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Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller, Ph.D., OTRL, BCG, CDP, FMiOTA, FAOTA

Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller, Ph.D., OTRL, BCG, CDP, FMiOTA, FAOTA

Professor

Office Location

EACPHS, Room 2212

Phone

313-993-3970

Email

ar7975@wayne.edu

Department

Occupational Therapy

Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller, Ph.D., OTRL, BCG, CDP, FMiOTA, FAOTA

Degrees and Certifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2015
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Dr.OT.), Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2003
  • Master of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, 2000
  • BS in Exercise Science, Adrian College Adrian, MI, 1997

Positions and Employment

  • Professor, Wayne State University Occupational Therapy Program, Detroit, MI, August 2024-Present
  • Assistant Editor, Open Journal of Occupational Therapy - 2022
  • Director, Division of Health Care Sciences Mentoring Program, 2018-Present
  • Associate Professor, Wayne State University Occupational Therapy Program, Detroit, MI, August 2017-August 2024
  • Occupational Therapist, Galaxy Brain & Therapy Center, Ann Arbor, MI, January 2017-Present
  • Occupational Therapist, Life Skills Community Rehabilitation & Associates, Chelsea, MI, August 2010-December 2016
  • Occupational Therapist, Abilities Group, LLC, St. Clair Shores, MI, October 2006-January 2010
  • Assistant Professor, Wayne State University Occupational Therapy Program, Detroit, MI, September 2003-August 2017
  • Adjunct Instructor, Wayne County Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, MI, September 2002-2012
  • Pediatric Team Leader, Discover! Summer Camp Special Tree Rehabilitation Systems, Romulus, MI, Summer 2002
  • Occupational Therapist, Special Tree Neuro Care Center, Romulus, MI, 1999-2003

Awards and Honors

  • Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG) Occupational Therapy Advanced Certification Commission, 2024
  • Excellence in Teaching Award, Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2023
  • Roster of Fellows American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) for Outstanding Clinician, Scholar, Mentor and Advocate, 2023
  • AOTA Advanced Certification Commission Gerontology - Subject Matter Expert - 2022
  • Academic Leadership Academy Fellow, Wayne State University, 2019
  • Roster of Fellows, Michigan Occupational Therapy Association, 2017
  • Wayne State University President's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2015-2016
  • Excellence in Teaching Award, Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2008

Professional Memberships

  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  • Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA)
  • The Sloan Consortium

Areas of Expertise

  • Dementia Family Caregiver Training
  • Family Caregiver Quality of Life
  • Instructional Design, Delivery, and Human Patient Simulation
  • OT Board Exam Preparation

Primary Research Interest

Lab Director, DevOTed (DEtroit and beyond Victors through Occupational Therapy EDucation), 2022-Present

Mission The devOTed Lab believes in providing inclusive training both in-person and online on activities of daily living, injury prevention for caregivers of people with dementia, and advocacy, skills and knowledge, to patients and caregivers of various diagnoses while valuing and empowering their diverse backgrounds and generating information through research from students and clinicians, led by a caregiver researcher.

Philosophy The devOTed Lab believes that all patients and caregivers should have free access to quality health management resources that prepare them for safely navigating through their everyday lives and will run as both a research lab and pro bono clinic. The devOTed lab and its members function in an environment where each individual is valued, respected, and heard and contributes to the overall vision, mission, philosophy, and objectives.

Objectives (1) Further our agenda that all patients and caregivers, inclusive of race, creed, gender, and circumstance, have access to ADL and injury prevention evidence-based training resources (2) Establish a respected and world renowned reputation as caregiver researchers and patient/caregiver advocates (3) Create and foster a strong, nationally recognized research community for caregivers of people with dementia, and advocacy, skills and knowledge for patients of various backgrounds and diagnoses

Recent Publications

Peer reviewed (* = Corresponding author)

