PhD Applied Health Sciences, Augusta University

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Milligan College

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Morehead State University

App Development & Virtual Reality

Upper Extremity Orthopedics

Interprofessional Education

Dr. Jason Hughes joined Lincoln Memorial University in December 2018 as the Founding Director and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Before coming to LMU, Dr. Hughes was an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Augusta University (Medical College of Georgia). He has worked in many types of settings, including upper extremity orthopedics and mild traumatic brain injury with the Department of Defense. While at Augusta University, Dr. Hughes served as the Director of Industrial Rehabilitation conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations. Dr. Hughes created the app OT Kinesiology Pro Consult, a free app developed to aid in the instruction of how to measure joint range of motion. The app won the Gold Medal in Educational Technology at the USA App Awards. He is married with three children.

Dr. Hughes earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Health Sciences from Augusta University. He earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Milligan College. His bachelor’s degree is in Exercise Science with an emphasis in kinesiology. Dr. Hughes has several peer-reviewed publications and has presented both nationally and internationally on topics including 3D printing, virtual reality, and interprofessional education.

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

Hughes, J., Allen, A., McLane, T., Stewart, J., Heboyan, V., De Leo, G. (2019). Interprofessional Education among Occupational Therapy programs: Faculty perceptions of challenges and opportunities. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. doi: 73(1):7301345010p1-7301345010p6.

Hughes, J., Wang, YC., Benevides, T., Iwama, M., Kearney, P., Lehman, L. (2018). Risk Stratification of Patients with Elbow, Wrist, or Hand Orthopedic Impairments Seeking Outpatient Therapy Services. Journal of Orthopedic Research and Therapy. doi: 10.29011/2575-8241. 001105

Hughes, J. K., & Kearney, P. (2017). Impact of an iDevice application on student learning in an occupational therapy kinesiology course. mHealth, 3(10). doi: 10.21037/,health.2017.08.02.

Doctor of Education, Lincoln Memorial University (in progress)

Doctor of Occupational Therapy with Emphasis in Orthopedics, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management, Liberty University

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Milligan College

Bachelor of Science in Political Science, East Tennessee State University

Leadership and Management

Upper Extremity Orthopedics

Interprofessional Education

Dr. Don Lewis joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2019 and currently serves as the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. He has over ten years of previous academic experience as an assistant program director, core faculty member, and adjunct faculty member for institutions in both Tennessee and Florida.  Prior to joining academia, Dr. Lewis served as the Occupational Therapy Manager and Hand and Upper Extremity Clinical Coordinator for a large physician-owned medical practice in Northeast Tennessee. He has practiced primarily in upper extremity orthopedics since 2007. In addition to orthopedics, Dr. Lewis worked in industrial rehabilitation conducting both Functional Capacity Evaluations, pre-employment job screening, and overseeing the work hardening program for his clinic.  He is retired from the U.S. Army and is married with two children.

Dr. Lewis is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education program at Lincoln Memorial University with a concentration in higher education and executive leadership. He earned his post professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with an emphasis in Orthopedics in 2008. Additionally, he has a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Liberty University and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Milligan College. While at Milligan College, Dr. Lewis conducted an individual thesis on the utilization of Tae Kwon Do as an adjunct treatment for children with ADHD. His bachelor’s degree is in Political Science with an emphasis in legal studies.

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

Lewis, D. (2018). Tendon rehabilitation: Factors affecting outcomes and current concepts. Current Orthopaedic Practice, (29)2, 100-104.

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.

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 enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and taking trips to Walt Disney World. 

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 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.   

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.

Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Concentration in Leadership and Administration, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Medical College of Georgia

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Arizona State University

Associate of Arts in General Studies, Mesa Community College

Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy

Interprofessional Collaboration

Occupational Therapy Entrepreneurship

Dr. Rita Troxtel joined Lincoln Memorial University in August 2021 as Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy. She has eight years of previous academic experience as program chair and core faculty member for Tennessee State University. Dr. Troxtel has over 20 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings including skilled nursing, outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation, dual-diagnoses mental health, acute care hospital, and owner of an occupational therapy company specializing in treating persons with developmental delay.

Dr. Troxtel earned a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She earned a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She holds two bachelor of science degrees in Occupational Therapy and Business Administration, and she has an Associate of Arts in General Studies. Dr. Troxtel is a Credentialed Leader in Academia and Physical Agent Modalities certified. She led an interprofessional educational competition to build dog wheelchairs. She co-wrote a book chapter and peer-reviewed articles, and she has presented on topics such as interprofessional education, learning disorders, pediatrics, and rheumatic diseases.

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

Troxtel, R., Coker, K. & Watt, C. A. (2018). Effectiveness of a student interdisciplinary collaboration project: Case study coupled with a dog wheelchair competition. International Journal of Social Health Information Management 10, Issue 18, pp. 125-133.

Watt, C. A. & Troxtel, R. (2017). Local, regional, and systemic disorders. In DiZazzo-Miller, R. & Pociask, F. D., Preparing for the occupational therapy assistant national board exam: 45 days and counting (pp. 291-308). Jones & Bartlett: Burlington, MA. (Original work published 2016 in Preparing for the occupational therapy national board exam: 45 days and counting, ISBN-13: 978-1284072457.)

PhD Rehabilitation, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

MS Rehabilitation Counseling, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

BS Occupational Therapy, University of Southern Indiana

BS Healthcare Management, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant, John A Logan College

Aging in Place

Social Determinants of Health

Psychosocial Impact of Disability

Interprofessional Education

Dr. Christine Watt joined Lincoln Memorial University in May 2021 and currently serves as Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. She has eight years of previous academic experience as an assistant professor, core faculty member, and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for programs in Tennessee and Kentucky. 

Prior to entering academia, Dr. Watt served in a rural area, which allowed her to practice across a spectrum of settings including school settings, lymphedema management, industrial rehabilitation, home health, and long-term care.  Dr. Watt was the initial occupational therapist in two southern Illinois critical access hospitals, helping establish permanent OT services in two underserved communities.   

Dr. Watt is thrilled to return to Tennessee.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. 

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

(2018) Troxtel, R. E., Coker, K. and Watt, C A. (2018) Effectiveness of student interdisciplinary collaboration project: Case study coupled with dog wheelchair competition, International Journal of Social Health Information Management 10, (18), pp. 125-133

(2016) Watt, C. A., and Troxtel, R.E. "Local, Regional, and Systemic Disorders." Preparing for the Occupational Therapy National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting,2^nd ed. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2016. 291-310

(2010) Watt, C.A., Sprong, M.E., Upton, T.D. (2010) Functional capacity evaluations: A guide for rehab professionals. In T.D.Upton (Ed.), Private rehabilitation: Evolving opportunities. (pp. 137- 157). Linn Creek, MO: Aspen Professional Services.

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