Welcome to Occupational Therapy
	ELAINE JEAN STRUTHERS, Ph.D., O.T.R./L Masters Program Director

Email: strutherse@wnmu.edu

Western New Mexico University

Ph.D., Behavioral Biology of Primates (Interdisciplinary; Departments of Animal Science, Biology, Anthropology) New Mexico State University, 1992.
M.O.T, Occupational Therapy, University of Puget Sound, 1999
M.A., Physical Anthropology, Minor in Southwest History; New Mexico State University, 1988.
B.A., Physical/Medical Anthropology, The Colorado College, 1986.
A.A. (Arts & humanities) & A.G.S. (mechanics) Pikes Peak Community College; 1980

Occupational Therapist Business Owner, Washington & New Mexico States, Island Occupational Therapy; (2003-2012) using a non-traditional model of clinical practice without borders, treating pediatric clientele; in Asperger, autism, sensory dysfunction, PDD, hypotonia, FASD, unique challenges of foster population, and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses; parent advocacy and support for facilitation of ADA / IDEA/ IEP process, e-consult services [www.islandot.com], and community development resources for parent driven NPOs supporting Sensory Integration Based environments and treatment in the community.

Visiting Faculty, Occupational Therapy Department; Eastern Washington University, Spokane WA, 2012: Responsible for teaching content for occupational therapy graduate curriculum coursework, using teleconferencing and on-site instruction. Coursework included theory, pediatrics, and aging adult topic areas as well as special projects in student research.

Fulbright Specialists Award: Lecture & Practical Fieldwork Instruction, University of Ruse, Bulgaria, October-December, 2011. Appointment to teach coursework for and supervise fieldwork of Occupational Therapy students in an ENOTHE-initiated Occupational Therapy curriculum, providing instruction and oversight in workshops, community partnership and advocacy activities. Use of social media and teleconferencing to develop peer-mentoring links between an American University and University of Ruse.

Clinic Design and Implementation for Esperanza Clinic/ Aprendamos Early Intervention Team, Las Cruces, NM, 2009- 2010: Research, design, development and establishment of a clinic site for profit-driven client creating a clinic meeting the Sensory Integration Global Network (SIGN) fidelity criteria, serving children ages 0 to 17 in the unique borderlands region of the American southwest; including mentoring and supervision of OT students, interns, and COTAs.

Faculty Member Occupational Therapy Department, Texas Woman’s University, 2008-2009: Responsible for teaching content for occupational therapy curriculum graduate level, and COTA Bridge programs, including pediatric clinical and developmental pediatric coursework, and supervising research projects for graduate students.

Occupational Therapist, Washington State Schools, Oak Harbor, Island County District (Oct.,2000-October 2002), direct and consultation services for educational and developmental disabilities under IEP process in accordance with P.L. 101-476 (IDEA) for grades K-12, Headstart, and preschool.

Occupational Therapist, Washington State Schools, Conway, Skagit County District (Jan.-Aug., 2000), direct and consultation services for educational and developmental disabilities under IEP process in accordance with P.L. 101-476 (IDEA) for grades K-12.

Occupational Therapist, Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC) (March-July, 2000), Early intervention for children age 0 -3 years Provision of team-based special services in home and school setting, in accordance with IFSP.

Occupational Therapist: Treetop Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic, Bellingham, WA, (March-July, 2000), providing sensory integration-based services to pediatric clients with varied diagnoses under the direction of an SIPT-trained O.T.

Occupational Therapist Student Intern: Center for Therapeutic Intervention, Gig Harbor, WA, (September-December, 1999), Provision of services under the supervision of a licensed/certified SIPT pediatric Occupational Therapist in a pediatric clinic setting.

Occupational Therapist Student Intern: Manor Care Health Services, Tacoma, WA; (June-September, 1999), Provided services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in a skilled nursing facility for in-patient and out-patient services in rehabilitation.

Occupational Therapist (student fieldwork in mental health): Good Samaritan Adult Day Program, Puyallup, WA, (Spring, 1999), Provided program design 1xweek group treatment for cognitively disabled adults as part of coursework requirement.

