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
EdD in Educational Leadership - University of New England 2021
DPT - Quinnipiac University 2010
BS - Quinnipiac University 2007
Research Interests
Pediatrics
Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technologies
Interprofessional Healthcare Education
Areas of Expertise
PediatricsInterprofessional Education and PracticeAdaptive Equipment and Assistive Technologies
Dr. Rosie DeFeo is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) on the Miami, FL campus. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2007, Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2010 from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, as well as her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership though the University of New England in 2021.
Before joining USAHS, she taught Pediatrics, Neurorehabilitation and Adaptive Equipment in both a Physical Therapy Assistant and Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She is board certified in pediatrics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and certified as an assistive technology professional through Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. She has more than 11 years of clinical experience in the field of pediatrics and assistive technologies.
