Amy Kashiwa
Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Biography
Dr. Amy Kashiwa joined the University of Puget Sound in 2020 as a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor and as the adult onsite teaching Clinic Coordinator. Dr. Kashiwa has instructional experience from OTA to post-professional OTD programs; expertise in program development, fieldwork supervision, and mentoring graduate students. She has practiced clinically in adult rehabilitation, skilled nursing, acute inpatient psychiatry, and primary schools. Additionally, she has volunteer experience developing and facilitating grief support groups for young adults. Dr. Kashiwa particularly loves practicing in adult mental health settings, and is an active member of Washington State’s Mental Health Community of Practice. Scholarly projects center around knowledge translation and advocating for occupational therapy in promoting mental health in emerging areas, such as suicide prevention and grief sensitivity. Dr. Kashiwa serves the Puget Sound community as an inaugural member of the Faculty Development Center Advisory board, and by facilitating student grief support groups.
Scholarly Interests
Exploring the theoretical intersection of suicide theory and the occupational therapy scope of practice; how engagement in occupations may impact modifiable risk factors among vulnerable populations at increased risk of suicide; state and national suicide prevention policy initiatives related to suicide prevention
Efficacy of medication management group activity-based intervention for psychiatric medication compliance, and increasing occupational engagement outcomes; qualitative methods for examining therapeutic use of self and stigma reduction in mental health
Studying outcomes related to supporting graduate student transition to hybrid teaching methodology; the effects of small group mindfulness on stress and anxiety in the School of Occupational Therapy
Leisure Occupation Interests
When not engaged in teaching or scholarship, Dr. Kashiwa practices the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing); enjoys restorative yoga and writing haiku poetry. Dr. Kashiwa publishes poetry on a 1928 Smith & Corona typewriter.