9 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm PT
• Rates: $99 member/$125 nonmember
• Earn 3 contact hours

Workshop Synopsis: Join us for the "Beyond the Pelvic Floor" pre-conference workshop, where occupational therapy professionals specializing in women's health will explore the vital connections between the pelvic floor, respiratory system, and nervous system. This 3-hour session will provide foundational concepts, mind-body manual techniques, and case study reviews, all aimed at enhancing your understanding and treatment of pelvic health clients. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to ensure immediate application of learned strategies into their clinical practice, empowering them to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

Speaker: Laura Rowan, OTR/L, Essential Pelvic Health, Old Chatham, NY

Pre-conference Session #2: Integrative Pelvic Care for Pregnancy (IPC-P) - A Biopsychosocial Framework for Birth Preparation

• Thursday, October 9 | 1:00 pm-4:00 pm PT
• Rates: $99 member/$125 nonmember
• Earn 3 contact hours

Workshop Synopsis: Discover a biopsychosocial framework for prenatal occupational therapy care in this interactive workshop. Through hands-on learning, develop customized birth prep and pregnancy care plans using Interventions to Support Occupations and self-advocacy to enhance health, well-being, and participation.

Speaker: Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L, Pelvic Soul, LLC, Tampa, FL

Special Event

5:30 pm–6:15 pm

AOTA Town Hall

Come and have a dialogue with AOTA’s CEO Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. AOTA wants to hear from you.

Program Guide

Keynote

9:00 am–9:45 am

The Missing Piece: Occupational Therapy’s Call to Action in Maternal Mental Health

Mauly Her Lo, PP-OTD, MS, OTR/L, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Occupational therapy is the missing piece in maternal mental health. This session challenges traditional narratives, explores occupational therapy’s untapped role, and empowers participants to reimagine care through identity, justice, and bold interdisciplinary action.

10:00 am–11:00 am

Concurrent 101

Thriving Together: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Promoting Family Resilience in Early Intervention

Kia Burks, OTD, OTR/L; Evguenia Popova, PhD, OTR/L, both of Rush University, Chicago, IL

Contributing Author: M. Veronica Llerena

This session presents trauma-informed strategies to build social supports as a means to bolster family resilience, with case examples and tools to support parents, increase advocacy, and guide occupational therapy professionals in addressing disparities in early intervention.

Concurrent 102

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Managing Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Symptom Exacerbation in Long COVID Patients

Amy Mooney, MS, OTR/L, Private Practice, La Grange, IL

This short course introduces occupational therapy practitioners to the assessment and management of Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) or Post-Exertional Symptom Exacerbation (PESE) in ME/CFS and Long COVID. It emphasizes PEM/PESE screening, pacing, and rest to enhance patient functional capacity and quality of life outcomes.

11:15 am–12:15 pm

Concurrent 103

Reducing Suicide Risk During the Menopause Transition Through Community Interventions

Stephanie Edwards, Wrexham University, Wrexham, United Kingdom; Rebekah Jarrar, OTD, OTR/L; Kaylee Munch, OTR/L, both of University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, St. Augustine, FL

This session explores suicide risk during menopause and highlights community interventions as a protective factor. It will promote holistic, socially responsive approaches that can inform occupational therapy practice and enhance midlife women's mental health outcomes.

Concurrent 104

Supporting Life’s First Co-occupation: Occupational Therapy’s Distinct Role Within Interdisciplinary Lactation Care

Kimberly Krebs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

This session explores the unique value of occupational therapy practitioners within interdisciplinary lactation and postpartum care. Participants will actively propose ways to increase occupational therapy visibility in this emerging practice area.

2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Concurrent 105

Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy for Pregnant and Postpartum Teenagers

Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami, FL

Pregnant and postpartum adolescents face trauma, mental health challenges, and occupational disruptions. This course explores occupational therapy’s role in trauma-informed care, interoceptive awareness, and occupation-based strategies to improve practice and health.

Concurrent 106

Addressing Diabetes Distress in Type 1 Diabetes Care: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Wellness for Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Birthing People

Jordan Major, OTR/L, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Contributing Author: Stefanie Bodison, OTD, OTR/L

This session explores the role of occupational therapy in managing diabetes distress for pregnant and non-pregnant birthing people with Type 1 diabetes. Using preliminary data, we'll discuss occupational therapy interventions to improve self-management and quality of life.

3:15 pm–4:15 pm

Concurrent 107

The Role of Capstone in Advancing Occupational Therapy Practice in Women’s Health

Marnie Renda, OTD, MEd, OTR/L, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH

The interactive session examines how doctoral capstones can enhance occupational therapy practice in women's health by focusing on key issues and fostering collaboration among practitioners. Participants will create capstone ideas to maximize impact on practice.

Concurrent 108

The Role of OT in Performance and Rehabilitation of the Female Athlete

Ashley Hobson, DSc, MOT, OTR/L, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

This presentation explores the distinctive contributions of occupational therapy in optimizing performance and facilitating holistic rehabilitation for female athletes.

