Christine Daeschner, OTD, MS, OTR/L

Photo of Christie Daeschner
Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Practice
412-365-1196
Eastside - 259

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Joined Chatham: 2023

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Daeschner graduated from Gannon University, where she received her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She received her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. She worked for over 20 years in the field in various settings, including acute care, subacute care, home health care, and home modification. She served as adjunct faculty for 13 years in the Chatham University occupational therapy master’s program, entry-level, and post-professional doctoral program. She has presented locally and statewide regarding leadership and advocacy, and is involved in the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association. Dr. Daeschner is married and has three children. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling, and cooking.

ACADEMIC AREAS OF INTEREST

Evidence-based practice, aging in place, home modifications, advocacy, leadership, and underserved populations.

PERSONAL AREAS OF INTEREST

Enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling, and cooking.

EDUCATION
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University, 2022
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Gannon University, 2001
  • Bachelor of Science, Gannon University, 2000
ORGANIZATIONS
  • Member, American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Member, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association
CERTIFICATIONS
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (Initial certification 2001)
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
  • Luft, E. Barricklow, M., Daeschner, C. Dimensions of Wellness Staff Education Project, Presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, October 2025, Kings College, PA.
  • Wintermantel, F., Gett, M., Schreiber, J., Daeschner, C. Minds of All Kinds: Neurodiversity in Higher Education, Presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, October 2025, Kings College, PA. 
  • Addis, K., Jones, A., Rosen, E., Florie, F., Correa, A., Daeschner, C. Meaningful Occupation & Its Impact on the Well-Being of People Experiencing Homelessness, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Bogozi, P., Smith, J., Guidry, D., Moreno, A., Woodredge, O., Daeschner, C. Milk Matters: OT in Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Steffy, P., Gett, M., Daeschner, C. Using the Capstone Experience for Advocacy Efforts in OT, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Coppola, A., Ramey, C., Wood, O., Fetzko, A., Henry, G., Daeschner, C. Support Systems That Promote Successful Aging in Place, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Hatfield, I., White, K., Caprio, A., Edillon, P., Mossel, A., Daeschner, C. Positive Impact of Telehealth Mental Health Interventions for the Pediatric Population, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Marteifio, A., Daeschner, C., Schreiber, J. OT Advocacy Program for Stakeholders in Ghana, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Barret, T., Daeschner, C. Supporting Female Veterans: Implementing a Life Skills Program in Transitional Housing, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Heron, C., Daeschner, C. Peer Mentorship in Personal Care: Supporting the Efficacy of a Resident Ambassador Program Through a Training Program for Resident Volunteers, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Marszalek, K., Huth, L., Daeschner, C. Impact of an OT-Led Fall Prevention Program for Assisted Living Residence, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Lape, J., Daeschner, C. Using Grants to Enhance Doctoral Capstones & Student Training, Poster presentation at: American Occupational Therapy Association, April 2025, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Daeschner, C., Barricklow, M., Huth, L. The Benefits of Grant Awards in Academia, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA
  • Gormley, T., Daeschner, C. Grow Your Health with Hands-On Gardening, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA
  • Boyce, M., Daeschner, C. A Feeding Education Program for the General Therapist, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA
  • Gillerlain, M., Daeschner, C. Increasing Neonatal Therapists’ Satisfaction in the NICU, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA.
  • Huth, L., Daeschner, C. A Sensory Education Program for Direct Care Staff, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA.
  • Merkel, T., Schrieber, J., Daeschner, C. Impact of an OT Pelvic Floor Mentorship Program, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA.
  • Stathis, A., Daeschner, C. Inclusive Playground Education for School Faculty and Staff, Poster presentation at: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, September 2024, Erie, PA.
  • Daeschner, C., Coviello, J. & Laundenslager, G. – POTA Legislation 2024- Oral Presentation at: POTA Conference Gannon University, PA, September 2024.
  • Musich, K., Deluliis, L., Daeschner, C., Opportunities Among Type 1 Diabetes Population: Advocating for Occupational Therapy’s Distinct Role. Oral Presentation at: AOTA Conference, Florida, March 2024.
  • Steffy, P., Gett, M., Daeschner, C., Bondoc, S., Exposure to Occupational Therapy at the Undergraduate Level. Oral Presentation at: AOTA Conference, Florida, March 2024.
  • Daeschner, C., POTA and Advocacy- Virtual Presentation, Thomas Jefferson University, PA April 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., Leadership and Advocacy- Virtual Presentation, St. Joseph University, PA, March 2023.
  • Parsons, H., Daeschner, C., and leaders from North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, AOTA State Webinar on Advancing Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Mental and Behavioral Health- Virtual Presentation at: AOTA, MD, November 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., POTA Leadership- Virtual Presentation at: Alvernia University, PA, September 2023.
  • Chew, F., Daeschner, C., Pezzano, G., Advocacy 101- Oral Presentation at: Temple University, PA, May 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., Legislation and Advocacy- Virtual Presentation at: St. Joseph University, PA, March 2023.
  • Linhardt, J, Daeschner, C., AOTA Conference ASAP Meeting: Highmark Reimbursement- Virtual Presentation at: AOTA Conference Kansas City, MO, March 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., Leadership- Virtual Presentation at: Gannon University, PA, March 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., Legislation and Advocacy- Virtual Presentation at: Messiah University OTD, PA, February 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., Legislation and Advocacy- Virtual Presentation at: Messiah University MOT, PA, January 2023.
  • Daeschner, C., Benefits of POTA and Advocacy- Virtual Presentation at: Thomas Jefferson University, PA, December 2022.
  • Daeschner, C., Gaydosh, T., Koster, R. (September 2022). Occupational Therapy and Home Modification, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Lancaster, PA.
  • Daeschner, C., Allen M, Brim, B., Giorno, D., Lavery, N., Makadon- Malone, D. (October 2021). Pennsylvania Legislation, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference (Virtual).
  • Daeschner, C. (May 2021). Legislation and Advocacy, Duquesne University (Virtual).
  • Daeschner, C., (May 2021). Legislation and Advocacy, Temple University (Virtual).
  • Daeschner, C., Allen M, Brim B, Giorno D, Lavery N, Makadon- Malone, D. (October 2020). Pennsylvania Legislation, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (Virtual).
  • Daeschner, C., Giorno D. (April 2020). Virtual Advocacy Day 2020, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (Virtual).
  • Daeschner, C., Beiber D, Fantuzzo, M. (January 2020). PDGM/PDPM Town Talk, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (Virtual).