This course is free for TNOTA members.

Hair as an ADL

Self Paced Online Course
$20 | 1.5 Contact Hour

This course is created by the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association.

If you need assistance or accommodations, please contact us at [email protected]
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“Hair is an ADL” is a course that will assist both occupational therapy students and licensed professionals obtain a better understanding of how hair care should be viewed differently based upon hair type, texture, and ethnicity. This course is designed to promote awareness, understanding, influence and education in regard to the benefits of proper hair combing and brushing, overall hair care and tips for individuals with sensory concerns. 

Presented by: Christie D. Brown
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Learning objectives
After this occupational therapy continuing education course, the learner will be able to

  • Recognize and understand hair types and textures
  • Understand hair care routines based on hair types and textures
  • Identify appropriate hair tools based on hair types and textures
  • Examine the connection between Sensory Processing Disorder and hair brushing/combing



Instructor bio
Christie D. Brown
TNOTA Guest Instructor

Christie D. Brown was born and raised in Dallas, Texas in a single parent home. She was educated early in the Champion Child Development Center System and later transitioned into the Dallas Independent School District. During her early years, education was instilled within her as one of her primary foundational principles outside of her faith. She attended Robert Lee Thornton Elementary School and Oliver Wendell Holmes Academy where she found a passion for English, writing and was inspired by her 7th and 8th grade English teachers.
After junior high school she attended Duncanville High School. During her time there, she was a member of the choir, Business Professionals of America and the Cosmetology Program. During her high school years and After graduation she attended Texas A& M University- Commerce where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Upon completion of her degree she obtained her first career as a Parole Office with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. During her time as a parole officer she was able to interact with individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds as she attempted to assist others successfully re-integrate into society.

In 2010, Christie earned a Master of Science in Training and Development from Texas A&M University-Commerce. While journeying the career path of a parole officer, she along with other colleagues created a program to empower and encourage women on parole called H.O.W.W. (Helping Our Women Win) which continues to this day. Christie and her colleagues created a specific curriculum which included weekly guest speakers that opened up the door to discuss topics such as: mental health, finances, health and beauty, spirituality, relationships as well as skills building, resume writing and dressing for success. During this time a light was shed on a new purpose and calling for her in the area of counseling. Christie, went on to complete a second masters and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Masters of Education in Counseling with a concentration in Community and Adolescent Counseling. She is currently continuing her educational pursuit as she works towards earning her Doctoral Degree in Counselor Supervision and Education from the University of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She is expected to graduated December 2021.

As she transitioned from the journey of parole officer, she became employed at a psychiatric facility in Dallas County and worked her way through the ranks from discharge planner to Program Manager. She has counseled various populations such as: geriatric, intensive acute populations and children and adolescents. During her time as a Program Manager, she was also employed in other clinical settings such as: clinical private practice and the university setting. She has also worked with Children’s Medical Center in partner with Beacon Health Options as a Clinical Counselor as well as Aetna Managed Care. Christie is currently the founder and owner of the Gathering House, LLC which offers concierge counseling services, consultations, tele-mental health, corporate trainings and program development.

Along with her business partners she is the co-founder of Elevating Dreams by H.E.A.R.T.S. which serves marginalized females ages 8-18 and educates them on a variety of topics such as: mental health, financial literacy, education, entrepreneurship and skills building. She is also a licensed cosmetologist, Bronner Bros educator and co-owner of Beauty Catalyst which provides continuing education credits for licensed cosmetologists and barbers. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and also serves imprisoned female juveniles through the program My Sister’s Keeper within the Dallas County Juvenile System via Mt. Rose Church which she is a member of.
Completion Requirements
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In order to receive the certificate of completion, participants must meet ALL of the following criteria:
  • Complete payment or TNOTA membership log in for course enrollment
  • Attend the live webinar
  • Pass the course exam with a score of 80% or greater
  • Use the Attendance Attestation Code accurately
Please note that no credit or certificate will be issued unless all criteria is met.  Partial credit will not be issued.  
cancellation policy
Live Courses and Webinars
Learner cancellations: In the event that the learner requests to cancel or is unable to attend a course, a refund for the total paid for the course will be granted if Aspire OT is notified via email at [email protected] within 10 business days prior to date of the scheduled course, minus a non-refundable registration fee of 25% of registration price.  If the learner provides notification of cancellation less then 10 business days prior to the scheduled course, the learner will be offered the opportunity to attend the same webinar on an alternate date or enrollment in the recorded on-demand version of that webinar, instead of a refund.  

No refunds will be issued after a course has been attended for more than 30 minutes.  Partial credit will not be issued.  

Provider cancellations: 
In the event of inclement weather or other event resulting in the inability for a live course to be provided within the scheduled time, learners will be offered an alternate date or a full refund for registration paid.
On-Demand web Courses 
Web courses will remain available to learners for 1 year. No refunds will be available for web courses that have been attended or viewed for greater than 30 minutes. In the event of a refund, the learner will be unenrolled in the course immediately upon issuance of a refund. No refunds will be issued for any course in which a certificate has been issued.  

Course Author

Logo for Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association with blue letters and graphic spell TNOTA
This occupational therapy continuing education course is being offered as part of Aspire OT's State Association Partnership Program. This course is free for TNOTA Members.