OOTA

OOTA Mental Health SIS ~ Monthly Meet Up
2025-08-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online
Mental Health SIS Monthly Meeting
Join us for the next Mental Health Special Interest Section (SIS) meeting! This session is open to OOTA members only, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow occupational therapy practitioners passionate about mental health.

Date: Wednesday, August 6th
Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Location: Online (Google Meet)

During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance mental health services through occupational therapy.
The Mental Health SIS meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Interested but not an OOTA member?
Please email ootacatherine@gpsforgrowth.com for more information on how you can join.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Us for the First Meeting ~ Adults SIS!
2025-07-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
Adults SIS Inaugural Meeting
Join us for the inaugural meeting of OOTA’s Adults SIS Group! This new group is led by our Adults Chair, Alyssa DeCarlo, and is designed for occupational therapy practitioners working with, or interested in, the adult population.

Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm EST
Location: Online (Google Meet)

This informal, experience-sharing group will meet quarterly and provide a space to connect with fellow practitioners, discuss challenges, share insights, and explore opportunities in the adult practice area.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just exploring this specialty, we’d love to have you join the conversation.
Interested but not an OOTA member?
Please email ootacatherine@gpsforgrowth.com for more information on how you can join.
We look forward to seeing you there!

IN-PERSON CE Event: From Surviving to Thriving: Occupational Therapy Guidelines for Adults Navigating Life Beyond Cancer
2025-07-19 09:00 - 12:00 | University of Cincinnati Health Sciences Building, 3225 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
IN-PERSON CE Event – July 19, 2025
Presented by: Anne B. Fleischer, Ph.D., MPH, OTR/L, CLT-LANA & Erin Rowan, OTR/L, CLT
3.0 Contact Hour
Location: University of Cincinnati Health Sciences Building, 3225 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267
This course will provide an overview of the different types of cancer, stages, and treatments and its impact on occupational functioning. It will also provide an overview of the management of edema, a common symptom of cancer treatment.
Register Here

OOTA Mental Health SIS ~ Monthly Meet Up
2025-07-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Mental Health SIS Monthly Meeting
Join us for the next Mental Health Special Interest Section (SIS) meeting! This session is open to OOTA members only, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow occupational therapy practitioners passionate about mental health.

Date: Wednesday, July 2nd
Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Location: Online (Google Meet)

During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance mental health services through occupational therapy.
The Mental Health SIS meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Interested but not an OOTA member?
Please email ootacatherine@gpsforgrowth.com for more information on how you can join.
We look forward to seeing you there!

OOTA DEIJAB Summer Book Club
2025-07-01 08:00 - 2025-07-31 17:00 | Online
Join Us This July for Fun, Connection & Summer Reading!
The OOTA is thrilled to announce our Summer 2025 Book Club selection: “Only When It’s Us” by Chloe Liese
This summer, we’re focusing on social connection rather than continuing education. Take this opportunity to network with fellow OT practitioners in a relaxed setting while enjoying a contemporary romance!
About the Book: “Only When It’s Us” offers an opportunity to explore intimate relationships through an occupational therapy lens. The novel follows the journey of Willa Sutter, a driven soccer player, and Ryder Bergman, who is dealing with hearing loss – creating a perfect backdrop for both fun and meaningful discussion among our professional community.
Content Warnings: Sexual Content, Ableism, Cancer, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Grief
Why Join?

Make meaningful social connections with OT practitioners
Enjoy summer reading with purpose
Explore relationships through an OT perspective
Relax and recharge with fellow professionals

Details:

When: Throughout July 2025
Format: Asynchronous discussions via the Fable app
Read at your own pace and join conversations whenever it fits your schedule
Perfect for: Beach days, poolside relaxation, or unwinding after work
This is an adults-only book club—students are not eligible to participate.
Open to everyone, including non-OOTA members!

How to Participate:

Complete the Sign Up Form
Pick up a copy of “Only When It’s Us” by Chloe Liese
Download the Fable app and register for our book club
Set your own reading pace and engage with discussions whenever you’re ready
Share your thoughts and connect with colleagues throughout July – no scheduled meetings!

Remember, this is about enjoyment and connection – not professional development credits!
Register NOW!!

