Ranelle Nissen, MS, OTR/L
The University of South Dakota
Occupational Therapy
(605) 658-6378
Email: Ranelle.Nissen@usd.edu

Education
	
	PhD, Texas Woman’s University, In Progress
	    Major: Occupational Therapy

MS, The University of South Dakota, 2006.
Major: Occupational Therapy

BS, The University of South Dakota, 2004.
Major: Psychology

Professional Positions

Professional

Academic Fieldwork Coordinator & Assistant Professor, University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Program. (August 2011 – current)

Occupational Therapist, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. (April 2009 - August 2011).

Occupational Therapist, Care Initiatives - Indian Hills Nursing & Rehab Center. (January 15, 2007 - March 2009).

Licensures and Certifications

Occupational Therapist Registered, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (February 26, 2007 - March 31, 2016).

South Dakota Occupational Therapist License, South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. (April 22, 2009 - January 1, 2016).

Professional Memberships
	Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (March 2015 – Present)

World Federation of Occupation Therapists. (July 2013 - Present)

National Rural Health Association. (May 2012 - Present)

South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association. (August 2011 - Present)

American Occupational Therapy Association. (July 2004 - Present)

Development Activities Attended
Conference Attendance, "Leadership in Occupational Therapy: The Intersect with Research, Education, Practice, and Policy," USD Occupational Therapy Department, Vermillion, South Dakota. (May 6, 2015).

Conference Attendance, “Regional Telehealth Forum 2015: Innovations – Staying Ahead of the Curve,” Great Plain Telehealth Resource & Assistance Center, Sioux Falls, SD. (April 6 – 7, 2015). 

Conference Attendance, "Combined Program Directors & Academic Fieldwork Coordinators Meeting," AOTA, New Orleans, Louisiana. (October 23, 2014 - October 24, 2014).

Conference Attendance, "PhD Research Symposium," Texas Woman's University School of Occupational Therapy, Dallas, Texas. (September 13, 2014).

Continuing Education Program, "Occupational Therapy: Working with Chronic Pain," Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, Webinar. (June 18, 2014).

Conference Attendance, "Aging, Occupational Justice, and Human Rights," USD Occupational Therapy Department, Vermillion, South Dakota. (May 8, 2014).

Conference Attendance, "2014 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo," American Occupational Therapy Association, Baltimore, Maryland. (April 2, 2014 - April 3, 2014).

Workshop, "USD IPE: A Call to Action!," SHS and USD IPE & Practice Team, Vermillion, SD. (February 20, 2014).

Roundtable discussion, "President's Research Roundtable," Office of the USD president and office of research, Vermillion, SD. (February 11, 2014).

Conference Attendance, "MOTA 2013 Annual Conference," Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, Bloomington, Minnesota. (November 8, 2013).

Conference Attendance, "SDOTA Fall Conference," SDOTA, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (September 27, 2013).

Workshop, "Bright Ideas," CTL, Vermillion, SD. (January 28, 2013).

Tutorial, "Clicker Basics," USD - Center for Teaching & learning, Vermillion, SD. (November 28, 2012).

Conference Attendance, "SDOTA 2012 Fall Conference," SDOTA, Sioux Falls, SD. (October 19, 2012 - October 20, 2012).

Conference Attendance, "Combined Program Directors & Academic Fieldwork Coordinators Meeting," AOTA, Orlando, Florida. (October 5, 2012 - October 6, 2012).

Workshop, "NBCOT: The Art and Science of Writing Effective Test Items," NBCOT, St. Louis, Missouri. (June 15, 2012).

Workshop, "Grant Writing Workshop USA," Grant Writing USA, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (June 4, 2012 - June 5, 2012).

Research Symposium, "Research in Meaningful Occupations: A Bridge to the Future," USD OT Department, Vermillion, South Dakota. (May 3, 2012).

Conference Attendance, "2012 Annual Conference & Expo," AOTA, Indianapolis, Indiana. (April 26, 2012 - April 28, 2012).

Continuing Education Program, "AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certificate Program (FWECP)," AOTA, Indianapolis, Indiana. (April 25, 2012 - April 26, 2012).

Workshop, "Art in Healthcare for Rural Communities Workshop," Sanford Health, University of Florida, Kresge Foundation, USD, USD Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (April 16, 2012 - April 17, 2012).

Lecture, "Copyright Lecture," USD, Vermillion, South Dakota. (March 30, 2012).

Tutorial, "Using Prezi for Presentations," CTL, Vermillion, South Dakota. (February 27, 2012).

