Playfulness, Growth and Development Lab Making the World Smarter, Safer and Healthier Projects and Services Research Team Lab News Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology Welcome At the Playfulness, Growth, and Development Laboratory (PGD Lab), we focus on the study of mental health determinants such as adversity and their impact on an individual’s social and emotional functioning—with a unique emphasis on playfulness as a key contributor to children's and adults’ growth and development. The PGD Lab conducts an array of research projects establishing theoretical foundations, identifying individual and community needs, creating theory-driven and sensible interventions and studying their effectiveness. We also develop assessment tools, clinical resources, intervention programs and training materials. Director: Dr. Amiya Waldman-Levi Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Scholarship and Research of Occupational Therapy Current Projects and Services Families and Children's Resilience Children’s relationships with their parent/caregiver contribute significantly to their growth and development. We have found that the opportunity for children to play and be playful with caregivers is of immense importance to their learning, development and mental health. We develop and study the effectiveness of strength-based assessments and interventions that empower parents and caregivers to promote healthy play opportunities within the family context. Collaborators: Lola Halperin, Ed.D., OTR/L, Sacred Heart University and Dr. Danette, L. Brown, Ph.D., Executive Director SACFS Team Members: Ashely Mathew, Jaime Doerler, Sharine Christian, Leeyah Azizi and Dalia Planer Sample Work: Research Poster: Ensuring Research Integrity through Standardized Educational Modules for Researchers Research Poster: Paternal Reflective Functioning and Its Impact on Joint Play Video: Paternal Reflective Functioning and its Impact on Joint Play Student Resilience Over the past two decades, college students have experienced a steady increase in mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have identified risk factors related to these challenges, while a few have explored potential protective factors which could contribute to college students' mental well-being. This project explores resilience factors to support graduate student education and professional development. Collaborator: Anita Bundy, ScD, OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, Colorado State University Team members: Piermiline Datilus and Suzan Khavkin Healthy Aging The healthy aging project focuses on studying the effectiveness of the Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) program for community-dwelling older adults using different modes of service delivery. Collaborators: Jeanine Stancanelli, M.P.H., OTD, OTR/L, Mercy University, NY and Alexandra Laghezza, Ph.D., OTR/L, Doctoral Capstone Coordinator Team Members: Jessica Kwok and Rachel Hirsch Workshop: How to Use the PC-SCP The PC-SCP is an observational tool used by clinicians to assess how parents or caregivers support children's playfulness during unstructured play sessions, with the option for in-person, video-recorded, or telehealth administration. It aims to guide clinicians in developing family-centered interventions that promote parent/caregiver-child relationships and skill development. To request a workshop, contact Dr. Waldman-Levi: amiya.waldmanlevi@yu.edu Purchase the manual: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) for OTs Free downloadable resources on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) for Occupational Therapists: TIC For Pediatric OTs TIC for OTs Working with Adults and Older Adults Meet the Research Team Team members include Occupational Therapy Doctorate students trained in using the PC-SCP scale and in providing play-based and strength-based interventions, as well as wellness programs. Amiya Waldman-Levi Director Dr. Amiya Waldman-Levi’s main research focus is on mental health determinants such as adversity as well as its impact on an individual’s social and emotional functioning. Comprised two distinct research areas, Child and Family Social and Emotional Well-being and Aging and Resilience, her research yielded a commonality between the two. Dr. Waldman-Levi's scholarly contributions are both conceptual and methodological as she draws a connection between psychological theories and occupational therapy knowledge basis. Her research has been supported by internal and external grants and disseminated nationally and internationally. Full Faculty Bio I RECENT PUBLICATIONS Waldman-Levi, A. & Kuhaneck, H. (2023). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(2). Halperin, L. & Waldman-Levi, A. (2023). Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(3). Waldman-Levi, A., Bundy, A., & Shai, D. (2022). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(5). Waldman-Levi, A., & Bar Haim-Erez, A., Katz, N., & Stancanelli, J. (2020). Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 40(4). Amanda Hoberman '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from East Hanover, New Jersey, I completed my undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State University with a minor in Spanish. Prior to starting my doctorate, I had the opportunity to work with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at The Arc of Essex County which contributed to my passion for occupational therapy. I have continued to pursue this passion in my current doctorate program through fieldwork experience in a sensory gym, a school for children with autism, and most recently, a mental health facility. On the Playfulness, Growth, & Development research team I am excited to develop an educational module on Trauma Informed Care as it allows me to apply my experience in both pediatrics and mental health. Project Focus: Trauma-Informed Care and OT Ashley Matthew '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from California, I completed my undergraduate education in Biological Sciences. Prior to starting my doctorate, I volunteered at several pediatric OT clinics and worked as an ABA/behavior interventionist with kids with developmental disabilities. As an OT student, my goal is to help individuals achieve their highest potential and maximize their quality of life. I am excited to be on the Playfulness, Growth, and Development research team as it aligns with my interests in helping people engage in meaningful activities to live a purposeful life. