Date and Time: June 3, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Eastern Time

Webinar Description:
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex mental health condition that impacts far more than an individual’s relationship with substances, it affects physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. As recovery models evolve, there is growing recognition of the need for holistic, interdisciplinary approaches that address the broad spectrum of challenges faced by individuals in recovery. Join us for an insightful webinar exploring how Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) can be integrated to support meaningful, sustainable recovery for individuals living with SUD. Drawing from a comprehensive literature review, the presenters will highlight common health concerns linked to prolonged substance use, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, chronic pain, and social isolation and demonstrate how OT and PT interventions can effectively address these barriers.

By the end of this webinar you will:

• Describe the impact of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) on physical, mental, and emotional health, including common comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and impaired physical functioning.
• Explain the roles and scope of practice of Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) in supporting recovery from SUD, with a focus on self-care, productivity, leisure, and movement rehabilitation.
• Identify gaps in current treatment practices for individuals with SUD and discuss how OTs, PTs, and OTAs and PTAs can help address these unmet needs. 
• Analyze how integrated occupational therapy and physiotherapy interventions can contribute to relapse prevention by improving overall health, daily functioning, and engagement in meaningful activities. 
• Describe the role and value of OTAs and PTAs in executing treatment plans for individuals recovering from SUD within Interprofessional care teams.
   

Presenters:
Kaeleigh Noble (She/Her), OTA/PTA is an Occupational Therapist Assistant working in pediatric rehabilitation, currently supporting children and families at Make Way For Me through play-based, developmental, and functional skill-building interventions. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from Brock University and completed the Mohawk–McMaster OTA/PTA program, earning multiple Dean’s Honours distinctions. Her clinical background includes hands-on pediatric experience at The Hive Paediatric Clinic and accessibility-focused work with Accessible Learning Services. Across these roles, she has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of individualized care, collaborative teamwork, and empowering children to gain confidence in their daily activities. With additional experience in leadership positions across recreation, leisure, and fitness environments, she brings exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills to her therapeutic practice. Throughout her career, she has learned the value of meeting each child where they are and supporting meaningful progress through patience, creativity, and connection. 

Karissa Caplan (She/Her), OTA/PTA is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant whose career spans across acute care, post-acute recovery, rehabilitation, and specialized outpatient services. In her current role at Joseph Brant Hospital, she supports patients aged 20 to 100 through gait training, mobility progression, device education, discharge planning, and activities of daily living, always prioritizing dignity, independence, and collaborative care. Her background includes clinical roles across Halton Healthcare, the Regional Rehab Centre, and One Vascular, where she served as a certified compression specialist. She also worked as a Newborn Stem Cell Educator with Cooper Surgical, consistently exceeding performance targets while helping families navigate important decisions. A multi-time Dean’s Honours recipient, Karissa was awarded the Halyna Pierce-Fenn OTA/PTA Scholarship and the Outstanding Achievement Award upon completing her OTA/PTA program at Mohawk College. She now serves on the college’s Program Advisory Committee, where she is committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences for future graduates. Throughout her career, she has learned that clear communication, empathy, and meeting patients needs, forms the foundation of exceptional care.

Fees: (All fees are plus HST)

Refund Policy

OSOT Event Disclaimer

NOTE:  After clicking "Register Myself" your registration will not be complete until you click the "Proceed to Checkout" button.

The presentation will be recorded and will be available to watch on OSOT's Archived Webinars page shortly after the event.