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Winter Newsletter 2026

Winter 2026

Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, Catherine Verrier Piersol, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP

Message from the Chair

As we welcome 2026, I’m thrilled to share the inspiring accomplishments featured in this edition of our Department of Occupational Therapy Winter Newsletter. Each story reflects the heart of our mission — building community, advancing knowledge and preparing the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners.

In this issue, you’ll learn about the Undergraduate Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and its creative efforts to strengthen connections through mentorship and partnership. You’ll also meet our dedicated Education Coordinators, Patricia Williams and Lisa Chiaro, whose behind-the-scenes work ensures that our students thrive in their fieldwork experiences.

We shine a spotlight on Dr. Rebecca Sinko, whose leadership in community-based health initiatives exemplifies Jefferson’s commitment to health equity. You’ll also be inspired by the journeys of our students and alumni, including Marcus Quek, whose personal experiences shaped his passion for occupational therapy, and Dr. Adeshina Sawyer, whose lifelong dedication to the profession continues to make an impact.

These stories remind us that occupational therapy is more than a career — it’s a calling rooted in compassion, creativity and collaboration. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Together, let’s continue to lead, innovate and make a difference in the lives we touch.

Wishing you a fulfilling, productive and balanced 2026.

Feature Story: Undergraduate Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and Community

The Undergraduate Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) on our East Falls campus, led by President Gia Dorawala and Vice President Kate Swayze, is committed to building community and strengthening the network of future occupational therapy practitioners across class years. Their chapter aims to increase awareness of the profession and help students form lasting connections. (SOTA is eligible to students within the Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Interested students can contact sota@students.jefferson.edu)

A signature component of SOTA is its Big/Little mentoring program, which pairs second- and third-year “bigs” with first-year “littles.” As bigs are often taking the core prerequisite coursework, they are well-positioned to share insight, study tips and faculty recommendations. This structure promotes support, teamwork and guidance throughout the six-year Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (3+3) (BS/OTD) journey and beyond.

The undergraduate SOTA also organizes a variety of service and engagement activities. This year’s service initiative involves creating handmade holiday cards for individuals in inpatient rehabilitation facilities for substance use recovery. The cards will be donated to the Recovery Centers of America in Philadelphia.

Each year, SOTA hosts its Coffee and Chat event with Dr. E. Adel Herge, which deepens student-faculty connection. This year’s event also included Dr. Piersol. Students participated in icebreakers, asked questions and received advice about both undergraduate and postgraduate expectations.

Students consistently share that Dr. Herge is a cornerstone of their undergraduate experience. Her optimism, responsiveness and encouragement help students navigate the demands of an accelerated program and feel connected to the broader Occupational Therapy (OT) community.

SOTA’s larger events include the Physical Therapy-Occupational Therapy (PT-OT) Mixer, which brings Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students together for games and shared activities, and the annual SOTA Brunch, which gives students another opportunity to connect with peers who share their OT passions. These events are made possible thanks to the 2025–26 SOTA Executive Board:

  • Gia Dorawala, President
  • Kate Swayze, Vice President
  • Mairead Ouellette, Secretary
  • Reilley Foti, Events Coordinator

Leadership Roles

As president, Gia oversees communication among faculty, club presidents, board members and SOTA members. She works closely with Dr. Herge to maintain the Canvas site and provide resources for undergraduate students. Kate supports event planning, assists with club communication and attends meetings with the Office of Student Engagement to share updates with the club.

Personal Connections

Gia’s Path to Occupational Therapy

Gia originally applied to Jefferson as a Psychology major but discovered occupational therapy while exploring related fields on the University’s website. Although nervous about switching majors so early, she felt immediate relief when meeting Dr. Herge during her interview. That experience confirmed she was joining the right program and the right community. Gia hopes to work in a brain trauma or neurorehabilitation setting.

