Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship
Our hand therapy fellowship features mentored advanced clinical practice in hand therapy and occupational therapy in the outpatient setting, including over 1,000 hours of clinical work and over 500 hours of scholarly activities. Fellows obtain the knowledge and skills in evaluation, care planning and implementation, as well as clinical reasoning necessary to care for patients with upper extremity and hand conditions as part of an interprofessional health care team. The fellowship also provides all the resources for preparing for and successfully passing the hand certification exam.
Duration: 12 months
Accreditation: AOTA Accredited
Apply: download instructions
Applications open: December 1, 2024
Application deadline: March 15, 2025
Interview decision: End of March 2025
Interviews: Beginning of April 2025
Selection decision: Mid-April 2025
Program start: Tentatively at the end of July to early August 2025
Prerequisites: applicant must have a Maryland state license, be registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, have outpatient rehabilitation level II fieldwork experience, completed the Physical Agents Modalities Certification course didactics (per Maryland Regulations COMAR 10.46.06 [pdf]) and be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the PMR department. Preference is given to those with one year of work experience in an outpatient clinic that treats hand and upper extremity conditions.
View program flyer
Please click the pay application fee link to pay the supplementary application fee. Application will not be processed until the fee is received and application is complete. All fees are non-refundable.
Fellowship Features
- Didactic education
- One-on-one mentoring from board-certified hand therapists
- Preparation toward hand certification
- Attendance at American Society of Hand Therapists/American Occupational Therapy Association/ relevant hand conference
- Experience with a variety of upper quarter conditions
- Opportunities to participate in physician conference, observe hand surgeries and attend the upper quarter didactics offered by The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s orthopaedic and plastic surgery programs
Hear from Our Past and Current Fellows
Fellowship Coordinator
Rachel Pigott, OTR/L, MPH, CHT
Board-Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Fellowship Co-Coordinator
Princess Filippi, OTR/L, CHT
Board-Certified Hand Therapist
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Program Faculty
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center – Green Spring Station
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center – Odenton
- Phyllis Kramer, OTR, CHT
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - White Marsh
- Dawn Kutcher, OTR/L, CHT
- Jyo Supnekar, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center
- Serap Bastepe-Gray, MSOT, OTR/L
- Kaitlin O’Sullivan, MS, OTR/L, CHT
- Maria Rothenheber, OTR/L
Musculoskeletal Center at Columbia
The Peabody Institute
- Serap Bastepe-Gray, MSOT, OTR/L
Current Fellows | Class of 2025
Adam Bautista, MOT, OTR/L
Undergraduate school: Baylor University, bachelor's in health, kinesiology and leisure Studies
Graduate school: Messiah University, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Southlake, Texas
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, orthopedics, hand therapy for musicians and athletes
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship for the incredible learning opportunities to improve skills in treating the hand and upper extremity. This fellowship offers collaboration and mentorship with hand therapists across the Johns Hopkins Rehabilitation Network, which allows us to be exposed to so many different patient populations and conditions. I was also inspired to apply for this hand therapy fellowship after reading and hearing about past fellows' positive experiences.
What I like about Baltimore: Baltimore has been an exciting city to live in so far! There's something for everyone with all the events, places, and communities to get connected with.
Graduate school: Messiah University, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Southlake, Texas
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, orthopedics, hand therapy for musicians and athletes
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship for the incredible learning opportunities to improve skills in treating the hand and upper extremity. This fellowship offers collaboration and mentorship with hand therapists across the Johns Hopkins Rehabilitation Network, which allows us to be exposed to so many different patient populations and conditions. I was also inspired to apply for this hand therapy fellowship after reading and hearing about past fellows' positive experiences.
What I like about Baltimore: Baltimore has been an exciting city to live in so far! There's something for everyone with all the events, places, and communities to get connected with.
Wei Lin, MS, OTR/L, CSRS
Undergraduate school: University at Buffalo, bachelor's in occupational science
Graduate school: University at Buffalo, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehab, neuro rehab/stroke, geriatric
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins hand therapy program has been running for many years with a great reputation. The program provides skill learning from many experienced certified hand therapists and emphasizes our interprofessional goal development. The fellow also has the opportunity to work closely with other rehab specialties and physicians.
What I like about Baltimore: Great location with many things to explore inside the city: food, history, and nature. Also, it is only about 1 hour away from DC and 2-3 hours away from NYC.