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Leeyah Azizi '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from Long Island, New York, I completed my undergrad in Social Science Studies. I recently moved to Brooklyn, NY to finish my doctorate degree. Prior to starting my doctorate, I did community outreach within various Jewish Communities within the 5 boroughs. As an OT student, I developed more interest in working with the disabled community through my fieldwork experiences working with disabled children and adults. I'm excited to be a part of the Family Child's Resilience research team as it aligns with my passion for providing interventions that are focused on addressing client's individual needs. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Dalia Planer '24 OT Doctoral Student I am originally from Teaneck, New Jersey and I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland with a degree in Kinesiology. Prior to starting my doctorate, I worked as a therapy aide at a pediatric therapy gym. I also volunteered at a daycare facility in Israel for children with medical, developmental, motor, and cognitive disabilities, assisting in their occupational, physical, and speech therapy sessions. My goal is to work as a pediatric occupational therapist to help children develop skills to independently participate in their daily activities that will shape the rest of their lives. I am excited to be a part of this lab because it aligns with my interests in child development and improving overall quality of life. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Piermiline Datilus '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from West Orange, NJ, I completed my undergrad in Dominican University New York. During my doctoral studies, I was a research assistant for the capstone project, Playing Playfully to Overcome Adversity Teacher Group Training Program. I've also volunteered in scholarship research activities that required scoring and transcription. As a OT student, my interests include student mental health, inclusion for all populations and disabilities, and child development through play. My goal is to become an occupational therapist that is both active in research and in the community. I hope to provide better opportunities for students to be successful in their academic careers through research and education. I'm excited to be on the Student Resilience research team because it aligns with both my interests in student mental health and the roles of occupational therapy in mental health. Project Focus: Student Resilience Amiya Waldman-Levi Director Dr. Amiya Waldman-Levi’s main research focus is on mental health determinants such as adversity as well as its impact on an individual’s social and emotional functioning. Comprised two distinct research areas, Child and Family Social and Emotional Well-being and Aging and Resilience, her research yielded a commonality between the two. Dr. Waldman-Levi's scholarly contributions are both conceptual and methodological as she draws a connection between psychological theories and occupational therapy knowledge basis. Her research has been supported by internal and external grants and disseminated nationally and internationally. Full Faculty Bio I RECENT PUBLICATIONS Waldman-Levi, A. & Kuhaneck, H. (2023). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(2). Halperin, L. & Waldman-Levi, A. (2023). Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(3). Waldman-Levi, A., Bundy, A., & Shai, D. (2022). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(5). Waldman-Levi, A., & Bar Haim-Erez, A., Katz, N., & Stancanelli, J. (2020). Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 40(4). Amanda Hoberman '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from East Hanover, New Jersey, I completed my undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State University with a minor in Spanish. Prior to starting my doctorate, I had the opportunity to work with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at The Arc of Essex County which contributed to my passion for occupational therapy. I have continued to pursue this passion in my current doctorate program through fieldwork experience in a sensory gym, a school for children with autism, and most recently, a mental health facility. On the Playfulness, Growth, & Development research team I am excited to develop an educational module on Trauma Informed Care as it allows me to apply my experience in both pediatrics and mental health. Project Focus: Trauma-Informed Care and OT Ashley Matthew '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from California, I completed my undergraduate education in Biological Sciences. Prior to starting my doctorate, I volunteered at several pediatric OT clinics and worked as an ABA/behavior interventionist with kids with developmental disabilities. As an OT student, my goal is to help individuals achieve their highest potential and maximize their quality of life. I am excited to be on the Playfulness, Growth, and Development research team as it aligns with my interests in helping people engage in meaningful activities to live a purposeful life. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Leeyah Azizi '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from Long Island, New York, I completed my undergrad in Social Science Studies. I recently moved to Brooklyn, NY to finish my doctorate degree. Prior to starting my doctorate, I did community outreach within various Jewish Communities within the 5 boroughs. As an OT student, I developed more interest in working with the disabled community through my fieldwork experiences working with disabled children and adults. I'm excited to be a part of the Family Child's Resilience research team as it aligns with my passion for providing interventions that are focused on addressing client's individual needs. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Dalia Planer '24 OT Doctoral Student I am originally from Teaneck, New Jersey and I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland with a degree in Kinesiology. Prior to starting my doctorate, I worked as a therapy aide at a pediatric therapy gym. I also volunteered at a daycare facility in Israel for children with medical, developmental, motor, and cognitive disabilities, assisting in their occupational, physical, and speech therapy sessions. My goal is to work as a pediatric occupational therapist to help children develop skills to independently participate in their daily activities that will shape the rest of their lives. I am excited to be a part of this lab because it aligns with my interests in child development and improving overall quality of life. