Jennifer L. (Jenny) Womack MS, MA OTR/L SCDCM

Clinical Associate Professor / MS Admissions Coordinator
Phone: (919)-843-4463
Fax: (919)-966-9007
Email: jwomack@med.unc.edu

Education

• MA Folklore: University of North Carolina 2009
• MS Occupational Therapy: University of North Carolina 1989
• BA Biology / German: Wake Forest University 1984

Personal Statement

I am a native of western North Carolina and though an avid traveler, my home state has always held special appeal, particularly this university, which has a rich history of Southern traditions, a strong academic reputation and a legacy of progressive social action. I practiced occupational therapy in the western mountains of North Carolina for many years, as well as in Maine and Louisiana before being asked to join the faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill. My primary practice setting has been adult physical rehabilitation, and I’ve also had experience in long-term care settings, home health, community-based work with older adults, assistive technology and work with paratransit and supplemental transportation systems. A long-time interest in narrative traditions led me to a degree in Folklore, which is a wonderful complement to understanding human occupation. I love the challenges and rewards of teaching, and also like to keep a bit of life balance through spending time with family and friends, singing, camping, cooking, digging in the dirt, crafting and traveling.

Teaching Philosophy

Paraphrased From Kahlil Gibran “The Prophet” (re-gendered and abbreviated)

Then said a teacher, "Speak to us of Teaching."
And she said:
No one can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of our knowledge.
If she is indeed wise she does not bid you enter the house of wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.
The astronomer may speak to you of her understanding of space, but she cannot give you her understanding.
The musician may sing to you of the rhythm which is in all space, but she cannot give you the ear which arrests the rhythm nor the voice that echoes it.
And she who is versed in the science of numbers can tell of the regions of weight and measure, but she cannot conduct you thither.
For the vision of one lends not its wings to another.

Courses Taught:

• OCCT 718: Musculoskeletal Dimensions of Occupational Performance (4 credits)
• OCCT 720: Neuroscience Processes Supporting Occupational Performance (3 credits)
• OCCT 740: Community-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy (2 credits)
• OCCT 750: Occupation, Adaptation and Technology I: Adult Intervention (5 credits)

Research, Clinical and Community Service Interests:

• Adult physical rehabilitation / neurorehabilitation
• Gerontology; community-based practice with older adults
• Life participation with post-stroke aphasia
• Supplemental transportation systems for non-drivers
• Instructional methods and technologies
• Feminist theory; participation narratives of women with disabilities

Recent Publications:

Wood, W., Womack, J & Hooper, B. (2009). Dying of Boredom: A Case for Occupational Enrichment in Alzheimer’s Special Care Units. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 63 (3): 337-350.

Womack, J., Faison, T., Hartzog, E., Royster, C & Springer, S. (2009). Change Agents at Work: Seeing and Seizing Opportunity. OT Practice April 2009: The American Occupational Therapy Association.

Womack, J. & Mangrum, M. (2008). Extending Roadtime:Techniques to Maintain Driving Wellness. Functional U: Newsletter of the International Council for Active Aging.6:6(Nov-Dec) pages 1-10.

Womack, J. and Schweiker, C. (2008). Communicating Effectively with Adults with Aphasia. OT Practice 13:2, 9-15.

Helm-Estabrooks, N., Haley, K. L., & Womack, J. (2007). A pictorial, binary-sorting system allowing “self-determination” despite aphasia. Brain and Language, 103, 201-202.

Womack, J. (2008).Occupations of Older Adults. In Coppola, S., Elliott, S. & Toto, P. (Eds). Strategies to Advance Excellence in Gerontology. AOTA: Bethesda, MD pp. 59-78.

Wood, W., Hooper, B. and Womack, J. (2005) Reflections on Occupational Justice as a Subtext of Occupation-Centered Education in Kronenberg, F., Simo Algado, S. and Pollard, N. (Eds.) Occupational Therapists without Borders.Edinburgh: Elsevier. 378- 389.

Haley, K., Jenkins, K., Hadden, C., Womack, J., Hall, J. and Schweiker, C. (2005). Sorting Pictures to Assess Participation in Life Activities for People with Aphasia. Quarterly Report of the Aphasiology Special Interest Section: National Speech and Hearing Association. Spring 2005.

Womack, J. & Farmer, P. (1999) Strong Roots, Flexible Branches: Occupational therapy at the Vanderbilt Apartments. OT Practice, 4, 17-21.