Mary T. Siniscarco, M.S.
Biography
Professor Siniscarco is a graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University in which she received a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy in 1990; she also received a Master’s in Health Education from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland, NY. Professor Siniscarco also previously served as the Chair of the Health Studies (now Health Sciences program) from 2010 to 2018. She is also a practicing Occupational Therapist for the last 35 years and owns and operates her own consulting business.
Professor Siniscarco has practiced OT in a number of clinical settings inclusive of adult neuro-rehabilitation, work hardening, ergonomics, aquatics, developmental disabilities and pediatrics. In addition, Professor Siniscarco is certified in the following specialty areas: to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT); Blankenship Functional Capacity Evaluation; Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist from the Back School of Atlanta; Certificate in Gerontology from the Stroud Institute of Columbia University and Certified Anodunos Method Pain Navigator. Professor Siniscarco also previously served on the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) board as the Central District President.
Professor Siniscarco also greatly appreciate the importance of advocating for all, particularly for those who are marginalized due to racial, ethnic, and economic disparities. Additionally, she created the Healthcare Advocacy and Navigation minor at Utica University in addition to the “Educate to Advocate” initiative, whereas the Health Science faculty along with the student body of Utica University, offer a series of free educational forums to address the goal of decreasing maternal and infant mortality by educating birthing people about ways to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. All presentations are based on utilizing a variety of evidence-based resources, specifically addressing the topic of "Urgent Maternal Warning Signs" as per the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Furthermore, the “Educate to Advocate” initiative has also offered the following educational series to a variety of community organizations regarding the following topics:
- The Importance of Advocating for your Health:
Explore specific strategies to effectively self-advocate so that your healthcare providers can understand your needs and expectations. Learn the many steps to take control of your well-being. - The Importance of Managing High Blood Pressure:
If hypertension is not medically treated, it can cause other health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke. Learn specific strategies to control your blood pressure, maximize your health and improve your quality of life. - The Importance of Managing and Preventing Diabetes:
Learn how to create a care plan to help control blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of complications from diabetes. Also, learn specific strategies to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. - The Importance of Utilizing Joint Protection and Energy Conservation Techniques:
Learn a variety of techniques to reduce the stress and strain of your joints to preserve the condition of your joints and your ability to functionally perform. Learn how to apply energy conservation techniques to allow your body to recover from daily physical stressors. - The importance of Maximizing your Memory and Brain Function:
A healthy brain is essential for living a fulfilling life. Addressing underlying health issues can positively impact brain function. Learn some proven ways to maximize your memory and brain function.
Education
- B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Utica College of Syracuse University (1990)
- M.S. in Health Education from SUNY Cortland (1997)
Research
Professor Siniscarco’s research interests are multi-faceted, interdisciplinary and collaborative and include self-advocacy within the field of maternal care, measuring the effects of sensory integration treatment strategies to decrease self-injurious behavior with developmentally challenged adults, studying the effects of virtual reality simulation on students’ implicit bias toward individuals with disabilities, and comparing respiratory training devices on lung functions, respiratory muscle strength and endurance.
Publications
(Professor Siniscarco mentored the following undergraduate student co-authors in boldface):
Elmarakby, A., Siniscarco, M., Simpson B. , & Nunno-Evans, M. (2021). Comparative study of two different respiratory training devices on lung functions, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, aerobic capacity and exercise performance in division III athletes. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. (Accepted). DOI: 10.1615/CritRevPhysRehabilMed.2021040613 Siniscarco, M., Love-Williams, C., and Burnett-Wolle, S. (2017). Video Conferencing: An Intervention for Emotional Loneliness in Long-Term Care. Activities, Adaptation, & Aging.
Dow, C., & Siniscarco, M. (2020, December). Culture, the stigma of mental illness and young people. [Letter to the editor]. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services.