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Piermiline Datilus '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from West Orange, NJ, I completed my undergrad in Dominican University New York. During my doctoral studies, I was a research assistant for the capstone project, Playing Playfully to Overcome Adversity Teacher Group Training Program. I've also volunteered in scholarship research activities that required scoring and transcription. As a OT student, my interests include student mental health, inclusion for all populations and disabilities, and child development through play. My goal is to become an occupational therapist that is both active in research and in the community. I hope to provide better opportunities for students to be successful in their academic careers through research and education. I'm excited to be on the Student Resilience research team because it aligns with both my interests in student mental health and the roles of occupational therapy in mental health. Project Focus: Student Resilience Amiya Waldman-Levi Director Dr. Amiya Waldman-Levi’s main research focus is on mental health determinants such as adversity as well as its impact on an individual’s social and emotional functioning. Comprised two distinct research areas, Child and Family Social and Emotional Well-being and Aging and Resilience, her research yielded a commonality between the two. Dr. Waldman-Levi's scholarly contributions are both conceptual and methodological as she draws a connection between psychological theories and occupational therapy knowledge basis. Her research has been supported by internal and external grants and disseminated nationally and internationally. Full Faculty Bio I RECENT PUBLICATIONS Waldman-Levi, A. & Kuhaneck, H. (2023). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(2). Halperin, L. & Waldman-Levi, A. (2023). Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(3). Waldman-Levi, A., Bundy, A., & Shai, D. (2022). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(5). Waldman-Levi, A., & Bar Haim-Erez, A., Katz, N., & Stancanelli, J. (2020). Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 40(4). Amanda Hoberman '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from East Hanover, New Jersey, I completed my undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State University with a minor in Spanish. Prior to starting my doctorate, I had the opportunity to work with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at The Arc of Essex County which contributed to my passion for occupational therapy. I have continued to pursue this passion in my current doctorate program through fieldwork experience in a sensory gym, a school for children with autism, and most recently, a mental health facility. On the Playfulness, Growth, & Development research team I am excited to develop an educational module on Trauma Informed Care as it allows me to apply my experience in both pediatrics and mental health. Project Focus: Trauma-Informed Care and OT Ashley Matthew '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from California, I completed my undergraduate education in Biological Sciences. Prior to starting my doctorate, I volunteered at several pediatric OT clinics and worked as an ABA/behavior interventionist with kids with developmental disabilities. As an OT student, my goal is to help individuals achieve their highest potential and maximize their quality of life. I am excited to be on the Playfulness, Growth, and Development research team as it aligns with my interests in helping people engage in meaningful activities to live a purposeful life. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Leeyah Azizi '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from Long Island, New York, I completed my undergrad in Social Science Studies. I recently moved to Brooklyn, NY to finish my doctorate degree. Prior to starting my doctorate, I did community outreach within various Jewish Communities within the 5 boroughs. As an OT student, I developed more interest in working with the disabled community through my fieldwork experiences working with disabled children and adults. I'm excited to be a part of the Family Child's Resilience research team as it aligns with my passion for providing interventions that are focused on addressing client's individual needs. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Dalia Planer '24 OT Doctoral Student I am originally from Teaneck, New Jersey and I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland with a degree in Kinesiology. Prior to starting my doctorate, I worked as a therapy aide at a pediatric therapy gym. I also volunteered at a daycare facility in Israel for children with medical, developmental, motor, and cognitive disabilities, assisting in their occupational, physical, and speech therapy sessions. My goal is to work as a pediatric occupational therapist to help children develop skills to independently participate in their daily activities that will shape the rest of their lives. I am excited to be a part of this lab because it aligns with my interests in child development and improving overall quality of life. Project Focus: Families and Children's Resilience Piermiline Datilus '24 OT Doctoral Student Originally from West Orange, NJ, I completed my undergrad in Dominican University New York. During my doctoral studies, I was a research assistant for the capstone project, Playing Playfully to Overcome Adversity Teacher Group Training Program. I've also volunteered in scholarship research activities that required scoring and transcription. As a OT student, my interests include student mental health, inclusion for all populations and disabilities, and child development through play. My goal is to become an occupational therapist that is both active in research and in the community. I hope to provide better opportunities for students to be successful in their academic careers through research and education. I'm excited to be on the Student Resilience