Events
The Maternal Health Occupational Therapist's Role in NICU/Acute Pediatric Settings with Libby Skolnik
This session explores the emerging role of maternal health-focused OT within these high-acuity environments, emphasizing the interconnectedness of maternal well-being and infant development. Participants will examine the impact of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), occupational disruption, and co-occupational engagement during early motherhood. Through case examples and discussion, attendees will learn practical strategies to integrate maternal health into existing pediatric care, enhancing outcomes for both mother and infant.
About The Speaker:
Libby Skolnik M.S., OTR/L, CEIM, NTMTC is an occupational therapist, certified infant massage educator and neonatal touch and massage certified therapist. She has over 8 years of experience in acute care, inpatient pediatrics and special expertise in the Neonatal ICU. Libby currently works as an OT at Le Bonheur Children’s Level IV NICU treating premature and medically complex babies and their families. In addition to this, Libby founded her private practice, Born to Bloom, in 2023 which seeks to empower mothers, nurture futures and foster motherhood community through 1:1 treatment sessions and classes. And in 2024- she co-founded Maternal Health OT, for current and aspiring OT practitioners and students interested in Maternal Health. Libby is a wife and mother of two incredible children and so excited to share her love of moms and babies within the lens of the acute setting.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the unique contributions of maternal health occupational therapy within NICU and acute pediatric settings, including the promotion of maternal-infant bonding, mental health, and occupational engagement.
Describe key assessments and interventions used by maternal health OTs to support parents and infants in the NICU, with emphasis on trauma-informed care, sensory regulation, and early development.
Apply principles of family-centered and interdisciplinary collaboration to advocate for maternal health occupational therapy services in acute care and NICU environments
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): According to the 2024 NBCOT Activities Chart, this seminar may qualify for 1.25 continuing education units towards your NBCOT renewal. In order to qualify, you must complete the designated post test which will be emailed to all participants who attend the guest lecture. Once the post-test is completed, a link will be sent with a certificate for you to download for your personal CEU records. As each state and regional licensing board differs, please check your state licensing regulations to confirm if it qualifies toward renewal of state professional licenses.
The fee for this live webinar is $40.
It takes place via zoom on Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30pm CT/7:30pm ET
A recording will be sent to those who register and will be made available for 30 days.
This event is free of charge for Collaboration Members through The Network. Already a Member? RSVP in Heartbeat HERE
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: August 2025
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: August 2025. This virtual call is free and open to the public. Moderated by the founders of Maternal Health OT, it is an opportunity to ask your questions about supporting or specializing in maternal, parental, perinatal and dyad health and well-being through occupational therapy. All occupational therapy providers, researchers, students and anyone else interested in this topic is welcome to attend.
Are you a member of The Network?
Building the Foundation: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Postpartum Acute Care with Dr. Stacey Rosselot
This presentation explores the essential role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals during the immediate postpartum period within the acute care hospital setting. It highlights the unique physical, emotional, and functional challenges faced by new mothers and birthing parents, and outlines how OT interventions can promote recovery, optimize occupational performance, and support the transition to parenthood. Attendees will gain insight into assessment strategies, therapeutic interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy efforts necessary to establish and sustain postpartum OT services in acute care. Clinical examples and practical implementation tips will equip therapists to build a strong foundation for this emerging area of practice.
About The Speaker:
With over a decade of experience, Stacey specializes in acute care, maternal mental health, pelvic floor therapy, and infant/pediatric care. She is a certified Perinatal Health Specialist and and is currently pursuing her Level I certification as a Pelvic Floor Practitioner. Her doctoral research explored the role of postpartum social support in reducing the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression. Stacey is deeply passionate about supporting individuals through pregnancy and postpartum—treating holistically from “Belly to Baby.”
Stacey lives just outside of Mount Vernon, Ohio with her husband and daughter. She earned her Bachelor degree in Exercise Science from the University of Akron, followed by a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Findlay in 2015. Most recently, Stacey has completed her Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Indiana University (IUPUI) in 2023.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the unique occupational therapy needs of individuals in the immediate postpartum period within the acute care setting.
Describe evidence-based OT assessment and intervention strategies to support postpartum recovery and occupational engagement.
Discuss the role of OT in interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance postpartum care outcomes.
Outline practical steps for initiating and implementing postpartum OT services in a hospital-based acute care setting.
Advocate for the inclusion of occupational therapy in standard postpartum care through education, documentation, and program development.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): According to the 2024 NBCOT Activities Chart, this seminar may qualify for 1.25 continuing education units towards your NBCOT renewal. In order to qualify, you must complete the designated post test which will be emailed to all participants who attend the guest lecture. Once the post-test is completed, a link will be sent with a certificate for you to download for your personal CEU records. As each state and regional licensing board differs, please check your state licensing regulations to confirm if it qualifies toward renewal of state professional licenses.
