In this special roundtable episode, I am joined by fellow members of the AOTA Innovative Entrepreneur Ad Hoc Committee for an honest and inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging practice, and the future of occupational therapy. Together, we explore how occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are creating impact in spaces far beyond traditional healthcare settings while remaining deeply rooted in the core values of our profession. From home organization and functional medicine to marketing, ergonomics, community-based practice, leadership, and advocacy, this episode highlights the many ways OT practitioners are applying their unique lens to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve lives. Whether you're a student, clinician, educator, entrepreneur, or someone simply curious about where OT can go next, this conversation offers encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that there is no single path to being an occupational therapy practitioner.

In This Episode:

• The vision behind the AOTA Innovative Entrepreneur Ad Hoc Committee

• Why innovation and entrepreneurship matter now more than ever

• How OT practitioners are creating careers beyond traditional settings

• The unique strengths OTs and OTAs bring into emerging practice areas

• Overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and professional isolation

• Finding community, mentorship, and support in non-traditional roles

• Advice for students, new graduates, and practitioners considering a career pivot

Featured Guests:

Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA -President, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arameh-anvarizadeh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drarameh/?hl=en

Should I Be an AOTA Member? Arameh Anvarizadeh’s 2-Minute Pitch -OT Potential with Sarah Lyon - Breakdown of 4 C’s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7FyFBnebc&t=26s

Sarah Larsen, OTR/L - Home Organization Occupational Therapist

Website: https://balancedhomeorganization.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedhomeorganization_pdx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedHomeOrganization/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-larsen-292390181/

Anne-Marie Dundas, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Functional Medicine & Wellness Practitioner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-dundas-2963378b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whole_life_healthy_/

Krista Frahm, OTR/L – Occupationa Therapist, Marketing Strategist & Copywriter for Healthcare Professionals

Website: https://www.kristafrahm.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristafrahmagency/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristafrahmagency/

Aja Black, COTA/L, CAE - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant & Ergonomics Professional

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-black-b676b4125/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajaeblack/?hl=en

Patricia Motus, OTR/L, CTIS, RYT - Community-Based Occupational Therapist, Educator, Mentor, Speaker, and Host of The Uncommon OT Series

Website: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-motus/

Instagram: @transitionsOT

Additional Ad Hoc Committee Members:

Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA - Entrepreneur

Website: https://tomeicofaison.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeicofaison/

Gretchen Kingma, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM - Realtor

Website: https://empoweredhomes.com/author/gretchen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-kingma-21930387/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenkingma_/?hl=en

AOTA Education Ad Hoc Committee

Ryan Lavalley, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlavalley/

Innovative Practice OT Interest & Connection Form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4L_DkBlWZmrwn3o-OglNyzsTqjClaYKSJvx4X0GOwUapIbA/viewform

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Alison Miller, OTR/L, an occupational therapist of 25 years, who saw a transition gap that so many of us have probably witnessed, but didn't always know how to address. She’s the founder of LaunchPAD, an online program that helps parents of neurodivergent teens prepare for life after high school, covering executive functioning, life skills, and confidently creating a plan for “the next step” into young adulthood.

Contact and Resources:

IG: @LaunchPadParentTeen 

Email: [email protected]

https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rocky Batzel, Inventor and CEO, and Chason Sordoni, COO and Co-Founder of SnapSlide, to explore how occupational therapy and product design intersect. We dive into the real-life challenges of opening medication bottles, why usability matters, and how small design changes can significantly impact independence, daily routines, and medication adherence. We also highlight how the OT lens, especially through activity analysis, is key in the design process. OT practitioners understand not just whether something works, but how it’s actually used in real life, making that perspective essential in creating more intuitive and accessible solutions. This conversation also explores non-traditional OT roles, including contributing to product design, innovation, and even product promotion, helping translate why a solution matters and how it fits into everyday life. This is what it looks like when OT helps shape and share solutions, not just adapt to them. If you’re interested in medication management, accessibility, assistive technology, product design, or non-traditional OT roles, this episode connects the dots. Meet Us at AOTA Inspire! Come find us at Booth 217 in the Expo Hall, say hello, test out the bottle, take a selfie, grab a sticker, and sign up for the Uncommon OT Directory.