Tutorial, "Googledocs," CTL, Vermillion, South Dakota. (January 25, 2012).

Conference Attendance, "South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association 2011 Fall Conference," SDOTA, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (October 14, 2011 - October 15, 2011).

Level II FW supervisor, "Level II OT Fieldwork educator," Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, South Dakota. (May 31, 2011 - August 19, 2011).

Continuing Education Program, "Sensory Processing Concepts and Applications in Practice," AOTA. (May 30, 2011).

Continuing Education Program, "Effective Sensory Diets," Summit Professional Education. (May 17, 2011).

Workshop, "Diabetes, Obesity, and Heart Disease," Institute for Natural Resources, Sioux City, Iowa. (April 14, 2011).

Continuing Education Program, "Occupation-Focused Intervention Strategies for Clients with Fibromyalgia and Fatiguing Conditions," AOTA. (November 21, 2010).

Continuing Education Program, "Becoming a Fieldwork "Educator": Enhancing Your Teaching Skills," AOTA. (November 8, 2010).

Workshop, "Integrating Cognitive Disabilities Theory into Occupational Therapy Practice," Human Services Center, Yankton, South Dakota. (July 27, 2010).

Continuing Education Program, "Occupational Therapy in Action: Using the lens of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 2nd Ed.," AOTA. (March 23, 2010).

Continuing Education Program, "Strategies to Advance Gerontology Excellence: Promoting Best Practice in Occupational Therapy," AOTA. (August 3, 2009).

Continuing Education Program, "Innovative Approaches in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation after Stroke," AOTA. (March 18, 2008).

Student supervisor, "Level I FW supervisor," Indian Hills Nursing & Rehab Center, Sioux City, Iowa. (January 22, 2008 - March 4, 2008).

TEACHING

Teaching Experience

The University of South Dakota
OCTH 712, Structure, Movement, & Occupation, 3 courses.
OCTH 725, Occupational Performance: Adulthood, 3 courses.
OCTH 741, Professional Identity & Field Experiences I, 5 courses.
OCTH 742, Preparatory Methods: Physical Agent Modalities & Orthotic Devices, 1 course.
OCTH 751, Professional Identity & Field Experiences II, 4 courses.
OCTH 761, Professional Identity & Field Experiences III, 1 course.
OCTH 764, Level II Fieldwork, 4 courses.
OCTH 774, Level II Fieldwork, 5 courses.
OCTH 781, Evidence-Based Practice, 2 courses.
OCTH 784, Master's Proposal Development, 6 courses.
OCTH 788, Master's Project in Health Sciences, 15 courses.
OCTH 791, Independent Study: Advanced Fieldwork, 1 course.

Non-Credit Instruction

Guest Lecture, HSC Undergraduate Program, 15 participants. (October 25, 2013).

Guest Lecture, USD Physician Assistant Program, 20 participants. (August 9, 2013).

Guest evaluator for PT student business plan & grant presentations, USD PT Department, 26 participants. (July 1, 2013).

Assist with skills check for OCTH 742 lab, 24 participants. (November 19, 2012).

Guest Lecture, Physician Assistant Program, 20 participants. (September 19, 2012).

Guest Lecture, Communication Sciences & Disorders, 25 participants. (April 20, 2012).

Directed Student Learning
Supervised Research, “Perceptions of Telerehabilitation for Use in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology,” (January 2015 – Present)

Supervised Research, “Student Perceptions of Telehealth,” (January 2014 – May 2015)
Advised: Scott Bailey, Brianna Jackson, Amanda Mentzer

Supervised Research, "Decreasing negative behaviors in adults with developmental disabilities through use of the Ready Approach," OCTH. (January 2013 – May 2014).
Advised: Melissa Kroupa, Kristin Braden, Amanda Rolfes

Supervised Research, "The Effectiveness of a Community-based Program for Implementing Exercise into Daily Life with Diabetes," OCTH. (January 2013 – May 2014).
Advised: Sarah Chrestiansen, Blane Sharkey

Supervised Research, "The Effectiveness of a Community-based Program for Implementing Exercise into Daily Life with Diabetes," OCTH. (January 11, 2012 – May 2013).
Advised: Amanda Miller, Samantha Drealan

Supervised Research, "The Effectiveness of an Electronic Hand and Forearm Orthotic in Gaining Functional Outcomes after Upper Extremity Hemiparesis," OCTH. (January 11, 2012 – May 2013).
Advised: Rose Pillatzki, Samantha Haukaas, Jax Filips

