2015 Annual MOTA Conference

Friday and Saturday April 10-11, 2015

2 Day MOTA member: $325 nonmember $400

1 Day MOTA member: $225nonmember $300

Vendor/Student 2 day $150 1 Day $100

**Please Note: If you are currently not a MOTA member you will need to write a separate check for membership dues or renew your membership online first in order to register and pay at the MOTA member rate.**

**If you plan on attending the Friday Pediatric course (TAKE FIVE! “How Does Your Engine Run?”®) there will be a $30.00 added charge to your conference fee to include you booklet for the course. **

The Big Horn Resort

1801 Majestic Lane

Billings, MT 59102

406.839.9300 1.877.995.8999

MOTA room block rate, until March 25th

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Mara Arlington MPT, DPT – Owner graduated from the University of Montana inMissoula with her Master’s degree in physical therapy in 2001.She initially worked in Alaska at a rural hospital experiencing everything “the final frontier” has to offer.She and her husband then returned to the Bitterroot valley in 2002, and currently live in the Florence area with their 2 sons and daughter.She has worked in several outpatient therapy clinics and hospitals throughout the region. She became the owner of Florence Therapy and Wellness in 2008, and began the Rocky Mountain Riding Institute hippotherapy program in 2009. Mara works full-time at the outpatient clinic as well as at the barn, treating patients with their physical therapy needs. Mara received her DPT in physical therapy in 2012 from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with an emphasis in pediatrics and capstone literature project in hippotherapy. She is currently pursuing specialist certification both in orthopedics as well as pediatrics. Mara’s hobbies include spending time with her family, going to the cabin, running, hunting and horseback riding. She is very active in her career and has presented at many local venues, as well as at state colleges and community events.

Chris Phipps, OTR/Lis a registered, licensed occupationaltherapist with more than 35 years of experience. She has practiced in the states of Minnesota and Montana in both private practice and school based services, recently returning to Montana and the Bitterroot Valley. Her primary scope of practice is in pediatrics, including early intervention/0-3 years of age as well as with sensory processing disorders, including Autism Spectrum diagnosis. Chris also has experience with upper extremity rehabilitation.Chris has completed extensive continuing education in many areas of OT; emphasizing in visual fine motor difficulties, Sensory Processing Disorder, and hippotherapy. She works part time for a Missoula school district and part time with Florence Therapy and Wellness, both in the clinic as well as the horse arena services. In her free time, Chris likes to spend time with her family, go camping, work in her gardening, and do quilting; but especially loves being a grandma to her 9 grandchildren.

Jo Acton is a native Montanan who was raised on a ranch in the eastern part of the state. She has been involved with dogs for many years and has been a Pet Partner evaluator/handler since 1996. She has had a number of therapy animals and recently herAffenpinscher Kelly joined Jo in becoming a certified HOPE AACR Canine Team. Her involvement with dogs includes not only therapy, but competing in conformation. She has traveled around the world with her dogs to compete. Jo worked in corrections for over 18 years with juveniles and adults and has incorporated therapy animals into these settings to facilitate the residents desire to change.

Mary Martin and Ellie, Mary’s HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Canine,reside in Bozeman, Montana. Mary taught in both Oregon and Montana and had the privilege of working with students at both the elementary and high school level over the course of her 25 year career. Since her retirement in 2004, she has been volunteering in many arenas. In 2006, she has had the opportunity of working alongside her canine partners visiting within Elder Care Homes, the local area hospital, the R.E.A.D. program at the Bozeman Library, as well as responding to local, state, and national call-outs within communities experiencing a crisis or disaster. She is currently the Regional Director for HOPE AACR’s Rocky Mountain Region.

Ginger Walls, PT, MS, NCS, ATP/SMS is a Clinical Education Specialist for Permobil. Ginger has over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist in the area of neuro rehab and wheelchair seating and mobility.Ginger has provided a variety of continuing education courses and lectures in the area of seating/mobility, including ISS, RESNA, and the PVA Summit.In her previous role, she was Regional Director of theOutpatient PT/OT Clinic and Seating/Mobility Program at Medstar NRH in Washington, D.C.

Carla Cay Williams OT/Lis an occupational therapist and owner of KidPower Therapy Associates in Albuquerque, NM. Carla Cay coordinates occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech/language therapy services for children across many settings and environments. She has provided a wide variety of treatment techniques including sensory integration, combined speech/language and motor therapy, and social skills groups that implement the Alert Program®. Carla Cay has been a colleague of Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger since the inception of the Alert Program® in 1987 and continues to further the program’s concepts. In addition to her innovative treatment, Carla Cay lectures internationally on sensory processing and consults with parents, teachers, and therapists in school, clinic, and home settings. She is the sole international trainer for the Alert Program®.

