(Pronouns: she/her)
Name and credentials: Casey Hynes, OT, OTD, OTR
Degree and year: PP-OTD 2025
What are your prior degrees and at which institutions?
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Husson University, 2019
Bachelor of Health Care Studies, Husson University, 2018
Innovation Project:
Title: “Time for a Heart to Heart: An occupational therapy lifestyle management program designed for individuals living with heart failure in the acute care setting"
The basis of my innovative project was a heart failure manual designed to enhance the role of occupational therapy in managing this population by providing practical, evidence-based strategies. It emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, including sodium restriction, energy conservation, and self-management techniques, to support patients in their daily routines. The manual serves as a guide for occupational therapists to implement interventions that promote heart-healthy habits, improve functional independence, and reduce hospital readmissions. Through clear, accessible recommendations, it aims to further integrate the profession of OT into this population.
What was your favorite course in the program?
OH882 JEDI and OH885 Leadership in the Health Professions. Both courses really stick with me every day in both my professional and social life.
How have you immediately applied coursework to your professional life?
I am utilizing the manual I created with my current level II fieldwork students and presenting my work at AOTA in April 2025.
What has been your most rewarding experience at the IHP?
Gaining the confidence to submit my work to professional conferences and being accepted.
What do you think is special about the Post-Professional OTD program here at the MGH Institute?
The support from the teaching time and alumni students! They do an amazing job to support each classmate's individual work, and I truly feel supported by each member of the teaching team and each of my classmates.