Occupational Therapy
Contact
dpallister@mariacollege.edu
518-294-5955 (office)
Dr. Pallister serves as Professor and Program Director for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program at Maria College. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Wagner College, Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy at New York University, and a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law. Dr. Pallister has been an occupational therapy educator for over 20 years with clinical experience that mainly focused on adult and older adult rehabilitation, ergonomics and work health and wellness, and environmental modifications necessary to maximize occupational performance and participation. Most recently David served as Professor and Program Director for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS and Founding Program Director for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at his alma mater, Wagner College, in Staten Island, NY. His scholarship interests lie in the areas of best and future practices for online occupational therapy education; practice and profession-based legal, ethical, and policy issues; evidence supporting the critical role of foundational sciences in occupational therapy entry-level curricula; and occupational therapy's recognition of exercise as a contemporary occupation-based intervention. Personal meaningful occupations include “gym-ratting,” running (however, now orthopedically retired), honoring his father by upholding a born and raised commitment to all-things New York sports, learning to play the guitar, and studying effective voice-over techniques in a now AI-obsessed world.
Photo credit: Hayden Parks
Dr. Alton Brisport is a Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist and National Board-Certified Hand Therapist. His clinical professional career extends the duration of approximately 32 years, with 29 years at the Stratton Albany Veterans Affairs Hospital. His diverse clinical experience is attributed to an amalgamation of employment opportunities at multiple health care facilities, including Hospitals, Hand Specialty Clinic, Nursing Home-Rehabilitation and Home Care.
Dr. Brisport practices rehabilitation of complex orthopedic disorders and pathologies related to the upper quadrant. He is proficient in conducting assessments and therapeutic interventions to resolve and enhance biomechanical efficiency to attain functional performance. Additionally, he performs pre and post-surgical therapeutic intervention pertaining to Orthopedic and Plastic patients. He currently develops and modify patient specific protocol and engages in diagnostic and analysis of disorders and trauma involving the upper quadrant. Finally, Dr. Brisport employs administrative responsibilities, pertaining to the clinical management and intern preceptor/supervisor.
Dr. Brisport completed Post Graduate studies directed in the pursuit of Certified Hand and Upper Quadrant Rehabilitation specialist. He also completed certification in the area Basic Kinesiotaping Certification. Dr. Brisport has aggressively pursued enhancing his clinical skills by attending, participating, and presenting in numerous educational seminars, including monthly Orthopedic /Plastic grand rounds at Albany Medical Center. Additional clinical scholarly endeavors include, writing articles, modifying protocol, designing orthosis and therapeutic hand exercise equipment, and performing multiple clinical article reviews and research.
Dr. Brisport was also employed as an Adjunct Instructor for over 12 years, in higher education institutions, including Maria College, SUNY Schenectady and Mildred Elley (Albany campus). His dedication to the field of higher education was evident by his tenure as a member of the SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Herbert H. Lehman College
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University
- Post-Graduate Professional Program, Certification in Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from MCP Hahnemann University-Drexel University
- Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy from St. Augustine University
Contact
(518) 861-5227
abrisport@mariacollege.edu
Ms. Kara L. P. Fumarola is a Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist with National Board Certification. Her clinical professional career extends the duration of 25 years.
Ms. Fumarola’s clinical practice has included experience in short term rehab, long-term care, Director of Rehab for 6 years, acute care, early intervention, home care, school based and outpatient neuro, hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. She also provides OT services for the “Aging in Place Safely Program” and driving assessments.
Ms. Fumarola has completed certifications in Compassion Fatigue, CarFit and the “We Need to Talk” driver safety program. Ms. Fumarola presented at the AOTA conference on “A Needs Assessment Survey of Adaptive Equipment for Cardiac Patients”, which included a prototype for adaptive equipment. Ms. Fumarola won the Maddox Award. Ms. Fumarola has assertively pursued enhancing her clinical and management skills by attending, participating and presenting in numerous educational seminars and conferences. Ms. Fumarola completed weekly orthopedic rounds, teaching the weekly total joint replacement and spine classes, OT monthly meeting leader, management meetings, developing the Aging in Place and driving programs, and assisting in running an out-patient clinic.
Education
· Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational therapy from Russell Sage College
· Bachelor’s Degree in Human Science and Services, Family Studies and Counseling with a minor in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island
· Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Russell Sage College
· In pursuant of a Doctoral Degree in Occupation Therapy from Marymount University with anticipated graduation date of May 2024
· Additional studies in Law, History and Communication at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Contact
(518) 903-6454
kfumarola@mariacollege.edu
Contact
(518) 861-2547
dlebeau@mariacollege.edu
OTA
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Meghan is an experienced COTA, vision rehabilitation therapist, and fieldwork educator. She is the Director of Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Maria, who teaches, coordinates all fieldwork, and works as a COTA in pediatrics.
Education
MPH in Public Health from Purdue University
BS in Liberal Studies and Psychology from Excelsior College
Certifications, Licenses, Affiliations
Certified Occupational Therapist, Licensed
Contact
(518) 861-2549
mmalone@mariacollege.edu
Contact
(518) 861-2547
dlebeau@mariacollege.edu