UM-Flint OT student working to improve the lives of military veterans

With an innovative skillset and mission to serve, Miranda Crummey—an occupational therapy doctorate student from Laingsburg—is making a difference in the lives of veterans. Inspired by her father's military background and the foundational roots of occupational therapy, Crummey combines empathy and expertise to offer veterans a holistic, client-focused path to wellness and recovery.

"A lot of that motivation stems from my dad being an Army veteran," Crummey said. "Service members have to make a lot of seen and unseen sacrifices, which leads me to believe that service members and veterans should be adequately cared for and supported."

The history of occupational therapy, especially its involvement during World War I, has influenced Crummey's approach. "At that time, occupational therapists, known as reconstruction aides, utilized occupations to help soldiers prepare for life after service," she said.

As part of her doctoral capstone project, Crummey developed a wellness program for veterans at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. The program aims to address physical, social and mental health challenges through activities designed according to the latest occupational therapy best practices. An essential component of Crummey's wellness program involves mindfulness, guided imagery, and leisure activities such as fishing. These activities can reduce stress and anxiety while improving attention and concentration through strengthening the mind-body connection. "When a veteran is stuck in a constant state of 'fight-or-flight,' engagement in needed and desired activities becomes challenging," said Crummey. "These activities help promote a calm state, allowing veterans to feel at ease and successfully interact with their environment."

Crummey has observed improvements in veterans' social engagement and overall quality of life. "Veterans participating in the program have demonstrated a greater willingness to engage in social activities, particularly community events at the VFW National Home," she said. As an example, two veterans recently fished together in one session, practicing social skills and engaging in a preferred leisure activity.

Feedback from veterans has been positive, reflecting Crummey's successful implementation of the program. "Miranda's contributions as an OT intern at the VFW National Home were instrumental to our staff and the veteran families we serve," said Lisa White, case management supervisor at VFW National Home. "Her insight, practical skills, and innovative approach enhanced our programming and helped our team to think outside of the box. Miranda provided us with new tools and knowledge that we will continue to utilize moving forward."

Julie Jacob, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy and interim director of academic programs, highlighted the significance of student projects: "Miranda Crummey's dedication to serving veterans through her capstone project was truly inspiring. Her thoughtful development of a comprehensive module to educate future practitioners about the unique needs of the veteran community demonstrates not only her commitment to this population but also her forward-thinking approach to occupational therapy. The tools she has created will undoubtedly enhance practitioners' ability to communicate effectively and develop meaningful interventions, making a lasting impact in the field." Jacob emphasized that projects like Crummey's benefit patients and enhance the skills of future occupational therapists from UM-Flint.

Learn more about UM-Flint's occupational therapy doctorate at the program's webpage.