Doctoral Student Recognized by Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)

Marvieann Garcia-Rodriguez, post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy student in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences was recently featured by Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) as their Spring 2021 Spotlight Practitioner.

The FOTA Spotlight Practitioner is a recognition from occupational therapy peers who feel that the practitioner demonstrates two or more of the following qualities: creativity, genuine compassion, ability to work with others, positive attitude, ability to inspire others and leadership skills.

Marvieann is a passionate and dedicated occupational therapist who has worked in the NICU at Nicholas Children’s Hospital (formerly Miami Children’s Hospital) for over 30 years.   She was instrumental in implementing a comprehensive developmental program in the NICU and securing a role for occupational therapy in the care and treatment of premature infants and neonates.

In addition, she worked with a nurse practitioner to develop a comprehensive follow-up clinic that ran for over 16 years.   She has guest lectured at numerous South Florida OT schools on the role of occupational therapy in the NICU and mentored and trained many clinicians to work with this specialized population of patients.  Marvieann is certified in neonatal touch and massage for premature infants as well as a certified massage instructor for full term infants.

She is a Certified Neonatal Therapist and is an active member in the National Association of Neonatal Therapy.  She is NDT trained in pediatrics and has her baby specialty. She is certified in the General Movements Assessment for infants.

Currently, Marvieann is working on her post professional capstone project at Nova Southeastern University’s doctoral program and has developed “An Occupational Therapist’s Approach to the Implementation of Kangaroo Care in the NICU” education program for nursing and staff in the NICU.  Kangaroo care is considered best practice to enhance the developmental outcomes of premature infants and sick neonates and promote bonding between the parent and infant. Recognizing the critical role kangaroo care plays in facilitating the occupation of parenting- Marvieann created and implemented a comprehensive kangaroo care education program for nursing and staff.  The program is now standard practice in the unit.