The fee for this live webinar is $40.
It takes place via zoom on Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30pm CT/7:30pm ET
A recording will be sent to those who register and will be made available for 30 days.
This event is free of charge for Collaboration Members through The Network. Already a Member? RSVP in Heartbeat HERE
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: April 2025
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: November 2024. This virtual call is free and open to the public. Moderated by the founders of Maternal Health OT, it is an opportunity to ask your questions about supporting or specializing in maternal, parental, perinatal and dyad health and well-being through occupational therapy. All occupational therapy providers, researchers, students and anyone else interested in this topic is welcome to attend.
Are you a member of The Network?
Maternal Health OT Meet Up at AOTA Inspire 2025
Will you be at AOTA Inspire conference 2025 in Philadelphia?
Are you an OT practitioner or student working or interested in the emerging practice area of maternal, perinatal and/or parental health?
If you answered YES to both of those questions, you need to come join us at the inaugural Maternal Health Meet Up at the American Occupational Therapy Association annual conference!
DETAILS:
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Marriott Room 305
Date :Thursday, Apr 3 5:30 PM Duration :1 hour
Writing the Book on Maternal Health with Dr. Hannah Slootjes
Dr Slootjes shares her journey and insights into writing a textbook based on her PhD research, which focused on occupational therapy in women’s perinatal health and matrescence. She will share her experiences of approaching and pitching to publishers, establishing networks, and translating complex academic research into practical and accessible content for a broader audience, including students, practitioners, and educators. Dr Slootjes will highlight the challenges and strategies involved in structuring a textbook, project management, and ensuring content meets the needs of maternal health occupational therapists and integrates evidence-based theory with real-world application. The session aims to inspire and encourage others interested in this specialist field, and textbook writing and publishing as a knowledge translation opportunity.
About The Speaker:
Dr Hannah Slootjes is an occupational therapist/academic (‘pracademic’), and lecturer at La Trobe University, with a special interest in women’s perinatal transitions and matrescence. She completed her PhD in 2022, focusing on the role of occupational therapists in perinatal health. Her research introduced the Person-Centered Occupational Model of Matrescence (POMM) and Co-Occupation Engagement Spectrum (CES), tools designed to enhance understanding and support mother-becoming journeys. Dr Slootjes is passionate about knowledge translation and bridging the research-practice gap and runs a private practice offering services tailored to women and girls, and has recently written and edited a textbook on the topic with over 60 local and international co-authors – due for publication in May 2025.
Learning Objectives:
To further develop an understanding of matrescence and perinatal health
To recognise the value and opportunities for knowledge translation
To develop broader awareness of the evidence-based role for OTs in women’s and maternal health
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): According to the 2024 NBCOT Activities Chart, this seminar may qualify for 1.25 continuing education units towards your NBCOT renewal. In order to qualify, you must complete the designated post test which will be emailed to all participants who attend the guest lecture. Once the post-test is completed, a link will be sent with a certificate for you to download for your personal CEU records. As each state and regional licensing board differs, please check your state licensing regulations to confirm if it qualifies toward renewal of state professional licenses.
The fee for this live webinar is $40.
It takes place via zoom on Friday, March 14th at 6:45pm CT/7:45pm ET
A recording will be sent to those who register and will be made available for 30 days.
This event is free of charge for Collaboration Members through The Network. Already a Member? RSVP in Heartbeat HERE
Integrating Maternal Health Into Occupational Therapy Education with Dr. Miranda Little
This presentation will focus on the role of entry level occupational therapy programs and practitioners educating students in maternal health. As this emerging practice area continues to grow, more OTPs will need to be prepared to treat the mother-infant dyad throughout the perinatal period. The presenter will also share experience with developing and teaching an elective course for entry level students.
About The Speaker:
Miranda Little, OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C is an Assistant Professor at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She teaches courses on orthopedics, neuroscience, and maternal/infant health. She developed an elective course focusing on OT practice in maternal health and the NICU that has been taken by over 100 students, completed research on NICU and maternal health, and has mentored multiple students entering these specialized practice areas.
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of OT practitioners and educators in preparing future practitioners to practice in maternal health.
Identify opportunities for OT practitioners and educators to increase their mentorship of OT students in maternal and infant health.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): According to the 2024 NBCOT Activities Chart, this seminar may qualify for 1.25 continuing education units towards your NBCOT renewal. In order to qualify, you must complete the designated post test which will be emailed to all participants who attend the guest lecture. Once the post-test is completed, a link will be sent with a certificate for you to download for your personal CEU records. As each state and regional licensing board differs, please check your state licensing regulations to confirm if it qualifies toward renewal of state professional licenses.
