Motor-vation - Using An Evidence-based Motor Program To Support Fine And Visual Motor Development In Kindergarten

Shaunna Kelder, DrOT, OTR/L

Dr. Shaunna Kelder joined Grand Valley State University’s Occupational Science and Therapy Program in the fall of 2012; she is currently an Assistant Professor in both the traditional and hybrid programs and the Program Research Coordinator.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University in 2000, attended A.T. Still University to complete Masters level coursework, and received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in 2014.  Shaunna has practiced occupational therapy with children in a school-based setting and acute hospital setting, adults with spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries and CVA in a rehabilitation hospital, adults and older adults in a mental health inpatient setting, and older adults in a sub-acute residential setting. Her professional interests include increasing occupational therapy service opportunities in community and emerging practice areas, such as in homeless shelters and community-based centers for families with children having autism or other disabilities. She has completed evidence-based practice research on increasing fine and visual motor development opportunities for at-risk kindergarten students in the school setting and increasing multi-sensory learning opportunities via assignment and assessment modification for online occupational therapy students.  Her service includes creating community-based service learning opportunities for hybrid program students and working with the Health Ministries Services of her church to provide volunteer-based occupational therapy learning events for members.