Episode Details

In this episode, we will learn from Jill Maglio, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Maglio is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience using circus as an educational, therapeutic, and community-building tool. She has collaborated with service recipients and governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve occupational participation for individuals and communities worldwide. Jill has trained professionals in Australia, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the USA in the methodology she has developed. Jill has collected evidence, tested methods, and created programs for political and environmental refugees underpinned by occupational science and social circus research. Most recently, Jill has been awarded a PhD from Latrobe University for her contribution to the occupational therapy profession, looking at how occupational therapists use circus in their practice areas to create change in the individual, community, and social-political contexts.

Contact & Resources:

Email: jill@holisticcircustherapy.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jill-maglio-phd-otr-l-4367823b/

Instagram: @circusaid

Our CircusAid website: https://www.circusaid.com/

CEU AOTA Approved Provider courses for professional development training https://www.holisticcircustherapy.com/certified-courses

Listeners can receive a 20% discount on our training by sending me a message with the code: transitions

And, here are some references on circus, social circus, and OT-informed circus 

Agans, J. P., Davis, J. L., Vazou, S., & Jarus, T. (2019). Self-determination through circus arts: exploring youth development in a novel activity context. Journal of Youth Development, 14(3), 110.

Bolton, Reginald, (2004). Why Circus Works. Phd Thesis for the degree of doctor of philosophy, Murdoch University, Perth.

Coulston, F., Cameron, K. L., Sellick, K., Cavallaro, M., Spittle, A., & Toovey, R. (2023). Circus Activities as a Health Intervention for Children, Youth, and Adolescents: A Scoping Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(5), 2046. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12052046

Fernandez, Y., Ziviani, J., Cuskelly, M., Colquhoun, R., & Jones, F. (2018). Participation in community leisure programs: experiences and perspectives of children with developmental difficulties and their parents. Leisure Sciences, 40(3), 110-130. 

Heller, C., & Taglialatela, L. A. (2018). Circus Arts Therapy® fitness and play therapy program shows positive clinical results. International Journal of Play Therapy, 27(2), 69.

Loiselle, F., Rochette, A., Tetreault, S., Lafortune, M., Bastien, J. (2019). Social circus program (cirque du soleil) promoting social participation of young people living with physical disabilities in transition to adulthood: a qualitative pilot study.  Developmental neurorehabilitation, 22, 250-259. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17518423.2018.1474502

Maglio, J., McKinstry, C. (2008). Occupational therapy and circus: potential partners in enhancing the health and well-being of today's youth.  Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55, 287-90. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00713.x

Neave, N., Johnson, A., Whelan, K., & McKenzie, K. (2020). The psychological benefits of circus skills training (CST) in schoolchildren. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 11(4), 488-497.

Ratcliff E, Farnworth L, & Lentin P.