Position Statement for the Office of Vice-President of the American Occupational Therapy Association

Position Statement for the Office of Vice-President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (its tough to say a lot in 200 words!)
In the next 5 years, AOTA must continue the momentum achieved by recent successful leaders while reaching out to the growing number of disenchanted and disenfranchised practitioners who fail to see the value of AOTA membership. Many practitioners are reeling from the effects of decreasing reimbursement, layoffs, and skyrocketing student debt. 

Different times call for different leadership approaches and right now we must get back to basics. We must prioritize the needs of the nearly 80% of occupational therapy practitioners working in schools, home health, long-term care, and traditional hospital and outpatient settings. We must create a home for our entrepreneurs and business owners. However, we don’t have to choose between visioning for our future, fostering emerging practice, and supporting those in traditional practice. We can do all three. Success is not a zero-sum game! 

The skills and qualities I will bring to the position of Vice President include my commitment to servant leadership, listening and connecting with the membership and putting our professional community first. I have excellent management, leadership, and communication skills. I have extensive experience in OT practice, education, research and volunteer leadership in AOTA and the community. Most importantly, I have a burning passion for occupational therapy.