2026 Knowledge Exchange Presenters
Keynote - Closing the evidence-to-practice “divide” with community-engaged partnerships
Lisa Juckett, Ph.D., OTR/L, CHTAssociate Professor, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Dr. Juckett is dedicated to transforming cutting-edge research into actionable solutions that improve real-world practice, with a special focus on organizations serving older adults. Grounded in the principles of implementation science, Dr. Juckett’s work explores the key factors and innovative strategies that drive the adoption of evidence-based practices. Her research spans critical areas such as stroke rehabilitation and social services, where she develops and rigorously tests targeted “implementation strategies” to ensure best practices become standard care.Dr. Juckett is renowned for her commitment to collaborating closely with community and clinical partners, working hand in hand with organizations such as LifeCare Alliance and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. These partnerships not only enhance the reach of her team’s research but also ensure it delivers tangible benefits to older adult populations, supporting their health, well-being, and quality of life. Dr.
Juckett’s work exemplifies the power of science in action – bridging the gap between discovery and practice to create lasting, meaningful change.
Juckett’s work exemplifies the power of science in action – bridging the gap between discovery and practice to create lasting, meaningful change.
Dr. Juckett’s Featured Evidence to Practice Connections
SixtyPLUS: Combining Occupational Therapy and Registered Dietitian Services to Reduce Fall Risk among Home-Delivered Meal Recipients
From Screening to Safety: Implementing the AL-STEADI Initiative in Assisted Living Communities
Dr. Juckett’s Featured Practice to Evidence Connections
Development and Refinement of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Knowledge Translation Toolkit
Translating Knowledge to Optimize Value-Based Occupational Therapy: Strategies for Educators, Practitioners, and Researchers
Co-creation of Child Inclusive Resources through Community Learning and Engagement (Co-CIRCLE)
Paul Yoo, Ph.D., OT Reg.(Ont.)Assistant Professor, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Yoo joined CSU after completing his postdoctoral fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada, in the Neuroinflammatory Disorders Program, Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health. His research focuses on lifestyle and environmental factors that can shape and improve health outcomes in children with developmental disabilities and chronic neuroinflammatory disorders.
Sue Schneider, Ph.D.
Extension Professor and State Health Specialist, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Schneider is a Colorado State University extension professor and state health specialist. She has spent over 20 years researching diverse cultural approaches to health and healing, as well as their applications to individual wellbeing and community health. Schneider holds a Ph.D. in medical anthropology from Michigan State University. Her work as an anthropologist is complemented by her training as a certified integrative health coach and a certified mindfulness instructor.
The Great Outdoors Club: Bringing Evidence to Life Through Community, Collaboration, and Connection
Julie Silver Seidle, Ph.D., OTR/LAssistant Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Silver Seidle’s research interests are understanding resilience in the context of aging during middle to later life transitions, the experience of caregivers of individuals with dementia, and the role of occupation during and after caregiving. evidence to support community-based occupational therapy and partnerships between nonprofits and academic programs. I also connect evidence to improve doctoral capstone education, experiential learning, and care partnerships.
David Higgins
Shine, LLC Day Program, Fort Collins, CO
David Higgins has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production from the University of Colorado Denver. He works as a freelance director, producer, and cameraman. His freelance production work includes indie features, commercials, documentaries, and shorts. David also teaches film production at Colorado Film School & Denver School of the Arts. A passion for helping people has led to his current path with Shine, LLC: supporting adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Real-life Dual-task Training at Covell Care: Facilitators/Barriers
Laura Swink, Ph.D., OTR/LAssistant Professor, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Swink’s research is focused on optimizing novel rehabilitation interventions to promote meaningful participation in the everyday life of adults and older adults. Specifically, her research interests include interventions to reduce fall risk, improve dual-tasking, and promote social participation for adults with chronic and neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Parkinson disease).
Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD
Founder and CEO, Covell Care & Rehabilitation, Loveland, CO
Krista Covell-Pierson is an occupational therapist and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in community-based and mobile outpatient therapy. As the founder and CEO of Covell Care and Rehabilitation, she has built one of Colorado’s premier mobile therapy practices, providing occupational, physical, and speech therapy services directly in homes and community settings. Krista is a recognized leader and speaker in the field of occupational therapy, frequently presenting on mobile outpatient care models, pelvic health, therapist entrepreneurship, and innovative clinical strategies.
Jennifer A. Weaver, Ph.D., OTR/L
Jennifer A. Weaver, Ph.D., OTR/LAssistant Professor, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Weaver’s research helps turn complex rehabilitation assessment results into clear, meaningful information that patients, families, and clinicians can understand and use together. She is an expert on disorders of consciousness following brain injury and post-acute care services. She has expertise in the systematic implementation of assessments, visualizing assessment data to facilitate communication about assessment results between rehabilitation practitioners, the patient, and caregivers.
Nick Ricchino, M.O.T., OTR/L
Senior Occupational Therapist, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
Nick is a Senior Occupational Therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, working in the acute care setting for over 14 years, primarily working with patients admitted to the neurological inpatient units. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton and his Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University.
OT Excellence Recognizing Leaders and Partners
During the annual Knowledge Exchange event we recognize individuals who make extraordinary contributions to our students and the profession. Below are recent honorees.