Robin Newman, OTD, OTR, CLT, FAOTA

Scholarly, Research, and/or Practice Interests

Professor Newman’s clinical experience focuses on working with adults in a variety of settings, including acute care, rehabilitation and outpatient, with extensive experience with individuals with cancer and neurological diagnoses. She has specialty certification in comprehensive lymphedema management since 2002 and driver rehabilitation from 2008-2019. Newman also has extensive experience in the design and delivery of self-management interventions for individuals living with and beyond cancer. Her current research and scholarship focuses on the occupational performance challenges of parents living cancer, as well as survivors of breast cancer and head and neck cancer. She has taught occupational therapy students the functional implications of cancer on occupational performance and quality of life and has become a leader in this specialty area.

Newman is an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and co-edited a textbook on Cancer and Occupational Therapy, “Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Lifespan.” She is a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She serves as co-Chair of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Oncology and Cognition Task Force.

Courses Taught

Publications

Books

• Braveman, B., & Newman, R.  (Eds.) (2020). Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Life Span. AOTA Press.

Book Chapters

• Newman, R. (2020). Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment. In Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Life Span (pp.213-223). Braveman & Newman (Eds). AOTA Press.
• Sleight, A., & Newman, R. (2020). Special Considerations for Older Adults. In Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Life Span (pp.89-99). Braveman & Newman (Eds). AOTA Press.
• Newman, R., & Hunter, B. (2020). Survivorship. In Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Life Span (pp. 153-160). Braveman & Newman (Eds). AOTA Press.
• Bailey, M., & Newman, R. (2020). Sleep and Rest. In Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Life Span (pp.283-292). Braveman & Newman (Eds). AOTA Press.
• Braveman, B., Newman, R., Lyons, K., & Pergolotti, M. (2020). Work. In Cancer and Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance and Participation Across the Life Span (pp.335-350). Braveman & Newman (Eds). AOTA Press.

Peer-Reviewed Articles

• Stevens, C., Hegel, M., Bakitas, M., Bruce, M., Azuero,A., Pisu, M., Chamberlin, M., Keene, K., Rocque, G., Ellis, D., Gilbert, T., Morency, J., Newman, R., Codini, M., Thorp, K., Dos Anjos, S., Cloyd, D., Echols, J., Milford, A., & Lyons, K. (2020). Study protocol for a multisite randomized controlled trial of a rehabilitation intervention to reduce participation restrictions among female breast cancer survivors. BMJ Open, 10. e036864. Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036864.
• Padgett, L., Dyk, K., Kelly, N., Newman, R., & Hite, S., & Asher, A. (2020). Addressing Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Survivorship. Oncology Issues, 35, 52-57. DOI: 10.1080/10463356.2020.1692601
• Pergolotti, M., Battisti, N., Padgett, L., Sleight, A., Abdallah, M., Newman, R.,  Van Dyk, K., Covington, K.R., Williams, G.R., van den Bos, F.,  Pollock, Y.,  Salerno, E.A., Magnuson, A., Gattás-Vernaglia, I.F.,  Ahles, T.A. (2020). Embracing the complexity: Older adults with cancer-related cognitive decline—A Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology position paper. Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 11, 237-243. DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2019.09.002.
• Newman, R., Lyons, K., Coster, W., Wong, J.,Festa, K., & Ko, N. (2019). Feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of an occupation-focused cognitive self-management program for breast cancer survivors. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82, 030802261986189. DOI: 10.1177/0308022619861893.
• Lyons, K.D., Newman, R.M., Sullivan, M., Pergolotti, M., Braveman, B., & Cheville, A.L. (2019). Employment concerns and associated impairments of women living with advanced breast cancer. Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation,1, 1-10.  DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2019.100004
• Newman, R.M., Alfano, C.M., Radomski, M.V., Pergolotti, M., Wolf, T.J., Sleight, A.G., Bryant, A.L., Voelbel, G.T., de Moor, J.S., Nitkin, R., Daniels, E., Braveman,B., Walker, R.K., Williams, G.R., Winters-Stone, K.M., Cheville, A.L., Campbell, S.E., Lawlor, M.C., King, A.A., Ness, K.K., Srivastava, P., & Lyons, K.D. (2019). Catalyzing research to optimize cancer survivors’ participation in work and life roles. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 39(5):153944921984474. DOI: 10.1177/1539449219844749
• Cheville, A.L., McLaughlin, S.A., Haddad, T., Lyons, K.D., Newman, R., & Ruddy, K.J. (2019). Integrated rehabilitation for breast cancer survivors. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 98(2), 154-164.  doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001017.
• Lyons, K.D., Newman, R., Adachi-Mejia, A.M., Whipple, J., & Hegel, M.T. (2018). Content analysis of a participant-directed intervention to optimize activity engagement of older adult cancer survivors. OTRJ-Occupation Participation and Health, 38(1), 38-45.  DOI: 10.1177/1539449217730356
• Lyons, K.D., Newman, R., Kaufman, P.A., Bruce, M.L., Stearns, D.M., Lansigan, F., Chamberlin, M., Bartels, S.J., Whipple, J., & Hegel, M.T. (2018). Goal attainment and goal adjustment of older adults during person-directed cancer rehabilitation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(2), 1-8. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2018.023648.
• Asher, A., Van Dyk, K., Patel, S.K., Newman, R., Engle, J., Hutchinson, N., & Padgett, L. (2017). Cancer related cognitive changes. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(12), 2595-2596.
• Baxter, M.F., Newman, R., Longpre, S.M., & Polo, K.M. (2017). Occupational therapy’s role in cancer survivorship as a chronic condition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, 7103090010P1-7303090010P7. DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.713001
• Newman, R. (2013). Guest editorial. Work: A journal of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation, 46(4), 367-368.
• Newman, R. (2013). Re-defining one’s occupational self 2 years after breast cancer: A case study. Work: A journal of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation, 46(4), 439-444. DOI: 10.3233/wor-131679
• Silver, J.K., Baima, J., Newman, R., Galantino, M. L., Shockney, L.D., (2013). Cancer rehabilitation may improve function in survivors and decrease the economic burden to individuals and society. Work: A journal of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation, 46(4), 455-472.  doi: 10.3233/WOR-131755.

Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications

• Kurian, S., Kramer, J., Orouke, B., Rocco, C., & Newman, R. (in press). A meaning-making, occupation-based approach to promote occupational engagement and quality of life in adults living with life-threatening illness. OT Practice.
• Newman, R., & Yawitz, A. (2020). Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Created for: Sharsharet, A Jewish Breast Cancer Organization.
• Ito, E., Benchic, M., Newman, R., & Cooper, C. (2019). Compassionate care in hand therapy: What’s love got to do with it? American Society of Hand Therapy Times, 26 (3),16-19.
• Newman, R., & Campbell, C. (2013, March). An occupational therapy perspective in addressing breast cancer–related cognitive dysfunction in the survivorship phase. Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section Quarterly, 36(1), 1–4.
• American Occupational Therapy Association. (2011). Living with breast cancer. Bethesda, MD: Author.
• American Occupational Therapy Association. (2011). The role of occupational therapy in oncology: Bethesda, MD: Author.

Presentations

Peer-Reviewed Presentations

• Van Dyk, K., Newman, R., Hite, S., Asher, A., Kelly, N., Strang, J., Maguire, A., Engle, J., Weyer Jamora, C. (2021) Cognitive rehabilitation for cancer related cognitive impairment: The era of telehealth (September 28, 2021). American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference
• Langer, D., Newman, R., Jacobs, K., Bar-Haim Erez, A. (September 15, 2021). The ‘Take Action’ program for cancer related cognitive impairments in women with breast cancer: US & Israel collaboration. 2^nd Annual COTEC-ENOTHE Conference, Prague, Czech Republic
• Van Dyk, Maguire, A., Weyer Jamora C, Hite S, Ozer B, & Newman, R.  (October 21, 2020). End of life supportive care in neuro-oncology: The role of cognitive rehabilitation. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, Dallas, Texas.
• Kaldenberg, J., Newman, R., & Emmert, C. (2020, June). What is the evidence for the effectiveness of self-management interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice on the performance of education, work, volunteering, leisure and social participation among community-dwelling adults with chronic conditions? Recorded presentation. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition.
• Kaldenberg, J., Kurian, S., McDonnell, H., & Newman R. (2020). Supporting health maintenance & management through occupational engagement: A case study of a cancer survivor experiencing housing insecurity. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition.
• Van Dyk, K., Kelly, N., Engle, J., Hite, S., Weyer, C., & Newman, R. (November 7, 2019). Cognitive impairment and rehabilitation in brain tumor patients. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois
• Newman, R.   Ortiz-Hernandez, S., Strang, J., & Asher, A. (November 8, 2019). Loneliness and social isolation: Implications for cognitive health in cancer. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois
• Radomski, M., Newman, R., Sleight, A., & Lyons, K. (April 6, 2019). Research examining cancer survivors’ participation in life roles: Implications for OT practice and research (Short course 327). American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Van Dyk., K., Asher, A., Engle, J., Hite, S., Newman, R., Kelly N.C., & Padgett, L.S. (2018). Assessing and treating cancer-related cognitive impairment: Multidisciplinary perspectives for providing care. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, Dallas, Texas.
• Newman, R., Lyons, K., Festa, K., & Ko, N. (March 30, 2017). Feasibility and Acceptability of the Take Action Program for Breast Cancer Survivors. (Poster Presentation 3105). American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. 98^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Newman, R., Cohn, E., & Brick, R. (March 30, 2017). Occupational Performance Challenges in Cancer Survivorship: The Silent Sequelae. (Poster Presentation 5043). American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. 98^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Longpre, S.M., Baxter, M.F., Newman, R., & Polo, K.M. (December 3, 2016). Cancer Survivorship as a Chronic Condition; Implications for Occupational Therapy (Poster Presentation). American Occupational Therapy Specialty Conference on Chronic Conditions, Orlando, Florida.
• Ganz, P., Patel, S., Van Dyk, K., Radomski, M., Newman, R., Padgett, L., & Asher, A. (November 2, 2016). Cognitive Complaints in Cancer Patients: Understanding the Problem and Clinical Applications (#153). American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, 93^rd Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
• Campbell, C., Lyons, K., Munoz, L., & Newman, R. (April 9, 2016). Oncology Rehabilitation: What OT Practitioners Need To Know. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. 97^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Chicago, Illinois.
• Campbell, C., Munoz, L., & Newman, R. (April 17, 2015). Cognitive Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors: Occupational Therapy’s Role with Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. 96^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee
• Newman, R., & Lyons, K. (April 16, 2015). Improving the Integration of Occupational Therapy Services in Adult Cancer Rehabilitation. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. 96^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee
• Newman, R., Lyons, K., & Magasi, S. (October 10, 2014). Disability within the Context of Breast Cancer Screening, Treatment and Survivorship. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference, 91^st Annual Conference, Toronto, Canada.
• Newman, R., & Coster, W. (April 4, 2014). An Occupation Based Self-Management Program for Breast Cancer Survivors. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. 95^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Baltimore, Maryland.
• Newman, R. (May 10, 2013). Breast Cancer Self-management Program Pilot Testing and Program Redesign (Poster Presentation). Second Annual OT Summit of Scholars. University of Illinois at Chicago.
• Bonacci, L., Campbell, C., Stimler, L., Munoz, L., Lyons, K., Newman, R., & Hughes, J. (April 24, 2013). Oncology for Occupational Therapy 101 (Pre-Conference Institute 011). American Occupational Therapy Annual Conference and Exposition. 94^th Annual Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, San Diego, California.
• Newman, R. (April, 26, 2012). Take Action: A self-management program for breast cancer survivors (Poster presentation 2025). American Occupational Therapy Annual Conference and Exposition. 93^rd Annual American Occupational Therapy Conference and Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Bonacci, L., Newman, R., Munoz, L. (April 28, 2012). PDSIS Annual Program: Occupational therapy and oncology-from acute care to palliative care and survivorship (Workshop 300). 93^rd Annual American Occupational Therapy Annual Conference and Exposition. Indianapolis, Indiana
• Finlayson, M., Preissner, K., Stout, K. & Newman, R. (June 4, 2010). Participants progress through a teleconference-delivered fatigue management program. (Poster presentation S038). Scientific Abstract Book Multiple Sclerosis: Sustaining Care, Seeking a Cure (p.78). 24th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of MS Centers, San Antonio Texas.