The fee for this live webinar is $40.
It takes place via zoom on Monday, December 16th at 7:00pm CT/8:00pm ET
A recording will be sent to those who register and will be made available for 30 days.
This event is free of charge for Collaboration Members through The Network. Already a Member? RSVP in Heartbeat HERE
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: November 2024
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: November 2024. This virtual call is free and open to the public. Moderated by the founders of Maternal Health OT, it is an opportunity to ask your questions about supporting or specializing in maternal, parental, perinatal and dyad health and well-being through occupational therapy. All occupational therapy providers, researchers, students and anyone else interested in this topic is welcome to attend.
Already a member of The Network?
Occupational Therapy + Midwifery: A collaborative care model to improve maternal/infant health
Join Maternal Health OT for our August Guest Speaker Series Webinar, Occupational Therapy + Midwifery: A collaborative care model to improve maternal/infant health
We are excited to have one of our very own MHOT founders, Hayley Chrzastowski, as our Q3 guest speaker. She will be discussing Occupational Therapy + Midwifery: A collaborative care model to improve maternal/infant health. This topic has come up many times during our calls and in our discussion threads so we decided it was time for a deep dive into this unique area of practice and partnership.
About the Speaker: Hayley obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kentucky Wesleyan College and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. She completed her research studying the benefits of breastmilk for premature infants at WashU under the mentorship of Dr. Bobbi Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT. As part of her doctoral degree, she created a model of occupational therapy for maternal and infant healthcare to bridge the gap between the medicalized method of prenatal/postpartum care and more holistic practices. In 2015 she worked in Nairobi, Kenya creating NICU programs/policies for a new children’s hospital. She has also worked in various cities/villages in Guatemala providing occupational therapy services to those in need. Hayley is deeply invested in integrating her international experiences with her everyday practice to bring a global perspective to caring for a diverse population. She settled in Fredericksburg, VA in 2016 and has spent the past 5 years identifying the maternal and infant healthcare needs within the community. She created WILD OT to enhance the care women and infants receive, educate and provide resources, and empower women to be active participants in the care they desperately deserve.
Description of Presentation: Designed specifically for occupational therapy practitioners and students, this guest webinar focuses on the functional and sustainable collaboration between occupational therapists and midwives to enhance the care women receive during pregnancy and postpartum. As maternal health OT is a growing practice area, it can be very overwhelming to discern how and where to get started/provide services. As a result, Hayley and a team of midwives created a model of care that provides women with easy access and referrals to maternal health OT services, increases continuity of care, and provides a community for women to join throughout their motherhood journey. This presentation will aim to explore the profession of midwifery and how it intersects perfectly with our goals as occupational therapists to provide practitioners with a greater understanding of this maternal/infant partnership. She will conclude with tangible ways in which you can approach and collaborate with midwives to improve the care provided to your community.
Learning Objectives:
Learners will understand the foundational concepts of midwifery care and the intersection between midwifery and occupational therapy.
Learners will explore the roles of an occupational therapist within a midwifery clinic and how OT services can be implemented.
Learners will be able to identify tangible ways to initiate conversations between maternal health OT’s and midwives to establish a connection and ultimately enhance maternal healthcare.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): According to the 2024 NBCOT Activities Chart, this seminar may qualify for 1.25 continuing education units towards your NBCOT renewal. In order to qualify, you must complete the designated post test which will be emailed to all participants who attend the guest lecture. Once the post-test is completed, a link will be sent with a certificate for you to download for your personal CEU records. As each state and regional licensing board differs, please check your state licensing regulations to confirm if it qualifies toward renewal of state professional licenses.
The fee for this live webinar is $40.
It takes place via zoom on Monday, August 19th at 6:30pm CT/7:30pm ET
A recording will be sent to those who register and will be made available for 30 days.
This event is free of charge for Collaboration Members through The Network.
Maternal Health OT FREE Q+A Quarterly Live Call: July 2024
This virtual call is free and open to the public. Moderated by the founders of Maternal Health OT, it is an opportunity to ask your questions about supporting or specializing in maternal, parental, perinatal and dyad health and well-being through occupational therapy. All occupational therapy providers, researchers, students and anyone else interested in this topic is welcome to attend.
Evidence Based Practice in Maternal and Parental Health with Belinda McLean
This virtual call is free and open to the public. Moderated by the founders of Maternal Health OT, it is an opportunity to ask your questions about supporting or specializing in maternal, parental, perinatal and dyad health and well-being through occupational therapy. All occupational therapy providers, researchers, students and anyone else interested in this topic is welcome to attend.