  1. Marsack-Topolewski, C.N., Wright, K. M., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Samuel, P. S. (2024). Careers and quality of life: Comparing perceptions of compound and noncompound caregivers. Occupational Therapy in Health Care. doi: 10.1080/07380577.2024.2400526.
  2. Pociask, F. D., Adamo, D. E., & *DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2024). Physical fitness and cognitive function in persons with dementia and their caregiver. Occupational Therapy in Health Care. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2024.2318567
  3. Kivlen, C., Chargo, A., & *DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2023). Animal-assisted intervention on college campuses: Graduate student perspectives regarding the need, benefits, and availability of programming. American Journal of Health Education, 54(5), 405-412, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19325037.2023.2232836
  4. Kivlen, C., Winston, K., Mills, D., DiZazzo-Miller, R., Davenport, R., & Binfet, J. T. (2022). Canine-assisted intervention effects on the well-being of health science graduate students: A randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(6):7606205120. doi:10.5014/ajot.2022.049508. PMID: 36410405.
  5. Samuel, P. S., Marsack-Topolewski, C. N., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Wright, K. (2021). When more is too much: Compound caregiving, barriers to services, and service support for older families of people with disabilities. Families in Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894211048456
  6. Wang, F., P.S., Marsack-Topolewski, C. N., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Samuel, P. S. (2021). Health of aging families: Comparing compound and noncompound caregivers. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2021.1963024
  7. *DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pociask, F. D., & Mariani, A. (in-press). Human patient simulation: Occupational therapy student perceptions. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2021.050207
  8. DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pociask, F. D., & Adamo, D. E. (2020). The role of confidence in family caregiving for people with dementia. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, https://doi.org/10.1080/02703181.2020.1762824
  9. El Masri, D., Piatt, G., Koscielniak, N., DiZazzo-Miller, R., Arnetz, J., & Jaber, L. (2019). Barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management in Arab American patients with diabetes. Primary Care Diabetes.
  10. Samuel. P. S., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2019). Family quality of life: Perspectives of family caregivers of people with dementia. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics (37)2, 94-107. https://doi.org/10.1080/02703181.2019.1613467
  11. Morgan, R., & *DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2019). The occupation-based intervention of bathing: Cases in home health care. Occupational Therapy in Health Care. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2018.1504368
  12. *DiZazzo-Miller, R., Winston, K., Winkler, S., & Donovan, M. (2017). The family caregiver training program: A randomized control trial. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(5).
  13. Dunleavy, K., Galen, S., Reid, K., Dhar, P., *DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2017). Impact of interprofessional peer teaching on physical and occupational therapy student's role identity. Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice, 6, 1-5. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2016.10.006 
  14. *DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pociask, F. D., Bertran, E. A., Fritz, H. Abbas, M., Tarakji, S., Lysack, C. L., Jaber, L. A., & Arnetz, J. (2017). Diabetes is devastating and insulin is a death sentence: Provider perspectives of diabetes self management in Arab American patients. Clinical Diabetes, 35(1), 43-50.
  15. Fritz, H., *DiZazzo-Miller, R., Bertran, E., Pociask, F. D., Tarakji, S., Arnetz, J., Lysack, C. L., & Jaber, L. A. (2016). Diabetes self-management among Arab Americans: Patient and provider perspectives. BMC International Health and Human Rights, 16(22), 1-7. doi: 10.1186/s12914-016-0097-8
  16. Samuel, P. S., Pociask, F. D., DiZazzo-Miller, R., Carrellas, A., & LeRoy, B. W. (2016). Concurrent validity of the international Family Quality of Life Survey. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 30(2), 187-201. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/07380577.2015.1116129
  17. Bertran, E. A., Fritz, H., Abbas, M., Tarakji, S., DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pociask, F. D., Lysack, C. L., Arnetz, J., & Jaber, L. A. (2015). Patient perspectives on the impact of Arab American culture on diabetes self-management. The Diabetes Educator, 41(6), 748-754.
  18. Pociask, F. D., DiZazzo-Miller, R., Goldberg, A., & Adamo, D. (2015). The contribution of head position, standing surface, and vision to postural control in community-dwelling older adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1).
  19. *DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (2015). Dementia in the context of disability. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 33(22), 139-151. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/02703181.2015.1014126
  20. *DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2015). Spinal cord injuries secondary to gunshot wounds: Implications for occupational therapy. Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(1), Article 7. http://dx.doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1127
  21. *DiZazzo-Miller, R., Samuel, P. S., Barnas, J., & Welker, K. (2014). Addressing everyday challenges: The feasibility of a family caregiver training program. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(2), 212-220. http://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1864930
  22. *DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pociask, F. D., & Samuel, P. (2013). Understanding resource needs of persons with dementia and their caregivers. Michigan Family Review, 17(1), 1-20. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2027/spo.4919087.0017.102
  23. Pociask, F. D., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Samuel, P. (2013). Reducing cognitive load while teaching complex instruction to occupational therapy students. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, e92-e99.

Books edited

  1. DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (2018). Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  2. DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (2018). Preparing for the OTA National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  3. DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pellerito, J.P. (2011). Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. 