Kate’s Journey

Kate transferred into the program during her first year at Jefferson. With Dr. Herge’s support, her transfer process was completed in less than a month. Inspired by her desire to help others achieve their goals, she chose OT with a Psychology track due to her interest in the brain’s role in function. Kate hopes to specialize in brain and spinal cord injuries among adolescents.

Current Experience

Both Kate and Gia are Psychology track-ups within the BS/OTD program. Their favorite course has been Sensations and Perceptions, taught by Dr. John Pierce. The class provided a strong foundation in how humans interpret sensory information and introduced various sensory and perceptual dysfunctions.

Gia had the opportunity to apply this knowledge during a shadowing experience in a Brain Trauma Unit, where she observed a patient with sensory neglect. This experience helped her connect coursework with clinical practice.

Students in Jefferson’s BS/OTD program consistently describe it as a close-knit environment where peers and faculty work collaboratively. Kate and Gia value the friendships they have formed and look forward to continuing their studies at Jefferson’s Center City campus.

Featured Faculty: Rebecca Sinko, OTD, OTR/L, CLA

Dr. Rebecca Sinko, OTD, OTR/L, CLA

By Ella Waddell (OTD, 2027)

Dr. Rebecca Sinko oversees community-based health and participation initiatives through Project HOME’s Honickman Learning Center. With more than 13 years at Jefferson, she has helped build a strong partnership that integrates occupational therapy into after-school enrichment, workforce development and wellness programming.

She collaborates with Dr. Shelley Wallock to mentor graduate research assistants (GRAs) who design and facilitate weekly group sessions for children in grades K–8. Sessions focus on emotional literacy, social-emotional learning and health, science and math literacy. Activities are grounded in Cole’s 7 Steps to Group Leadership.

A key component of the program is its peer-mentorship model. Advanced GRAs guide first-year students as they plan and implement group protocols and activity plans. On Fridays, the team delivers programming on-site, followed by debriefing sessions to reflect on outcomes and plan adjustments.

The impact is clear in the children’s increased engagement and improved emotional language. Teachers and staff have also noted growth in students’ social-emotional skills. Dr. Sinko’s team engages caregivers through workshops that explain occupational therapy principles and introduce practical strategies, including mindfulness and the Zones of Regulation framework.

Looking ahead, programming will expand to include mental health resiliency and positive peer affirmation. Dr. Sinko encourages students interested in community-based practice to embrace flexibility, creativity and strong communication skills.

Her work embodies Jefferson’s mission to advance equity through meaningful community partnerships.

Featured Student: Marcus Quek

Marcus Quek, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student

By Ella Waddell (OTD, 2027)

Marcus Quek’s passion for occupational therapy is rooted in personal experience. As a child, he received OT services for learning disabilities, which shaped his appreciation for the profession. That connection inspired him to pursue enrollment in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his studies, Marcus completed an internship at a special needs school in Singapore. This experience confirmed that he was on the right path and strengthened his commitment to supporting children and adults with special needs.

Marcus has studied in both Singapore and the United States and notes key differences in the healthcare systems, particularly the role of insurance. Still, he values that both countries emphasize client-centered care and shared definitions of occupation.

After graduation, he plans to return to Singapore to work with special needs populations. His advice to new students: “Try to stay calm when you feel overwhelmed. Trust that you’ll get there at your own pace. Focus on what you can control.”

Marcus chose Jefferson for its strong reputation and rigorous curriculum, and he brings a global perspective that enriches the program.

Featured Alumnus: Dr. Adeshina Sawyer, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM (she/her)

Dr. Adeshina Sawyer, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM

For Dr. Adeshina Sawyer, occupational therapy is a lifelong calling. With more than 20 years of professional experience, she completed her Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) at Jefferson in 2023, adding new depth to her leadership and expertise.

She credits the program’s mentorship model with helping her clarify goals and navigate challenges. Her capstone project, a scoping review focused on a gap in her practice area, strengthened her research skills and her commitment to leadership.

