Joshua, OTS, CLVT, is a third-year student in the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. With a strong focus on advancing accessible and meaningful content in occupational therapy, his capstone work includes contributing to the development of this podcast into a book format. His work reflects a commitment to bridging clinical knowledge with broader audiences. Joshua will graduate in May 2026 and is also expected to appear as an individual guest on the podcast in the future.

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Dr. Adam Cisroe Pearson is the director of the Department of Human Services for the City of St. Louis. As director, he oversees numerous divisions that provide funding and supports to the residents of St. Louis City, including the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging; the Homeless Services Division; The Office on the Disabled; the Youth and Family Division, and a Fiscal Division that manages the complex network of accounts that fund the critical work. He received his bachelor of science in psychology from Missouri State University, and his doctorate in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis.

He has held teaching, clinical and research roles as a faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, helped launch the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, and has dedicated much of his career to community mental health spaces as an organizational leader and homeless services champion.  He is a longtime advocate for housing equity, community accessibility, and social policies that redress inequality. Dr. Pearson is married and has two young children that keep him humble, exhausted and laughing at all times.

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Dr. Tajze Johnson's life embodies the words of Langston Hughes: "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." His journey, shaped by adversity and marked by unwavering resilience, reflects a deep commitment to service, perseverance, and community uplift. Born with a kidney disease, Dr. Johnson faced kidney failure before turning 30. For nearly four years, he endured nightly peritoneal dialysis treatments before receiving a life-changing transplant. As a young athlete who excelled in sports and fitness, he initially concealed his illness to project an image of strength. Through his struggles, he discovered that true strength is not measured by physical prowess but by character, mindset, service to family and community, and continuous personal growth.

Dr. Johnson's scholarly achievements are impressive. He earned his Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Methodist University in 2024, after obtaining his Occupational Therapy Assistant credentials from Eastern Virginia Career College, a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in business management and concentration in entrepreneurship from Belmont Abbey College, and a master's in healthcare administration from Purdue University. When his kidneys failed during graduate school, many advised him to pause his studies. Instead, he persevered, graduating on time while working part-time to support himself and cover tuition. Today, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at Central Piedmont Community College, where he mentors the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners. Dr. Johnson's leadership extends across local, state, and national platforms. He currently serves as an AOTA RISE Pathways Program Scholar, furthering his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession. He has represented students in the American Occupational Therapy Association Assembly of Student Delegates as an Advocacy Representative. 

Recognizing the need to organize and support Black graduate students, he helped found and served as the inaugural President of the Black Student Union Graduate Chapter at Methodist University. At the state level, he has contributed to the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association DEI Committee, served as a Student Board Member, and currently holds the position of Secretary for the North Carolina Black Occupational Therapy Caucus. He is also developing the Pathways to Promise Project (P³), a pilot initiative designed to introduce students from Title I schools to careers in occupational therapy, expanding access and representation in the field.

Beyond formal leadership, Dr. Johnson is passionate about mentorship and advocacy. His experience as a residential counselor working with at-risk youth reinforced his belief in the transformative power of positive role models. He advocates for equity in organ transplantation, particularly for underserved communities, and champions the role of occupational therapy in improving transplant outcomes. As a proud member of North Carolina Transplant Athletes, he works to raise awareness about organ donation, build community among transplant recipients, and reduce stigma. Dr. Johnson's health challenges have taught him that life is precious and finite. He strives not only to leave the world better than he found it but also to live fully. He cherishes time with his family, wife, and friends.

His lived experiences as a transplant recipient, educator, mentor, leader, and advocate have uniquely positioned him to contribute meaningfully to initiatives focused on health equity, mentorship, and social action. Though his path has been far from smooth, Dr. Tajze Johnson has never turned back or sat down. He continues climbing, inspiring others to do the same.

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Dr. Cristina Reyes Smith.

Dr. Smith has more than fifteen years of experience as an occupational therapist and community leader, with a focus on health promotion, program development, and volunteer service. Throughout her career, she has been a national speaker for AOTA and has authored several publications related to occupational therapy practice and service delivery for diverse and undeserved communities. She has presented nationally and internationally on occupational therapy and has held leadership roles at universities, state organizations, and national professional associations.

In addition to her leadership work, she previously served as the owner and business development coordinator of Vida Bella Services, a pediatric occupational and physical therapy agency. Today, Dr.Smith serves as the Vice President of AOTA, where she works to promote leadership, advocacy, and increased access to care for the occupational therapy profession and the communities it serves.

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OTR/L, CSRS

Occupational Therapist, Farmer

Dominique Bostic-Arrington is an occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and community leader who founded AAA Therapeutic Solutions in honor of her three children—Amani, Amari, and Amara. Her purpose is to serve clients of all ages and stages by promoting physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being through holistic, client-centered approaches.

In addition to being a licensed and registered occupational therapist, Dominique is a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist, tai chi instructor, and myofascial release clinician. Her journey in healthcare began in 2009 while serving as a medic in the United States Army National Guard. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida A&M University in 2014. Following the completion of her military enlistment in 2016, she began a new chapter as an occupational therapist, mother, and wife.

Since then, Dominique has expanded her vision to include creating the AAA Therapeutic Farm and LiveLearnPlay Preschool, which provide nature-based and outdoor services on an urban farm in West Charlotte. In addition to occupational therapy–based services, the farm offers yoga and adaptive yoga, therapeutic art, tai chi, peer support groups, gardening, community events, post-stroke services, and animal-assisted interventions.

