Additional Navigation

Hot Topic Webinars

Here is a collection of on-demand webinars related to occupational therapy.

How did this webinar clarify sensory integration approaches in school-based OT practice?

In this webinar, Joyce E. Rioux, EdD, OTR/L, SCSS, FAOTA, explored the growing use of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) in schools and addressed common confusion around sensory terminology and practice. The session clarified how terms such as ASI, sensory integration, and sensory processing are used and how they differ in theory and application.

Attendees examined the history and evolution of sensory theory and learned how ASI compares to other sensory-based interventions in school-based occupational therapy. The webinar emphasized the importance of understanding professional roles, applying evidence-based decision-making, and supporting meaningful student participation.

Attendees learned how to:

Differentiate ASI from other sensory-based approaches and terminology
Evaluate research and apply evidence to school-based OT practice
Apply sensory strategies to support student engagement, routines, and learning
Reflect on professional roles and decision-making in educational settings

The session encouraged practitioners to think critically, apply evidence in context, and strengthen their role in supporting student success.

What is interoception and how do occupational therapists evaluate and treat it?

This presentation explored interoception, the internal sensory system that supports awareness of physiological signals such as hunger, breathing, heart rate, and emotional arousal. The session highlighted how interoceptive awareness may be impacted across common diagnoses and the resulting effects on self-regulation, behavior, and occupational performance. Emphasis was placed on the critical role occupational therapists play in identifying interoceptive awareness difficulties and implementing neuromodulation-based interventions, including body scans and interactive activities, to help individuals recognize and label internal body states and improve regulation and functional participation.

How can occupational therapy support emotional regulation in children with trauma?

This webinar explored how occupational therapists can champion trauma-informed and resilience-building practices for children and youth impacted by adversity. Drawing from the foundations of mental health and the sensory processing framework, participants learned strategies for promoting regulation, safety, and connection in therapeutic and educational settings. The presentation highlighted the integration of sensory-based interventions within a trauma-informed lens, emphasizing predictability, empowerment, and choice to support participation and engagement.

Attendees gained tools for fostering resilience by embedding sensory supports within daily routines and environments to enhance self-regulation and emotional well-being. Through case studies and discussion, the session connected current evidence with practical application, aligning with the growing call for school-based and community OTs to address mental health across tiers of service delivery. Participants left with actionable strategies to design safe, supportive, and healing environments that help children move from surviving to thriving.

From Caseload to Workload: Redefining OT Practice with MTSS

This webinar focused on how OTs, as Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP), could shift from a caseload to a workload approach. Aligned with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), OTs supported all students by building buy-in through communication and shared ownership across professional support teams at the building level. Participants learned strategies for engaging school staff and administrators in understanding the OT’s role beyond direct services to students on IEPs, as well as ideas for starting small and expanding techniques that use the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to increase collaboration and co-teaching in classrooms.

Hot Topic in Healthcare: Expecting the Unexpected: What Nobody Tells You About Postpartum Care

Through a panel discussion, participants deepened their understanding of the mental, physical, and emotional well-being needs of birthing people and their partners during the postpartum period (up to one year). The panel examined the often-overlooked realities of the postpartum period through the lens of perinatal care professionals who work directly with families in the first critical weeks after childbirth. Centering both patient and partner experiences, the panel sparked dialogue among healthcare providers about how to close gaps in postpartum care and build more resilient and collaborative systems of support.

Hot Topic in Healthcare: Rethink Your Age

Using her sharp wit and real-world examples, Tracey Gendron, MS, PhD, transforms decades of research about age discrimination into a thought-provoking and often humorous conversation and provides actionable steps toward overcoming ageism within ourselves, our communities, our policies, and our culture.

What did attendees learn from this occupational therapy webinar, "Movement Breaks for Education"?

In this session, expert occupational therapist Dr. Donna J. Smith explored the important role OT practitioners play in training teachers to use movement breaks effectively. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in sensory-focused early intervention and school-based services for children ages 3–21, she shared a brain-based approach to integrating movement breaks into classroom routines.

How did this webinar highlight OT’s role in infant feeding and lactation?

In this Hot Topic webinar, Dr. Tessann Merkel explored how occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in supporting infant feeding and lactation. As a certified breastfeeding specialist, early intervention therapist, and registered yoga teacher, she shared a holistic perspective on maternal and infant health. Attendees learned practical strategies, gained insight into emerging research, and explored advocacy opportunities that highlighted OT’s growing impact in this area of practice.

How did this webinar explore trauma-informed sensory strategies in the classroom?

In this webinar, Dr. Audrie A. Vantangoli, MOT, OTD, OTR/L, explored how trauma-informed sensory integration training empowered educators and improved classroom behavior. She highlighted the critical role occupational therapists play in supporting teacher preparedness and fostering neuro-affirming learning environments. Attendees learned how targeted sensory strategies helped prevent maladaptive behaviors and supported stronger academic participation, particularly in post-COVID-19 classrooms.

How did this webinar address OT’s role in supporting school-based transitions?

In this Hot Topics webinar, presenters explored the role of school-based occupational therapists in supporting transitions for students with high-intensity needs. The session highlighted why effective transition planning is essential for ensuring equitable access to services and student success. Attendees learned how OTs can implement practical strategies to create smoother, more effective transitions that support continuity of care and access to essential supports.

How did this webinar explore "Why Design Matters in Healthcare"?

In this Hot Topics webinar, Elisa Watson discussed how effective graphic design helps communicate complex medical information clearly, builds trust with patients and providers, and encourages action through compelling visuals. In this session, participants explored how thoughtful design can drive better outcomes by focusing on three key objectives.

How did this webinar explore OT’s role in pelvic health care?

In this webinar hosted by Bay Path University, Karla Ehlers, OTR/L, MOT, PCES, explored the foundations of pelvic health care and its impact on daily occupations. The session highlighted the important role occupational therapists play in addressing pelvic health across diverse clinical settings.

Attendees learned how to:

Understand common pelvic health diagnoses
Recognize the connection between pelvic floor function and daily activities
Apply OT-informed strategies to support pelvic health and participation

These insights reinforced the growing role of occupational therapy in supporting functional outcomes and overall well-being.

In this engaging session, Elizabeth A. Dixon, OTD, MS Ed, OTR/L, guided participants through the foundational principles of advocacy, offering practical strategies to navigate challenges, collaborate with stakeholders, and promote inclusive educational environments.

In this Hot Topics in Healthcare series, presented by Dr. Nicole Newell G'24, Dr. Newell addressed how occupational therapy practitioners uniquely support mental health in schools due to their specialized skills. Positive mental health and well-being help children and youth function better in academic and non-academic settings. These objectives aim to build a comprehensive understanding of how school-based occupational therapy practitioners can support student mental health within educational systems.

In this Hot Topics in Healthcare series hosted by Bay Path University's post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, Hayley Chrastowski, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM, and Jessica Peterson, OTD, OTR, CLC, PMH-C, co-founders of Maternal Health OT explore the emerging practice area of occupational therapy in maternal health and the practitioner's role during the perinatal period and motherhood. This presentation reviews occupations and common needs for support from preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

In this Hot Topics in Healthcare series hosted by Bay Path University's post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez (she/they), author and owner of Living Sensory Occupational Therapy LLC, explores sex as an occupation; motor, sensory, and regulation considerations for intimacy and connection; sexual orientation and the gender spectrum; and reproductive justice.

Contact Info

Anastasia Spremulli

Director of Graduate Admissions

413.216.2804 aspremulli@baypath.edu www.baypath.edu

Apply Now

Request Info

Schedule an Appointment

Upcoming Events