[In Progress] Doctor of Philosopy in Educational Technology and Design, Walden University

Post-Professional Doctorate Summa cum Laude in Occupational Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Bachelor of Science cum Laude in Occupational Therapy, Saginaw Valley State University

Associate of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Joliet Junior College

Simulation Education

Virtual Reality

Assistive Technology

Modalities and Orthotics

Interprofessional Education

3D Printing

Dr. Deborah Ruediger graduated with her undergraduate degree from Saginaw Valley State University and her Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a specialty in Administration and Practice Management from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

 Dr. Ruediger has 20+ years of clinical expertise in the areas of hand therapy, geriatrics, orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, bariatric care, and adult rehabilitation. She completed her United Kingdom Hand Therapy Certification which provided knowledge regarding modalities, orthotics, and prosthetics. Her capstone focus was centered on making occupational therapy a standard of care after bariatric surgery.

Dr. Ruediger is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. in Education program at Walden University focusing on Education Technology and Design.  Dr. Ruediger recently completed her certification as a Certified Simulation Healthcare Educator (CHSE), as well as, her certification as a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS). She is currently pursuing a certification in Assistive Technology (ATP). She was recently awarded by the USAHS Board of Directors the Excellence in Innovation 2020 Award for Faculty. 

Puzziferro, M., McGee, E., Baldwin, T., Belleza, N., DeLuca, E., Evener, J., Layne, K., Matthews, J., Reed, R., Ruediger, D., and Somarriba, G. (2021).  Delivering virtual labs in rehabilitative sciences during covid-19: Strategies and instructional cases.  Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 24(1).

Ruediger, D. (2020).  Bariatric factors and management.  In A. Mahle & A. Ward (Eds.), Adult physical conditions: Intervention strategies for occupational therapy assistants (2^nd ed., Chapter 29).  FA Davis. 

Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science, Ohio State University

Metacognition

Interprofessional Education

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (Disorders of Consciousness)

Neurorehabilitation

Dr. Emma Sabransky joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2022 as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Prior to coming to LMU, Dr. Sabransky was a lecturer for Ohio State University and practiced part-time in adult neurorehabilitation. She additionally served as an adjunct faculty member for Xavier University.

Dr. Sabransky completed the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Neurologic Fellowship at Ohio State University in 2019-2020, gaining both independent and mentored experience working with patients with neurologic diagnoses, including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Sabransky has clinical experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation.

Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and American Occupational Therapy Association. In 2023,  Dr. Sabransky passed the Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation. 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Towson University.

Ms. Alicia Belt joined the Occupational Therapy Program team in January 2021. Previously she worked in a multi-disciplinary therapy clinic with Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Licensed Massage Therapists. She also has experience in the field of mental health. She is excited to be working in the OTD program and looks forward to contributing to the Fieldwork experience.

 Ms. Belt enjoys crafting, hiking, and spending time with her two children.

Medical Transcription/Transcriptionist Certification, Ohio State University

Business Administration and Management Certification, Port Huron School of Business

Ms. Kathy Chumley joined the Occupational Therapy Program team in April 2022. Previously, she worked with a CPA firm specializing in corporate accounting and taxes. She also has experience in the field of Medical Transcription. She is happy to be a part of the OTD program and looks forward to providing support to our cohorts.

Ms. Chumley is orginially from Harrogate, Tennessee and enjoys visiting her family in Harrogate and Cumberland Gap. In her free time, she enjoys family genealogy, crocheting and spending time with her family. 

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Events, Ball State University.

Ms. Laurana Lehman joined the Occupational Therapy Program team in October 2021. Prior to LMU, Ms. Lehman worked in a variety of hospitality and sales management positions in Florida and East Tennessee. She also has experience planning events that focused on connecting with the East Tennessee community. 

Ms. Lehman is currently enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration program at Lincoln Memorial University.

Ms. Lehman enjoys cooking, musical theatre, and taking trips to Walt Disney World. 