Occupational Therapist (student clinic in pediatrics): University of Puget Sound Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic, Tacoma, WA, (Spring, 1999), Provided treatment planning and implementation for one child with cerebral palsy 2xweek as part of fieldwork requirements.

Instructor of Anthropology, Whatcom Community College, (Winter Quarter, 2000), Introductory course-work in physical/biological anthropology.

Instructor of Anthropology, Tacoma Community College, (PT 1998-99), Introductory course-work in anthropological survey course, cultural anthropology, and physical/biological anthropology.

Instructor of Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso (adjunct status), (1996), design and instruction of coursework in Advanced Biological Anthropology.

The Coulston Foundation, Director of Behavioral Sciences, (1994-1997),
Responsible for procedural and technical development, experimental design, data collection and analyses, student supervision, project design, and implementation of an institute-wide compliance plan for the Animal Welfare Act (P.L.99-196; CFR 9 Part 3) [AWA] governing approximately 500 chimpanzees and 1000 mixed-species monkeys.

Advanced Sciences, Inc., Senior Scientist, (1993-1994),
Evaluation of cultural resource reports and documentation for the EIS/DAS for Cultural Resources at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Editing and compilation of EIS and other federally mandated NEPA related documentation and grant materials.

New Mexico State University Museum, Project Coordinator (dependent on intermittent subcontract funding), (1990-1993), Coordinatedan ongoing project to inventory, curate, conserve, and document sensitive cultural objects and holdings in compliance with federal legislation under federal NAGPRA guidelines.

New Mexico Regional Primate Research Laboratory, Director, Environmental Enrichment Division (1991-1992), Developed, implemented, evaluated and documented an environmental enrichment plan designed to enhance the psychological well-being of approximately 2,000 non-human primates used in biomedical research in compliance with federal AWA guidelines.

Primate Research Institute, New Mexico State University, Research Fellow, (1989-1991), Designed and directed research utilizing real-time ultrasonography to characterize fetal growth and development in the chimpanzee. Developed environmental enrichment strategies for great apes and monkeys in compliance with federal AWA guidelines.

University of Texas-M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Division of Veterinary Resources, Research Assistant (1989), Research assistance on projects related to behavioral biology and functional anatomy in the chimpanzee

Primate Research Institute, New Mexico State University, Research Assistant (1987), Designed and implemented research examining behavioral and environmental effects associated with decreased fertility and postpartum amenorrhea in a captive colony of chimpanzees.

Archaeological Research Associate, Past and Future Inc., Las Cruces, N.M. (1988), Analysis, editing, publication layout for large archaeological project in northwestern New Mexico.

Instructor of Anthropology, New Mexico State University, (1988), Instructed introductory (201) cultural theory course.

Instructor of Anthropology, College of Santa Fe Prisons Program, (Fall, Winter, 1988-1989), Instructed Native American History and Prehistory courses, Southwest prehistory; acted as inside sponsor for Native American Club of SNMCF in matters related to AIRFA.

New Mexico State University, Graduate Teaching Assistant, (1986-1988), Courses in cultural, physical, forensic and osteological, anthropology of women, and archaeological anthropology.

• Allegheny College National Award in Poetry, 1985
• Colorado College Annual Literary Award for Poetry,1985
• N.M.S.U. Young Centennial Researcher's Award (three citations),1987
• Award of Appreciation as Sponsor for the Native American Club at Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility, 1988
• Member, America Society of Primatologists, 1989-1997
• Adjunct Professor, University of Texas at El Paso, Sociology / Anthropology Dept., 1996
• Member, American Occupational Therapy Association
• Ross Family Scholarship Award, University of Puget Sound, 1998
• University Enrichment Committee Research Award, University of Puget Sound, 1998
• Washington State Related Services Personnel (RSVP) Training Award, 1999
• Technical Editor; Sensory Integration Focus Magazine; 2004-Present
• Member, Research Review committee, Sensory Integration Global Network (SIGN)
• Team member, Southern New Mexico Autism Diagnostic Team, NMSU, 2009-11
• Fulbright Specialists Award, 2011, Teaching, University Ruse, Bulgaria

Struthers, E.J. 2011, Anne of Green Gables and the Sensory Ready Classroom Part II, S. I. Focus magazine, Winter 2011 E-zine Edition.