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Professional Biography

Dr. Razan Hamed, PhD, OTR/L is a Full Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Occupational Therapy) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUMC), Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she is also the Associate Director of the Programs in Occupational Therapy. (Vagelos College)

Dr. Hamed holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science and an MS in Rehabilitation Science/Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Jordan. (Vagelos College)

She is involved in professional and academic service, including membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), and the Jordan Society for Occupational Therapists (JSOT). She also serves on the editorial board of Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology and contributes as a peer reviewer for multiple occupational therapy journals and conferences. (Vagelos College)

Dr. Hamed’s research includes work on culturally adapted assessment tools such as the Arabic Heritage Activity Card Sort (A-ACS) and the Arabic version of the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (A-PASS), as well as projects using virtual reality to enhance empathy and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in health professions education. (Vagelos College)

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Sandee is also the author and co-author of leadership books, An Occupational Perspective of Leadership (3 editions), geared towards enabling others to easily apply leadership theory in everyday clinical and classroom experiences. Sandee has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to effective leadership practices, family centered care, occupation-centered practice and early intervention. Sandee has received many academic and service awards, including three Golden Apple awards for her teaching excellence. She enjoys mentoring and has been rewarded by seeing several mentees become leaders. She is married to Arnel Smalley, CEO of Small World Solutions, and has two adult children. Sandee’s favorite occupations are family time, traveling, reading, swimming, trying new restaurants and playing the piano.

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Instagram/FB- you get me unfiltered, my life, my political views, my happiness Mcam121- Michael Camacho LinkedIn- you get the scholar, leader, educator, and advocate for OT

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Dr. Brown's work has focused extensively on establishing occupational therapy’s distinct role in emerging practice settings with an emphasis on improving access through the development and implementation of occupational therapy programs. Within her doctoral training at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice and Homes for Life Foundation, she specialized in health promotion through lifestyle optimization, occupational engagement, and community integration for underserved populations. As an inaugural Community Based Fieldwork Instructor she developed occupational therapy programs in un(der)served communities; increasing access to services as well as providing students with transformative opportunities to apply theoretical and practical knowledge. Sequentially, as an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, she worked at the height of the pandemic to collaboratively curate unique fieldwork opportunities for students in preparation for entry-level practice. Most recently, Dr. Brown became the inaugural occupational therapist at Linn County Department of Mental Health in Albany, Oregon. There her emerging role focuses on health promotion and disease management for individuals living with persistent mental illness. 

Dr. Brown’s current role in academia primarily focuses on developing and implementing lifestyle medicine competencies within multidisciplinary curriculums. Notably, she initiated the integration of lifestyle medicine competencies into the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum at Western University of Health Sciences and went on to spearhead a partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to become the first DPT program approved for the ACLM Partial Academic Pathway program. Concurrently, she collaborates with faculty and community partners to develop meaningful community service and outreach projects in rural and underserved communities. 

As a budding leader in the occupational therapy profession, she has served in various leadership roles within the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC). Namely, a member of the OTAC Leadership subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ad Hoc Committee, in which she contributed to the development of a proposal for the addition of a Chief of DEI position; and as a Co-Chair of the OTAC Student Leadership Committee in which she amplified the voices of student leaders through creating safe spaces. She most recently contributed to the development of a Community of Practice Group for the American Occupational Therapy Association in which she facilitates national discussions focused on establishing best practices and specific tools to enhance occupational therapy’s role in health promotion.

Dr. Brown has presented research addressing psychosocial considerations for women living in permanent supportive housing; strategies to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in health professional programs; and the integration of lifestyle medicine competencies into allied health professional programs at state, national and international conferences. 

Ultimately, she uses her formal training and lived experience to increase access to transformative person and community-centered healing practices.

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Throughout her career, she has excelled in initiating and developing diverse programs, ensuring compliance, and championing equity and inclusion values. With roles such as Clinician, OTA Program Director/Chair, Team Leader, and Clinical Director of Operations, she has demonstrated proficiency in program development, leadership, and collaboration with healthcare and educational institutions.

With a diverse skill set encompassing leadership, strategic management, program development, compliance, and accreditation, she holds certificates related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and health coaching, and she is also involved in volunteer work. Natalie’s commitment extends beyond her professional roles, as evidenced by her leadership appointments in organizations like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she currently serves as the chairman for the DEI Committee and the Advocate for Social Justice Committee (respectively). Engaged in advocacy and mission alignment, Natalie actively contributes to various initiatives and joyfully serves communities where she engages in work, rest, and play.

Over her 30+ year career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Natalie embraced leadership as more than just a title—rather, it's an action rooted in service, confidence, and empowering collective spirit. Natalie’s leadership philosophy aligns with servant leadership, prioritizing service to create an environment where teams thrive. In occupational therapy, leadership involves influencing positive change through advocacy, policy development, program creation, education, and research. Great leaders embody mentorship, integrity, and a commitment to continuous growth for themselves and others. Ultimately, leadership is about service and making a meaningful impact beyond holding a position of authority.