Outside of work, Dr. Sawyer is an avid roller skater. She often skates with her two daughters, using the activity as both exercise and family time.

She recently founded PediThrive, a pediatric occupational therapy practice that supports children and families in their natural environments. The practice offers pediatric occupational therapy services, infant massage instruction and collaborations with child care centers and schools.

Dr. Sawyer’s work reflects the best of Jefferson’s values – service, innovation and a commitment to community impact.

Follow her at @Pedithrive or visit www.PediThrive.com.

Celebrating Our Administrative Staff

Patricia Williams, Education Coordinator, Center City Campus

Meet Patricia Williams

By Ella Waddell (OTD, 2027)

Patricia Deloach Williams has been a dedicated member of the Jefferson community since 1986. As Education Coordinator for the OTD Program on the Center City campus, she works closely with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinators (AFWC) to manage contracts, clearances and evaluations. Patricia ensures that all necessary documentation and requirements are completed before students begin their placements.

Patricia previously supported the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. She transitioned to the Department of Occupational Therapy for a new challenge and was drawn to the opportunity to work more directly with students. She enjoys seeing students grow from nervous beginners into confident professionals.

Patricia is known for her communication skills, empathy and attention to detail. She is instrumental in the process of placing students at fieldwork sites where they will learn, feel supported and succeed.

Lisa Chiaro, Administrative Assistant - Experiential Learning

Meet Lisa Chiaro

By Ella Waddell (OTD, 2027)

Lisa Chiaro supports the experiential learning team in the College Rehabilitation Sciences on the East Falls campus. Lisa works with the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy (ASOT), and Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) programs. She coordinates sites, maintains compliance records and collaborates with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinators (AFWCs) and MSAT clinical coordinator to ensure smooth placement logistics. She also serves as the primary contact for clinical sites and manages student communication.

Lisa began her Jefferson career in the Physician Assistant program before transitioning to occupational therapy. She enjoys the creativity and quick thinking the field requires and values the relationships she builds with students.

A lifelong learner, Lisa takes one Jefferson course each semester – often alongside one of her sons, who are Jefferson students. Outside of work, she is known for her big personality and stories, including the time she received a birthday ride in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication and dependability in her role. Her advice to students: "Stay true to yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help."

Meet Our Students

Aleczander “Alec” Farquharson, Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy student

Aleczander “Alec” Farquharson (he/him)

Alec, a second-year Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy (ASOT) student, balances full-time work, evening classes and an active acting career. After navigating undiagnosed ADHD during earlier studies, he found Jefferson’s two-classes-at-a-time structure ideal for his learning style.

Originally from Natick, Massachusetts, Alec now lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Jess. His Level I Fieldwork at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia allowed him to observe care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit – a meaningful and memorable experience that strengthened his commitment to OT.

Alec is also a professional actor and a resident performer with the Berserker Theatre Company. He has appeared in films, improv troupes, sketch comedy and more than 500 interactive murder mystery shows.

Follow Alec on Instagram: @TheRealAlecFarq

Rafaella “Raffi” Schor, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student

Rafaella “Raffi” Schor (she/her)

Raffi came to OT after working in corporate user research, where she studied how people interact with systems and products. Seeking more personal impact, she chose Jefferson’s MSOT program for its interdisciplinary curriculum and community-focused learning.

She values the collaborative nature of her cohort and the experiential learning opportunities that allow students to work directly with community members. This semester, she and her classmates are partnering with older adults to create occupational profiles and design interventions that support independence and safety.

Raffi’s research background and human-centered approach enrich her developing OT practice.

Ayelet Gutman, Doctor of Occupational Therapy student

Ayelet Gutman (she/her)

Two years before graduate school, Ayelet had never heard of occupational therapy. Today, she is passionate about the field’s versatility and its ability to support independence and well-being across populations.

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, she chose Jefferson for its strong reputation and nationally ranked OTD program. She enjoys exploring the many ways OT can be represented across settings and populations.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @ayelet_oriyah