Rocky Batzel, Inventor / CEO

A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Rocky Batzel is the inventor of SnapSlide and currently serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Marywood University in Pennsylvania and, and while enrolled in medical school, he noticed his grandmother struggling with a traditional, "push-and-twist", child-resistant cap on her prescription bottle. That inspirational moment led him to pivot his career into the world of entrepreneurship, and he set out to design the very first prototype of what would eventually become SnapSlide. After securing patent protection, Rocky ultimately formed a company around his groundbreaking innovation. As the company’s CEO, he is dedicated to advancing engineering, diversifying applications, and leading SnapSlide’s mission to bring this adaptive solution to those who need it most. This year, Rocky was honored to be invited by AMERIPEN (www.ameripen.org) to be one of three panelists to speak at their Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. on the topic of “Inclusive Design in Packaging.”

Chason Sordoni, COO / Co-founder

A resident of Bend, Oregon, Chason Sordoni is the Chief Operating Officer of SnapSlide. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Chason was driven to expand upon his family’s long and proud legacy of entrepreneurship and business success throughout the Pennsylvania region. Chason quickly recognized the profound advantages of SnapSlide and committed to co-founding the company with Rocky Batzel, the present-day CEO. In addition to being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, Chason heads up corporate relationships and resource management. He has served as a member of the Packaging and Labelling Committee of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), a Board Member of the United Way of Central Oregon, and he is actively involved with the Institute for Packaging Professionals (IOPP).

Contact:

Website: https://www.snapslide.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snapslide/

Special Thanks to:

Dawn Heiderscheidt OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP

Founder, Aurora Independence

https://www.auroraindependence.com/

Allied Services Integrated Health System

https://www.allied-services.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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Alicia Reiser, OTD, MS OTR/L, ADHD-RSP.  With over 24 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Dr. Reiser is passionate about redefining rehabilitation through a truly integrative and evidence-based lens. After earning her clinical doctorate from Salus University at Drexel in 2018, specializing in vision remediation, Alicia opened her private practice, A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services, the same year. Her practice was born from a mission to bridge the gap for individuals recovering from concussions, as well as those with ADHD who were often underserved, aged out of traditional services, or never realized how transformative occupational therapy could be. At A Rise Above, Alicia combines neurological rehabilitation with vision remediation, cognitive retraining, trauma-informed care, interoceptive awareness, and polyvagal interventions to address autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Her holistic, brain-based approach helps clients regain not just function—but balance, confidence, and control in daily life. Dr. Reiser’s work reflects her commitment to helping people truly rise above their challenges through science, compassion, and innovation in occupational therapy.

Contact & Resources:

Website: www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservies.com

Book and consulting website link:  https://neurotconsulting.com/

Business website:  https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/

Blog:  https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/post/top-3-reasons-why-occupational-therapy-and-optometry-should-be-best-friends

YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYkggEWqhKMVwWuX-jaoeQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARiseAboveOT/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/p/Neurot-Consulting-61556820418616/

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/ariseaboveot/

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/neurot.consulting/

Drexel OTD program:  https://drexel.edu/academics/grad-professional-programs/cnhp/occupational-therapy-post-professional

resources/articles:  https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss4/6/

https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol11/iss3/8/

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_6_3/vdr6-3_article_fessier_web.pdf

https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss4/2/

Book:  https://www.routledge.com/Understanding-and-Managing-Vision-Deficits-A-Guide-for-Occupational-Therapists/Scheiman/p/book/9781032882871

AOTA Community of Practice:  Occupation Based Neuro Remedial Vision Rehab:  https://www.aota.org/community/communities-of-practice

NORA:  https://noravisionrehab.org/

Screening tool:  Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS):  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2782898/figure/F2/

Screening tool:  QOL Symptom Survey:  https://www.oepf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/JBO-18-2-Harris.pdf

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Aja Black, CAE, COTA. Aja is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with four years of experience and a Certified Associate Ergonomist (CAE). Originally from South Carolina and now based in Maryland, Aja has been studying and implementing ergonomics for nearly two years, combining her clinical background with a deep interest in creating healthier, more supportive work environments. She conducts both in-person and virtual ergonomic evaluations, identifies risk factors, and provides tailored recommendations to improve comfort and productivity. Aja is also passionate about education and outreach. She delivers trainings and webinars that empower professionals across the United States to apply ergonomic principles in their daily work.

Contact & Resources:

I share most of my updates and future plans on LinkedIn—feel free to connect with me by searching Aja Black, CAE, COTA.

For guest speaking, organizational trainings, or university lectures, you can reach me directly at [email protected].

Referrals and recommendations for speaking opportunities are always appreciated!