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• Walden University- Doctor of Education (EdD), Specialization in Educational Technology
• York College City University of New York- Masters in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
• LaGuardia Community College- Emergency Medical Services Education

Advanced Certifications 

• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)- Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
• American Occupational Therapy Association-Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP)
• International Board of Credentialing & Continuing Education Standards- Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
• International Board of Credentialing & Continuing Education Standards- Board Certified Telepractice Specialist (BCTS)
• International Board of Credentialing & Continuing Education Standards- Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (BCCS) 
• American Occupational Therapy Association- Certified Leader in Academia Certification (CLA) 

Personal Statement

Dr. Pagpatan (he/him) is a licensed and registered NYS occupational therapist and a graduate of York College CUNY . His clinical expertise includes the assessment and treatment of neuromotor pediatric conditions, congenital pediatric conditions, progressive neurological adult diagnoses, and the application of rehabilitative assistive technologies for individuals across the lifespan.  

As a dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Pagpatan pursues his passion for education through instructing the Theory & Practice: School Aged Pediatrics, Foundations I and the Assistive Technology course within the core curriculum at SUNY Downstate, serves as a Master’s Research Project advisor and contributes annually to the NBCOT board examination prep course at Downstate.

Notable Speaking Engagements

• Nova Southeastern University- Occupational Therapy Program & South Florida Black Occupational Therapy Caucus- NBCOT OTR Examination Prep Course 2023 
• American Dental Education Association Summit- President's Symposium on Men of Color in The Health Professions-2022- Invited Speaker for AOTA 
• Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC)- Occupational Analysis of Sikhism- Implications Towards Culturally Sensitive Occupational Therapy Practice (2022) 
• Delaware Occupational Therapy Association- Invited Speaker- E-Professionalism Within Occupational Therapy Education
• University of the Pacific-Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy- Speaking Engagement-Occupational Therapy Best Practices for South Asian Communities (2023)
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) New York Chapter- Student Interest Group Annual Conference 2023- Nazareth College- Adaptive Technologies in Rehab

Regional/National Presentations & Publications 

• SUNY Faculty Development Conference: Teaching & Learning For Student Success Virtual Conference- Proposing E-Professionalism Standards for Online Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic- Virtual Presentation
• SUNY Faculty Development Conference: Teaching & Learning For Student Success Virtual Conference- Utilization of Online Critical Thinking Skill Assessment Tools to Enhance Admissions Standards- Poster Presentation
• SUNY Faculty Development Conference: Teaching & Learning For Student Success Virtual Conference-  Utilization of Online Information Sessions to Enhance Program Outreach, Marketing and Data Collection Efforts for Prospective Candidates 
• Assistive Technology Industry Association 2021 Virtual Conference- Remote Learning: Optimizing Video Conference Tools Within Higher Education- Virtual Presentation 
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA)- 2020 Annual Conference- Poster Presentation: A Pilot Study to Identify Demographic Factors Affecting Occupational Therapists’ Willingness to Address Sexuality as an ADL 
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA)- 2020 Annual Conference-Virtual Session-Addressing Racial, Social & Health Disparities Through A Student Association Led Collaborative Movement: SOTA/COTAD at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University 
• SUNY Fall 2020 Wizard Conference- Virtual Presentation- Simulating an Online Volunteering Experience For Higher Education Admissions: Utilizing a Learning Management System Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
• SUNY Conference on Instruction & Technology- CIT 2021- Virtual Presentation, Assessment of Social Media Competency Amongst College Students & Implications Towards Supplemental Teaching Platforms for Educators
• SUNY Conference on Instruction & Technology- CIT 2021- Virtual Presentation, The Implementation of Open Access Online Volunteering Modules: Addressing Flexible Admissions Requirements for Healthcare Professions from a SUNY Admissions Perspective
• SUNY Conference on Instruction & Technology- CIT 2021- Virtual Presentation, Utilization of e-professionalism standards for distance education- lessons from the covid-19 pandemic  
• Cornell University- eCornell NYS Citizen Public Health Training Program- Keynote Session, May 2021- Adapting During A Pandemic: Removing Barriers for Individuals with Disabilities
• SUNY SPECTRUM Virtual Conference, June 2021- Facilitating an Inclusive and Equitable Form of Higher Education: A Pedagogical Approach to Holistic Healthcare Education 
• American Occupational Therapy Association Education Summit 2021- Simulated Occupational Therapy Volunteering Experience: A Digitized Approach to A Program Admissions Standard
• American Occupational Therapy Association Education Summit 2021- The Exploration of an Equitable Form of Occupational Therapy Academic Admissions: A Measure in the Diversification of the Profession
• American Occupational Therapy Association Children & Youth Specialty Conference 2021- Assessment of Social Media Competency Amongst School-Aged Children: Implications for Occupational Therapy Pediatric Practice
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference 2021- Social Media Competency and Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Are We Sharing Too Much?
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference 2021- The Role of Occupational Therapy Students Addressing Mental Health Needs Through a Student-Run Free Clinic Model: A SUNY Downstate Perspective
• Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Annual Conference 2022- Addressing Equity, Inclusion, and Sensitivity Within Pediatric Tele-therapy
• Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Annual Conference 2022- Enabling Communication & Independence-Application of AAC to Multiple Sclerosis
• Deleware Occupational Therapy Association (DOTA) Virtual Presentation (2022) (Invited Speaker)- Social Media Competency in Occupational Therapy: Are We Sharing Too Much? 
• SUNY 30th Annual Conference on Instruction & Technology (CIT 2022)- Virtual Conference- Social Media Competency Amongst College Students: Implications for Healthcare Education
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Education Summit 2022- Leveraging Social Media Technologies into Innovative Forms of Pedagogy: Implications Towards Contemporary Occupational Therapy Education
• New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) Annual Conference 2022- Working with Sikh Communities: Inequities and Missed Opportunities Within Culturally Sensitive Occupational Therapy Practice 
• American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Education Summit 2022- Leveraging Social Media Technologies into Innovative Forms of Pedagogy: Implications Towards Contemporary Occupational Therapy Education 
• Textbook: The Texture of Life: Occupations & Related Activities 5th edition- Chapter 7 Co-Author- AOTA Press (2023)
• Textbook: Contemporary Case Studies in Occupational Therapy Practice: Guiding Critical Thinking for Students, 1st edition- Editor & Chapter Author- AOTA Press (2023)
• 2023 CUNY Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (C-IDEA) Conference- In Person Presentation- Contemporary DEI Centered Pedagogies- Preparing Healthcare Students for Inclusive and Equitable Care 
• 2023 SUNY CIT Conference on Instruction & Techology at SUNY Oswego- Addressing E-Professionalism in Healthcare Education: Strategies in Addressing Education & Competencies