Struthers, E.J. 2010, Anne of Green Gables and the Sensory Ready Classroom Part I, S. I. Focus magazine, Autumn 2010 Edition.

Struthers, E.J. 2010, Using SI Theory to Help Kate See; In Kathleen Morris, MS, CCC/SLP, Editor; Insights Into Sensory Issues for Professionals

Struthers, E.J. 2010, How Captive Chimpanzees Help Us Understand Children With Sensory Integration Dysfunction, In Kathleen Morris, MS, CCC/SLP, Editor; Insights Into Sensory Issues for Professionals

Struthers, E.J. 2009, & Laurie Starkovich, TLC for Foster Children with Sensorimotor Processing Disorder, S. I. Focus magazine, Spring 2009 Edition.

Struthers, E.J. 2006, How Captive Chimpanzees Help Us Understand Children With Sensory Integration Dysfunction, S. I. Focus magazine, Winter 2006 Edition.

Struthers, E.J. 2004, Using SI Theory to Help Kate See, S. I. Focus magazine, Autumn 2004 Edition.

Struthers, E.J., 1999. The Potential of Olfactory Stimuli for Use as a Treatment Component in Occupational Therapy Practice. Master’s Thesis, University of Puget Sound Occupational Therapy Department.

Struthers, E.J., J.Wilbarger, and H.Harvey, 1997. Application of Sensorimotor Integration Techniques From Occupational Therapy to Environmental Enrichment for Captive Chimpanzees. (Pan troglodytes) Laboratory Primate Newsletter, v.36, #2.
E.J. Struthers, H. Harvey, and J. Wilbarger. 1997. A Case Report of Autistic Behavioral Manifestations in a Juvenile Chimpanzee. Abstract in the proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Primatology.
Struthers, E. J., H.Harvey, and S. Walden. 1997. Use of a Sensory Diet Approach for Environmental Enrichment and Mitigation of Abnormal Behavior in Captive Chimpanzees. Abstract in the proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Primatology.
Struthers, Elaine J., 1997. Applied Anthropology Among the Captive Pan troglodytes of Southern New Mexico. Practicing Anthropologist, Journal of the Society of Applied Anthropology [Fall Quarter].

Struthers, Elaine J., 1996. Scent-Specific Behavioral Response To Olfactory Enrichment In Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Abstract submitted to the American Society of Primatologists Annual Meeting.

Struthers, Elaine J. 1995. Chimpanzee Maternal-Infant Interactions in the Survival Critical Initial 72-hours Postpartum. Abstracts of the American Society of Primatologists Annual Meeting. Am. Journal of Primatology. vol. 36 No. 2.

Advanced Sciences Incorporated; Elaine J. Struthers contributor; Cultural Resources; 1993. Environmental Assessment for the Brilliant Anti-Armor Tank Project (BAT), White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. ASI, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Advanced Sciences Incorporated; Elaine J. Struthers contributor; Cultural Resources, Land Use, Biology; 1993. Environmental Impact Statement, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. ASI, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Advanced Sciences Incorporated; Elaine J. Struthers contributor; Cultural and Biological Resources; 1993. Environmental Assessment for the PATRIOT Missile System, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. ASI, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Struthers, E.J., P.L. Cooper, and R.R. Parra. 1992. Sensory Approach To Enrichment Design Increases Use of Cage Space and Activity in Research Monkeys. Abstract proceedings of 1992 American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Conference, Anaheim, CA. Am. Assoc. Lab. Animal Science Contemp. Topics. vol. 31 No. 3.

Struthers, E.J. 1992. Fetal Growth and Development During Gestation and Behavioral Patterns During the First 72-hours Postpartum in the Chimpanzee. Doctoral Dissertation, New Mexico State University.