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Lizzie Andare, MScOT, OTR/L (she/her).  Lizzie is an occupational therapist and researcher from Kenya whose work explores the intersection of decolonial practice, disability, and forced displacement in the Global South and is passionate about social and occupational justice in underrepresented communities. Her work spans refugee camps in Kenya, grassroots rehabilitation in Palestine, and neurodivergent learners in the Maldives. Grounded in an occupational and intersectional lens, she centers lived experience, co-production, and occupational justice—particularly in underrepresented and under-resourced contexts. Lizzie’s practice moves fluidly between direct therapy, community engagement, policy advocacy, and research, with a commitment to disrupting systemic inequities and amplifying marginalized voices. She is the voice behind @OTintheMargins, where she shares fieldnotes and reflections from the edges of occupational therapy practice.

Contact & Resources:

You can promote my work by engaging with the content I share. Comment, share, and bring these conversations into your own networks. And if you want to collaborate, learn more, or connect directly, you can always reach me at [email protected].

https://wfot.org/our-work/professional-support/resource-listings/occupational-therapy-and-humanitarian-response

https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/the-swedish-association-of-occupational-therapists/inga-britt-lindstroem-grant-award/

https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/the-swedish-association-of-occupational-therapists/inga-britt-lindstroem-grant-award/

Healing work: Intersections for decoloniality

Antiracist occupational therapy: Unsettling the status quo

Occupational Therapy Disruptors: What Global OT practice can teach us about innovation, culture and community

MSc Thesis_Andare Lizzie_

Instagram: Connect with me- OTintheMargins

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-andare-41b675149/

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this annual holiday episode of The Uncommon OT Series, I reflect on my favorite things about being an occupational therapist in 2025, sharing how my OT practice expanded across community, education, media, mentorship, and systems spaces while returning to school as an OTD student. The episode explores occupational therapy as a form of public education and storytelling, as well as role-emerging and non-traditional OT careers, trauma-informed community care, and mentorship. It features a 30+ voice medley of occupational therapy practitioners from diverse settings, each sharing their favorite part about being an OT practitioner. Together, these reflections reveal a shared truth across the profession: regardless of setting or role, occupational therapists are united by supporting meaningful participation, dignity, identity, and lives that feel truly livable. Thank you to every voice that trusted this space.
And to everyone listening —
thank you for being part of what occupational therapy is becoming. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Marianne Weber MS, OTR/L.  Marianne is an occupational therapist and the founder and CEO of Even Adaptive, an innovative intimate apparel brand for women navigating disability and change. Her journey began in 2018, while completing her master’s degree in occupational therapy and concurrently receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. That moment reshaped her sense of identity, belonging and self-worth—and ultimately set her on a mission.

Marianne brought her clinical experience from neurology at a major hospital—where she witnessed women facing loss of independence, self‐esteem and comfort in their daily lives—to the founding of Even Adaptive in 2021. Her core belief: intimacy, clothing and confidence are inseparable, and no one should lose their sense of self because of a disability. With a background as a licensed occupational therapist, Marianne applies therapeutic, user-centered insights to design. In collaboration with the industrial fashion-design team Interwoven Design Group, she developed what the brand calls the world’s first one-hand magnet clasp for intimates, enabling ease and independence without sacrificing beauty. Marianne’s work sits at the intersection of adaptive design, women’s health, self-confidence and inclusive fashion. Through Even Adaptive, she invites a broader conversation about what it means to feel sexy, capable and seen—especially when traditional clothing systems fall short.

Contact & Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.evenadaptive.com

Instagram: @evenadaptive

TikTok: @evenadaptive

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode we will learn from Christopher Marotta, OTD, OTR/L. In this episode we will learn from Christpher Marotta, OTD, OTR/L. Christopher is an occupational therapist who provides services to students with physical disabilities at the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, NY. He has worked as an OT for over 20 years in a variety of settings, but his passion is assistive technology and enabling his students to be successful in and out of the classroom. Chris is an avid tinkerer and enjoys designing and fabricating adaptive devices. He shares his knowledge with others by lecturing occupational therapy students as an adjunct faculty member at Stony Brook University and Touro University. Christopher also presents and hosts workshops at national conferences and guest lectures at other schools and organizations. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy focusing on the impact of adapted sports on quality of life. Christopher is also volunteer co-leader of the NY Metro chapter of the Makers Making Change organization, where his goal is to teach others the skills of adaptation along with increasing awareness of disabilities.

Contact & Resources:

Email: [email protected]

https://bio.site/chrisot

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/408930093/

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

THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!

Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series

Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE

Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot

To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:

https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request

For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform

Happy Listening Friends! 

Big OT Love!

All views are mine and guests own.