Distinguished Leadership/Service Roles

• Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) at Downstate Faculty Advisor
• Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)- Downstate Chapter- Faculty Advisor & Founder
• New York State Black Occupational Therapy Caucus Member (NYSBOTC)
• Association of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Occupational Therapy (AAPIOT) President (Elected)  
• SUNY Downstate Assembly of Faculty and Professional Staff- Senator (Elected) 
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board Director (Elected)   
• American Occupational Therapy Association Board Certification in Pediatrics- Item Writer, 2023-2024

Honors & Awards

• SUNY Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2)- Excellence in Administrative Leadership Award 2021- State Operated & Statutory Colleges (Awarded) 
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Appointment to the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee (Appointed)
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Appointment to the AOTA Leadership Diversity Leadership Program Development Sub-Committee- Chair
• SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching- 2022-2023
• Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) Award-2023

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Dr. Anvarizadeh recently made history as the youngest and first African American/Iranian woman to become vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She is also the youngest woman of color inducted into the association’s prestigious Roster of Fellows (FAOTA).

She also currently holds leadership positions with AOTA as chair of the Credential Review and Accountability Committee (CRAC), as a member of the Representative Assembly Leadership Committee (RALC), as a Governance Task Force member and as liaison between the Governance and DEI task forces. Dr. Anvarizadeh was also a member of the AOTA Special Task Force on Entry-Level Education, and a crucial contributor to the professional dialogue on the entry-level degree requirements. She is a recent alumna of the 2020 cohort for the Executive Leadership Program for Multicultural Women.

Within the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC), Dr. Anvarizadeh serves as a member of the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee. She is a recipient of OTAC’s Janice Matsutsuyu Outstanding Service Award and Vision Award. She previously held the position of Communications Chair for seven years.

Dr. Anvarizadeh is an accomplished speaker who has lectured in numerous state and national conferences, as well as internationally at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ (WFOT) Congress. Dr. Anvarizadeh is passionate about building healthy, diverse communities through inclusion, equity, empowerment and advocacy.

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Dr. Aldridge has a passion for service. She takes students twice per year to Jamaica on a Medical Outreach Trip to provide OT services to those without access to healthcare. Dr. Aldridge also serves locally by volunteering with organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and Heart2Heart Foundation. She is the president of the South Florida Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, which she reestablished as a charitable and not-for-profit organization within a year of relocating to Florida.  

Her areas of interest are diversity in occupational therapy, health promotion, health literacy, interprofessional activities, and community-based interventions that enhance the quality of life for mature adults. She avidly supports interdisciplinary approaches to client-centered care and her professional associations. Dr. Aldridge has presented at multiple conferences locally, nationally, and internationally about diversity, implicit bias, and health literacy in the profession.  

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Riqiea Kitchens PhD, OTR, BCPR, CSRS is a licensed occupational therapist and Assistant Professor with a commitment to education, mentoring, and service. Dr. Kitchens received her B.S. in Biology from Jackson State University, her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Kitchens is a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and has Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Dr. Kitchens's clinical experience in adult rehabilitation led her to develop a stroke self-management management program for medically underserved populations. This health promotion program provides stroke survivors with education and tools to decrease their risk for recurrent stroke. She shares her clinical expertise as an appointed member of the AOTA Commission on Practice. She was recently appointed to the Delta Research Education Foundation Researchers Workgroup to increase the engagement of African American Researchers in the NIH All of Us Research Program. Since entering academia Dr. Kitchens has expanded her research interests to include exploring barriers and supports in OT education, particularly for Black students who represent 5% of the overall student population. She’s an advocate for initiatives that increase awareness and access to OT education and has facilitated a shift to a holistic admissions process in her program to increase the diversity of the student body. Dr. Kitchens’ efforts led to scholarship which has been published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national conferences, and sought after by the AOTA Academic Education special interest groups. Dr. Kitchens has been recognized by her students and colleagues for her efforts. She was honored as the Texas OT Association 2015 Clinical Educator of the Year, 2015 Harris Health OT of the Year, and was recognized by the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers as the March 2023 Educator of the Month. In April 2023 Riqiea Kitchens became the President of the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, a nearly 50-year-old organization that serves as a network of support and advocacy for the interests of Black practitioners, students, and the communities they serve.