Graduate school: University at Buffalo, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehab, neuro rehab/stroke, geriatric
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins hand therapy program has been running for many years with a great reputation. The program provides skill learning from many experienced certified hand therapists and emphasizes our interprofessional goal development. The fellow also has the opportunity to work closely with other rehab specialties and physicians.
What I like about Baltimore: Great location with many things to explore inside the city: food, history, and nature. Also, it is only about 1 hour away from DC and 2-3 hours away from NYC.
Fellowship Alumni
Samantha Witte, OTD, OTR/L | Class of 2024
Undergraduate school: University of South Florida, bachelor's of science in health sciences, concentration in behavioral and biological health science
Graduate school: University of Florida, doctor of occupational therapy
Hometown: Crystal River, Florida
Professional interests: orthopedics, neuro rehabilitation, athletic return to sport programming, trauma
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins hand fellowship program offers advanced hands-on clinical practice with direct mentorship from knowledgeable and experienced certified hand therapists. One of the unique features of the program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to learn and grow from other rehab specialties and physicians. Baltimore also has a large, diverse population that we provide care for.
What I like about Baltimore: I have loved learning about the art, culture, and food scenes here in Baltimore! There is always something going on between festivals, farmers markets, and sporting events. Likewise, there is also plenty of space for hiking, running trails, and parks to explore.
Graduate school: University of Florida, doctor of occupational therapy
Hometown: Crystal River, Florida
Professional interests: orthopedics, neuro rehabilitation, athletic return to sport programming, trauma
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins hand fellowship program offers advanced hands-on clinical practice with direct mentorship from knowledgeable and experienced certified hand therapists. One of the unique features of the program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to learn and grow from other rehab specialties and physicians. Baltimore also has a large, diverse population that we provide care for.
What I like about Baltimore: I have loved learning about the art, culture, and food scenes here in Baltimore! There is always something going on between festivals, farmers markets, and sporting events. Likewise, there is also plenty of space for hiking, running trails, and parks to explore.
Madeline Kaempfer, MS, OTR/L | Class of 2024
Undergraduate school: Towson University, bachelor's of science in occupational health and well-being
Graduate school: Towson University, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, trauma, post-operative care
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship offers a unique and immersive hands-on experience. I was drawn by the direct mentorship, opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, and lay out of didactic learning styles. The Johns Hopkins network provides care for a wide range of patient populations, further enhancing experience within hand therapy while learning from the best.
What I like about Baltimore: Baltimore has so much to offer. There are always events going on and has something for everyone. The city is filled with amazing locally owned businesses including restaurants, cafes, thrift stores, and art. The culture, people, and exploring different parts of the city has been fun!
Graduate school: Towson University, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, trauma, post-operative care
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship offers a unique and immersive hands-on experience. I was drawn by the direct mentorship, opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, and lay out of didactic learning styles. The Johns Hopkins network provides care for a wide range of patient populations, further enhancing experience within hand therapy while learning from the best.
What I like about Baltimore: Baltimore has so much to offer. There are always events going on and has something for everyone. The city is filled with amazing locally owned businesses including restaurants, cafes, thrift stores, and art. The culture, people, and exploring different parts of the city has been fun!
Meghan Bowler, OTR/L | Class of 2023
Undergraduate school: Westfield State University, bachelor's of arts in psychology
Graduate school: University of New England, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Professional interests: hand therapy, orthopedics, post-operative
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The numerous opportunities for mentorship and guidance with a diverse population of patient conditions, in combination with the support and dedication that the mentors demonstrated to the fellowship was incomparable. The program aligned with my learning style providing opportunities for hands on skills labs and modules with evidenced based research, interdisciplinary learning, and development of clinical reasoning. The program aimed to develop all aspects of who I aspired to be as a professional and individual. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to learn among the Johns Hopkins community.
Graduate school: University of New England, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Professional interests: hand therapy, orthopedics, post-operative
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: The numerous opportunities for mentorship and guidance with a diverse population of patient conditions, in combination with the support and dedication that the mentors demonstrated to the fellowship was incomparable. The program aligned with my learning style providing opportunities for hands on skills labs and modules with evidenced based research, interdisciplinary learning, and development of clinical reasoning. The program aimed to develop all aspects of who I aspired to be as a professional and individual. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to learn among the Johns Hopkins community.
