SHRS Blog

He will step in for Tony Delitto, who was named associate provost for digital education last fall and will be leaving his role as dean of SHRS effective January 31.

This groundbreaking initiative administered by the Accessible SmartTech Research Group is accepting proposals for the development of mobile apps designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. It is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, is a collaborative partnership between academic researchers, app developers, disability advocates and accessibility experts.

Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics student Shayaana Ubhayaratne completed her internship with the UPMC IT Summer Associate Program. 

When the inaugural cohort of the new University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic program comes together next fall, they will be greeted by Professor and Program Director Michael Schneider—who can now add Dynamic Chiropractic 2024 Person of the Year to his accolades. 

Melissa Aleksak, the director of SHRS' Adaptive Driving Program, is an established occupational therapist and driver rehabilitation specialist who found the perfect flexible, 100% online doctoral program that would provide her with the skills and knowledge to develop professional and leadership growth in her clinical practice.

Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Ann Marsico and Assistant Professor Cara Lekovitch took the lead in advancing fieldwork education for clinical fieldwork educators by developing a series of an annual virtual professional development sessions. Their work has focused on enhancing the skills of practitioners who guide students through the fieldwork process.

The program has been converted to 4+1, allowing in-state students to save both time and money!

Christine McFarland is the project assistant director for the new University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. McFarland has many years of experience in research and is very excited to welcome the Doctor of Chiropractic students. 

Department of PA Studies Assistant Professor and interprofessional inspirer Kathryn Reed leads by example in inspiring her peers and students to support community-engaged research in the interprofessional areas of health disparities and inequities, preventative care services and patient education in underrepresented groups. 

Pamela Toto, director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program and Healthy Home Lab, was awarded the 2024 ROC Spirit Award from the Pitt Alumni Association (PAA) in recognition of her outstanding enthusiasm, loyalty, pride and Pitt spirit.  

Mike Wiles is the associate director of Academic Affairs and visiting professor for the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Wiles has spent his career working in higher education and in chiropractic care. 

Joel Stevans is the associate director of Clinical Education and associate professor in the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic program at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). With over 30 years of experience as a chiropractor, Stevans will be focusing on research and professional education.