MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Welcome to MiOTA’s Fall Conference 2026!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

arrow_back View All Dates

9:45am CDT

The doctoral capstone: A diverse and innovative approach to expanding opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am CDT

Brahams (88)

This presentation will identify the doctoral capstone purpose and process, delineate the capstone team member roles, compare and contrast fieldwork to capstone and highlight the benefits to the capstone host site. Several doctoral capstone experience examples will be explored and anticipated timelines will be discussed. Representatives from the four entry-level OTD programs in Michigan including Concordia University - Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Flint, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University will share information about each of their curriculum's research, leadership and capstone preparation-focused coursework. The session will conclude with networking and brainstorming of potential capstone ideas

Speakers

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL, FMiOTA

Capstone Coordinator, Master Faculty Specialist, Western Michigan University

I started my career in academia fresh out of graduating from WMU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program in 2011. I worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for a couple of years prior. Honestly, it was a right place/right time circumstance. I sat... Read More →

Marra Robert, OTD, OTRL

Capstone Coordinator, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan - Flint

Dr. Robert is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Michigan-Flint. She is a national board-certified occupational therapist and licensed practitioner in the state of Michigan. Her clinical... Read More →

Reggie Kehoe OTD, OTRL

Capstone Coordinator, Assistant Professor, Concordia University

Dr. Kehoe is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and an assistant professor for the OTD and Rehabilitation Science programs at Concordia University Ann Arbor. His clinical experiences include providing occupational therapy services in acute care, inpatient mental health, and hospital-affiliated... Read More →

Christine Kivlen, PhD, OTRL

Capstone Coordinator, Clinical Assistant Professor, Wayne State University

Dr. Christine Kivlen is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the Department of Health Care Sciences at Wayne State University. As an occupational therapist with over 12 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kivlen specializes in mental health, human-animal... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am CDT
Brahams (88)

common

global Y

1:00pm CDT

A View From AOTA: Inspire 2026

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Brahams (88)

This session will describe the experience of attending the 2026 Annual AOTA Inspire Annual
Conference. Updates from various workshops, poster sessions, and the exhibition hall will be
reviewed. Benefits of networking while at conference will also be explored.
Objectives:
1. Attendees will identify at least 3 reasons to attend AOTA Inspire 2027
2. Attendees will understand the difference between State and National Conference
3. Attends will identify how attending AOTA conference can benefit both personal and
professional growth.

Speakers

Mary Ellen East

MS, COTA, ROH, MiFOTA, N/A

Mary Ellen East has been an occupational therapy assistant practitioner
for 40 years and an educator for over 25 years. Volunteering at both
the national and state level which began as a student and has
continued throughout her career. At the national level she has served in
roles of... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Brahams (88)