Wanda Mayberry Biography Legacies Project

College: Went to undergraduate school at Colorado A&M College (name changed to Colorado State University my senior year).

Degree: Occupational Therapy (side story: I was interested in arts/crafts/music and kids and even thought of becoming a medical missionary when I was in Jr. High.  During an assembly program when I was a sophomore, a person spoke about the majors at Colo. A&M and when Occupational Therapy was described, it was as if bells and whistles went off.  It had all the elements I wanted (helping others in a positive way, medically oriented, using crafts, etc. as therapeutic media, etc.)

Graduate Degree: My first graduate degree (Master of Arts) was from the Univ. of So. Calif.  (in Occupational Therapy) in 1961.  My second Masters (Master of Arts) and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) were from University of Denver (Developmental Psychology) in 1986.  I first wanted a Master’s Degree because I felt there was more intensive knowledge that would be valuable.  My Ph.D. was mainly because I was then on the Faculty at CSU and felt that if I was going to be in academia, I should have the credentials.

Master’s Thesis title: Laterality Functions and their implications for Occupational Therapy

Ph.D. Dissertation Title:  Contributors to Perceived Self-Worth in School-Aged Children; an elaboration of Harter’s model.

• 1957-1959; Matheny School for Cerebral Palsied Children, Peapack, N.J. (treated children with CP, ages 3 to about 18, in a residential setting; also provided recreational activities for them).
• 1960 Part-time Research assistant, UCP of Los Angeles, California (Worked on a project for six months, using friction feeders with severely involved people who had cerebral palsy).
• 1961-1963: Coordinator for Therapeutic Services, Matheny School for Cerebral Palsied Children, Peapack, NJ. Integrated occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and school programs for approximately 60-70 children in a residential school; did therapy half-time; did community education.
• 1966-1968: Peace Corps;  Instructor in the Occupational Therapy Dept., School of Allied Medical Professions, University of Philippines, Quezon City, Republic of Philippines.  Taught classes, set up clinical affiliation opportunities; supervised clinical affiliates; supervised new occupational therapists until they were ready to supervise students; provided in-service training.
• 1968-1973: Head, Occupational Therapy Department, Denver General Hospital, Denver, CO.  Practiced approximately half-time (mainly with pediatric patients); taught (both clinically and didactically); supervised approximately five other therapists and one attendant, in two areas (Psychiatry and Physical Dysfunction) of the hospital.
• 1970: Brighton Community Hospital, Brighton, Colorado (part-time for about six months to help initiate the OT program).  Initiated a program of occupational therapy, primarily with adult physical dysfunction patients.
• 1970: Peace Corps Volunteer therapist, National Rehabilitation Center, Lima, Peru.  Worked as a therapist in the areas of physical dysfunction and pediatrics, thus freeing up a Peruvian therapist to work with earthquake victims.
• 1971-1973: Affiliate faculty member, Occupational Therapy Dept., Colorado State University.  Taught the physical dysfunction class and administered three other classes for senior students while working as a therapist at Denver General Hospital.  This experience led, directly, to my being hired at CSU.

Years Employed at CSU: 1973 to 2000

• 1973-1989: Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, Colorado State University.  Taught graduate and undergraduate classes; served on graduate committees, conducted research and performed service to University community and profession.  Responsible for initiating and developing several graduate-level courses.
• 8/80 – 7/81: Acting Department Head, Occupational Therapy Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO., Administration; Generally managed the curriculum and assisted faculty in directions that were mutually considered to be beneficial; administered the budget and submitted and justified budget requests; hired, fired, supervised faculty and helped them in their professional growth; acted as the first or second step in handling faculty or student grievances.  Teaching and Advising:  Taught undergraduate classes and supervised graduate research projects.  Advised sophomores and students not yet on campus.  Research and Publications:  Presented a 1-hour paper at our National Conference; started a project on ocular pursuits in handicapped children.
• 1989-2000: Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, Colorado State University:  Taught graduate and undergraduate classes, served on graduate committees, conducted research and performed service to University community and profession.  (Responsible for initiating and developing several graduate-level courses and served as Graduate Coordinator for the Department.)

