Phone: 865.338.5725
Email: colleen.bullen@LMUnet.edu
[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.
Phone: 865.338.5679
Email: alicia.belt@LMUnet.edu
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.
Phone: 865.338.5782
Email: emma.sabransky@LMUnet.edu
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.
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.
Email: acacia.gambrel@lmunet.edu
Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Huntington University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Lincoln Memorial University
Critical Illness Recovery
High Intensity Training in Geriatrics
Integrative Health/ Lifestyle Medicine
Occupational Therapy Advocacy
Women’s Health/ Pelvic Health
Dr. Acacia Gambrel joined Lincoln Memorial University in January 2024 as an Adjunct Faculty member for the OTD program and transitioned to the role of Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy in May 2024.
Dr. Gambrel is an Appalachian native who graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee and obtained her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Huntington University in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dr. Gambrel has worked primarily in acute care and critical illness recovery hospitals helping medically complex patients return to function. She has additional clinical experience in skilled nursing/long term care, home health care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy.
Dr. Gambrel spends her free time with her husband and daughter, family, and friends. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, spending time on the lake, exercising, reading, completing DIY home projects with her husband, and going on vacations.
Professional memberships include the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, and Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association.
Henton, P., Targonski, C., Gambrel, A., Rink, C., & Wirtz, S. (2021). Perceptions of stress, mindfulness, and occupational engagement among graduate-level occupational therapy students. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 5 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2021.050309
Phone: 865.338.5779
Email: jillian.pindar@LMUnet.edu
[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
DEBORAH RUEDIGER, OTD, OTR/L, CHSE, CAPSPhone: 865.338.5683
Email: deborah.ruediger@LMUnet.edu
[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 (2nd ed., Chapter 29). FA Davis.
Phone: 865.338.5687
Email: elizabeth.schmidt@LMUnet.edu
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.
Phone: 865.338.5781
Email: deborah.zeitlin@LMUnet.edu
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
Self-regulation/executive function
Community health and wellness
Community-based mental health
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.
Morgan Clopper , Morgan Daniels , Cristen Long , Sidney Ipock , Libby Kate Vaughn , Brock Pope & Deborah Zeitlin (2024) Occupational Therapy’s Role within the Middle and High School Settings in the United States, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, DOI: 10.1080/19411243.2023.2301113
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.