Invited Presentations

• Newman, R. (October 21-22, 2021). The role of occupational therapy in cancer rehabilitation. University of Montreal, Department of Occupational Therapy, Montreal, Canada.
• Newman, R. (February 6, 2021). Functional cognition and occupational therapy Implications for individuals living with cancer- related cognitive deficits: Current State of the Science. Virtual Occupational Therapy Association of California’s 4^th Annual Oncology Symposium
• Newman, R. (January 25, 2021). Breast cancer and occupational therapy. Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Soulmates Program, Boston, MA
• Newman, R. (February 25, 2021). Cancer and cognition. Spaulding Cambridge Occupational Therapy Department, Cambridge, MA.
• Newman, R., & Jacobs, K. (June 14-21, 2020). The role of occupational therapy in breast cancer rehabilitation. Hebrew University, Department of Occupational Therapy, Jerusalem, Israel.
• Newman, R., Curlew, M., & Ellicks, M. (March 10, 2020). Decision-making in later life: Drivers and their families, safety, and mobility. Conversations for Caring: Greater Lynn Senior Services, Lynn, MA.
• Newman, R. (May 20, 2019). Breast cancer and occupational therapy. Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Soulmates Program, Boston, MA
• Baum, C.M., Dawson, D.R., Newman, R., Rodakowski, J., & Wolf, T.J. (April 20, 2018). State of the Science Symposium: Functional Cognition-The OT Lens on Occupational Performance. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and Exposition. Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Newman, R. (January 29, 2015). Natural healing aids and therapies: Occupational therapy strategies for cognitive changes (“Chemobrain”) and fatigue. Cancer Care Center, Boston Medical Center.
• Newman, R. (October 26, 2013). OT Interventions for Common Problems in Survivors: Cancer Related Fatigue, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Advances in Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Care.  Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
• Newman, R. (April 16, 2012). Breast Cancer Survivorship: Evidence-Based Priorities for Occupational Therapy Intervention. University of Illinois, Department of Occupational Therapy

Awards and Honors

• American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows (2020)
• American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, Service Commendation (2019)

Media

• Inside Sargent magazine, “Stronger Together: Professor Supports Breast Cancer Survivors Through Group Intervention“
• Featured faculty mentor, Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Sargent College

Licenses and Certifications

• Licensed Occupational Therapist, Massachusetts (2014-present)
• Licensed Occupational Therapist, New Hampshire (2019-present)
• Licenses Occupational Therapist, Illinois (2000-2015)
• Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (2008-2019)
• Specialty certification in Comprehensive Lymphedema Management
• Certified leader of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
• Calibrated rater of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills