OOTA New Leadership Team
Meet Dr. Teri LaGuardia, OTD, MOT, OTR/L – Vice-President of OOTA
Dr. Teri LaGuardia serves as OTA Program Director and Assistant Professor at EHOVE/Lorain County Community College. She earned her OTD from the University of Montana and her MOT from Cleveland State University.
Teri joined the OOTA Board to give back to the profession she loves and to inspire her students to become active practitioners and consider leadership roles in occupational therapy. She’s excited to collaborate with passionate OT professionals to strengthen the state organization, grow membership, and support both practitioners and students across Ohio.
Outside of work, Teri enjoys crafts, puzzles, and most of all, spending time with her two-year-old grandson.
Meet Rebekah “Bekah” Bourgeois, OTD, MOT, OTR/L – OOTA Treasurer
Bekah Bourgeois is an occupational therapist serving older adults in Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities across Northwest Ohio—work she calls one of her greatest professional passions. She also shares her expertise as a Professor of Health Science at a local university.
Originally from Louisiana, Bekah earned her bachelor’s degree at Nicholls State University, her Master of Occupational Therapy at Carroll University in Wisconsin, and her post-professional OTD from the University of Montana.
Driven by a belief in “the power of showing up,” Bekah joined the OOTA Board to be part of the conversations shaping the future of occupational therapy in Ohio. As Treasurer, she’s eager to strengthen financial transparency, grow membership, and expand OOTA’s reach to better support practitioners, students, and the communities they serve.
When she’s not working, Bekah enjoys reading, watching movies, and writing for her online blog.
Meet Katelyn Stevens Merzke, COTA/L – OOTA Secretary
Katelyn Stevens Merzke is a COTA/L working in a vision and sensory therapy clinic, primarily serving pediatric clients. She earned her OTA degree from Owens Community College.
With a lifelong commitment to volunteering—including leading her husband’s Family Readiness Group during deployment and serving as secretary of her SOTA group—Katelyn naturally transitioned to OOTA leadership. She is now serving her third term as Secretary, supporting Ohio occupational therapy professionals under multiple board presidents.
Katelyn brings her energy and creativity to every role, and when she’s not working, she enjoys a variety of hobbies. Fun facts: she’s a New Year’s baby who loves connecting with others who share her birthday, and she is a contralto—one of the rarest singing voices—with dreams of a Broadway stage.
Meet Kati Garibian, OTD, OTR/L – OOTA Student Committee Chair
Kati Garibian is a pediatric occupational therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she works in outpatient care. She earned her OTD from The Ohio State University and has been passionate about professional networking, advocacy, and education since her second year of OT school.
Inspired to give back, Kati joined the OOTA Board to support students and new graduates, sharing her experiences and helping build a strong, supportive network for early-career occupational therapy practitioners in Ohio.
Outside of work, Kati is an avid singer and has been performing since her high school theater days. She currently sings Alto I in the Columbus Women’s Chorus, which she calls her favorite leisure activity.
Meet Nathan Grizenko, OTD, OTR/L – Social Media Chair for the OOTA Board
Nathan Grizenko is a pediatric occupational therapist at Bierman Autism Centers, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. He earned his OTD from The Ohio State University in 2023.
Inspired by mentors who instilled confidence and a sense of belonging, Nathan joined the OOTA Board to help ensure all practitioners, both OTs and OTAs, feel represented and valued. In his new role, he’s excited to celebrate members through engaging content and enhance OOTA’s visibility across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
When he’s not promoting the profession, Nathan enjoys crocheting “Woobles”—turning balls of yarn into tiny, wide-eyed penguins, dinosaurs, and now even capybaras—a hobby he describes as both art and stress relief.
Meet Kara Brogan, OTR/L – Membership Chair for OOTA
Kara Brogan is the owner and occupational therapist at Galvin Therapy Center, a pediatric practice providing OT, speech therapy, and ABA services to children and families. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Xavier University.
With clinical experience dating back to 1998, Kara joined the OOTA Board to give back to the profession she loves and help strengthen Ohio’s occupational therapy community. She is excited to collaborate with passionate practitioners, bring innovative ideas forward, and support both current and future OT professionals.
Outside of work, Kara enjoys reading and traveling—always on the lookout for hidden gems featuring great food, music, and sights.
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