research team because it aligns with both my interests in student mental health and the roles of occupational therapy in mental health. Project Focus: Student Resilience Lab News Researchers Link Playfulness to Cognition in Award-Winning Study Read more Researchers Link Playfulness to Cognition in Award-Winning Study Dr. Amiya Waldman-Levi, clinical associate professor in the Katz School’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, has been awarded the 2022 Cordelia Myers AJOT Best Article Award for her study linking the development of playfulness in infants to the cognitive functioning of toddlers. She and her co-authors Dr. Dana Shai, principal investigator of the research and a professor at the Academic College Tel Aviv Yaffo, and Dr. Anita Bundy, department head in occupational therapy at Colorado State University, will receive the award in April from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy at the AOTA INSPIRE 2023 conference in Kansas City. OT Specialists Aim to Improve Child Development Through Healthy Play Read more OT Specialists Aim to Improve Child Development Through Healthy Play As the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty-related stress increase the need for social-emotional support for children and families, a team of specialists led by Katz School professor Amiya Waldman-Levi has created a strength-based intervention program that aims to improve children’s development through playful interactions with their parents. The program, Promoting Health Through Play Opportunities (originally Playing Playfully Teacher Group Training Program but renamed when parents and parent-child OT sessions were added) seeks to foster the ability of parents and children to improve their use of coping skills and overall resilience in the face of adversity. Specifically, the program provides tools for helping parents become change agents in their child’s life through the promotion of healthy play opportunities within the family. Healthy Aging: A Wellness Intervention Program Read more Healthy Aging: A Wellness Intervention Program There is evidence that social-emotional factors contribute to older adults’ engagement and satisfaction in life despite a decline in physical and mental health as they age. This collaborative project between the Occupational Therapy program at Mercy College and the Katz School’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program will test the effectiveness of health, aging and wellness (HAW) group programs. The research team will conduct a pilot study comparing in-person and remote delivery of the HAW programs for older adults living independently in a community. The program combines yoga, hope theory and mindfulness to support physical, mental and emotional aging in place. This work builds on a preliminary study in which the researchers found that the newly developed HAW program had a positive impact on older adults’ sense of hope. Collaborators: Amiya Waldman-Levi, director of scholarship and research and clinical associate professor, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Jeanine Stancanelli, associate director and associate professor of occupational therapy, Alexandra Wagner, doctoral capstone coordinator and clinical assistant professor, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Researchers Link Playfulness to Cognition in Award-Winning Study Read more Researchers Link Playfulness to Cognition in Award-Winning Study Dr. Amiya Waldman-Levi, clinical associate professor in the Katz School’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, has been awarded the 2022 Cordelia Myers AJOT Best Article Award for her study linking the development of playfulness in infants to the cognitive functioning of toddlers. She and her co-authors Dr. Dana Shai, principal investigator of the research and a professor at the Academic College Tel Aviv Yaffo, and Dr. Anita Bundy, department head in occupational therapy at Colorado State University, will receive the award in April from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy at the AOTA INSPIRE 2023 conference in Kansas City. OT Specialists Aim to Improve Child Development Through Healthy Play Read more OT Specialists Aim to Improve Child Development Through Healthy Play As the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty-related stress increase the need for social-emotional support for children and families, a team of specialists led by Katz School professor Amiya Waldman-Levi has created a strength-based intervention program that aims to improve children’s development through playful interactions with their parents. The program, Promoting Health Through Play Opportunities (originally Playing Playfully Teacher Group Training Program but renamed when parents and parent-child OT sessions were added) seeks to foster the ability of parents and children to improve their use of coping skills and overall resilience in the face of adversity. Specifically, the program provides tools for helping parents become change agents in their child’s life through the promotion of healthy play opportunities within the family. Healthy Aging: A Wellness Intervention Program Read more Healthy Aging: A Wellness Intervention Program There is evidence that social-emotional factors contribute to older adults’ engagement and satisfaction in life despite a decline in physical and mental health as they age. This collaborative project between the Occupational Therapy program at Mercy College and the Katz School’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program will test the effectiveness of health, aging and wellness (HAW) group programs. The research team will conduct a pilot study comparing in-person and remote delivery of the HAW programs for older adults living independently in a community. The program combines yoga, hope theory and mindfulness to support physical, mental and emotional aging in place. This work builds on a preliminary study in which the researchers found that the newly developed HAW program had a positive impact on older adults’ sense of hope. Collaborators: Amiya Waldman-Levi, director of scholarship and research and clinical associate professor, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Jeanine Stancanelli, associate director and associate professor of occupational therapy, Alexandra Wagner, doctoral capstone coordinator and clinical assistant professor, Occupational Therapy Doctorate