My involvement with OT students at Denver General Hospital led directly to my being hired by CSU, where I served from 1973 through 2000, officially ;( I stayed on an additional year to shepherd the Dept. through accreditation, but did not teach that year).  I went from adjunct faculty, to assistant professor to associate professor (all within the Occupational Therapy Dept.)  I decided not to go for full professor because I liked helping students get into research more than having them be almost forced to help me with my research.

• 1975-76: OT 615a (Sensory Integrative development’ infant/child) 2 cr.); OT 625 (Neurophysiological Principles 3 credits); OT 694 (Independent Study  1 credit)  OT 625 (Neurophysiological Principles 3 cr.); OT615b (SI Develop; adol./adult 2 cr).  OT 694 (Independent Study 2 cr). OT   (Supervised Therapy 4 cr.) OT 615a (SI Devel; infant/child 2 cr) OT615c (SI devel/ aged 2 cr); OT616 SI eval. 2 cr.)  OT   (Indep. Study 2 cr)
• 1976-77: OT 615a (SI dev. /inf/child 2 cr); OT 625 (Neurophys. Principles  3 cr);  OT696v group study/techniques 2 cr.  SI dev./adol/aged 3 cr); OT 625 Neurophys. Principles 3 cr); OT 496 Group Study/techniques 2  cr) ;  OT   Supervised Therapy  2 cr.)
• 1977-78: OT 425 Phys Dysf.  5 cr); OT 625 Neurophys. Principles   3 cr.)  OT 405 Pediatrics 3 cr); OT 425 Phys, Dysf.3 cr); OT486 Practicum (co-taught) 2 cr); OT 496 Group Study-Techniques 2 cr); OT 688 Supervised Therapy          1 cr.)  OT Indep. Study (4 cr)
• 1978-79: OT110 Intro. OT 3 cr); OT 405 Pediatrics 3 cr.); OT Supervised Therapy 3 cr.)  OT 110 Intro OT 3 cr) OT 425 Phys. Dysf.  3 cr)
• 1979-1980: OT405 Pediatrics 3 cr) OT486-Practicum 2 cr.); OT590a- OT in the schools 2 cr); OT 340-OT/phys Dysf. 3 cr.); OT 6?  Thesis 6 cr.)
• 1980-1981: OT405 Pediatrics 3cr.) (no classes during Spg 81 (then spent time at DU, getting my PHD)
• 1985-86: OT 610;  OT 620;  OT110  (Intro to OT); OT 630
• 1986-87: OT 610;  OT 620:  OT 306;  OT 630
• 1987-88: OT 610; OT 620: OT 110:  OT 630: OT 620 3 cr.
• 1988-89: OT 610 3cr; OT620 3 cr. OT 630 3 cr. OT 350 2 cr.; OT620 3 cr.
• 1989-90: OT 610 3 cr. OT 620 3 cr. OT350 3 cr. OT 630 3 cr. OT 620 3 cr.
• 1990-91 OT330 3 cr. OT620 3 cr.
• 1991-92: OT620 3 cr. OT 350 2 cr. OT630 3 cr.
• 1992-93: OT 610 3 cr. OT 350 350 2 cr. OT 630 3 cr.
• 1993-94: OT 620 3 cr. OT 630 3 cr.
• 1994-95: OT 680 (was 601) 3 cr. OT 310 3 cr.  OT 303 (seminar) 1 cr. HS 180 3 cr.  (Was responsible for 6 hrs            of the class.
• 1995-96: OT 601 Tmt Plan., 3 cr. OT 403 (seminar 2 cr) OT605 (seminar 2 cr); OT 404 (seminar 2 cr);  OT303 (seminar 1 cr) OT 386 (Practicum 1 cr)
• 1996-97: OT601 (Tmt planning 3 cr); OT606 (seminar) 2 cr); OT 303 (Prof. Seminar 1 cr); OT 404 (Prof Seminar 2 )
• 1997-98: OT 601 OT foundations 1 cr); OT403 (Prof. Seminar 2 cr.); OT 110 (Intro to OT 3 cr); OT 110 (intro to OT 3 cr.) OT 303 (prof. seminar 1 cr); OT404 (prof. seminar 3 cr)
• 1998-99: OT 601 (OT Foundations; OT 403 (Prof. Seminar) 2 cr.); OT 303 (prof. seminar 1 cr.); OT 404 (Prof seminar 2 cr.); OT603 (3 cr.)
• 1999-00: OT601 3 cr.); OT403 2 cr); OT403 2 cr); OT603 (1 cr.); OT 303 1 cr.); OT404 2 cr.)