Chapters authored

  1. DiZazzo-Miller, R., and Thompson, D. (2023). Spinal cord injury. In B. J. Atchison and D. K. Dirette (Eds.), Conditions in occupational therapy: Effect on occupational performance (6th ed., pp. 515-550). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  2. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2021). Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. In D. P. Dirette & S. A. Gutman (Eds.), Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (8th ed., pp. 962-978). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  3. DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (2018). Getting started. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 3-12). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  4. DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Andrus, J. (2018). Caregiving. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 37-40). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  5. Andrus, J., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2018). Assessment of roles and context: Personal, social, and cultural. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 41-50). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  6. Johnson, C., Maher, S., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2018). Sensation, ROM, strength, and coordination. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 51-64). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  7. DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Malek, M. (2018). Research. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 633-640). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  8. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2018). Fifteen days and counting. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 649-652). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  9. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2018). Life after the exam. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 657-658). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  10. Tolmie, J., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2018). Back on the horse. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & F. D. Pociask (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (2nd ed., pp. 661-663). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  11. Miller, L., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2017). Spinal cord injury. In B. J. Atchison and D. K. Dirette (Eds.), Conditions in occupational therapy: Effect on occupational performance (5th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  12. DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pellerito, J. M., & Pociask, F. D. (2011). Getting started. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 1-12). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  13. DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pellerito, J. M., & Pociask, F. D. (2011). 10 days & counting. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 467-470). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  14. DiZazzo-Miller, R., Talley, S. A., Pociask, F. D., & Pellerito, J. M. (2011). Assessment of sensation, range of motion, strength, and coordination In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 47-62). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  15. Lysack, C., DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2011). Assessment of roles and context: Personal, social, and cultural In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 99-105). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  16. Pellerito, J. M., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (2011). Occupational therapy management and business fundamentals. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 425-439). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  17. Pellerito, J. M., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pociask, F. D. (2011). Promoting meaningful occupations through assistive technology, driver rehabilitation, and community mobility. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 397-415). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  18. Pociask, F. D., DiZazzo-Miller, R., & Pellerito, J. M. (2011). Learning as an adult and cognitive factors in learning. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 19-30). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
  19. Pociask, F. D., Pellerito, J. M., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2011). Study tips, skills, methods and strategies. In R. DiZazzo-Miller & J. M. Pellerito (Eds.), Preparing for the OT National Board Exam: 45 Days and Counting (pp. 33-42). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Book reviews

  1. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2014). Book Review: Quick Reference Dictionary for Occupational Therapy. Activities, Adaptation, & Aging, 38(1), 74.
  2. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2012). Book Review: Occupational Therapy Essentials for Clinical Competence. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 36(2).
  3. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2008), Book Review: Breaking Bread, Nourishing Connections for People with and without Disabilities Together at Mealtime. Activities, Adaptation, & Aging, 31(3).
  4. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (2006). Book Review: Sandy Berger's Great Age Guide the Internet. Activities, Adaptation, & Aging, 31(1).

Grant Funding

1. Arthanat, S. Begum, M.,..DiZazzo-Miller, R. (Co-I), (2022-2026) Effectiveness and Adaptation of a Smart home-based social assistive robot for care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Funding: National Institute of Aging $2,786,512
Percent Effort: 5% year two; 10% year three; 10% year four

2. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (PI), Pociask, F. P, & Adamo, D. (2021-2023) Supporting African American Older Adults Who Care for Family Members with Dementia.
Funding: Michigan Health Fund $221,992.
Percent Effort: 10% for two years

3. Pociask, F. D., DiZazzo-Miller, R. (Co-PI), & Adamo, D. (2015). Learning effectiveness and student attitudes of asynchronous web based blended learning within physical and occupational therapy curriculum.
Funding: WSU Faculty Research Award Program (FRAP) Collaborative Research Award – Special Topics $10,000.
Percent Effort: 5% for one year

4. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (Co-PI), Jaber, L., Arnetz, J., Lysack, C., Fritz, H., Pociask, F., & Conger, E. (2013). Barriers and Facilitators to Diabetes Self-Management in Arab-Americans.
Funding: WSU FRAP Collaborative Award $8,355
Percent Effort: 10% for one year

5. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (PI), Pociask, F. P. (2009). Understanding Educational Access and Referral Needs of Alzheimer Patient-Clients and Caregivers Living in the Metropolitan Detroit Area.
Funding: WSU FRAP II (Wayne State University Faculty Research Award Program) $10,000
Percent Effort: 10% for two years

6. Pociask, F. P, DiZazzo-Miller, R.(Co-I), Talley, S., Pellerito, J.M., and McGinnity, J. (2007-2009). Creating Multidisciplinary Blended Learning Solutions for Health Care Sciences Curriculum.
Funding: WSU Innovative Instructional Technology Grant $40,954.00
Percent Effort: 5% for two years

7. DiZazzo-Miller, R. (PI), (2008). Effects of Family Caregiver Training Program for Caregivers and Persons with Alzheimer’s and Associated Diseases.
Funding: Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Faculty Research Award Program (FRAP) $10,000
Percent Effort: 10% for one year

8. Birk, T., Arnetz, B., Goldberg, A., Conti, G., & DiZazzo-Miller, R. (Co-I). (2007) Predicting Sustainable Well-Being and Performance Among WSU Athletes and Fine Arts Students.
Funding: WSU VP Research $30,000
Percent Effort: 5% for one year 

Courses taught by Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller, Ph.D., OTRL, BCG, CDP, FMiOTA, FAOTA

Winter Term 2025 (future)

Fall Term 2024

Spring-Summer Term 2024

Winter Term 2024

Fall Term 2023

Spring-Summer Term 2023

Winter Term 2023

Fall Term 2022

Spring-Summer Term 2022

Winter Term 2022

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