51勛圖

  • Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

51勛圖 Me

I am a native North Dakotan and a graduate of the University of Mary's occupational therapy program. I am passionate about helping others gain confidence and independence. Through my experience supervising fieldwork students as their clinical educator, I realized teaching was another passion of mine. I love seeing students understand concepts and apply them when working with individuals in our community through fieldwork and clinical opportunities. My passion is pediatrics, but I've truly enjoyed working with all age groups, especially incorporating animals into my practice.

Why Im At Mary

I began my occupational therapy career practicing across the country, including in Florida, Washington, California, and on the East Coast. While those experiences were invaluable, they reinforced that my roots belong in North Dakota, where the kindness and sense of community are truly special. The University of Mary was a natural fit because of its strong mission and commitment to service. Through meaningful community partnerships, I have continued to grow professionally while deepening my passion for serving others.

Expertise

I have 15 years of experience as an occupational therapist, primarily in pediatric settings, with diverse experience across all age groups. I have certifications in the AEIOU Pediatric Feeding Approach, the MNRI Maximizing Brain Potential Approach, LSVT BIG Treatment for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease, Herman and Wallace Pediatric Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, and Natural Lifemanship, an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Treatment. I have additional education in Sensory Integration treatments and Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approaches.

 

To The Heights: The Impact of Pediatric Interprofessional Experiential Learning on Students & Families Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, 2025

The Impact of Experiential Learning in a Pro Bono OT Clinic on Clinical Reasoning Development American Occupational Therapy Association Inspire Conference, Orlando Florida, March 23, 2024

Dignity at Every Size: Healthcare Perspectives for treating individuals with obesity-Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences Catholic Medical Conference Breakout Session, December 2, 2023

An OTs Lens on Trauma Informed Care, Horses, and Healing guest speaker on Podcast Hearts & Hooves Turquoise & Trauma, April 26th, 2022, Bismarck, ND

Effects of Mindfulness Group on Anxiety and Quality of Life in Elementary Aged Students in the Upper Midwest NDOTA Poster Presentation, October 8th, 2021, Bismarck, ND

Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy NDOTA Webinar, March 27th, 2021

Therapeutic Riding: An Occupational Therapy Perspective at Therapeutic Riding for Heart and Soul PATH certification Workshop, May 2018, Bismarck ND

Structured Group Activities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities In a Day Program: Effect on Engagement and Affect American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference Poster Presentation April 2013 San Diego, CA

 Guest Lectures Requested by Interdisciplinary Faculty

 Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health-Department of Music, Fall 2023

 Splinting Basics for Athletic Trainers-Department of Athletic Training, Fall 2023

 Sensory Integration Basics -Department of Speech-Language Pathology, June 2020-2022

Peer-Reviewed Article

Sandvig, J., Hanson, D., & Kitzenberg, P. (2023). The Impact of Experiential Learning in a Pro Bono OT Clinic on Clinical Reasoning Development. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 21(4).

Prime Matters Publication 

The Dignity of Occupation-Prime Matters Commentary, October 5, 2022,

Education

OTD: University of Saint Augustine School of Health Sciences, 2018
MS (Occupational Therapy): University of Mary, 2011

Feature Content

Using animals to help individuals is a passion of mine. I have a certified volunteer therapy dog through Love on a Leash that I enjoy taking to nursing homes and other service opportunities. Violet visits my students on campus often, and the positive effect she has on them is easily seen. I also am doing research on utilizing concepts of Natural Lifemanship that use the connection individuals have with horses to heal their trauma. My students and I have worked with a group of adolescents who have experienced trauma, using the horses and expertise from a non-profit therapeutic riding facility TR for Heart and Soul.  

Until one has loved an animal, a part of ones soul remains unawakened.-Anatole France.