Advising: I advised many master’s theses throughout my teaching career.  I don’t think I can get an accurate count of who finished under me and who did not.

 Research: According to my Vita of 1990s, I had eight research/special studies items either finished or on-going…  At that time, I had 13 publications, and 29 papers, presentations, and workshops.

Service:

• Committees included: curriculum, Graduate (chairperson), Tenure, Scholarship, Diversity (chairperson), Gilfoyle Research Award (chairperson).
• I held approx. 25 special responsibilities on the Dept. level
• On the College level, I served on the Research, Graduate, Scholarship, Scholastic Standards, Homecoming Commencement (chair for about three years), and Computer Advisory committees.
• On the University level, I served on the Library Council, the Human Research committee, Graduate Council, Student Life, Ad hoc auditing of Affirmative Action programs, Faculty/staff Drive (co-chair and chair), Ad hoc Task force on Barrier Free Computer Access. I was also a judge for the Barrier Free Design event for five different years.
• Professionally, I reviewed papers for the American OT Association five years, Reviewed student papers for the AOTA Natl. Conference two years, Was Regional Research Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Region, AOTF. Reviewed grant proposals to the AOTA foundation for approx. 10 years, served as part of the accreditation pool of the AOTA for about six years (including on-site visits), Reviewed papers for at least one program per year and was on the Editorial Board of the AJOT and OT Journal of Research for several years.
• Community-wise: Was a member of the Regional Medical Program Stroke Committee, Treated clients in return for having sessions videotaped to us in OT education. I was on the Sewall Rehab. Center Advisory committee for eight years, on the advisory committee of the Colorado Early Childhood Interagency State Plan Grant for Children with Disabilities for two years.  I was a member of the League of Women Voters (including service on the Administration team and also spokes person for some time).  I was treasurer for the Senior Singles group (through Senior Center of FC) for about five years and was Secretary and newsletter editor for the Northern Front Range Wanderers Volksmarch group for a while.

I was so captivated every time the “light went on” in a student when they understood the concept and its application, and showed it in class.  Another highlight, just realized in the last few months, is that almost all of the former students who have contacted me have mentioned how valuable their OT training has been to them, whether they are practicing in the field, doing something else, or just being a wife/mother/etc.

Challenges have always been money (never quite enough to do some of the wonderful things that the faculty could/can envision);   staffing (again, never quite enough to enable some of the programs to “go full-steam”); space (samo-samo). Working with the students and staff is always rewarding when you realize how much they are doing (a lot beyond what might reasonably be expected) and also to realize where the profession is going in the future and the potentialities that exist there.  Many lessons have been learned but one of the main ones is that positivity begets positivity and even though it might not allow us to realize ideal dreams, it usually pays off ok.

Most Enjoyment about working at CSU: When one is able to do what one really wants to do, and get paid for it, there isn’t much more that a situation could offer. Of course, being in Fort Collins doesn’t hurt either.