Paula H. Kitzenberg OTR/L, MHA, SIPTearned her Bachelors of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1992. She graduated from Montana State University-Billings in 2000 with a Master’s Degree in Health Administration. She has received specialized training from the University of Southern California which resulted in her sensory integration (SIPT) certification. Paula has held many clinical and leadership positions including lead therapist, program manager, and clinical director. She has also owned and operated her own private occupational therapy practice. She has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings but has specialized in pediatrics since the spring of 2001 with an emphasis on sensory integration dysfunction and autism. In the past, she has also served as an adjunct professor in the health administration program at MSU-B. She is currently employed by the University of Mary and serves as an assistant professor and site coordinator for the Billings program.

Jennifer Merchant

ShellieSyzmd, OTR/L(Sensational Kids, LLC, Sheridan, WY) is a pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Sensational Kids, LLC. Shellie graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University. The first few years of her career were based in outpatient adult therapy. After moving to New Mexico, she began working in the public schools which she continued after moving to Colorado. In 2007, Shellie returned to her hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming and began working at the Child Development Center. Throughout her career, she recognized that the educational setting can’t always provide the intensity of therapy needed to help children succeed across all environments. In 2010, she opened her first outpatient pediatric clinic specializing in the treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. Recognizing that the need for additional therapy for children is great in many areas of the state, she has since opened clinics in Cheyenne and Casper.

Jay A. Murray, CPOhas over 23 years of experience in the Prosthetic and Orthotic field. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Ergonomics and Biomechanics, from Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S. Jay received his post graduate training in Clinical Methods of Orthotics and Prosthetics from George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario. He is certified in Prosthetics and Orthotics by the American Board for Certification. His practice experience has included all aspects of Orthotic and Prosthetic care. He has worked extensively with pediatrics and adults as well as the geriatric population. He has advanced training in many of the most technologically advanced devices being utilized in the O&P field. This includes extensive knowledge and experience with Upper Extremity Myoelectric devices and Multi-articulated hands, Microprocessor knee units, Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and Stance control KAFO's. Jay has been invited to present at national conventions and meetings on a variety of subjects, including ground breaking utilization of an electronic Orthotic Knee Joint.He plays adult Hockey in Billings and is involved with the USA Hockey National Champion Montana ThunderBlades hockey program as a coach, and with the Yellowstone Soccer Association as a coach. Jay and his family love the outdoors and they enjoy golf, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Valerie D. Maeker, OTD, OTR/L has been an occupational therapists since 1995. She graduated with a BS in OT from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She has a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Utah (2000) and a doctorate of occupational therapy from Creighton University (2014). She has spent her career specializing in neuro rehabilitation, specifically spinal cord injuries and strokes. She is Neuro-IFRAH certified & NDT certified. She has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and skilled nursing. She ran the Montana Spinal Cord Spinal Support Group from 2006-2008. She is the co-founder of the Alaska Spinal Cord Support Group. Her personal interest include spending time with her husband and four children and traveling.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

FRIDAY:

KEYNOTE:Hippotherapy (Mara Arlington, MPT, DPT and Chris Phipps, OTR/L) 1Contact Hour

Animal-Assisted Activities/Therapy (AAA/T) and HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) teams(Jo Acton; Ms. Mary Martin, Regional Director of HOPE AACR) 1 Contact Hour

The Animal-Human Bond has never been more actively explored than is happening in America today! Across our nation people are seeking ways in which animals can ethically and professionally be used in support of others within the workplace. So it is important to ask ourselves, “Do these animals need to be trained, screened for appropriate behaviors, and registered or certified with an overseeing organization? And, how does one go about securing the information, training, and screening?” Join Jo Acton and Mary Martin, to learn the answers to these questions and so much more about Animal Assisted Pet Therapy and Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and how these two areas may help you when thinking about the work you are doing with your clients.

MOBILITY: Power Mobility Assessment:The Process from Intake to Fitting(Ginger Walls, PT, NCS, ATP/SMS) 2 Contact Hours / 0.2 CEU This session will help clinicians and providers conduct an effective power mobility assessment. All components of a successful mobility evaluation will be reviewed including subjective interview, mat evaluation, driving simulation, prescription considerations, and delivery/fitting of the equipment. The framework described will follow the guidelines published in the “RESNA Wheelchair Service Provision Guide.” Attendees will learn how to better observe the client neurologically and physically to determine the most appropriate input device and programming parameters to meet the client’s functional needs. Additionally, the client’s environment, activities and participation will also be considered to determine the most appropriate power wheelchair prescription.

