OTTP's Paula McNamara, MS, OTR/L & Andrea Mendoza, LMFT, presented Friday, Apr 15th, with a session entitled "Mental Health Inclusion: Preventative Services to At-Risk Youth and Families Through Home and Community-Based Services," exploring how occupational therapy has been integrated into an evidence-based community mental health model for at-risk youth, as well as the benefits and challenges of providing family-centered, occupation based interventions in the home.
Elizabeth Carley, OTD, OTR/L & Luisa Lowe, MSW, LCSW, presented Apr 16th with the session "Aggression reduction for adolescents: An interdisciplinary approach," which discussed the importance of the innovative, interdisciplinary nature of an aggression replacement program for adolescents. The effects of budgetary constraints and institutional mandates on continuity and quality of services for low-income at-risk youth were also addressed.
Ruth Sun, M.A. OTR/L & Mary Lawrence, OTA/L also presented April 16th with "Food Fitness: Healthier Eating for a Healthier Lifestyle for At-Risk Youth." The session explored the impact of obesity during adolescence is significant as it affects mental health, social relationships and academic functioning. Food Fitness is a wellness program designed to promote the development of healthy living choices and positive habits for at-risk youth living in urban Los Angeles. View the presentation handout here. Congrats to all of the OTTP presenters!