Mentors/etc.: The faculty/staff/and students have all served to help me know what I am thinking/believing, to realize what else there is “out there” to be considered, and how valuable (though quite difficult sometimes) it is to see things from a different person’s perspective.  I will always be grateful for the administration for allowing me a 4-year leave of absence in order to pursue my doctoral degree.

Where I worked on campus: This may be inaccurate; I think we may have started out in the ‘home ec” building (where we are now – and maybe over near the entrance to the oval).  We were in the home-ec building on the south end of campus for quite a while, and, finally, Ellie Gilfoyle helped us get the current space and signage. The campus was much smaller when I was here as an undergrad – and even as a faculty member.

The building which houses the services for students with disabilities was named the Industrial Research Building, but was called the Indian Reservation because it was on the very south end of campus (near the horse pens); we held classes there.  At the time of re-organization, when they were considering what departments to “join” together, they had some really weird ideas and, at one point, the OT Dept. said that if they followed through, we would leave the campus and go elsewhere.  Well, they did reconsider, and we thought that Applied Human Sciences was ok.

External factors: Every change (in government, in science, in world events, etc) has some influence on what we do as a profession, where we do it, why we do it, and what we need to do in order to pull it off.  I am sure that this will continue.

Significant changes: Of course, the campus has expanded, is now beginning to think more in terms of interdepartmental cooperation etc. as well as international cooperation and effects.  Fort Collins has become even more beautiful, nice to live in and offers many “perks”, another change will happen when Mason St. Corridor is completed. Land Grant Universities have always offered programs for students at a lower cost – and therefore available to the general citizenry better than most other universities.  I only hope that that the emphasis on sports (particularly football and the terrible idea of a central campus stadium) doesn’t ruin it (through high enrollment with many “out-of-staters” /internationals who will, for the most part go elsewhere after graduation, I think).

Issues: Besides the constant issue of money, I think that the University needs to be mindful of its land-grant background and not try to become an ivy-league place.  I doubt that we will ever have the millionaire alums, etc. that will fund huge changes –and I don’t think we need it.  When a campus becomes too large, students begin “slipping through the cracks” and we would be in danger of only attracting kids with money, offering very specialized programs of study, and, I think, sacrificing our identity.

I was saddened to learn that Wanda Mayberry passed away on Dec. 18, 2012, after a valiant battle against cancer. She was 78. Several days before, Wanda and her friends honored a decades-long tradition of attending a holiday concert performed by the Larimer Chorale. Wanda loved the concert, and enjoyed a visit at her home with friends afterwards.

Although Wanda did not want a memorial service, we can all choose to memorialize Wanda in a way that we believe honors her. I invite those of you who knew Wanda to email your memories and appreciations to Kelsey Burket at kelsey.burket@colostate.edu. Comments will be compiled and posted to this web page. Wanda also wanted people to feel free to make donations to an organization of their choice, if so moved.

Wanda was dearly beloved to many at CSU-OT, including former and current students, and, indeed, to many in the larger OT community in the state and nationwide. Wanda had a love of life and big heart for everyone—a kind, gentle, and generous soul who truly lived in gratitude and loved and supported CSU-OT and her profession with a passion. There is absolutely no replacing her nor denying the sadness of her passing. May her beautiful spirit continue to inspire us, as I have every faith it will.

The following memorial comments have been received by the College of Health and Human Sciences and Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University about our beloved Wanda Mayberry.

“I first became a fan of hers when she was on a faculty panel and she mentioned how much she appreciated adult learners/NTS in her classroom because they made her a better teacher! She then volunteered at the Cinco Cinco race and then served on our committee for several years. Smart, Sweet, Straight ahead. That was our Wanda! “

Barbara Musslewhite

“As I reflect upon Wanda and everyone’s memories of her, one thing I have not heard yet is her fiery determination, she was a person who got things done and nothing stood in her way. She would find a way around it whether the challenge was her goal of earning a Ph.D. at the University of Denver when she was older than her adviser and caring for her mother who was in poor health, working in the Peace Corps in the Philippines, or coordinating the Master’s Program at CSU’s Occupational Therapy Department. Wanda was a strong advocate for what she believed in and she found a way to get things done. Wanda had an uncanny knack to weave into her life a love of occupational therapy, traveling, and goodwill for all.”