Jordan Bradford, OTD, OTR/L | Class of 2023
Undergraduate school: University of Florida, bachelor's of science in health science, minor in spanish
Graduate school: University of Florida, doctor of occupational therapy
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Professional interests: trauma, athletic injuries, scapular pathomechanics, wound care
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the hand therapy fellowship at Johns Hopkins because of its emphasis on hands-on clinical skills and direct mentorship. I was drawn by the many ways this program offers multidisciplinary learning from incredible clinicians; the hand fellowship mentors offer adequate support while challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. I also chose Johns Hopkins because of its location in the heart of Baltimore city which offers a unique opportunity to provide care for a broad range of diagnoses and patient populations.
What I like about Baltimore: Having grown up on the gulf coast of Florida, I am loving the transition to living in a vibrant city! Baltimore has a little bit of everything to offer -- art, culture, sports, and proximity to other major cities. I've really enjoyed experiencing the change of seasons for the first time and getting used to city living.
Graduate school: University of Florida, doctor of occupational therapy
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Professional interests: trauma, athletic injuries, scapular pathomechanics, wound care
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the hand therapy fellowship at Johns Hopkins because of its emphasis on hands-on clinical skills and direct mentorship. I was drawn by the many ways this program offers multidisciplinary learning from incredible clinicians; the hand fellowship mentors offer adequate support while challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. I also chose Johns Hopkins because of its location in the heart of Baltimore city which offers a unique opportunity to provide care for a broad range of diagnoses and patient populations.
What I like about Baltimore: Having grown up on the gulf coast of Florida, I am loving the transition to living in a vibrant city! Baltimore has a little bit of everything to offer -- art, culture, sports, and proximity to other major cities. I've really enjoyed experiencing the change of seasons for the first time and getting used to city living.
Hannah Enright, MOT, OTR/L, CHT | Class of 2022
Undergraduate school: Missouri State University, bachelor's of science in psychology
Graduate school: Maryville University, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, wound care, trauma
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because I hope to treat all of my patients with the best that medicine has to offer and at Johns Hopkins I have the guidance of expert clinicians and resources to learn how to do so.
What I like about Baltimore: I have loved checking out all the local artists and small businesses that the city has to offer so far.
Graduate school: Maryville University, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Professional interests: hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, wound care, trauma
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose Johns Hopkins because I hope to treat all of my patients with the best that medicine has to offer and at Johns Hopkins I have the guidance of expert clinicians and resources to learn how to do so.
What I like about Baltimore: I have loved checking out all the local artists and small businesses that the city has to offer so far.
Rachel Park, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, PAMS | Class of 2022
Undergraduate school: University of Southern California, bachelor's of arts in sociology
Graduate school: University of Southern California, master's of arts and doctorate in occupational therapy
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Professional interests: upper extremity and hand rehabilitation, pain management, wound management, return to meaningful activities
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I was drawn by the organized structure and opportunities for direct mentorship offered by the Johns Hopkins hand therapy program. I was also excited by the exposure to various patient populations, interdisciplinary collaboration and exposure to evidence-based practice. It is an honor and privilege to be learning at one of the most reputable teaching and research institutions with extremely knowledgeable and empathetic mentors.
Graduate school: University of Southern California, master's of arts and doctorate in occupational therapy
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Professional interests: upper extremity and hand rehabilitation, pain management, wound management, return to meaningful activities
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I was drawn by the organized structure and opportunities for direct mentorship offered by the Johns Hopkins hand therapy program. I was also excited by the exposure to various patient populations, interdisciplinary collaboration and exposure to evidence-based practice. It is an honor and privilege to be learning at one of the most reputable teaching and research institutions with extremely knowledgeable and empathetic mentors.
Brittany Moore, MOT, OTR/L, CHT | Class of 2021
Undergraduate school: University of Florida, bachelor's of science in applied physiology and kinesiology
Graduate school: University of Florida, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Professional interests: hand therapy, orthopaedics
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: In order to become the best possible hand therapist, you must train and work with the best. Johns Hopkins is one of the most prestigious institutions in regards to medicine, health care and research. It was an easy decision.
What I like about Baltimore: Traveling was of great interest to me after living in Florida for 29 years. I recently moved from a small beach town in Florida to downtown Baltimore City. I enjoy living the city life, the running and hiking community, the changing of seasons and the ability to walk everywhere.
Graduate school: University of Florida, master's in occupational therapy
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Professional interests: hand therapy, orthopaedics
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: In order to become the best possible hand therapist, you must train and work with the best. Johns Hopkins is one of the most prestigious institutions in regards to medicine, health care and research. It was an easy decision.