Supervised Research, "Using the Occupational Adaptation Model to Develop a Diabetic Exercise Program," OCTH. (January 11, 2012 - May 3, 2012).
Advised: Amy Nelson, Katie Ness, Emilee Rose

Supervised Research, "Effects of Implementing a Lifestyle Redesign Program for Facilitating Exercise among People with Type II Diabetes," OCTH. (January 11, 2012 - May 3, 2012).
Advised: Brittany Fiegen, Stacy Weber

Supervised Research, "The Effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Improving Performance and Satisfaction in Occupational Performance in the Chronic Stages of Stroke: A Case Study," OCTH. (August 22, 2011 - May 3, 2012).
Advised: Anna Anderson, Keri Hansen, Christina Noecker, Robin Reiter, Natalie Weber, Kendra Wolff

RESEARCH

Publications
Ikiugu, M.N., Westerfield, M.A., Lien, J.M., Theisen, E.R., Cerny, S.L., & Nissen, R.M. (2015). Empowering people to change occupational behaviours to address critical global issues. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82(3), 194-204. doi: 10.1177/0008417414567529

Brockevelt, B.L., Nissen, R., Schweinle, W., Kurtz, E., & Larson, K. (2013). A comparison of the sensory profile scores of children with autism and an age- and gender-matched sample. South Dakota Medicine, November, 459-465. 
 
Presentations Given
Nissen, R. (Author Only), Brockevelt, B. (Author Only), Bailey, S., (Presenter & Author), Jackson, B. (Presenter & Author), Mentzer, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, “Student Perceptions of Telehealth,” University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD (May 6, 2015)

Ikiugu, M. (Author Only), Nissen, R. (Author Only), Beech, K. (Presenter & Author), Fuoss, M. (Presenter & Author), Smith, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, “Intervention Strategies Used by Occupational Therapists Working in Mental Health to Enhance Clients’ Occupational Performance,” University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD (April 24, 2015)

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Brockevelt, B. (Author Only), Bailey, S., (Presenter & Author), Jackson, B. (Presenter & Author), Mentzer, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences Research Conference, “Student Perceptions of Telehealth,” University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD (April 24, 2015)

Ikiugu, M. (Author Only), Nissen, R. (Author Only), Beech, K. (Presenter & Author), Fuoss, M. (Presenter & Author), Smith, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences Research Conference, “Intervention Strategies Used by Occupational Therapists Working in Mental Health to Enhance Clients’ Occupational Performance,” University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD (April 24, 2015)

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Braden, K. (Presenter & Author), Kroupa, M. (Presenter & Author), Rolfes, A. (Presenter & Author), Parish, T. (Author Only), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "Ready approach: Identifying sensory deficits in adults with developmental disabilities," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 8, 2014).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Chrestiansen, S. (Presenter & Author), Sharkey, B. (Presenter & Author), Olson, B. (Author Only), Smallfield, S. (Author Only), Drealan, S. (Author Only), Miller, A. (Author Only), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "The effectiveness of a community-based program for implementing exercise into daily life with diabetes," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 8, 2014).

Nissen, R. (Presenter & Author), Chrestiansen, S. (Presenter & Author), Olson, B. (Author Only), Smallfield, S. (Author Only), Sharkey, B. (Author Only), Drealan, S. (Author Only), Miller, A. (Author Only), 2014 AOTA Annual Conference, "Effectiveness of a community-based program for implementing exercise into daily life with diabetes," AOTA, Baltimore, MD. (April 3, 2014).

Nissen, R. (Presenter & Author), Bourland, C. (Presenter & Author), Buxell, L. (Presenter & Author), Fleming, J. (Presenter & Author), Grabau, A. (Presenter & Author), Hanson, D. (Presenter & Author), Harris, L. (Presenter & Author), MOTA 2013 Annual Conference, "Fieldwork forum: Aligning your fieldwork program with AOTA's centennial vision," Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, Bloomington, MN. (November 8, 2013).

Ikiugu, M. (Presenter & Author), Cerny, S. (Presenter & Author), Nissen, R. (Author Only), 12th Annual Research Conference “Occupation & Education”, "The Effectiveness of Intervention based on an Occupation-Based Theoretical Model in Promoting Occupational Performance Change to Help Resolve Global Human Concerns," SSO:USA, Lexington, KY. (October 18, 2013).