OOTA Mental Health SIS ~ Monthly Meet Up
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Mental Health SIS Monthly Meeting
Join us for the next Mental Health Special Interest Section (SIS) meeting! This session is open to OOTA members only, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow occupational therapy practitioners passionate about mental health.

Date: Wednesday, June 4th
Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Location: Online (Google Meet)

During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance mental health services through occupational therapy.
The Mental Health SIS meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Interested but not an OOTA member?
Please email ootacatherine@gpsforgrowth.com for more information on how you can join.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Live Webinar ~ Home Fit: Specialized Aging In Place for Ease, Speed, Safety and Independence
2025-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – May 20, 2025
Presented by: Tina Baucher, MSOT, OTR/L & Christie Stouffer, CAPS, Project Manager for Creative Housing Creative Renovations
2.0 Contact Hours
Fall Prevention Programs have 4 key elements and Home assessments/home modifications are considered in the top 4 by the CDC! What do OTPs do best- fit the environment to the person to be independent! The baby boom generation has many choices as this large population of potential clients for remodelers, builders, contractors and occupational therapists considers where to live – but overwhelmingly, seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes. Make your clients’ homes more “visitable.” Even if the home owners don’t think they need additional task lighting, grab bars, and other home modifications for their own use, their family members and visitors might. CAPS and OTPs together help you help your clients make the right choices. Aging-in-place means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes and design new homes, so that people can age in place and not have to move to assisted-living facilities as they age. The economics of aging-in-place modifications are a no-brainer. In addition to the economics, consider the psychological impact of being uprooted from your community, familiar rituals, independence and privacy..
Register Here

IN-PERSON CE Event: What I Wish I Knew Then: Functional Neurological Disorder in Occupational Therapy
2025-05-08 18:00 - 19:15 | Cincinnati Rehabilitation Hospital, 4291 Parkview Dr, Blue Ash, OH, 45242, United States
IN-PERSON CE Event – May 8, 2025
Presented by: Kelly Neal, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, c/NDT, CBIS
1.25 Contact Hour
Location: Cincinnati Rehabilitation Hospital, 4291 Parkview Dr, Blue Ash, OH 45242
This course will include a complimentary dinner while learning about functional neurological disorder, a common disorder seen in inpatient rehabilitation.
Register Here

OOTA Mental Health SIS ~ Monthly Meet Up
2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Mental Health SIS Monthly Meeting
Join us for the next Mental Health Special Interest Section (SIS) meeting! This session is open to OOTA members only, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow occupational therapy practitioners passionate about mental health.

Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Location: Online (Google Meet)

During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance mental health services through occupational therapy.
The Mental Health SIS meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Interested but not an OOTA member?
Please email ootacatherine@gpsforgrowth.com for more information on how you can join.
We look forward to seeing you there!

OOTA 2025 Hill Day ~ May 7th
2025-05-07 | Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
OOTA Hill Day 2025: Advocate for OT in Columbus!
📅 Date: May 7, 2025
📍 Location: Ohio Statehouse, Columbus (1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215)
👥 Who Should Attend: OT practitioners, students, and supporters of occupational therapy advocacy
🔗 Registration: https://forms.gle/FNBWkFMdS9o4qTsv8
Join the OOTA for our annual Hill Day—a powerful opportunity to advocate for policies that strengthen OT practice and improve patient access to care. Together, we’ll meet with legislators, share our expertise, and push for meaningful change.
Why Participate?

Learn how state policy impacts your profession and your patients.
Meet face-to-face with lawmakers and legislative staff. No experience needed!
Connect with fellow OT practitioners and students from across the state.
Share your passion for occupational therapy and raise awareness about our vital role in healthcare.

Advocacy in Action: HB 141 Success
Thanks to collective efforts from the OT community, House Bill 141 (Copay Fairness Act) passed in 2024—ensuring fairer access to therapy services in Ohio. This victory was made possible by practitioners and students who engaged in advocacy through events like Hill Day. Now, we build on that momentum.
Help shape the future of occupational therapy in Ohio. The more voices we bring to the Statehouse, the stronger our message becomes.
REGISTER NOW!
Have questions? Contact us at ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com.