In this special episode, you will be learning from two leading powerhouses in Occupational Therapy leadership, Samia Rafeedie, Samia H. Rafeedie, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS, FAOTA (OTAC) on a state level and Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA (AOTA) on the national level. We will learn about their experiences at the AOTA Hill Day event in Washington D.C., where occupational therapy practitioners meet with legislators to advocate for the profession. Both leaders shared their motivations for participating, with Samia highlighting her roles as an OTAC president and professor at USC, while Arameh emphasized her experience as AOTA president and the importance of collective advocacy in areas like mental health, school-based services, telehealth, and Medicare. We are so fortunate to witness our state and national associations in collaboration for OT Representation on Capitol Hill.   You will know exactly what I mean when you listen to this energizing episode. 

Samia H. Rafeedie, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS, FAOTA

Dr. Samia Rafeedie is the Director of the Professional Program in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC), and professor of clinical occupational therapy.  She has been on the faculty since 2008 and has primarily taught adult physical rehabilitation, kinesiology, and topics on professional development and association engagement.  Samia has been an occupational therapist for 24 years, with additional practice interests in productive aging and geriatrics, pedagogy and higher education, mentorship, and volunteerism.  She is the President of the Occupational Therapy Association of California, and is invested in strengthening the association by recruiting and maintaining members.  Some of her favorite occupations include spending time with my family, taking trips together and going out to eat for Japanese food (our favorite!).  She also LOVES volunteering for our state association.  It fills her cup!

Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh is a Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy and former Director of Admissions at the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. As the architect of USC Chan’s holistic admissions process, She led transformative efforts that resulted in the most diverse cohorts in the Division’s history—all while preserving rigorous and effective admissions standards. Her leadership has also been pivotal in strengthening recruitment and retention strategies, creating pathway programs, and promoting inclusive pedagogy. A Founding Member and former Chair of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD), Dr. Anvarizadeh has been a driving force in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression within the occupational therapy profession. She is the visionary behind many of COTAD’s cornerstone initiatives, including COTAD Chapters, the COTAD Toolkit, the Ignite Series, and the Fieldwork Task Force. Dr. Anvarizadeh made history as the youngest and the first Black and Iranian woman to serve as Vice President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and to be inducted into the prestigious Roster of Fellows (FAOTA). She made history again with her landslide election as AOTA President, a role she officially assumed in July 2025. In addition to her current role as AOTA President, Dr. Anvarizadeh has held numerous national leadership positions, including Chair of the Credential Review and Accountability Committee (CRAC), member of the Representative Assembly Leadership Committee (RALC), member of the Governance Task Force, and liaison between the Governance and DEI Task Forces. She also served on the AOTA Special Task Force on Entry-Level Education and was a key contributor to the national dialogue on entry-level degree requirements. Dr. Anvarizadeh is a proud alumna of the 2020 Executive Leadership Program for Multicultural Women. In her home state of California, she has been recognized with the Janice Matsutsuyu Outstanding Service Award and the Vision Award from the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC). She previously served as OTAC’s Communications Chair for seven years and contributed to various committees, including Advocacy and Government Affairs and Conference Planning. An accomplished author and dynamic speaker, Dr. Anvarizadeh has presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences, delivering keynotes, lectures, and commencement addresses. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is a contributing editor to the recently published book Occupational Identity. Most recently, Dr. Anvarizadeh is embracing her most meaningful role yet: motherhood. She is intentional about honoring this life shift, leaning into her community, and nurturing balance. Deeply passionate about building sustainable, healthy, and inclusive communities, she continues to champion equity, empowerment, and advocacy. Through her work and heart-centered leadership, she inspires others to discover, cultivate, and amplify their fullest potential.

Resources:

AOTA’s website on Advocacy Issues:  https://www.aota.org/advocacy/issues

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)

https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/private-health-insurance/mental-health-parity-addiction-equity 

Here is a link from AOTA about this:  https://www.aota.org/advocacy/advocacy-news/2025/occupational-therapy-mental-health-parity-act-reintroduced-in-house

Legislators and Senators:

Timothy Kennedy https://kennedy.house.gov/

Lucy McBath https://mcbath.house.gov/

Adam Schiff https://www.schiff.senate.gov/

Lateefah Simon https://simon.house.gov/

Sydney Kamlager-Dove https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/ 

AOTA PAC https://www.aota.org/advocacy/political-action-committee

OTAC PAC https://www.otaconline.org/advocacy/political-action-committee

AB 1009 https://www.otaconline.org/advocacy/school-based-practice-credential-initiative

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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