Vice President’s Message

It’s hard to believe we are already a month past our annual conference! As I reflect on this year’s experience, I have to say it was one of my favorites. I always enjoy reconnecting with friends from across Ohio and having the opportunity to meet so many new faces. As an educator, one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing so many students actively involved as volunteers, presenters, and attendees. Their enthusiasm and engagement remind me that the future of our profession is bright, and I am confident that occupational therapy will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.

Year after year, I am amazed by the depth and variety of topics presented by the talented OT practitioners throughout Ohio. The sessions I attended this year were outstanding, and the collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and connections among practitioners were truly inspiring. We also have much to celebrate when it comes to recognizing our award recipients! This year brought a record number of award winners, and it was wonderful to see so many deserving individuals recognized for their contributions to our profession.

Of course, an event of this magnitude would not be possible without our incredible conference committee. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and talents behind the scenes. Your dedication and hard work brought all the pieces together to create such a successful and memorable event. If you are interested in being part of the conference committee for 2027, I encourage you to reach out. New volunteers and fresh perspectives are always welcome!

This year has also been filled with wonderful continuing education opportunities, and I hope you have been able to take advantage of the many events offered. There is still time to participate in a continuing education event before the year comes to a close! It is also never too late to get involved with OOTA. We have several exciting events and initiatives in the works, and we are always looking for members who are willing to share their time, talents, and ideas. Your involvement truly makes a difference in strengthening our organization and our profession.

As 2026 draws to a close, I am feeling especially grateful for the many opportunities I have had to connect, collaborate, and learn alongside the amazing OT practitioners and students who make up our OOTA community. It is your passion, dedication, and commitment to occupational therapy that make this organization so special. I look forward to all that lies ahead for OOTA in the coming year and am excited to see what we can accomplish together!

Thank you for being part of OOTA!

 

With gratitude,

Dr. Teri LaGuardia