Misericordia Occupational Therapy Department, 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA (2026)

12/15/2025

🌟 Congratulations BS in OS Class of 2025! 🌟

This weekend we celebrated the BS in OS Class of 2025 with a pinning ceremony on Saturday evening and graduation on Sunday afternoon.

The MUOT faculty are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished so far and cannot wait to see you continue to excel in the graduate phase of the program! 💙💛

12/10/2025

📢 Breaking Barriers in Bariatric Care!

Hello! My name is Morgan Lapshanski, a doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy department at Misericordia University. I’m excited to invite healthcare students at Misericordia to join my educational workshop series focused on providing quality care to the bariatric population.

✅ What’s included?
12 online, asynchronous educational videos
Pre- and post-tests to measure learning
Topics: safe-patient handling, weight-bias, and inclusive language
This is a great opportunity to build your skills and foster a safe, welcoming environment for all patients!

📌 Register https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhAlr2hcL4hp9byGj3oq3_WeolkF10WEqCxGqMxP5pzWApaw/viewform?usp=header

📧 Questions? Contact me at lapshanm@misericordia.edu or 908-674-2765

12/08/2025

🌟 Introducing Rheumatic Resilience! 🌟

Hi everyone! My name is Shannon O’Donnell, an occupational therapy doctoral student at Misericordia University. I’m excited to offer a FREE 10-week, evidence-based educational program designed for young adults (ages 18–30) living with rheumatic conditions.

This program will help you:
✅ Build health-promoting habits and routines
✅ Learn strategies for joint protection & energy conservation
✅ Explore pain management techniques
✅ Improve sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being
✅ Connect with others who share similar experiences

📍 Location: Misericordia University, OPT Building
📅 Dates: January 20 – March 24, 2026
🕔 Time: Tuesdays, 5–6 PM

Ready to join?
Contact me at (570) 690-8716 or odonnes1@misericordia.edu to sign up!

Let’s work together to build knowledge, confidence, and a healthier routine. 💪

12/07/2025

🐴 Unique Opportunity for Stroke Survivors🐴

Are you an adult stroke survivor looking for a unique way to support your recovery? Join our Therapeutic Horseback Riding or Equine-Assisted Services Program in Bangor, PA! The program is offered by Jenn Lomastro, owner of Fellowship Equestrian Services and PATH-trained therapeutic riding instructor, and Caity Balestrini, a graduate occupational therapy student at Misericordia University.

✅ What’s included?
Individualized equine-assisted services
Therapeutic horseback riding at a reduced cost
Focus on strength, range of motion, and quality of life.

📅 Dates: January 22 – April 9, 2026
🕛 Time: Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Fellowship Equestrian Services, Bangor, PA

Limited spots are available! Recruitment ends January 10, 2026.

📧 To sign up contact:
Caity Balestrini: balestrc@misericordia.edu | 484-634-2525
Dr. Kathleen Hughes-Butcher: kbutcher@misericordia.edu | 570-674-8180

12/06/2025

🌱 Embrace the Green Thumb! 🌱

Are you recovering from a stroke that occurred 6+ months ago? Looking for a way to regain independence and confidence while doing something meaningful?

Join our FREE 10-week chronic stroke recovery program at Misericordia University Occupational Therapy!

✅ 10 group gardening sessions to build strength, coordination, and safe movement
✅ 9 individual sessions tailored to your goals
✅ A binder full of strategies and skills you develop
✅ Fun, hands-on activities like planting, garden bed creation, and more!

📍 Location: Misericordia University Campus
📅 Starting January 2026

Ready to get back to the things you love?
Scan the QR code on the flyer or sign up here:

https://forms.gle/unSCvHxXtTkY8p72A

📧 Contact Brianna Padovano at padovanb@misericordia.edu or (908) 331-5049
Let’s grow together—one step at a time! 🌿

12/05/2025

🍴 Introducing “Tasting Together” – A Social Group for Autistic Students! 🍴

Do you know a student who loves food and wants to build social skills? “Tasting Together” is a weekly program designed for local autistic students to connect through a shared interest: food!

👥 What’s Included?
Learn and practice social participation skills (initiating/responding, emotional regulation, collaboration)
Prepare simple, tasty after-school snacks and meals
Build friendships and confidence while exploring easy recipes to enjoy with family and friends

📅 When: Mondays, Jan 19 – Apr 13, 2026 | 4:00 PM

📍 Where: Misericordia University OPT Building
Leader: OT Doctoral Candidate, Morgan Gayton, under the supervision of an OTR

Eligibility:
Ages 9–15
Diagnosis of autism or sensory processing disorder
Reads/Writes/Speaks English
Reliable transportation to/from Misericordia University

✅ Benefits:
Social engagement and skill-building
Kitchen safety and food prep knowledge
Strengthened social confidence

⚠️ Risks: General kitchen-related injuries

📩 Interested? Contact Morgan Gayton:
📧 gaytonm@misericordia.edu
📞 570-991-8187

Please include your name, your child’s name, and your contact info.

✨ Let’s make connections—one recipe at a time! ✨

12/04/2025

🧩 Sensory Social LEGO Group – Spring Session! 🧩

We’re excited to announce that the Sensory Social LEGO Group is back this spring at Misericordia University!