Ikiugu, M. (Presenter & Author), Cerny, S. (Presenter & Author), Nissen, R. (Author Only), Kranz, R. (Author Only), Neukirch, A. (Author Only), 2013 Society for the Study of Occupation (SSO):USA Research Conference, "The Effectiveness of Intervention based on an Occupation-Based Theoretical Model in Promoting Occupational Performance Change to Help Resolve Global Human Concerns," SSO:USA, Lexington, Kentucky. (October 18, 2013).

Nissen, R. (Leader), SDOTA Fall Conference, "Enhancing SDOTA membership: Roundtable discussion," SDOTA, Sioux Falls, SD. (September 27, 2013).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Olson, B. (Author Only), Drealan, S. (Presenter & Author), Miller, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "The effectiveness of a community-based program for implementing exercise into daily life with diabetes," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 2, 2013).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Dawson, E. (Author Only), McClure, N. (Author Only), Filips, J. (Presenter & Author), Haukaas, S. (Presenter & Author), Koch, R. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "The effectiveness of an electronic hand and forearm orthotic in gaining functional outcomes after upper extremity hemiparesis," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 2, 2013).

Ikiugu, M. (Author Only), Cerny, S. (Author Only), Nissen, R. (Author Only), Kranz, R. (Presenter & Author), Neukirch, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota, Occupational Therapy Annual Research Symposium, "The Effectiveness of Intervention based on an Occupation-Based Theoretical Model in Promoting Occupational Performance Change to Help Resolve Global Human Concerns," University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Department, Vermillion, South Dakota. (May 2, 2013).

Ikiugu, M. (Author Only), Cerny, S. (Author Only), Nissen, R. (Author Only), Kranz, R. (Presenter & Author), Neukirch, A. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota, School of Health Sciences 2nd Annual Research Conference, "The effectiveness of intervention based on an occupation-based theoretical model in promoting occupational performance change to help resolve global human concerns," University of South Dakota, School of Health Sciences, Vermillion, South Dakota. (April 19, 2013).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Neukirch, A. (Presenter & Author), Larson, B. (Presenter & Author), McKiney, C. (Presenter & Author), Haukaas, S. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication for school-aged children with ADHD," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2012).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Olson, B. (Author Only), Smallfield, S. (Author Only), Fiegen, B. (Presenter & Author), Weber, S. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "Effects of implementing a lifestyle redesign program for facilitating exercise among people with type II diabetes," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2012).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Anderson, L. (Author Only), Anderson, A. (Presenter & Author), Hansen, K. (Presenter & Author), Noecker, C. (Presenter & Author), Schmid, R. (Presenter & Author), Wolff, K. (Presenter & Author), Zirpel, N. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "The effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy in improving performance and satisfaction in occupational performance in the chronic stages of stroke: A case study.," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2012).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Brulle, P. (Presenter & Author), Drealan, S. (Presenter & Author), Gregg, D. (Presenter & Author), Turkleson, B. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "The use of the iPad for treatment in children with autism," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2012).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Olson, B. (Author Only), Smallfield, S. (Author Only), Nelson, A. (Presenter & Author), Ness, K. (Presenter & Author), Rose, E. (Presenter & Author), University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Research Symposium, "Using the occupational adaptation model to develop a diabetic exercise program," University of South Dakota OT Department, Vermillion, SD. (May 3, 2012).

Nissen, R. (Author Only), Anderson, A. (Presenter & Author), IDEA Fest, "The effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy in improving performance and satisfaction in occupational performance in the chronic stages of stroke: A case study," Center for Academic Engagement, Vermillion, SD. (April 11, 2012).

SERVICE

Department Service
	Committee Member, New Faculty Search Committee. (May 2015 – Present)

Faculty Advisor, Student Occupational Therapy Association. (August 2013 – Present).

Committee Chair, Awards Committee. (March 21, 2012 - Present).

Committee Member, Admissions Committee. (September 2011 - Present).

Committee Member, New Faculty Search Committee. (September 2013 – December 2013).

Committee Member, New Faculty Search Committee. (August 2012 - September 2012).

College Service

Committee Member, Health Affairs Medical Informatics Committee. (October 2012 - Present).

Committee Member, Interprofessional Day Committee. (January 17, 2012 - Present).

Committee Member, Clinical Fieldwork Committee. (August 2011 - Present).

Committee Member, School of Health Sciences Rank Reassignment and Promotion/Tenure Committee. (October 2013 - November 2013).

University Service

Faculty Advisor, Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (December 2011 - Present).

Faculty Advisor, Pre-OT club. (August 2011 – May 2015).

Professional Service

Membership Committee Chair, South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association, South Dakota. (October 2011 - Present).