At a key transition point in their studies, occupational therapy students across all USAHS campuses participate in a meaningful ritual, witnessed by family and friends. The OT pinning ceremony marks the end of the classroom portion of their studies and the beginning of their fieldwork. For Residential MOT and OTD students, this happens in their fourth term, and for Flex, in the seventh term.
A longstanding tradition in OT practice, the pin celebrates the diversity of practice areas, the client-centered nature of our practice and the values of our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for faculty to acknowledge our students’ transition from classroom learning to clinical learning,” says Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs on Read more
Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah
Master of Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Interests
Pediatrics with focus on autism spectrum disorders
Executive function
Trauma-informed care
Interoception
Dr. Cara Koscinski earned her post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 1997, and BS in Health Sciences in 1996. She was inducted to the Pi Theta Epsilon occupational therapy honor society. Dr. Koscinski is a mother to her own two children with special needs. Not only does she understand occupational therapy techniques, but she is able to appreciate the unique perspective of the caregiver. Known as The Pocket Occupational Therapist, Dr. Koscinski has published six award-winning books for therapists and caregivers of children with special needs. Her busy website, www.PocketOT.com provides information and continuing education courses for OTs worldwide and has over 95,000 followers via many media channels. Writing a free weekly educational blog since 2005 has brought Cara notoriety as one of the first and longest-running occupational therapy bloggers. Dr. Koscinski serves as the OT advisor and regular contributor for Autism, Asperger’s, and Sensory Digest Magazine and speaks professionally at state and national conferences and continuing education organizations. In addition to her longstanding work as a private practice OT, Cara is a successful entrepreneur. She founded a successful pediatric occupational therapy practice in Pittsburgh, PA and creates products for individuals with special needs. Her products are sold worldwide via the web and in catalogues. As an executive team member of www.myHana.org, Dr. Koscinski serves as Executive Vice President of content development. Her work with the company involves bringing information to caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders from birth through adulthood. Dr. Koscinski also serves as a Wisdom Caregiver for myHana to help support caregivers after a new autism diagnosis.