This program is designed for autistic children ages 7–12 to build confidence and social skills through fun, hands-on LEGO activities. Haleigh Merriman, an OT Doctoral Candidate, will lead the sessions under the supervision of an OTR.

✅ Purpose: Improve confidence with social participation
✅ Focus: Teamwork, communication, and peer interaction

📅 When: Thursdays, Jan 22 – Apr 16, 2026 from 4:30–5:30 PM
(No session April 1 for Easter)
📍 Where: Misericordia University OT/PT Building Pediatric Clinic

Requirements:
Child must be able to sit for 30 minutes and verbalize responses to peers
Ages 7–12 with autism
Reliable transportation

📩 Reserve your spot today!
Contact Haleigh Merriman, OTS
📧 merrimah@misericordia.edu

12/03/2025

🌟Exciting Opportunity for Autistic Children!🌟

Hello! I’m Morgan Gayton, an OT Doctoral student at Misericordia University. I’m thrilled to introduce “Shine on Stage Right”—a weekly performing arts-based social group designed for autistic children ages 6–14.

🎭 What is Shine on Stage Right?
This unique program combines the magic of the performing arts with social skill development! Participants will:
✅ Engage with peers in a supportive environment
✅ Strengthen skills like teamwork, emotional regulation, and conversation cycles
✅ Explore singing, dancing, acting, and even technical production elements

💡 Why Join?
Build social connections
Discover the performing arts
Boost confidence and communication skills

👩‍🏫 Supervision: Each child will receive personalized attention with a 1:1 trained volunteer ratio for maximum engagement and enjoyment.

📅 When: Wednesdays, Jan 21 – Apr 15, 2026 @ 4:30 PM
📍 Where: Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University

Eligibility:
Ages 6–14
Diagnosis of autism or sensory processing disorder
Reads/Writes/Speaks English
Reliable weekly transportation

📩 Interested? Contact Morgan Gayton to sign up:

📧 gaytonm@misericordia.edu
📞 570-991-8187
Please include your name, your child’s name, and your contact info.

✨Let’s help kids shine on stage—and in life!✨

12/02/2025

📣 Hey MUOT Community! 📣

Our ELOTD students have been busy designing programs, workshops, and activities for children and adults of all ages that address needs in our local area.

These are all part of their doctoral capstone experiences, which begin in January. However, recruitment begins now!

Visit our socials over the next few days to learn what is being offered and how to sign up. Spots are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Feel free to share any opportunities you see with family, friends,co-workers, etc.

Thank you for your support of the MUOT Program and our students! 💙💛

11/17/2025

🚔💙 Introducing the Blue Envelope Program 💙🚗

The Dallas Township Police Department and the Cougars for Autism Awareness Club at Misericordia University have teamed up to launch the Blue Envelope Program — a powerful initiative designed to foster safer, more understanding interactions between law enforcement and autistic drivers. The Blue Envelope Program is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health

🔹 The Challenge:
When autistic individuals are pulled over, the stress of the situation can cause them to become overwhelmed or dysregulated. This may affect their ability to communicate clearly — and unfortunately, these behaviors can sometimes be misinterpreted by officers as noncompliance or aggression.

🔹 The Solution:
The Blue Envelope is a simple but effective tool. It contains copies of:

• The driver’s license, registration, and insurance information of the driver
• Emergency contact information
• A clear note alerting the officer that the driver is autistic and may need extra time, space, or communication support

This envelope helps bridge the gap between misunderstanding and compassion — ensuring that both the driver and the officer feel safe and informed.

💡 Awareness saves lives. Understanding builds trust.
Let’s spread the word and support inclusivity by engaging in the Blue Envelope Program:

Pick up of Blue Envelopes for you or a loved one is on
Date: November 22, 2025 11am-3pm
Location: Misericordia University Campus
Building: Insalaco Hall
Address: 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612
Or
Date: December 1, 2025, 4-6pm
Location: Misericordia University Campus
Building: Occupational and Physical Therapy (OPT) Complex
Address: 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612

For more information contact: 570-674-3330
Lcharney@misericordia.edu or otempleton@misericordia.edu

Are you a family member of an autistic driver? If so, click here for a video about the Blue Envelope Program.
https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTXXYnnFHRD

If you are unable to pick up the envelope in person, you can request a Blue Envelope at the following link:
https://www.lvhn.org/blueenvelope

11/06/2025

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience! MUOT is thrilled to host our Switch Adapted Toy Program on December 1, 2025, from 4–6 PM at the OPT Building on Misericordia University’s campus.
This FREE event is your chance to:
✅ Explore a variety of switch-adapted toys
✅ Work with our OT elves to find the perfect toy and switch for your child’s unique needs
✅ Take home an adapted toy purchased through a generous community grant

Spots are limited—sign up today and make this holiday magical!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4CAEAB22ABFF2-60251965-adapted

Let’s make sure every child gets the joy they deserve this season. Share this opportunity with families who would benefit—and join us for the fun!

11/06/2025

This month, OTD students completed training and earned certification as CarFit technicians. 🚗 🚙

Along with OTA students from Lackawanna College, they hosted an intraprofessional CarFit event on campus, supporting local senior drivers by ensuring the best “fit” of a car for safety and comfort.

Misericordia Occupational Therapy Department

12/15/2025

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