OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Bachelor of Science 2003
Master of Science 2005
PhD 2009
Associate Director for Lifestyle Redesign Strategic Partnerships
Associate Professor of Research
Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California

Schepens serves on the WSU Applebaum Board of Visitors

Q: Why did you choose WSU?

A: I chose Wayne State for several reasons, with the primary one being the offer of a full scholarship. When I received the scholarship letter and shared the news with my family, we were overjoyed. This opportunity meant I could attend an excellent university that was close to home and wouldn’t add a financial burden to my family. The scholarship was truly a blessing that altered the entire course of my academic trajectory.

Q: What inspired you to pursue OT?

A: I stumbled upon occupational therapy purely by chance. My mom used to work as a nursing assistant in the mental health unit of Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn. One day, while visiting her so that I could finish a leather project due for one of my high school classes, she showed me the activity room where the occupational therapists conducted patient groups. As I worked on my project, the therapists engaged with me, sharing insights into how they integrated crafting into mental health treatment. Until that moment, I had never considered that my passion for crafts could be relevant to the health arena; my previous inclination had been toward pursuing medical school. Sitting in that activities room, hearing about the healing power of meaningful craft, sparked my inspiration to explore occupational therapy as my lifelong career.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: My most memorable professor was Dr. Doreen Head. She possessed an infectious passion and joy for occupational therapy, making each day in her class something I eagerly anticipated. From the outset, she radiated warmth and kindness — qualities I aspired to embody in my future role as an occupational therapist. Dr. Head had a remarkable ability to make learning enjoyable and, in doing so, strengthened my conviction that I had indeed chosen the right field.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: The most challenging class for me was pediatric assessment and intervention. At the time, my primary interest in occupational therapy was focused on adults, so the idea of working in a pediatric setting was not even on my radar. Having come from a relatively small family, I had minimal exposure to children during my teenage and young adult years. As a result, I lacked foundational knowledge and a natural ability to interact with children at their level, a skill many of my classmates possessed. In all honesty, I knew next to nothing about kids; they were truly an enigma to me. Each day in class brought new and unfamiliar content, regardless of the concept covered. It turned out to be the most extensive learning experience I have had regarding children's health and development to date. Nevertheless, some things do not change. I ultimately chose a career working on the opposite end of the lifespan spectrum — finding my passion in older adulthood and aging. Pediatrics was left in the capable hands of my talented peers who had a genuine affinity for working with youngsters!

Q: Share some reflections about your college experience.

A: My time at Wayne State marked my entry into adulthood. It served as the origin story of my current standing as a professional in the health arena and as a productive member of my community. At WSU, I acquired both foundational and advanced education, enabling me to conduct research in developing evidence-based lifestyle interventions for older individuals. Becoming the first in my family to earn a PhD, an achievement I once deemed impossible, happened during my tenure at WSU. Additionally, it was at Wayne State that I met my now-husband of 10 years, Matthew "Nemo" Niemiec, an alumnus from the WSU physical therapy program. I cherish the experiences and opportunities that Wayne State University has provided me and value the connections I made there with people who remain a core part of my life today.

BONUS CONTENT: Read the 2020 feature Happily ever after: Nemo and Stacey Niemiec secured more than degrees at WSU Applebaum

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A:  A significant highlight of my career occurred when my team, composed of talented interdisciplinary investigators and community members with lived experiences, received recognition with AOTA's Cordelia Meyers Award in 2022. Our work, published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy under the title Long-Term Follow-Up of a Lifestyle Intervention for Late-Midlife, Rural-Dwelling Latinos in Primary Care, was acknowledged as the best article of the year. This accolade serves as a testament to the meaningful work I have the privilege of undertaking alongside my colleagues and community. It all began with the education I received at WSU, and I take great pride in being a lifelong WSU Warrior.

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An occupational therapist helps patients engage in everyday activities that are important to them, using a variety of productive and creative activities. Learn more about the WSU Applebaum Occupational Therapy program by attending a college information meeting, held for prospective students at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.