[In Progress] Doctor of Education, Lincoln Memorial University

Doctor of Occupational Therapy, University of Toledo

Bachelor of Science, University of Toledo

Certificate in Contemporary Gerontological Practice, University of Toledo

Interprofessional Education

Fieldwork Education

Pediatrics

Dr. Colleen Bullen joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2021 as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor.  Prior to joining the LMU team, Dr. Bullen practiced mostly in the area of pediatrics.   She also has experience in the areas of neurology, orthopedics, and acute care.  She has taken several Level I and Level II fieldwork students over the past 13 years. 

Dr. Bullen is new to the realm of Academia and looks forward to educating students on how to be successful during Fieldwork experiences.  She is excited about the interdisciplinary approach the LMU program is taking and is looking forward to expanding the knowledge of the local community about Occupational Therapy.  

Dr. Bullen spends her free time with her husband and two children.  She enjoys reading, hiking, and running.

Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, and Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association.

Doctor of Education, East Tennessee State University

Master of Occupational Therapy, Milligan University

Bachelor of Science, Public Health Administration, East Tennessee State University

Associate of Applied Science, Respiratory Therapy, East Tennessee State University

Emotional intelligence

Metacognition

Leadership

Therapeutic gardening

Yoga and Anxiety

Neurodegenerative disease

Dr. Rachel Ellis joined Lincoln Memorial University in August 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Ellis has 11 years of experience in higher education in both administrative and teaching roles.

 Dr. Ellis has experience in long-term acute care, acute care, skilled nursing care, home health, private practice, administration, and entrepreneurial endeavors.  Professional areas of interest and practice include complementary and integrative medicine, emerging practice in environmental modifications, end-of-life care, and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions with a focus on Parkinson’s and Dementia.

 Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and Yoga Alliance, and the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance.

PhD in Anatomical Education, Lincoln Memorial University

Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Northeastern University

Bachelor of Arts in Health and Exercise Science, Gettysburg College 

Student perceptions of preparation for clinical roles

Anatomy education for medical professionals

Dr. Martin has been an Instructor of Anatomy for medical and health professional programs since 2015. She recently received her PhD at Lincoln Memorial University in the Anatomical Education program.  Her dissertation was focused on students’ preparation for clinical rotations; specifically with performing clinical procedures.  Prior to pursuing her PhD, Dr. Martin served LMU and several other osteopathic programs as an anatomy instructor, lab facility manager, and donor program facilitator. 

 Dr. Martin earned a master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.  As an Exercise Physiologist, she worked with patients and clients in medical exercise programs, geriatric exercise research studies, and community health programs.  

 In September 2022, Dr. Martin joined the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program staff to support faculty and students with anatomy aligned coursework and lab facilities.  

 Dr. Martin and her husband have two daughters in elementary school and two small dogs. She enjoys boating in the summer, camping in the fall, and trying new restaurants.  

[In Progress] Doctor of Education, Lincoln Memorial University

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Boston University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William and Mary

Associate of Arts and Sciences, Central Virginia Community College

Low Vision Rehabilitation

Experiential Learning

Dr. Jackson Miller joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Prior to joining the LMU team, Dr. Miller practiced in both acute care and home health settings. During his time working in home health, Dr. Miller implemented a low vision program for clients experiencing vision loss. 

Dr. Miller completed advanced clinical practice in low vision rehabilitation with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired as well as the New England College of Optometry. He also created an educational module for optometry students to increase their awareness of occupational therapy and the functional implications of vision loss. While pursuing his OTD at Boston University, he worked closely with students both as a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Resident Assistant. Dr. Miller recently completed his certification as a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS).

Dr. Miller spends his free time traveling, enjoying nature, and completing DIY projects. 

Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and the American Occupational Therapy Association. 

