Instructor

Stephanie Phares, DHSc, OTR/L

Stephanie Phares, DHSc, MOTR/L is a professor of Occupational Therapy in the College of Health and Human Services. Stephanie holds a degree from St. Ambrose University and is an instructor in the Occupational Therapy program focusing on psychosocial issues with the occupational therapy framework.

Contact Us

Center for Health Sciences Education Office 255

563-333-6333

PharesStephanieL@sau.edu

Education and Training

MOT, Occupational Therapy, St. Ambrose University
BA, Psychology, St. Ambrose University

Presentations

2020 – AOTA Education Summit -The Role of Occupational Therapy in Family Practice Group Visits for Chronic Disease Management
2021 – AOTA Education Summit – Developing and Implementing Level I Fieldwork Experiences to Meet Student Learning Objectives While Enhancing Faculty Scholarship and Service.
2022 – IOTA Annual Conference – Conversations That Matter – The Role of Occupational Therapy in Addressing College Student Mental Health
2023 – St. Ambrose University Occupational Therapy Clinical Council – The Narrative Initiative session for clinicians
2024 – AOTA Inspire Conference - Faculty-led level 1 fieldwork: Utilizing the OT framework to prepare OTD students for Level II fieldwork. [Poster presentation].
2024 – AOTA Education Summit - Phares, S., Jones, J., Lansing, A., & McCombs, A. (2024, November 8). Addressing Student Stress and Anxiety in Graduate Level Occupational Therapy Students Using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach: A Mixed-Methods Randomized Control Study. [Conference Session]. American Occupational Therapy Association Ed Summit, Charlotte, NC.

Courses Taught

Interventions IIIA

This is the fifth of a series of six interventions designed to critically examine how the environment impacts occupational participation across the lifespan. Students will examine how the context and environment may alter the assessment of client factors, treatment planning, intervention strategies, and discharge planning in various practice settings. This course emphasizes environmental theories and models of service provision. Students will understand how clients access the continuum of care including treatment progression, discharge planning and termination of services provided by OT practitioners as part of an interprofessional team. Beyond direct intervention students will gain an appreciation of the complex issues facing individuals, families, and communities.

Interventions IB

Second of six interventions designed to critically examine the OT process, client factors, assessment and intervention strategies to promote occupational engagement across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on understanding theoretical constructs to guide assessment and intervention strategies. Use theories, models and frames of reference based on developmental, biomechanical, and rehabilitative content. Focus will be placed on the occupational impact that development, disease, and injury can have for individuals across the lifespan. Integration of all concepts from the first interventions course will be used to complete case-based learning modules.
Fieldwork IB on site clinical supervision for occupational therapy doctoral students

Doctoral Capstone Project I

Students will work with their mentor during this course as focused on their proposed area of interest for their doctoral capstone project. Students will utilize critical thinking as they examine and reflect on the literature and research and network with persons having content expertise. Students will be encouraged to think beyond current practice skills to promote the development of advanced knowledge. Prerequisites: Completion of OTD 575 and OTD 580.

Doctoral Capstone Proposal II

This course solidifies the advanced knowledge gained through the academic program into a specific doctoral project proposal. Students use the knowledge gained in analysis and synthesis of client factors, context, and environment factors, population needs and research findings related to their individual interests as they formalize their capstone project that connects theory to practice. The students will continue to build upon their reasoning skills and knowledge of the OT Process to understand the elements of their individual interest and how those impact occupational performance, participation, and overall health and wellness. The student may incorporate interviews, networking, and observation/field hours to identify relevant locations where advocacy and impact could occur during the experiential component. Pre-requisites: OTD 676; Concurrent enrollment in OTD 705.

Doctoral Capstone Proposal III

In this course, students present their capstone project that has evolved throughout the curriculum supported by cases and projects. The capstone project reflects a synthesis of advanced knowledge connecting theory to practice. Critical reflection on the didactic coursework, practice experience that students encountered during Level II Fieldwork, and new information observed in the Capstone Experience is utilized to inform the proposed project which describes a service and role occupational therapy could play in support of occupational participation. Prerequisites: OTD 626, OTD 676, OTD 705, OTD 710.

Professional Service

2019-2023 – NAMI Education Committee
2022 to present – Service groups for One Eighty, a faith-based substance use treatment center
2023 to present – Yoga instructor at Gigi’s Playhouse, Moline, IL
2023 to present - NAMI Family to Family Facilitator
2023 to present – NAMI Parents & Caregivers of the Youth Support Group & Family Support Group facilitator
2023 to present – Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) faculty advisor
2023 to present – SAU Center for Teaching Excellence committee member
2024 to present – SAU Bee Well Committee