MOBILITY: Funding Solutions: Overcoming Obstacles(Ginger Walls, PT, NCS, ATP/SMS) 1 Contact Hours. / 0.1 CEU

This session is designed to help the rehab team empower consumers to obtain funding for the equipment they need. It will also address specific elements and techniques to help clinicians write a powerful letter of medical necessity for mobility equipment. This course offers the clinician tools and knowledge to help a consumer be more successful in obtaining funding for appropriate equipment to meet their functional mobility needs. Current funding trends and federal regulations will be discussed. Examples of successful cases and letters of medical necessity will also be presented.

MOBILITY:Power Seat Functions: Examining the Myths(Ginger Walls, PT, NCS, ATP/SMS) 1 Contact Hours. / 0.1 CEU

Power seating is often prescribed to manage the risk of pressure ulcers, a potentially serious complication for individuals who use wheelchairs. There is much evidence suggesting the use of power seat functions will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers; however, clinicians sometimes have negative perceptions about the use of certain seat functions. Additionally, there is interesting research about the usage patterns of the various power seat functions that my impact the prescription of these features. The purpose of this session is to examine the research that is available and dispel the myths surrounding power seating. Also, through anatomical perspectives, the use of case studies and current research, attendees will better understand the importance of a holistic assessment for proper prescription of seat functions for functioning as well as management of pressure in the seated individual. Time will also be allotted for audience participation and discussion.

MOBILITY: The Power of Access Across the Lifespan(Ginger Walls, PT, NCS, ATP/SMS) 2 Contact Hours. / 0.2 CEUs

Imagine living your life with no control of your body or environment. Unfortunately, many people living with physical mobility limitations also lack control of their surroundings. As a rehab team, we can help consumers re-gain control of their life through assistive technology. This session will help clinicians and providers make neurological and physical observations to determine the most appropriate access method for functional power wheelchair driving. Beyond driving, various options for controlling the environment will also be discussed. Hands-on learning experience with power wheelchairs using a variety specialty input devices and environmental controls will be provided. Client case studies will be used to demonstrate possible solutions for individuals across the lifespan.

PEDIATRICS: TAKE FIVE!“How Does Your Engine Run?”® Introductory Alert Program®Theory and Activities(Carla Cay Williams, OT/L)6 Contact Hours“This presentation will review An Introduction to the “How Does Your Engine Run?”® The Alert Program® for Self-Regulation (Williams and Shellenberger, 1992). Through the Alert Program®, children learn a repertoire of strategies that strengthen their abilities to learn, interact with others, and work or play. Participants will be introduced to the Alert Program’s® information covered in Take Five! Staying Alert at Home and School (Williams and Shellenberger, 2001). This book is chock full of activities to use directly with students or to make recommendations to other school staff and parents. Whether or not participants are familiar with the Alert Program®, all will learn new, practical strategies to help student’s engines to run “just right.” This training will emphasize functional application of sensory integration theory for use at home and school.”

Participants will be required to register for this course NO LATER THAN MARCH 25TH and purchase theIntroductory Booklet, Take Five!book, and materials for “hands on” self-regulation learning: $30.00 per person. This will be added into the conference fee.

SATURDAY

PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS:General Overview(Jay A. Murray, CPO) 2 Contact Hours

This general overview of Prosthetics and Orthotics in General including the biomechanical basis of why we do what we do - with specifics geared towards the upper extremity. Particularly the innovations with Myo-electric and multi-articulated hands in UE Prosthetics.

PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS:Innovations in Upper Extremity Orthotics (Jay A. Murray, CPO) 2 Contact Hours

NEURO: Spinal Cord Injury: Basic Overview, Assessment and Intervention ideas along the continuum of Care & Best Practice Guidelines(Valerie D. Maeker, OTD, OTR/L)2 Contact Hours

This course is designed to meet the needs of clinicians with all levels of experience. The overall goal is to help each individual feel more comfortable with addressing the needs of clients with a spinal cord injury. If you have ever been apprehensive about treating a client with a spinal cord injury, then this is the course for you. This course will provide a general overview of SCI facts and statistics and lead into practical evaluation and treatment ideas along the continuum of care. Best practice guidelines will also be discussed. If you send specific questions relating to SCI, please send them to two weeks prior to the conference and I will make sure that these questions are included in the presentation.

PEDIATRICS: Yoga (Jennifer Merchant) 2 Contact Hours This course will focus on the functional integration of yoga techniques and strategies into the daily life of a family. The information will be especially beneficial for families/children who have sensory processing challenges. The information will be a combination of information sharing via handout, visual demonstrations, and participation (as people feel comfortable).