
Education
Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University
General Background
Dr. Cusic is passionate about empowering students through engaging, inclusive learning experiences grounded in adult learning theory and real world practice. Her teaching and scholarly interests focus on best practices in occupational therapy and higher education, particularly with the adult population. She’s interested in helping students enter the healthcare field better prepared to understand how healthcare, education, and community contexts influence people’s daily lives, including their own.
Professional Affiliations & Service
Professional Organizations:
NOTA
AOTA
Recognized at Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day (2022)
Nominated for Outstanding Faculty (2020)
Recognized at Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day (2019)
Additional Information
Intellectual Contributions:
1) Content writer for a therapy website to assist current practitioners with information regarding different parts of the OT field and to educate people interested in joining the OT, PT, or SLP profession. Website: https://practitionr.com/ (2023-current)
2) Reviewed and edited chapters in Functional Performance in Older Adults, 5E, by Bette Bonder and Vanina Dal Bello-Haas to support the best health, well-being, and quality of life for older adults. (2022).
3) Reviewed and edited a chapter in Adult Physical Conditions: Intervention Strategies for Occupational Therapy Assistants, 2E, by Amy Mahle and Amber Ward to enhance education on adult physical conditions in occupational therapy. (2021)
Research:
1) Researching what self-regulated learning is within students and how different teaching strategies can improve those techniques. (2023-current)
2) Researching cultural competence in occupational therapy students’ pre- and post-fieldwork experiences. (2021-2023)
3) Assessing the test-retest reliability of the Self-Assessment Mode (SAM) Questionnaire in Occupational Therapy Students to help determine appropriate styles of communication for improved rapport building in the clinic. (2019-2022)
Publication:
1) Ellie Cusic, Maureen Hoppe, Mollie Sultenfuss, Katherine Jacobs, Hattie Holler & Adebimpe Obembe (2022) Multisensory Environments for Outcomes of Occupational Engagement in Dementia: A Systematic Review, Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2022.2028954