Kay Richardson is a strategic marketing wiz, powerhouse speaker, entrepreneur, and author. Ms. Richardson has captivated clientele from The Department of State, Cargill, ADOBE, Four Eyes, Broward County, and small businesses through her savvy shoestring budget marketing tactics as an entrepreneur. She has provided a variety of business consulting services, from market strategies to new business launch plans, and grant pitches. Her clientele has included non-profits, consultants, tech and apparel startups, law firms, women in healthcare, and many more.  Ms. Richardson teaches entrepreneurship lectures at Keiser University and has also taught Entrepreneurship and Marketing for Nova Southeastern University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree Program. She also works hard to bring entrepreneurship into academia for occupational therapy students to promote and foster entrepreneurship in the occupational therapy profession.  Kay’s work shapes the way women, people of color, and the LGBT gain economic empowerment and benefit financially in this new economy. She conducts keynotes, workshops, and training in marketing, business, and how women can realize their power. Ms. Richardson holds an MBA and is the founder of OTCEUS and author of What’s a Woman Gotta Do?

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Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery CONTACT INFORMATION:

michael.iwama@duke.edu

Dr. Iwama is widely recognized for having developed the “Kawa Model” (‘Kawa’ is Japanese for ‘River’), the first substantial model of practice in the rehabilitation sciences developed outside the English-speaking world. The Kawa Model is now taught in over 600 health professions education programs internationally and used in practice across six continents. He has emerged as a very important and progressive thinker in the fields of occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences worldwide.   Dr. Iwama draws on his rich experience of acculturating into Eastern and Western social spheres of experience to drive his profound and critical perspectives on culture and its intersections with theory and practice in the rehabilitation sciences. 

Most recently, Dr. Iwama was the Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, at MGH Institute of Health Professions.

A passionate and captivating communicator, Dr, Iwama regularly is invited to lecture to both U.S. and international audiences. Since his book, The Kawa Model: Culturally Relevant Occupational Therapy, was published in 2006, he has given over 350 invited national and international lectures and over 40 keynote and plenary addresses at scientific and professional conferences. He has more than 25 publications in both English and Japanese professional journals. 

Dr. Iwama is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and holds similar adjunct professorial appointments at six universities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. Prior to arriving at the MGH Institute, he was a professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Augusta University, formerly the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Iwama completed advanced studies in Medical Anthropology from the University of Leiden, Netherlands, and has earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kibi International University in Japan, an MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of British Columbia, a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia, and a BSc in Human Performance from the University of Victoria.

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Elle obtained her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University, as well as a Certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University in 2019. Since graduation, she has obtained certifications as an Educator of Infant Massage, Postnatal Yoga, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and a Herman & Wallace Level 1 Pelvic Floor Therapist. Elle has also completed the PSI 2-Day “Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care* training, and is completing her hours with plans to sit for the PSI PMH-C and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Exams in fall 2023. 

Elle is passionate about partnering with families in order to collaboratively, and holistically identify therapeutic interventions that support and strengthen familial bonds, as well as maximize childhood developmental outcomes.

For it is Elle's held belief that “relationship is the organizing factor in which all development (physical, social, and emotional) occurs”...and that “…[society] must start thinking of maternal mental health and women’s health as an upfront investment in the well-being of the entire family…”, in order to provide timely and equitable care services to fully support the mother/birthing person’s transition into mother-or parenthood. A belief that has guided the development and planned 2023 launch of the “Grounded & Rooted in M.OT.HER.HOOD Wellness Project”.

Website: occupationaltransitions.com

IG: @elle_thepelvichealth_ot

IG: @tetpelviccollective

Email: elle@occupationaltransitions.com

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Elle obtained her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University, as well as a Certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University in 2019. Since graduation, she has obtained certifications as an Educator of Infant Massage, Postnatal Yoga, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and a Herman & Wallace Level 1 Pelvic Floor Therapist. Elle has also completed the PSI 2-Day “Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care* training, and is completing her hours with plans to sit for the PSI PMH-C and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Exams in fall 2023. 

Elle is passionate about partnering with families in order to collaboratively, and holistically identify therapeutic interventions that support and strengthen familial bonds, as well as maximize childhood developmental outcomes.

For it is Elle's held belief that “relationship is the organizing factor in which all development (physical, social, and emotional) occurs”...and that “…[society] must start thinking of maternal mental health and women’s health as an upfront investment in the well-being of the entire family…”, in order to provide timely and equitable care services to fully support the mother/birthing person’s transition into mother-or parenthood. A belief that has guided the development and planned 2023 launch of the “Grounded & Rooted in M.OT.HER.HOOD Wellness Project”.

Website: occupationaltransitions.com

IG: @elle_thepelvichealth_ot

IG: @tetpelviccollective

Email: elle@occupationaltransitions.com

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Progressively, Delvin obtained some life-changing opportunities; in 2009, he was admitted to the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine as part of the “Visiting Scholars Research Fellowship Program” in partial fulfillment to complete his thesis at Howard University Graduate School to obtain his MS Degree in Community Health Education & Policy. While at Harvard, Delvin conducted research concerning the early detection of oral cancer and its relationship to  systemic and preventable chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. After returning to Washington from Harvard he was selected to the CBCF Emerging Leaders Program assigned to US House of Representative Edolphus Towns of NYDistrict 10. While working for Representative Towns on Capitol Hill, he was instrumental in drafting controversial health  policy legislation, determined to make a difference in the world concerning the American Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010. Since the age of twelve, he changed his eating habits and encouraged his family to follow his lead. It appears that he was predestined to embrace the wellness industry because like a “Badge-of-Honor”, he chose to tackle the tough  issues facing society’s health crisis. 

