President:
Toby Hamilton
Secretary:
Fonda Scott: Hello, my name is Fonda Scott. I have been a practicing Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for 13 years. I am running for the office of Secretary for the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association. I have worked in a variety of settings in my practice and have also worked with other volunteer groups within the profession of Occupational Therapy within the state of Oklahoma. During the late 90’s I was fortune to work with a group of OT professionals with a group known as the Occupational Therapy Education Council of Oklahoma (OTECO). This was a volunteer group of OT educators, students, and practicing OT and COTA that worked together to bridge the gap between the academic world and practicing world of Occupational Therapy. My first office was the office of Secretary. Later I was elected as the President of OTECO and held that office for several years. This experience has helped me to learn the different roles and jobs of those roles needed to assist in the running of an organization. It is important to me in both my private and professional life to be involved with organizations as a volunteer. I feel that it is a duty as a person but more important a duty as a COTA. I believe that each of us in the world of Occupational Therapy has a duty to the profession to assist in the promotion of our profession. Being a part of volunteer organizations within the profession is one way in which I will be able to give back to the world of Occupational Therapy for its contributions to the enrichment of my life. I believe that I will serve the board of OOTA to the best of my abilities and in turn serve the profession of Occupational Therapy within the state of Oklahoma. I hope that you will consider voting for me for the office of Secretary for the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association.
Student Rep:Melissa Hannan: I am a third year student at OU, and I believe in the importance of uniting COTA and OT students in active participation in our state and national organizations. I currently serve as the Tulsa OT student representative. In working with students and faculty to arrive at positive solutions, I gained the ability to voice student concerns in a tactful and effective manner. I am a current member of OOTA and AOTA, and was fortunate to attend both conferences last year. I am excited to share my experiences and encourage my fellow students to become active members. I am an organized, caring, and dependable leader and will serve my fellow students well.
Shannon Fischer: My decision to run for OOTA student representative stems from my passion to increase OT awareness. During my first year at OUHSC, I served as delegate for the AOTA Association of Student Delegates. As a delegate I attended the AOTA national conference where I learned the importance of serving as a leader within the OT community. Following the conference, I was elected president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) at OUHSC. As SOTA president my biggest accomplishment was organizing and implementing OT awareness activities. I would now like the opportunity to continue my leadership at the state level.
COTA Rep:
Reeca Young: Hi! My name is Reeca Young and I am running for OTA Representative. I have enjoyed a twenty six year career as a COTA working in a wide variety of practice areas. I currently am an instructor in the OTA Program at Oklahoma City Community College. I have been a member of OOTA and AOTA for many years and have served in a volunteer capacity with AOTA and NBCOT. I have recently served as a replacement to complete a term as the OTA Rep, and am interested in continuing in this capacity. I strongly advocate the important role of the COTA in the OT profession and would appreciate the opportunity to represent the Oklahoma COTA voice on the OOTA Board.