Gulneck, D., & Siniscarco, M. (2020, December 1). COVID 19 and parent-child psychological well-being. [Letter to the editor]. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Goerner, G., & Siniscarco, M. (2020, April 23). Chaplaincy care in the MICU: Describing the spiritual care provided to MICU patients and Families at end of life. [Letter to the editor]. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Hall, S., & Siniscarco, M. (2020, February 25). Predictors of depression and anxiety in family members 3 months after child's admission to a pediatric ICU. [Letter to the editor]. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
LaRock, M., & Siniscarco, M. (2019, December 19). End-of-life decision making and treatment for patients with professional guardians. [Letter to the editor]. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16385
Sleeper, A., & Siniscarco, M. (2019, December 18). Prevalence and trends of developmental disabilities among children in the United States: 2009-2017. [Letter to the editor]. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Rafes, R., Malta, S., and Siniscarco, M. (2014). Career mapping: An innovation in college recruitment and retention. The Forum: College and University Quarterly Journal, 90(1), 47-52.
Siniscarco, M. Autism spectrum disorders and aquatic therapy. (2013). Autism Spectrum Quarterly, 20-22.
Rafes, R., Malta, S., and Siniscarco, M. (2013). Career pathways: Retention and recruitment strategies for academic departments/institutions. The Department Chair: A Resource for Academic Administrators, 24(1), 26-28.
Siniscarco, M. (2013). Self-injurious behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Spectrum Quarterly, 15-18.
Siniscarco, M. (2012). Sensory processing strategies for self-injurious behavior: A case study of an adult with profound mental retardation. OT Advance. Retrieved from http:occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com.
Siniscarco, M. (2011). Self-injurious behavior: Causative factors and sensory processing strategies. OT Advance, 27(24), 26.
Siniscarco, M. (2011). Without routine screenings for early autism detection, one may not access much needed early intervention services. [Letter to the editor]. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Professional Presentations
International:
Siniscarco, M. (September 6, 2022). Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists: Practice Evidence Webinar to provide evidence-informed, occupation based and practical skills and information that Canadian occupational therapist clinicians can take away and apply in their practice. Title: Telework: Opening the door to ergonomic consultation. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. and Brownell, C. (2014). Building the Foundation for a Culture of Interprofessional Education. Poster presented at the 7th International Conference on Interprofessional Practice and Education. Held in the USA: Pittsburgh, PA. (Invited).
National:
Marchese, K., Siniscarco, M., and Wolle, S. (2025). Effects of Virtual Reality Simulation on Students’ Implicit Bias Toward Individuals with Disabilities. Poster presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Invited).
Rafes, R., Malta, S., and Siniscarco, M. (2013). Career pathways: Retention and recruitment strategies for academic departments/institutions. Academic Chairperson Conference. San Antonio, Texas. (Invited).
Culyer, L., Brownell, C., and Siniscarco, M. (2013). Socialization to interprofessional education for entry level nursing and allied health studies. Poster presented at the Elsevier Faculty Development Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada. (Invited).
Dimeo, S. B., and Siniscarco. M. (2012). Online education: Do’s and don’ts. Poster presented at the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Annual Conference. Orlando, Florida. (Invited).
Brownell, C., Culyer, L., and Siniscarco, M. (2011). Socialization of entry level allied health and nursing students to interprofessional education in a small liberal arts college. Poster presented at the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Annual Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona. (Invited).
Dimeo, S. B., and Siniscarco, M. (2010). Keys to student success: Getting work accepted for professional publication. Poster presented at the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Annual Conference. Charlotte, NC. (Invited).
