Adaptation, Coping, and Resilience in Children and Youth: A Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Approach

Lenin C. Grajo, PhD, EdM, OTR/L, is Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Psychiatry (PEFA), Director of the Division of Professional Education, and Associate Director of the Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. He has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 19 years and has practiced in the Philippines and the United States. He was previously on faculty in the Programs in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University in New York City. His research has focused on the application of Occupational Adaptation theory in instrument development and testing the effectiveness of interventions for children with specific learning disabilities, with particular focus on children with reading difficulties.

Dr. Grajo has published several peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and online continuing education programs related to interventions for children and youth and the Occupational Adaptation model. He is a certified therapist on the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention approach. He has presented nationally and internationally on the role of occupational therapy in supporting children’s literacy development.

Angela K. Boisselle, PhD, OTR, has more than 21 years experience as a pediatric occupational therapist and administrator. She currently works at Cook Children’s Health Plan as a Utilization Management Therapy Manager. Her role involves operationalizing value-based payment models with therapy providers, establishing and overseeing medical necessity criteria for authorization of therapy services for pediatric Medicaid clients, and coordination of educational opportunities for therapy providers to promote quality therapy practices.

Dr. Boisselle’s practice, service, and research background includes pediatric complex care, occupational adaptation, cerebral palsy, interprofessional collaboration, creativity, assistive technology and accessible design. She has served as research consultant, methodology committee member, peer reviewer, author, and editor. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Occupational Therapy in the Programs in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.