Patricia Stutz-Tanenbaum, a coworker in the CSU Occupational Therapy Department.

“I always remember Wanda celebrating her OTR (the day she became a registered occupational therapist) birthday every year. She would even bring a cake to share with everyone. I really believe her OTR birthday was more important to her than her actual one. I also always admired Wanda’s dedication to students – she was a wonderful grad mentor. It mattered not if she was studying and researching in the topic area in which a student had an interest. She would take it on – and would use the student’s interest to teach them about the research process. Whenever I think of Wanda, I will recall her determination to live life to its fullest. As Wanda wished, her body was donated to science, and no memorial service was held.”

David Green, OT colleague.

“Wanda Mayberry always facilitated opportunities for occupational therapy students to develop professional characteristics. Just several months ago, I passed Wanda in the hall in the occupational therapy building and she said she was bringing a donation to help cover the cost for students to attend the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado annual conference. Wanda valued the profession of occupational therapy and one of her legacies is that she has helped develop that value in many, many students that have graduated from the occupational therapy department at Colorado State University.”

Patti Davies, OT professor.

“Wanda had a love of life and a big heart for everyone—a kind, gentle, and generous soul who truly lived in gratitude and loved and supported CSU-OT and her profession with a passion. There is absolutely no replacing her nor denying the sadness of her passing. May her beautiful spirit continue to inspire us, as I have every faith it will.”

Wendy Wood, OT department chair.

“She was a great teacher and a good listener.  I enjoyed her laughter and chuckle.  She was an inspiration.”

David Nunnally.

“Wanda was a wonderful person. She helped me as I worked on my Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.  She was always supportive and positive and helped me through tough times such as, a sick child in the hospital and an almost full-term pregnancy at the time of my oral exam. Her bright and cheery demeanor was always a boost.  She remained my friend and I have so admired her intelligence, honor, generosity, and kindness. She has always been the role model for any OT….we should all try to be more like her.  God Bless you forever Wanda, you will be missed.”

Love and admiration, LaDonna Cohen MS,OTR/L.

“I am a former student of Wanda’s from both undergraduate and graduate studies in Occupational Therapy.  I kept in touch with Wanda because we saw each other around town, as I live not far from her in Ft. Collins and I saw Wanda volunteering at the Peace Corps booths at many functions at CSU.  Wanda always represented life in such a joyous manner, she had a smile on her face when I last saw her last summer and said she was feeling great; she was on her way to a volunteer activity.  She put her heart into her teaching and always worked at making the lessons meaningful.  I appreciated her as a teacher, mentor, and friend and will always remember her in those ways.”

Chris Pieper Gaebler, MS, OTR.

“Wanda was the first person I met and was over the admissions process when I attended CSU. She was a very generous soul and took an interest in my success; not only my school work but with my family. My wife and I adopted a child while we were in graduate school and she couldn’t wait to see our boy and always asked about him. She truly was an iconic figure for the OT department at CSU.”

Steven Duke.

“I remember her with fondness and greatly appreciate her significant contributions to the profession.  No doubt, her legacy will live on for many years to come.”

Shaun Conway.

“Wanda enabled me to finish my occupational therapy training by being flexible and accommodating to me- an older student (30 years old when I entered the OT program at CSU), mother of 2-4 kids while attending the OT program at CSU, and commuter from Denver to Fort Collins. I attend the program from 1982 and graduated in 1989.  I also gave birth to number 2, 3, and the 4th of my six kids while in the program.