What I like about Baltimore: Traveling was of great interest to me after living in Florida for 29 years. I recently moved from a small beach town in Florida to downtown Baltimore City. I enjoy living the city life, the running and hiking community, the changing of seasons and the ability to walk everywhere.
Susan Bousquet, OTR/L, CHT | Class of 2020
Undergraduate school: Louisiana State University, bachelor's of science in kinesiology with a concentration in human movement science
Graduate school: Tennessee State University, master's in occupational therapy
Professional interests: hand therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins fellowship over others because of the wide variety of diagnoses to see and treat firsthand, the combined learning with other disciplines (occupational therapy/physical therapy/speech-language pathology), the bimonthly hand conferences with hand surgeons and all of the resources available through the Hopkins system.
What I like about Baltimore: I recently moved to the area and I’m pleasantly surprised. I enjoy the running community, proximity to trails, history and ease of travel.
Graduate school: Tennessee State University, master's in occupational therapy
Professional interests: hand therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I chose the Johns Hopkins fellowship over others because of the wide variety of diagnoses to see and treat firsthand, the combined learning with other disciplines (occupational therapy/physical therapy/speech-language pathology), the bimonthly hand conferences with hand surgeons and all of the resources available through the Hopkins system.
What I like about Baltimore: I recently moved to the area and I’m pleasantly surprised. I enjoy the running community, proximity to trails, history and ease of travel.
Kaitlin O’Sullivan, OTR/L, CHT | Class of 2019
Undergraduate school: University of Delaware; B.S. in health science
Graduate school: Thomas Jefferson University; M.S. in occupational therapy
Hometown: Somers, New York
Professional interests: physical disability, upper extremity rehabilitation, neuro rehabilitation
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: This program entails comprehensive exposure to the clinical reasoning involved in assessment and management of various upper extremity injuries and pathologies. As a fellow, I have countless resources at my disposal, including access to the most recent evidence-based practice, opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable and experienced certified hand therapists, participation in interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to attend various national conferences.
What I like about Baltimore: I am new to Baltimore, but it seems as though there are a ton of things to do and explore in and around the city. I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with the city!
Graduate school: Thomas Jefferson University; M.S. in occupational therapy
Hometown: Somers, New York
Professional interests: physical disability, upper extremity rehabilitation, neuro rehabilitation
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: This program entails comprehensive exposure to the clinical reasoning involved in assessment and management of various upper extremity injuries and pathologies. As a fellow, I have countless resources at my disposal, including access to the most recent evidence-based practice, opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable and experienced certified hand therapists, participation in interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to attend various national conferences.
What I like about Baltimore: I am new to Baltimore, but it seems as though there are a ton of things to do and explore in and around the city. I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with the city!
Joseph Schenk, OTR/L, CHT | Class of 2018
Read a Q&A with Joseph about his fellowship experience.
Undergraduate school: York College of Pennsylvania; B.S. in behavioral science
Graduate school: Sacred Heart University; M.S. in occupational therapy
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland
Professional interests: hand therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I grew up in Maryland and always had high respect for Johns Hopkins as one of the best hospitals in the world. I thought there would be no better place to learn and grow as a therapist.
What I like about Baltimore: the culture and people
Undergraduate school: York College of Pennsylvania; B.S. in behavioral science
Graduate school: Sacred Heart University; M.S. in occupational therapy
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland
Professional interests: hand therapy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: I grew up in Maryland and always had high respect for Johns Hopkins as one of the best hospitals in the world. I thought there would be no better place to learn and grow as a therapist.
What I like about Baltimore: the culture and people
Shannon Griffiths, OTR/L, CHT | Class of 2018
Undergraduate school: D’Youville College; B.S. in human occupation
Graduate school: D’Youville College; M.S. in occupational therapy
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Professional interests: orthopedics and wound care. After becoming a certified hand therapist, I would like to pursue lymphedema certification.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: reputation and opportunity to gain a level of exposure I wouldn’t be able to achieve in a standard clinical setting
What I like about Baltimore: So many things to see and do, proximity to DC and it is easy to get to many different places. Also I like that it is a Southwest hub, so direct flights are a perk
Graduate school: D’Youville College; M.S. in occupational therapy
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Professional interests: orthopedics and wound care. After becoming a certified hand therapist, I would like to pursue lymphedema certification.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: reputation and opportunity to gain a level of exposure I wouldn’t be able to achieve in a standard clinical setting
What I like about Baltimore: So many things to see and do, proximity to DC and it is easy to get to many different places. Also I like that it is a Southwest hub, so direct flights are a perk
