Dr. Kristi Hape

Dr. Kristi Hape is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Her clinical experience is in school-based practice, pediatrics, and mental health. She has spent the majority of her career working in schools as an occupational therapist. She has also worked in the inpatient mental health setting. Over the last five years, she has worked in an alternative setting as a social emotional learning specialist supporting students with sensory integrative and emotional regulation needs in schools. She enjoys the moments in the classroom when students find their passions in practice and works to create an active learning environment in all courses. She is passionate about preparing students for their future as occupational therapy professionals and building a passion for life-long learning.

Education & Certifications

OTD, 2013, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

MHS, 2004, University of Florida

BS, 1999, University of Southern Indiana

Scholarship

My research is focused on trauma-informed care and pediatrics. I also have interests in technology and strategies to increase student skill development and engagement. 

Selected Publications and Presentations

Dr. Kristi Hape is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. Her clinical experience is in school-based practice, pediatrics, and mental health. She has spent the majority of her career working in schools as an occupational therapist. She has also worked in the inpatient mental health setting. Over the last five years, she has worked in an alternative setting as a social emotional learning specialist supporting students with sensory integrative and emotional regulation needs in schools. She enjoys the moments in the classroom when students find their passions in practice and works to create an active learning environment in all courses. She is passionate about preparing students for their future as occupational therapy professionals and building a passion for life-long learning.

Education & Certifications

OTD, 2013, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

MHS, 2004, University of Florida

BS, 1999, University of Southern Indiana

Scholarship

My research is focused on trauma-informed care and pediatrics. I also have interests in technology and strategies to increase student skill development and engagement. 

Selected Publications and Presentations

Hape, K. & Aust, L. (2023, March 20). Mental health innovation and advocacy: Creating innovative practice opportunities to meet mental health needs. Presented as a Conversation that Matters at the INSPIRE American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference. 

Mason, J., Thacker, J., Pace, J., Weir, S. & Hape, K. (2023, March 20). Supporting and strengthening the OT and OTA relationship: Embracing professional roles begins in the classroom. Presented as a Conversation that Matters at the INSPIRE American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference. 

Hape, K. (2023, March 8). Social emotional learning (SEL): Supporting the Self-Regulation Process in the Classroom. Presented to Mentor Teachers (K-12th grade public education teachers) group through an Indiana Dept. Of Education Grant. (invited) 

Hape, K. (2022, November 19). Utilizing emotional regulation to support engagement in pediatric occupations. Presentation delivered at Indiana Occupational Therapy Association Fall Conference.  

Hape, K. (2022, November 9). Social emotional learning (SEL): Routines to embrace to help students with their social emotional learning. Presented to Mentor Teachers (K-12th grade public education teachers) group through an Indiana Dept. of Education Grant. (invited) 

Hape, K. (2022, May). Classroom behavior management strategies Part 2. Delivered at Mentor/Mentee Teacher Workshop Webinar for K-8 teachers provided through Indiana Department of Education Grant: Implementing an accelerated learning program through mentoring to redress the educational impact from the pandemic. 

Hape, K., & Thomas, J. (2022, June). SEL (4-8) SEL learning toolkit & lesson plans, the educational neuroscience toolkit, and the universal screener toolkit. Delivered at Mentor/Mentee Teacher Workshop Webinar for K-8 teachers provided through Indiana Department of Education Grant: Implementing an accelerated learning program through mentoring to redress the educational impact from the pandemic.

Hape, K., & Arthur, P. (2022, April). Telehealth & practice: What to know and what's available now. Break-out session presented at Indiana Occupational Therapy Association's Spring Conference.

Hape, K., Benfield, L., & Holman, K. (2022, April). Using every tool in the box to engage the most reluctant writers within the school based and mental health settings. Break-out Session presented at Indiana Occupational Therapy Association's Spring Conference.

Hape, K. (2022). Adaptation, coping and resilience in children and youth: A comprehensive occupational therapy approach. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 0(0), 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2023.2166189 

Hape, K. (2021, December). Classroom behavior management strategies Part 1.  Delivered at Mentor/Mentee Teacher Workshop Webinar provided through Indiana Department of Education Grant: Implementing an accelerated learning program through mentoring to redress the educational impact from the pandemic. 

Hape, K. & Arthur, P. (2021, October 22-23) Tech 101-Advanced connection: Increasing access to authentic telehealth experiences in occupational therapy classrooms. Technology Roundtable delivered at American Occupational Therapy Association Education Summit. 

Hape, K. (2020, October) ACES and mental health practice: How does this apply to us all? Presentation completed at the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association Southwest District Meeting.

Hape, K., Flood, N., McArthur, K., Sidara, C., Stephens, C., & Welsh, K. (2014). A pilot study of the effectiveness of the Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum in first grade. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 7:284-293. doi:10.1080/19411243.2014.975071

Professional Organizations

American Occupational Therapy Association

Indiana Occupational Therapy Association