United Spinal Association is hosting two graduate students from Mary Baldwin University as they complete their capstone projects for the university’s doctoral program in occupational therapy. While United Spinal often works with occupational therapists in a variety of roles, these capstone placements are a new approach.
The 14-week-long projects are a critical part of the educational process leading to students’ clinical doctorates, and ask them to create something that will contribute to their fields of interest. Working hand-in-hand with a nonprofit allows students to gain a different perspective on their field, while also offering them an array of benefits and connections that might not otherwise be available to them.
“It has definitely impacted how I view everything,” says Brooke Cardwell, one of the two students paired with United Spinal. “I love working with a nonprofit, because obviously everyone’s heart is in the right place, and it’s very meaningful work.”
Cardwell is developing an online employment resource group and a video library for her capstone, and says having access to United Spinal staff and chapters has been invaluable. Sitting in on one chapter support group’s conversation about the value and role of OTs during their early weeks of rehabilitation proved particularly reaffirming. “That conversation really impacted me because it showed me that being an OT is important, meaningful, and really is helping people,” she says.
Mary Burford, the other MBU student paired with United Spinal, is working with the organization’s Resource Center team to update its knowledge books and improve the way it analyzes and provides resources to United Spinal’s peer-mentoring program.
“We’re really lucky to be here,” she says. “It’s nice to be with an organization that really cares.”
Both Cardwell and Burford hope to continue their relationship with United Spinal after getting their degrees.
The partnership has been equally valuable for United Spinal, says Abby Ross, United Spinal’s chief operating officer.
“We’ve been thrilled to host Brooke and Mary for their capstone projects. We appreciate their insight and the valuable contributions their work will provide to our programs and members. We hope the experience has given them an intimate view into the SCI/D world that stays with them throughout their careers.”
Ross says United Spinal is currently speaking to several schools about future capstone placements and looks forward to expanding and improving these opportunities.