Presently, Delvin and his wife Tasha, both licensed occupational therapy practitioners, are co-owners of Beltway Rehab Pros, LLC, a multi-dynamic healthcare organization that provides rehabilitation healthcare services utilizing a wide range of clinical strategies throughout the DC/MD/VA area. He currently serves as the District of Columbia representative to  the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). He is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. founding the bi-annual health screening program. Most recently, he was elected to serve on the executive board of the Harvard Black Alumni Society of DC as Communications & Marketing chair. 

Delvin and his wife Tasha reside in Landover Hills, MD, and attend Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in DC. He is family-oriented and active in the lives of his younger brother and sister, Corey and Natalie.

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Krysta wears many hats; in addition to being an OTA and professor, she is a business owner (OT study nOTes LLC), a realtor, and the mother of a teenage son named Julian. Krysta comes from a large family with 5 younger sisters, 2 younger brothers, and too many nieces and nephews to list. She loves to sew, read, and watch guilty pleasure TV shows like 90 Day Fiance, and she credits all of her success to the grace of God. 

Krysta is the recipient of the 2019 OTA award of recognition by POTA, the 2021 Impact award recipient from NBCOT, and the 2021 Alumni Career Community Award from her OTA Alma Mater SUNY JCC.

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Sheela Ivlev, MS, OTR/L, CMHIMP

Occupational Therapist 

She/her/hers

sheela@otbayarea.com

Call/text: 650.263.1332

Website: www.otbayarea.com

Courses: otbayarea.thinkific.com 

DisruptOT Free Summit: www.disruptot.org

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Fun facts about LaQuanta She says being the youngest of 8 kids, everyone always looked at her as a child, no matter how old she was. “I remember thinking, none of my siblings will ever really see me as an adult and you know maybe that’s not a bad thing”. She says life can be very serious and that she finds that by exploring her playful side, she is able to create a sense of balance. As an adult, with many responsibilities, she says it is important to decompress. “My daughter and I often turn up the Alexa and dance like no one is watching or I will initiate an improvisation with my family just to have a little fun”.

New Dawn Psychiatric Services, Counselor, Goldsboro, NC, 27530 | Psychology Today

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Elizabeth believes occupational therapy to be a gateway of service for many who may slip through the cracks due to economic hardship and unjust societal exclusion.  Her personal mission is to create, through practice, a world where all are included, respected, and valued.

Links: Home (holisticcommunitytherapy.com)

Site for organization that held Superwoman training (Note resources and check site for future trainings):  https://www.beam.community/trainings

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She is currently a doctoral student attending Abilene Christian University (Abilene TX) and in the process of earning her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Higher Education with a scheduled completion date of Fall 2021. She is a member of American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA), Vice- President of the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC), member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and past Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) advisor. She has presented at the Texas Occupational Therapy Mountain Central Conference 2018 poster presentation: Diversity recruitment practices across the state for Occupational therapy assistants and has a strong passion for exploring the topic of diversity and inclusion in occupational therapy.

In her spare time, she loves to compete in pageants (Ms. Plus America 2017) and has held many national and state titles in her 10 plus years of pageantry. Candice enjoys volunteering at her church providing community service and outreach, and spending time with her family, friends and her 13-year-old Malti-poo Baxter.

www.tears2cheers.com  (See dynamic FB and IG links on the website!)

Tears to Cheers News Feature:  https://www.nbcdfw.com/texas-today/handwriting-made-fun-for-kids/2566794/

Linkedin: Dr. Candice Freeman OTD,MOT,OTR | LinkedIn

Loan Forgiveness Link: Apply to the Faculty Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce (hrsa.gov)

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References:

American Psychological Association (2017). The cost of treatment. Retrieved from

     The cost of treatment (apa.org)

Fernet a, C., Torrès b, O., Austina, S., St-Pierrea, J. (2016). The psychological costs of owning and

     managing an SME: Linking job stressors, occupational loneliness,entrepreneurial orientation, and

     burnout. In Burnout research, 3, 45-53,doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2016.03.002 2213-0586

Freeman, M.A., Staudenmaier, P.J., Zisser, M.R. et al. (2018). “The prevalence and co-occurrence of

     psychiatric conditions among entrepreneurs and their families.” Small Business Economics.

Kibler, WIncent, Kautonen, Cacciotti & Obschonka, (2018). Why social entrepreneurs are so burned

     out. Harvard business review. Retrieved from Why Social Entrepreneurs Are So Burned Out

     (hbr.org)

Roche, M., Haar, J. M., Luthans, F., Hurrell, J. J. (2014). The role of mindfulness and   

        psychological capital on the well-being of leaders. Journal of occupational health

       psychology,19(4), p.476-489

Dr. Hiral Khatri, OTD, OTR/L is the owner and CEO of OT Park- a bay area-based subscription box and telehealth company for early intervention clients. Dr. Khatri comes from Gujarat, India. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two puppies in California, USA. She loves reading, dancing, watching movies, Coffee and a lot of social networking with like-minded people. Entrepreneurship is her forte and she believes in bringing change through her novice ideas, hard work, and time management skills.  Dr. Khatri is responsible for developing and narrating activity books for parents and caregivers can perform developmentally correct activities with their kids. She is the founder of its kind subscription box for children ages 0-3 years and supports thousands of families in participating in her “no-screen-before-age3” mission and involving more of them in the “do-more-hands-on-activities-for-actual-growth” vision. 