Wanda made accommodations so that I could return home to Denver on weekends to be with my family. I stayed in Ft Collins from Monday through Thursday evenings, in a rented room with one baby each semester – I was in the program.  Sometimes the baby was a guest in a class to demonstrate normal baby development (thank G-d).  I nursed my babies between classes and managed to find babysitters near campus.  Wanda would allow me to tape Friday AM classes and take exams on Thursday so I could go home for weekends.

This accommodation made life so much easier for my entire family. I love being an OT and have had an exciting and innovative career. I thank Wanda for her part in enabling me to achieve such a wonderful part of my life. Her love of OT also inspired me very much. She will be missed but not forgotten for the legacy she provided as a mentor way beyond the job description that she was hired to do…  Thanks Wanda and may you continue to inspire others with the memories we share about you.”

Shoshana Shamberg OTR/L, MS, FAOTA.

“I was fortunate to have Wanda 1995-1997, she had high standards and encouraged responsibility for the big picture but also the little things. Thank you Wanda for your dedication. I have never forgotten her and her involvement in my career.”

Debbie Doyle, OTR/L Alumni 1997.

“I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a recipient of the Wanda Mayberry Scholarship my second year in CSU’s OT program.  I later had lunch with Wanda at the Scholarship Luncheon.  I had heard about her huge, vibrant personality and she definitely lived up to my expectations.  I remember her asking what area I planned to practice in, and when I told her I hoped to work in schools she responded with sincere enthusiasm and words of encouragement.  I have now graduated and am working in a school. Thank you, Wanda, for helping me along the way, as you most certainly have for countless others.”

Brett Turner

“Thank you, Wanda, for being the best adviser a new OT student could have …..You have inspired me to become the OT I am today, advocating for our clients and community integration in everything we do!”

God Bless, Kim Eberhardt Muir (95′)

“We were saddened to hear of Wanda’s passing. Wanda was the “nicest/kindest” OT professor. She will be missed.”

Ted and Jocelyn Ohta, OTRs (class of 1992/1993)

“What a loss for all of us who knew and loved Wanda. Her generous spirit, joyous energy, and love of all good things were always there for anyone who entered her circle of compassion. How I will miss her precious Christmas cards.”

Mary Ann M. Kleuser.

“I was shocked to hear that Wanda had passed away.  It had been a long time since I saw her.  Through her graceful Christmas messages every year, I knew that she was doing fantastic work and having a great joy in doing it.  I always thought that someday I would visit her and have a good talk to catch up. This day would never happen now because of my ignorance of time.  I thought of her so often.  Wanda was my adviser when I came to the US from Taiwan for my graduate work in 1976.  She gave me so much support during the two years of my study.

I don’t think I would be what I am without her influence and support.  She was so kind in putting up with my lack of skills in communication and cultural understanding.  I learned not only the advanced Occupational Therapy knowledge but the most professional ways of working with the clients.  When I got married in Fort Collins, Wanda gave me away because both of my parents could not make it to the wedding.   I was so lucky to have her as a teacher and mentor in life.  From her, I learned humanity, the most important lesson of life.”

Judy Su 1976-1978 OT Master Program.

“I’m writing to share a brief remembrance of Wanda.  I’ve included a photo I found of our OT class in the Basic Master’s program.  There is Wanda, right in the middle, smiling along with all of us.  I was privileged to have Wanda on my thesis committee and appreciated her guidance and mentoring.  But beyond teacher and mentor, I remember Wanda as always being a steady and positive presence for us as we grappled with new concepts and struggled with mastering a large amount of content in our way to becoming practicing occupational therapists.”

Mary Anne Moisan, Class of 1991(MS in OT)

“Wanda was my adviser when I was at CSU working on my Master’s degree in OT in the mid-1970s.  As I read of her death on the OT CSU website and of her life since I knew her, she is today even more of an inspiration.  Her passion, determination, and human connection continued to keep her engaged in her chosen occupation.  As an example of how to remain productive in old age, Wanda again was at the forefront.  CSU and OT can be proud of her.”

Linda Nicholson-Brown Victoria, British Columbia