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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026
Welcome to MiOTA’s Fall Conference 2026!
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Thriving in the Trenches: A Guide for Occupational Therapists Navigating the School System.
LIMITED
Friday October 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bach (88)
Limited Capacity seats available
Whether you are a new school-based occupational therapist or transitioning from another practice setting, this interactive panel discussion is designed to help you successfully navigate the educational environment with confidence. Experienced school-based clinicians will share practical strategies, quick tips, and real-world insights to help you understand the unique responsibilities of school-based practice while supporting positive outcomes for students and fostering therapist confidence, effectiveness, and well-being.
Discussion will include strategies for transitioning into the school system, understanding the realities of educational practice, supporting students with IEPs through meaningful, occupation-centered services, preventing therapist burnout, and building a rewarding and sustainable career in school-based practice.
Together, we’ll explore questions such as:
  • What should I know before transitioning into school-based practice?
  • What are the biggest differences between school-based practice and other clinical settings?
  • How can I support positive outcomes for students while becoming a confident and effective school-based therapist?
  • What practical strategies can help me stay organized, efficient, and successful throughout the school year?
  • How can I protect my mental well-being and reduce the risk of therapist burnout?
  • How do I keep occupation at the center of educationally relevant services for students with IEPs?
  • What advice do experienced school-based clinicians wish they had received when they first entered the schools?
Learning Objectives: 
  1. Differentiate school-based occupational therapy from other practice settings.
  2. Implement practical strategies that support a successful transition into school-based practice.
  3. Integrate occupation-centered approaches that promote educational participation for students with IEPs.
  4. Identify strategies that support therapist well-being, resilience, and long-term success in the educational setting.
Speakers
avatar for Rosielee Wicks, OTRL

Rosielee Wicks, OTRL

Occupational Therapist, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Rosielee is an occupational therapist with more than 25 years of experience in both neurorehabilitation and school-based practice. Her clinical background includes acute care, burn rehabilitation, and serving students with neurodiverse educational needs. She is passionate about supporting... Read More →
KL

Kimberly L. Trueheart, OTR/L

Lead OTRL, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Kimberly L. Trueheart, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience spanning acute care, rehabilitation, and school-based practice. She is a member of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA) and serves as the Lead OT Ancillary Staff member with the Detroit... Read More →
KP

Karen P Tibbs, MS, OTRL, FMiOTA

At The Merger
Karen Tibbs, MS, OTR/L, FMiOTA is the Founder and Owner of At The Merger LLC and a Governor-appointed member of the Michigan Board of Occupational Therapy. With more than 30 years of pediatric and school-based occupational therapy experience, she has served students, families, and educational teams in a variety... Read More →
RW

Ruth White, MA,OTRL

OTRL, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Ruth White is a seasoned Occupational Therapist with 37 years of experience, including 26 dedicated years within the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). She currently serves at the Drew Transitional Center, where she focuses on empowering older students by developing... Read More →
Friday October 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bach (88)
  1 hour session

Attendees (1)


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