Graham, C.E., E.J. Struthers, W.C. Hobson, T. McDonald, C. Faiman, M.T. Buckman, and D.C. Collins. 1991. Postpartum Infertility in Common Chimpanzees. Am. Journal of Primatology. vol. 24 No. 4.

Struthers, E.J., T.J. Rowell, and D.M. Hallford. 1991. Ultrasound Determination of Fetal Measures at Three Stages of Gestation in Chimpanzees. Abstracts of the American Society of Primatologists Annual Meeting. Am. Journal of Primatology. vol. 24 No. 2.

Murray, M., P. Frost, T.J. Rowell, and E.J. Struthers. 1991. Breeding Management and Pregnancy Verification via Ultrasound in the Chimpanzee. Abstracts of the American Society of Primatologists Annual Meeting. Am. Journal of Primatology. vol. 24 No. 2.

Frost, P., T.J. Rowell, E.J. Struthers, L. Gonzales, D. Bays, D. Mendoza, B.J. Ochoa, and D. Renquist. 1991. Reintroduction of Infant and Mother Chimpanzee Following Cesarean Section. Abstracts of the American Society of Primatologists Annual Meeting. Am. Journal of Primatology. vol. 24 No. 2.

Struthers, E.J., P. Rodriguez, P. Cooper, and T.J. Rowell. 1990. Xenospecific Enrichment at the Primate Research Institute. Laboratory Primate Newsletter. April 1990, vol. 29 No.2.

Struthers, E.J., M.A. Bloomsmith, and P.L. Alford. 1990. A Case History of a Decrement in Maternal Competence in a Captive Chimpanzee. Laboratory Primate Newsletter. January, vol. 29 No. 1.

Struthers, E.J. 1989. A Site Sampler and Site Excavation: The Case of 103-009; in Cultural Resources Report of the All American Pipelines Project. BLM California Desert District (Eds. F. Plog and N. Ackerly). Cultural Resource Management Department Publication: New Mexico State University.

Bloomsmith, M.A., Alford, P.L., Lambeth, S., and Struthers, E.J.. 1989. A Comparison of Post-Weaning Socialization Strategies For Young Chimpanzees: A Preliminary Report. Abstracts of the American Society of Primatologists Annual Meeting. Am. Journal of Primatology. vol. 22 No. 2.

Struthers, E.J., C.E. Graham, and R. Jenness. 1989. Behavioral and Physical Phenomena Associated with Postpartum Amenorrhea in Chimpanzees. Abstract from the proceedings of Southwest and Rocky Mountain Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Graham, C.E. and E.J. Struthers. 1988. Atypical Behavior Associated with Prolonged Postpartum Amenorrhea in Chimpanzees. Primate Report 22:13-18.

Graham, C.E., E.J. Struthers, W.C. Hobson, and C. Faiman. 1987. Prolonged Postpartum Amenorrhea in Chimpanzees: Etiology and Treatment. The Proceedings of the NCRR Conference on Comparative Reproduction in Man and Mammals (Ed. R.M. Eley) pp. 8-10. National Museums of Kenya.

Struthers, E.J. 1987. Behavioral Aspects of Postpartum Amenorrhea in a Captive Colony of Chimpanzees. Master's Thesis, New Mexico State University.

Graham, C.E., E.J. Struthers, W.C. Hobson, and C. Faiman. 1987. Prolonged Postpartum Amenorrhea in Chimpanzees: Etiology and Treatment. Abstract of the NCRR Conference on Comparative Reproduction in Mammals and Man: Nairobi, Kenya, pp. 16.

Graham, C.E., and E.J. Struthers. 1987. Atypical Behavior Associated with Prolonged Postpartum Amenorrhea in Chimpanzees. International Journal of Primatology 8:142.

Struthers, E.J., and J. Myers. 1987. Midwifery in the Upper Rio Grande River Valley. Abstract from the proceedings Western Social Science Assoc. Conference, El Paso, TX.

Struthers, E.J., and R. Myron. 1987. Ethnohistorical Documentation of Anglo Women in Santa Fe, 1850-1870. Abstract from the proceedings Western Social Science Assoc. Conference, El Paso, TX.