[In Progress] Doctor of Education, Lincoln Memorial University

Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University 

Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, Central Michigan University 

Bachelor of Science in Child Development, Central Michigan University 

Adaptive Sports  

Neurodegenerative conditions 

Medically complex patient care 

Dr. Jillian Pindar joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2022 as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Before coming to LMU, Dr. Pindar served in adjunct faculty and lab instructor roles at East Tennessee State University and the University of Saint Augustine Health Sciences. She also worked clinically in Florida and East Tennessee. 

Dr. Pindar has worked in many types of settings including the acute care setting as an intensive care unit therapist, inpatient rehabilitation with individuals with traumatic brain injury and cerebrovascular accident, as well as skilled nursing facility settings. 

Dr. Pindar earned her occupational therapy doctorate from Creighton University. She holds two bachelor of science degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Child Development from Central Michigan University.     

Dr. Pindar spends her free time with her husband and two dogs, preferably outside. She enjoys running, hiking, reading, and cooking.  

Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and the American Occupational Therapy Association 

PhD Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ohio State University

Master of Occupational Therapy, Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Lindenwood University

Sexual and reproductive health education

Relationship education 

Pre- and post-natal education

Neurodevelopmental disabilities

Autism

Dr. Elizabeth K. Schmidt joined Lincoln Memorial University in August 2021 as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Before coming to LMU, Dr. Schmidt was a postdoctoral fellow at Boston University in the Families and Autism Research Lab studying interventions and supports used for diploma-track autistic students and developing a program to support sibling involvement in future planning for autistic adults. She completed her dissertation on the Usability and Feasibility of an Enhanced Sexual Health Education Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Ohio State University. Dr. Schmidt is currently funded by the National Institutes of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research to conduct qualitative research with LGBTQIA+ autistic adults to better understand the supports and barriers to community participation using a participatory research study design. Dr. Schmidt has several peer-reviewed publications and national presentations on topics related to sexual health, reproductive health, and relationships for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Schmidt has worked in schools, outpatient, and specialty clinics as a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner. Specifically, she worked in the NICU follow-up, cerebral palsy, cardiac, international adoption and stroke clinics. She is certified in the Prechtl General Movements Assessment. Dr. Schmidt has peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapter publications, and presentations on pediatric practice, specifically in the area of motor evaluation and treatment.

Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, American Public Health Association, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the International Society for Autism Research. She currently serves as the Communications Chair for the Disability Section of the American Public Health Association and the Secretary of the Students and Early Career Professionals interest network for the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She is married with one son.

Schmidt, E. K., Hand, B. N., Havercamp, S., Sommerich, C., Weaver, L., & Darragh, A. (2021). Sex education practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A qualitative study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75, 7503180060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ ajot.2021.044859

Krempley, T. & Schmidt, E.K. (2021). Assessing Activity of Daily Living Task Performance Among Autistic Adults. Autism and Adulthood, 3(1). DOI: 10.1089/aut.2020.0042

Tanner, K. J., Schmidt, E. K., Martin, K., & Bassi, M., (2020). Systematic Review on Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth (Ages 0-5 Years). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(2), 1-40. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.039644.   

Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Spalding University

MS Occupational Therapy, Rush University

MA Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

BA Psychology, North Central College

School-based practice

Pediatrics

Executive functioning/Self-regulation

Dr. Deborah Zeitlin joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2022 as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Before coming to LMU, Dr. Zeitlin worked as an adjunct faculty member at North Central College within the Psychology and Neuroscience Department. 

Dr. Zeitlin has worked in schools and outpatient pediatrics. She has experience in neurology, orthopedics, and rehab. Additionally, she has experience working as a research psychologist. Dr. Zeitlin spends her free time with her family. She enjoys dancing, exercising, gardening, and reading.  

Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, and Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association.

Maitra, K., Hall, C., Kalish, T., Anderson, M., Dugan, E., Rehak, J., et al. (2010). Research Scholars Initiative— Five-year retrospective study of inpatient occupational therapy outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, 689–694. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2010.090204

Zeitlin, D. K., & Skuller, J. (2022). Using universal strategies to support self-regulation in a virtual school setting. SIS Quarterly Connections, 7(1), 5-7.