She began her entrepreneurial journey as an OT to create awareness about a child’s appropriate development and helping fellow parents from getting lost in the information blasts available free all over the internet. She started a subscription box full of high-quality activity materials for 16-20 age-appropriate and developmentally correct activities in one box to save time and energy and also, money, for busy parents who “actually” want to do activities with their kid in the right direction. She is the author of activity guides that goes in every box, to create a clear understanding of each activity so parents can easily understand and perform those tasks with their kids. She also serves as a free coach to parents who reach out to her and that is also her passion because she believes that as much you educate the right people about the right thing, this community will become healthier and safer for coming generations. She is also a blogger and content creator on various social media platforms and brings awareness about correct ways to perform developmental activities. 

Dr. Khatri is amid leader in the field of occupational therapy. She currently holds leadership positions with state, national, and international OT associations. She is Chair of the Asian Pacific Heritage Occupational Therapy Association (APHOTA) for Membership committee, an association to support and be the voice for occupational therapists, assistants, and students from the Asian heritage.

Dr. Khatri currently holds a leadership position at the American Occupational Therapy Political Actions committee (AOTPAC) as the Ambassador for the State of California and  serves as the member of Region 3 committee member for the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) and serves as a member of various committees at the association. She is the Past Chair of the Nominations Committee at OTAC and past social media coordinator for the OTAC. She is a recipient of OTAC’s prestigious ‘Outstanding Student Award’. 

Dr. Khatri is a well-respected speaker in various conferences internationally – mainly in India, her home country. She tries to share her knowledge and expertise with the passionate Occupational Therapists and OT students, in her home country to bring awareness and help in the enhancement of learning in the field. She is the recipient of the “Rank 1 in entire University” award for the whole Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program by the Gujarat University, India. She has been a successful student leader in organizing the national-level OT conference.  She is an author, leader, mother, wife, occupational therapist, a great friend, and someone who loves to stay connected with her roots aka hometown, and help global citizens. 

Email: hiral@otpark.com

Social media: 

Instagram: @drhiralkhatri

Facebook: Hiral Khatri

Twitter: @drhiralkhatri 

OT Park SOcial media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @otparkbox

Get her free eBook on child’s developmental milestones at otpark.com

Visit her blog: otpark.com/blog  

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Kendra Glasgow, MPH, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and recently transitioned to her role as a research analyst within the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).  Prior to joining CMMI, Kendra worked as a clinician in a variety of healthcare settings, ranging from a skilled nursing facility to an inpatient psychiatric unit.  She is now affecting change at a systemic level through her work implementing one of CMMI’s largest voluntary payment models, the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced (BPCI Advanced) Model.  The BPCI Advanced Model promotes care coordination and value over volume among acute care hospitals and physician group practices across the nation.  Kendra obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Public Health degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  She has been a member of the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education since 2018.   Please contact Kendra at kendra.glasgow@cms.hhs.gov if interested in the OTD experience mentioned in this podcast.

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Occupational Therapist

Duke Eye Center – Vision Rehabilitation & Performance

Connect with Omar on Linkedin: Omar Mohiuddin OTRL, MSOT, MPH | LinkedIn

Omar earned his graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy and Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has worked in both clinical and non-profit eye care settings as well as academia doing research in the field of preventive medicine. Before pursuing his career in OT, he worked in the public health sector for several years serving underprivileged communities and addressing health disparities. He worked for the Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center at the UAB School of Medicine on several different grants looking at barriers to accessing care, engaging minorities, addressing communication issues such as health literacy, and finding ways to reach out to otherwise inaccessible populations. I He now works at the Duke Eye Center with Vision Rehabilitation & Performance where he sees clients with age-related and acute onset vision impairment and addresses how these changes in vision affect occupational performance challenges in activities of daily living and instrumental ADLs including community and work accessibility, functional mobility, and driving safety.  He also runs an acquired brain injury clinic addressing functional visual symptoms stemming from neurological conditions as well as a sports-vision clinic evaluating and training dynamic visual skills in athletes to improve on-field performance. As an occupational therapist, his focus is to maximize his clients’ independence and potential towards meeting their functional goals. Outside of work, he runs a non-profit called Eye Shine Foundation whose mission is to create social and recreational opportunities for visually impaired youth in the triangle region of North Carolina to participate in and explore leisure pursuits, socialize with peers, build social skills, and improve overall well-being.

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BIO 

Dr. Anne Elizabeth Jenkins is an educator, occupational therapist(OT), and an ordained minister. She has almost 50 years of extensive and varied experiences in rehabilitation therapy and education. Jenkins taught the only Afro-centric class (Kgn-3rd)supported in a North Carolina public school after desegregation (1995-1998). She owned an occupational therapy private practice and a private charter school for special needs students K through 12th grade. Dr. Jenkins serves as a national and international healthcare consultant. She has traveled on mission trips to developing countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. Collegiate teaching includes New York University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Winston-Salem State University. Jenkins was elected twice to serve in the Representative Assembly as the representative for internationally-based OT practitioners.  Dr. Jenkins is currently retired and serves as a board member for WSSU's Occupational Therapy Department and also serves as an associate pastor in a local community church. In addition, Dr. Jenkins is co-president of Forsyth County AARP, as well as an NC State AARP Volunteer.  She has an adult son August, who lives in Durham, NC; has two adult grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

E-mail: jenkins.anne67@gmail.com

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Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L is the Director of Admissions and Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy at the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Dr. Anvarizadeh is responsible for developing the holistic admissions process and for maintaining effective admissions strategies and procedures within the division. She also oversees each academic program and makes certain the division is filled with high caliber diverse students.

