President’s Message
This time of new beginnings and resolutions is the perfect moment to reflect on our collective goals as a profession and as an association. As we turn the page to 2026, I am filled with optimism and excitement for our shared opportunity to foster one another’s growth, amplify our community, and advocate for our vital role in Ohio’s health landscape.
With these interconnected goals in mind, I want to shout out three fantastic opportunities for growth, community, and connection that are kicking off OOTA’s 2026 programming this month:
January 10 – OOTA Feeding Symposium: Evidence-Based Care From First Bite to Full Belly (NOTE: Licensed registrants will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a Continuing Education Package from Feeding Matters!)
January 14-15 – OOTA 2026 Student Conclave
This two-night virtual event is designed to equip students with practical skills from resume building to advocacy and the ethical use of AI.
January 17 – Mental Health First Aid Training
Specifically focused on youth mental health, this blended virtual training is for any OTP working with younger populations.
These events are only the start as we continue to expand OOTA’s offerings with both live and on-demand programming to meet your needs. In the months ahead, two additional opportunities for you to get involved are our microcredential programming, which will offer deep dives into specialty areas, and our nascent Mentorship Program, which is currently accepting applications! Whether you have wisdom to share as a mentor or seek guidance as a mentee, I urge you to apply by the January 15 deadline.
If you know you want to get involved, but you’re not quite sure how, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page. There, you can complete a volunteer interest survey to connect with committees and projects that align with your passions. You’ll also find our member needs and engagement survey there, where you can help shape the future of OOTA through your input. This survey will directly inform the programming we develop to serve you.
Finally, true connection happens through dialogue. I invite you to make a 2026 resolution to actively participate in our OOTA Member Forum and OOTA Public Forum. These spaces on OOTA’s website are for you to ask questions, share resources, seek advice, and learn from one another in OOTA’s growing statewide network.
Here’s to a year of significant growth, meaningful connections, and shared success.
Christie Tuttle, MS., COTA/L, ROH (she, her, hers)
President, Ohio Occupational Therapy Association
For questions or to learn more about any OOTA initiative, please contact ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com.
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