Marshae Franklin OTD, MSOT, OTR/L(she/her/hers)
As a PhD student in the Disparity Reduction and Equity in Autism Services (DREAmS) lab under the direction of Dr. Amber Angell, I use qualitative methods to gather in-depth knowledge about the lived experiences of underrepresented and underserved families of autistic girls. In alignment with the mission of the DREAmS lab, I am particularly interested in promoting authentic ‘belonging’ and increasing participation for vulnerable populations (e.g., neurodiverse and BIPOC) in various social spaces. Currently, my research centers around using participatory action research approaches (e.g., photovoice) to explore the experiences of neurodivergent women of color in higher education. As an occupational scientist and therapist, I seek to amplify the voices of historically marginalized populations. While closing knowledge gaps is critical, my scholarly work is also action-oriented, i.e., equipping readers with steps to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) outcomes for those at the margins.
Education
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
2021 | University of Southern California
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
2017 | Howard University
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
in Psychology and Social Behavior
2010 | University of California, Irvine
Selected Publications
Angell, A. M., Carreon, E. D., Akrofi, J. N. S., Franklin, M. D., Taylor, E. E., Miller, J., Crowley, C., & Maher, S. O. (2023). Challenges and facilitators to telehealth occupational therapy for autistic children during COVID-19. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(3), 513-522. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492221142597 Show abstract
Pre-pandemic, telehealth occupational therapy (OT) for autistic children appeared promising, but research was limited. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to investigate how clinics transitioned to telehealth. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators that influenced delivery of OT services through telehealth for autistic children during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 13 participants (three administrators, six OTs, and four parents of autistic children) at three Los Angeles area clinics over a 7-month period. We used narrative and thematic analysis to identify four themes. We identified (a) Challenges and (b) Facilitators to Conducting Telehealth OT, including practical strategies for successful facilitation, and (c) Negative and (d) Positive Outcomes of Conducting Telehealth OT. As telehealth will likely remain a viable means of OT service delivery in the future, our findings provide insight into ways that it can be improved and sustained.
Stein Duker, L. I., & Franklin, M. D. (2023). Moderate- versus light-pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants. In E. A. Pyatak & E. S. Lee (Eds.), 50 studies every occupational therapist should know (pp. 223-228). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780197630402.003.0032 Show abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the application of moderate-pressure massage and kinesthetic stimulation versus light-pressure massage and kinesthetic stimulation on preterm infant behavioral states, heart rate/vagal tone, and weight. Preterm infants (n = 68; M gestational age = 30 weeks) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were randomly assigned to a moderate- or light-pressure massage therapy plus kinesthetic stimulation condition, receiving massages three times per day for 15 minutes each for 5 consecutive days. Infants who received moderate-pressure massage therapy demonstrated significant improvements in behavioral states (e.g., active sleep, fussing, crying, movement, stress behavior), deep sleep, heart rate/vagal tone, and weight gain compared to the light-pressure massage therapy group. Overall, the data indicate that providing moderate-pressure massage therapy and kinesthetic stimulation has the potential to improve outcomes for stable preterm infants in the NICU.
Keywords. occupational therapy, massage therapy, preterm infant, weight gain, vagal tone, tactile-kinesthetic stimulation
Awards
Lela Llorens Award for Creativity in Occupational Therapy | 2021
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
In Chan News
January 17, 2023
Qualitative research explores perspectives of occupational therapists, clinical administrators and caregivers.
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