Dr. Anvarizadeh is a Founding Member and Chair-Elect of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD), a non-profit organization striving to empower occupational therapy leaders to engage in practices that increase diversity, equity and inclusion for a more transformative occupational therapy profession. She is responsible for developing the COTAD toolkit, the Ignite Series, and COTAD Chapters. She tirelessly works to support and establish COTAD Chapters at academic programs across the country while empowering students to facilitate dialogue, awareness, and change related to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession and beyond.

Dr. Anvarizadeh recently made history as the youngest woman of color to be inducted into the prestigious Roster of Fellows (FAOTA). She is currently running for American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Vice President, where she is also the only woman of color on the slate.

Dr. Anvarizadeh also currently holds leadership positions with AOTA as the Credential Review and Accountability Committee (CRAC) Chair, as a Representative Assembly Leadership Committee (RALC) member, and as a Governance Task Force member. Dr. Anvarizadeh was also a member of the AOTA Special Task Force on Entry-Level Education and a crucial contributor to the professional dialogue on the entry-level degree requirements. She is a recent alumna of the 2020 cohort for the Executive Leadership Program for Multicultural Women.

Within the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC), Dr. Anvarizadeh serves as a member of the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee. She is a recipient of OTAC’s Janice Matsutsuyu Outstanding Service Award and Vision Award. She previously held the position of Communications Chair for seven years.

Dr. Anvarizadeh is an accomplished speaker who has lectured in numerous state and national conferences, as well as internationally at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ (WFOT) congress. Dr. Anvarizadeh is passionate about building healthy, diverse communities through inclusion, equity, empowerment, and advocacy. Using her skills as an occupational therapist and her passion for people, Dr. Anvarizadeh helps others discover, cultivate, and spread their dopeness.

Social media handles: drarameh (IG) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arameh.anvarizadeh COTAD website: Cotad.org Click this link to vote: https://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/Get-Involved/elections.aspx

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Her passion for Occupational Therapy(OT) is in Women's Health, with an objective for advocacy and social justice. This led to her heeding the clarion call and returned to Nigeria with the vision for social justice and equality.

She began resuscitating the dying Occupational Therapy services in Nigeria, by joining the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and changed the Department from two open spaces with four Occupational Therapy Assistants as staff to a department with six treatment areas( Neuro-Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Orthopedic and splinting, Mental Health, ADL, Vocational Rehabilitation).  She worked not only as a HOD but also supervised clinical postings of OT and OTA students, besides her regular routine practice as an astute Therapist. In a bid to extend Occupational Therapy service to clients and patients, not in the mainstream of Government Hospital service, Ms. Amu became a consultant to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)Hospital, Benin Zone (2008-2011).

In further pursuit of her advocacy and social justice, she joined the Edo State Hospitals Management Board and made history by establishing the first OT Department in Nigeria within a State Hospital. She is presently the Director, Occupational Therapy, HOD, and member of the Central Hospital Management Committee.

Ms. Victoria Amu continues her quest to making notable advancements in Occupational Therapy. Today, Occupational Therapy practice and service delivery in Nigeria is synonymous with the name VICTORIA AMU.

Ms. Amu strives daily to integrate OT service into the Two Hundred and Five (205) Tertiary Hospitals across Nigeria. She is always at the forefront in advocating a revised curriculum of study for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in Nigeria and increases employment of entry-level OT graduates into Hospitals and the Champion for the new salary scheme of service for OTs and OTAs. Internationally, her contributions to OT development in Africa cannot be quantified, she represented Nigeria in Yokohama, Japan 2014 and also in Kampala, Kenya during OTARG congress in 2015. She leads a team of Occupational Therapist to OTARG Ghana 2017.   

She has many publications on Occupational Therapy, systemic diseases, and breast health in reputable journals and newspapers to her credit. She is also, a public speaker on many issues of National Interest on the different media platforms. 

 Ms. Victoria Amu believes so much in contributing to Professional Development. Consequently, she has organized and attended many CPDs, seminars, and workshops in areas of Stroke Rehabilitation and Human Occupations within and outside Nigeria.

She is also a member of many Professional Organizations: World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT), Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria(MRTBN), Occupational Therapist in Nigeria (OTAN), America Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine(ACRM)

 She has won several awards which include distinguished academic achievement, was on the National Dean’s List (1993), for an outstanding student, and earned herself the Employee of the Year Award (VNSNY) in 2005. In 2018, Victoria was a recipient of the World Federation of Occupational Therapy, Merit Award in South Africa.

She is the past President of the Occupational Therapists Association (OTAN), formerly Nigeria Association of Occupational Therapist (2014 – 2020), also functions as World Federation of Occupational Therapy,  delegate (2014 – present), Chairman Curriculum Development Research and Strategy Committee(2016 – 2020),  Board member of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (2013 – 2016) She has also contributed immensely to humanitarian services both in Nigeria in the United State of America. She is a member of Lions Club International, Medical Reserve Corp – USA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army. She was also the co-coordinator, South-South Civil Society for the eradication of Tuberculosis. Her firm belief in the philosophy of persistence breaks resistance makes her a well-adjusted individual, to cope with every challenge that comes her way. Ms. Amu is a Christian and has four children. She loves reading, listening to music, and socializing.

*Email address: vickieamu@gmail.com

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