In this episode, we will learn from Dr. Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT & Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L.  Co-Authors of Occupational Identity. Dr. Erica Herrera is an occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy as a certified hand therapist. She completed her undergraduate work at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in the field of Biological Sciences. She further went on to pursue her master’s degree from Loma Linda University and her occupational therapy doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Promotions. Coming from humble beginnings, she has always had a passion for serving humanity through community service ventures, statewide as well as missionary work abroad.  Places she has been honored to serve included an orphanage in Haiti to make adaptive equipment and upper extremity orthotics for children as well as an orphanage in Morocco, to work with the Arab and Italian therapists on proper positioning of children with arthrogryposis, to name a couple.  When not abroad, she loves to devise her own volunteer projects for the community such as Turkey trotting to raise money for families during the pandemic as well as gathering donations for Christmas gifts for women and children victimized by domestic violence and substance abuse issues. Being a part of her church family has always been a priority, along with the strong foundation her faith provides. Continuously trying to lead by example, Dr. Herrera believes in a healthy lifestyle that includes active participation in nutrition, mental wellness, and physical health. With her eagerness to learn about and experience new cultures, languages, music, foods, and sports activities, Dr. Herrera can truly say that every day is an exciting gift from God. Through the skills learned as an occupational therapist, Dr. Herrera believes that we are more than a body of parts; but are uniquely and wonderfully made, to share our gifts, talents, and skills with our fellow man. 

Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab is co-founder of kNOwBiaS, a long-time activist rooted in anti-war, anti-oppression, and anti-racism.  He was born and raised in a small town in Ohio by my immigrant Lebanese parents. He received his occupational therapy training in Philadelphia, PA, and later obtained his Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Temple University. He received a Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and his research involved exploring racial bias in the field of occupational therapy. His personal and professional experiences have given him a unique and genuine expertise in the intersections of race, health, culture, and justice. Partnering with Alaa could mean that you are better able to address racism, bias, and oppression in your institution, and facilitate powerful discussions that truly embrace justice for all and can ultimately change and save lives.

Contact & Resources

Alaa - IG: @alaa.abouarab, linked in, website: knowbias.net. email: [email protected].

Erica - [email protected], facebook: Erica V. Herrera

Order the Book:

https://us.jkp.com/products/occupational-identity

https://myaota.aota.org/shop_aota/product/900599

Coalition of Occupational Therapists Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

https://www.cotad.org/

As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at [email protected] or DM via Instagram @transitionsot

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