Live Webinar - Handwriting in the 21st Century: What Does the Evidence Say?
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – May 1, 2025
Presented by: Beverly Moskowitz, DOT, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
1.5 Contact Hours
This short course will discuss why handwriting is still relevant in the 21st century and how addressing this vital skill falls within the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. We will briefly cover empirical and neuroscientific research on why the shift needs to be back to basics, strategies to embed handwriting across the curriculum.
Register Here

Student Event ~ FAQs about the NBCOT® Certification Exams and Strategies and Resources to Support Exam Success
2025-04-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Attention Ohio OT Students!!
Your NBCOT® Exam Success Starts Here!
Are you preparing for the NBCOT® Certification Exam?
Join us for this informative virtual session with Rita P. Fleming-Castaldy, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, as she provides essential insights into the NBCOT® exams for both OTR® and COTA® candidates.
What You’ll Learn:

The latest content, format, and scoring details for the NBCOT® exam (i.e., OTR® or COTA®).
How to obtain and use ADA test-taking accommodations (if eligible)
Effective strategies and resources to support exam success
How to critically evaluate exam preparation products

Event Details:
📅 Date: April 21, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST
💻 Location: Online (Virtual Event)
🎟 Cost: Free for OOTA Student Members | $15 for Non-OOTA Student Members
About the Presenter:
Rita P. Fleming-Castaldy, PhD, OTR, FAOTA is Professor Emeritus in Occupational Therapy at the University of Scranton and the Chairperson for the Occupational Therapy Leaders and Legacies Society (OTL&LS) History Preservation Project and an OTL&LS Board member. For over 25 years, she has served as an Instructor for TherapyEd’s certification preparation course, editor of TherapyEd’s Review and Study Guides for the NBCOT® certification exam, and author of multiple chapters in these texts.
Dr. Fleming-Castaldy’s professional contributions include the authorship of over 185 works including peer-reviewed national and international journal articles, international, national, and state peer-reviewed conference presentations, and well-regarded textbooks and book chapters. Her most influential works (some published under her former name of Cottrell) are those that bring disability rights, empowerment, and historical literacy to the forefront of the profession’s consciousness.

Live Webinar - After ACES: The Impact on Development and Behaviors and Need for Healthy Coping/ Social Emotional Skills in Youth
2025-04-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – April 17, 2025
Presented by: Shiloh Reynolds, S/OT; Kelly Gelske, OTD, OTR/L
1 Contact Hour
This presentation will provide examples of social determinants of health and family level and community-level adverse experiences, provide an overviews of certain societal trends related to adverse experiences, provide relevant statistics, and describe the neural/developmental impact of adverse childhood experiences. Attendees will reflect on the role of OT in promoting resilience factors like healthy coping skills, as well as learn about examples of social/emotional/ coping/self-regulation strategies across multiple MTSS Tiers for school-based therapy.
Register Here

OSU Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Presentations
2025-04-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus,, OH, 43210, United States
Join us for an engaging evening at The Ohio State University Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Presentations on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Longaberger Alumni House (2200 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43210).
This in-person event, hosted in collaboration with OOTA’s Central District, showcases innovative doctoral capstone projects from OSU occupational therapy students. Attendees can earn up to 2 contact hours (pending approval by the OT/PT/AT Board) while exploring impactful research and networking with students and practitioners.
No pre-registration required—register at the door! OOTA representatives will be available to share information on membership benefits and opportunities to get involved.
For more details, visit: u.osu.edu/kemp.59.

Live Webinar ~ Mental Health in Clinical Education
2025-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – April 09, 2025
Presented by: Ali Williams, OTD, OTR/L & Bailey Peters, OTD, OTR/L
1 Contact Hour | Meets the CE requirement for mental health for Ohio licensure renewal.
The realm of mental health within clinical education has many uncertainties that can increase stress. Clinical sites often face challenges in establishing a clinical placement, understanding the appropriate types of supervision to provide to students, and managing the stress associated with students who are struggling. This presentation aims to explain the processes and supervisory strategies pertinent to all occupational therapy (OT) clinical experiences. Through these discussions, we will explore methods for preparing for student placements, supervising students at various levels of their education, and offering resources for developing effective remediation plans.
Register Here

