Shining a Spotlight on Leah Stade

Academy Member Since 2024
Assistant Professor, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
CAHP Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy Program
Bio

What do you do at UNMC?
I serve as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Program. This role allows me to work closely with students, fieldwork sites, and fieldwork educators to develop, implement, manage, and evaluate the fieldwork component of the OT curriculum. I also teach the first Integrative Practice course and assist with our Physical Agent Modalities course, in addition to the seven fieldwork-specific courses. I also enjoy mentoring students in their evidence-based practice labs and doctoral capstone experiences. I serve our program and the University as part of the OT Admissions, Program Support and Resources, and Awards Committees, as well as the CAHP Awards and Clinical Coordinators Committees.

Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
Most of my scholarship focuses on work-integrated learning and ensuring that we meet the needs of students, site shareholders, and the university. I have also done some work developing and using innovative 360-degree virtual reality modules to teach the social determinants of health. I have worked with an interprofessional team to develop acute care experiences for students.

What is one of your favorite/memorable teaching moments?
I love the aHa moments when students connect their classroom learning to experiential learning. It brings a smile to my face each time I hear a story about a student finding a new area of OT they're passionate about or connecting with a client through occupation. I think in my role, I am lucky because I'm able to see firsthand the growth from day 1 in the first semester to their final weeks of Level II Fieldwork in semester six or seven.

Share a favorite Academy experience.
I love helping to review award applications and to celebrate the accomplishments of the great educators within UNMC! I also love being a part of the special interest groups and connecting with peers from the various UNMC colleges.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Living a fulfilling life is all about balancing occupations. When I'm not working, I love spending time doing farm activities with my husband or watching my sons do the things they love. I enjoy staying active, volunteering in my community, reading historical fiction, and coaching young athletes. It brings me joy to see organizations and people grow and thrive!