State:
Siniscarco, M. (October, 2025). New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) for October 2025 Annual Conference. Short-course presentation: Title: Educate to Advocate: The Role of Occupational Therapy and Self- Advocacy in Preventing Maternal Mortality. Glen Falls, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. (November, 2021). New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) for November 2021 Annual Conference. Title: Telework: Opening the door to ergonomic consultation. Remote. (Invited)
Siniscarco, M. (2017). How to facilitate learning with Brain Gym and specific sensory strategies. New York State Occupational Therapy Association 2017 Annual Conference. Albany, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. (2017). Self-injurious Behavior: Understanding the sensory triggers and sensory solutions. New York State Occupational Therapy Association 2017 Annual Conference. Albany, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. (2014). Brain health: Implications for education. New York State United Teachers Regional Education Conference. Utica, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. and Love-Williams, C. (2014). Community-based and institutional care services: Collaboration among health care professionals to facilitate care of special populations of elderly. Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers Annual Program. Binghamton, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. and Love-Williams, C. (2013). Community and institutional based adult day care services for the elderly: An interprofessional approach. Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers Annual Program. Utica, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco. M. and Brownell, C. (2012). Community-based, institutional care services – collaboration among health care providers to facilitate care of the elderly: A sensory integration approach. Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers Annual Program. Utica, NY. (Invited).
Siniscarco, M. (2011). Sensory integration strategies for the classroom environment. New York State United Teachers Regional Education Annual Conference. Utica, NY. (Invited).
Courses Taught
- HLS 103: Introduction to Health and Health Related Professions
Orientation to health care professions, including history and philosophy, ethics, development of health care teams, professionalism, and professional organizations, communication, patient rights, practice arenas, and wellness concepts. - HLS 245: Human Development across the Life Span
Study of normal sequences of neuromuscular, perceptual, socio-cultural development, and their relationship to behavior from infancy through old age. Recognition of development and life tasks in developmental continuum. - HLS 301: Introduction to Healthcare Advocacy and Navigation
Introduction to the field of healthcare advocacy and navigation. Overview of the healthcare system, health care professional-patient relationship, alternative treatment options, medical records, consumer safety, advocacy ethics, and interpersonal skills with healthcare consumers. - HLS 309: Medical Conditions and Implications (Online)
Medical conditions across the life span. Implications for function, medical management, and precaution for safety in practice. - HLS 381: Kinesiology
Science of human motion, including basic anatomic and mechanical principles emphasizing clinical kinesiology principles in a rehabilitative environment. - HLS 401: Senior Seminar
This course entails critical analysis of current health science topics, integrating previous learning, culminating in a capstone project. Throughout the course we discussed current health topics pertinent to all health science majors, particularly Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy students. Students engaged in several professional presentations in class as well as hands-on assignments such as Disability Awareness Day. Students also critiqued various films and their effects on the health care environment. We also addressed disability awareness in the form of advocacy including guest speakers who presented on pertinent topics. - HLS 415: Advanced Topics in Health Advocacy and Navigation
Explore current topics in the field of advocacy and navigation including but not limited to shared decision making, defensive medicine, health literacy, medical decisions, medical conditions, medical practice, health consumer education, consumer lifestyle, over-treatment and medical emergencies. Various evidence based on line resources utilized throughout the course. - HLS 419: Healthcare Advocacy and Navigation Seminar
HLS 419 is a seminar-based class in which the course will explore and dissect timely, relevant healthcare topics through a review of evidence-based articles, videos, and discussion. Students will develop a deeper understanding and ability to assist your future clients with addressing their many needs such as: financing their medical care; ensuring they receive acceptable standards of care; maintaining their ethical rights; receiving care that is culturally competent; receiving timely preventative services; receiving appropriate mental health services and accessing proper community- related healthcare services. - UCC 101: First Year Seminar
Introduction to college life and work. Academic skills development, values clarification, critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, conflict management, and cultural diversity.
Awards and Recognition
- Community Excellence in Belonging & Inclusion Award (2025)
- Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award (2023)
- Women’s Basketball Team Faculty Award for Outstanding Commitment and Work Ethic (2019, 2012, 2013))
- Most Relevant Faculty Member as per Women in a New Direction (WIND).
- Outstanding Advisor of an Organization as per Utica College Student Government Association (2018)
- Certificate of Faculty Appreciation, Women’s Soccer Team (2018, 2017)
- Excellence in Teaching Award, National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi, Utica College Chapter (2015)
- Faculty Mentor of the Year Award for Outstanding Performance, the Womyn’s Resource Center, Utica College (2014)
- Induction into the Alpha Eta Honor Society at Utica College (2008)
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