Occupational therapy assistants play a vital role in the profession of occupational therapy. Dave Merlo, MS, COTA/L, CPRP, ROH joins me on the show today and shares a glimpse into his career as an occupational therapy assistant. Dave has extensive experience across many areas of the profession, but yet has never worked within the clinic setting. Throughout his career, he has created success in various non-traditional therapy roles, including being a professor at an occupational therapy assistant program and being on the American Occupational Therapy Association Board of Directors. He has also been a huge advocate for the importance of collaboration between occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.