Occupational Therapy
Contact
(518) 861-2530
ctheimer@mariacollege.edu
Dr. Theimer is a professor in the Arts and Sciences Department and also serves as the Chair of the Arts and Sciences Department and Program Director of the Health and Occupational Sciences program.
Her academic experience is in biochemistry and biophysics, with a past research history on the structure and function relationships in RNA molecules and their impact on health and disease. She teaches chemistry, math, biology, and physics, and has more recently received a degree in Public Health, to teach in those areas as well.
Dr. Theimer is passionate about lifelong learning and finding the next new opportunity for growth for herself and her students, but also tries to take time to stop and smell the roses (or rather the wild orange poppies that bloom in front of her house every Spring).
Education
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
Karyn is an Associate Professor in the MS in Occupational Therapy program. Karyn has worked with both the adult and pediatric populations in varied treatment environments.
Education
- MA in Occupational Therapy, New York University
- Ph.D. Occupational Therapy, Nova Southeastern University
Certifications
- Occupational Therapist, Registered, Licensed
Contact
(518) 861-2535
kshenker-gould@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
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