4:30 pm–5:30 pm

Conversations that Matter | CTM 102

Advocating for Occupational Therapy’s Role in Eating Disorders: Past, Present, and Future

Rebecca Willman, OT, OTD, OTR, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; Kelly Farrell, Columbia University, New York, NY; Maddie Duzyk OTR/L, OTD, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Contributing Authors: Amy Ethridge, MS, OTR/L; Monica Williams, OTD, OTR/L, CEDS; Erica Tohtz, MOT, OTR/L, CEDS

As the role of occupational therapy in eating disorder treatment emerges, gaps in research and practice must be addressed. We invite practitioners, educators, and researchers to discuss their experiences and strategies to advance this practice area.

Program Guide

9:00 am–10:00 am

Concurrent 201

Navigating Perimenopause: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Supporting Daily Life and Well-Being

Karen Park, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA; Erin Bussell, OTD, OTR/L; Emma Schiewe, OTD, OTR/L, TTS, both of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Perimenopause can bring physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that impact daily life with significant disruptions for neurodivergent individuals. OT can address these changes through lifestyle interventions and supporting self-advocacy.

Concurrent 202

Redefining Care: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Fostering Racial Equity in Maternal Health

Jordan Major, OTR/L, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Contributing Author: Stefanie Bodison, OTD, OTR/L

This session explores the role of occupational therapy in addressing systemic inequities in maternal health for Black birthing individuals. Using the Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP) framework, it will focus on integrating JEDI principles to promote equitable care.

10:15 am–11:15 am

Concurrent 203

Not All Women’s Health is Maternal Health: Involuntary Childlessness and Implications for Occupational Therapy

Lindsey Trott, OTD, OTR/L, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT

Contributing Author: Raegan Furman, PhD, OTR/L, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT

Involuntary childlessness (IC) impacts women's roles and activities. This pilot study interviewed 15 women from eight countries about IC through an occupational therapy lens. Findings indicate occupational therapy can fill a gap in service for women experiencing IC.

Concurrent 204

Not Just a Balancing Act: Harmonizing Professional Quality of Life in Occupational Therapy

Evguenia Popova, PhD, OTR/L; Bridget Hahn, OTR/L, both of Rush University, Chicago, IL

We explore well-being, stress, and self-care as contributors to professional identity and quality of life in occupational therapy. We also evaluate opportunities to advocate for improved wellness initiatives on individual and organizational levels.

11:30 am–12:30 pm

Concurrent 205

An Occupational Therapy Approach to Address Maternal Mortality and Racial Inequities

Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, Integrated Therapy Services, Columbus, GA

Maternal mortality rates in the US due to preeclampsia continue to worsen, though it is largely preventable. This course was developed with an occupational therapy lens on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing maternal mortality.

Concurrent 206

Beyond the Nutrition Facts: A Feeding Therapist’s Lived Experience and Lessons Learned about Occupational Therapy’s Unique Value in Addressing Gestational Diabetes

Kimberly Krebs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Alex Krebs, MS, Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA

An occupational therapy feeding therapist shares her personal case study navigating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Participants will explore the development of a GDM roadmap with actionable, occupation-based tools to empower women in managing this diagnosis.

2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Concurrent 207

Evaluating and Treatment Planning for Psychosocial and Contextual Factors that Impact Perinatal Health

Ashley Hobson, DSc, MOT, OTR/L, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

This presentation highlights the essential role of occupational therapy in addressing psychosocial and contextual determinants of health during the perinatal period.

Concurrent 208

Supporting Role Transitions and Managing Stress in Postpartum Depression: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Crisis Response and Public Health

Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami, FL

Postpartum depression disrupts maternal roles, increasing stress and functional decline. This session explores occupational therapy strategies for stress management, role transitions, and integration with 988 response teams to advance maternal mental health care.

3:15 pm–4:00 pm

Closing

Menopause Matters: A Framework for a Comprehensive Interprofessional Workplace Wellness Initiative

Sarah McCadden, OTD, OTR/L, CSOT, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA; Elizabeth Richardson, OTD, MS, OTR/L, Mary Baldwin University, Harrisonburg, VA

Contributing Authors: Chesney Carroll, MSPAS, PA-C; Christine Flory, C.P.T, ACSM, NBC-HWC, PN-Lv1; Shelia Talbott, DNP, FNP-C; Catherine Turner, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS

This session introduces a comprehensive, interprofessional workplace wellness framework aimed at supporting employee well-being and enhancing occupational engagement through inclusive, supportive strategies.

Hotel reservation deadline: September 22, 2025

Host Hotel

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201

Hotel room rates: $186 (single/double), $206 (triple/quad)
Check-in: 4:00 pm; Check-out – 12:00 pm
Room rates include in-room basic high speed wireless internet.

Room reservations may be made online.
Room reservations may be made online. To secure a guestroom via direct call-in, dial 1-800-546-9513. To receive a sleeping room at our discounted group rates, reference special rate code AOTAOTR.

ADA Rooms: If you need an ADA room, please book through the online reservation system and email your confirmation to conference@aota.org. We’ll ensure your room is properly coded with the hotel.

Parking
Valet Parking: $54 per night for cars/$78 per night for oversized vehicles.

Self-Park is not available at the hotel. Please consult the area parking map for self-park options close to the hotel.

Airport and Travel Information
Portland International Airport (PDX): Distance from hotel: 9 miles

Ground Transportation Options
Taxi
Ridesharing: Uber/Lyft

TriMet MAX Light Rail