In-Person CE Event: Professional Advocacy - OTP Ethical Responsibility
2025-04-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Sinclair Community College, in The Forum 14-101. 444, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St. Dayton, OH 45402, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
IN-PERSON CE Event – April 8, 2025
Presented by: Heidi McGohan, MEd, OTR/L, OTA/retired; Katie Tetrault Walker, MOT, OTR/L; Lauren Spradlin, BFA, COTA
1.5 Contact Hour | Meets the ethics, jurisprudence, and cultural competency requirement for Ohio licensure renewal.
Location: Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH 45402
OTPs will learn the definition of advocacy, how advocacy relates to ethical practice, and practical ways to advocate for the person, group, and population.
Register Here

OOTA Mental Health SIS ~ Monthly Virtual Meetup
2025-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Mental Health SIS Monthly Meeting
Join us for the next Mental Health Special Interest Section (SIS) meeting! This session is open to OOTA members only, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow occupational therapy practitioners passionate about mental health.

Date: Wednesday, April 2nd
Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Location: Online (Google Meet)

During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance mental health services through occupational therapy.
The Mental Health SIS meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Interested but not an OOTA member?
Please email ootacatherine@gpsforgrowth.com for more information on how you can join.
We look forward to seeing you there!
REGISTER BELOW

North Central District ~ Virtual Meetup
2025-03-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
North Central District – Virtual Meetup
Do you live in the counties that make up the North Central District? Join the North Central District of OOTA for an inspiring virtual meetup on March 22 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST! This event is open to both members and non-members, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn with practitioners in your area.
What to Expect:

Introduction to OOTA: Discover the mission, vision, and initiatives of OOTA and how you can be part of this vibrant community.
Ideas for the Year: Get a sneak peek at exciting plans and projects for the North Central District in the coming year.
Networking with Practitioners: Connect with fellow professionals in the district, share insights, and build meaningful relationships

March Board Meeting
2025-03-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
OOTA’s March Board Meeting

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual

The OOTA Board meets bi-monthly to discuss organizational direction, strategic initiatives, and key decisions.

Live Webinar ~ Everyday Ethics in OT – Striving for Excellence
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – March 13, 2025
Presented by: Barbara Elleman, OTD, OTR/L and Marita Hensley, COTA/L, ROH
1 Contact Hour | Meets the CE requirement ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence for Ohio licensure renewal.
This presentation will provide occupational therapy personnel with an overview of ethical behavior and decision making in the field. Attendees will be provided with resources to support ethical practice and striving for excellence as they navigate everyday ethical challenges.
Register Here

Live Webinar- Management of UE Amputations Through the Lens of OT
2025-03-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – March 11, 2025
Presented by: LaDonna Weir, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CHT
1 Contact Hour
This presentation explores the crucial role of occupational therapy practitioners in the rehabilitation of upper extremity amputees, focusing on assessment, therapeutic interventions, and long-term care. Attendees will learn key strategies for enhancing functionality and independence, including prosthetic training, adaptive equipment, and motor relearning. The session emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating patient-centered care plans and integrating evidence-based practices to improve outcomes. By the end, participants will gain practical knowledge to enhance their approach to working with upper extremity amputees, ultimately fostering greater independence and quality of life for their patients.
Register Here

Live Webinar: Occupational Therapy Outdoors: Connecting, Growing, and Thriving in Nature
2025-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
LIVE WEBINAR – February 25, 2025
Presented by: Lindsey Stamper, MS, OTR/L, RYT-200
1 Contact Hour
Lindsey Stamper, owner of Forestways Occupational Therapy, will discuss the benefits of utilizing nature connection in the therapy process with a primary focus on pediatric populations. Considerations for taking occupational therapy outdoors as well as a variety of resources for occupational therapy practitioners will be provided.
Register Here

Sinclair Community College Poster Symposium
2025-02-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Sinclair Community College – Bldg 14, Room 112, 444 W Third St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Explore innovative evidence-based practice with OTA students at Sinclair Community College! Join us in person on February 22, from 10 AM to 1 PM EST, and earn up to 2 CE hours—free for all OT practitioners, both members and non-members. Don’t miss this engaging learning opportunity!

Live Webinar: OT in Juvenile Correctional Facilities
2025-02-11 18:30 - 19:30
LIVE WEBINAR – FEBRUARY 11, 2025
Presented By: Danielle Rasey, MOT, OTR/L & Claire Killian, MOT, OTR/L
1.0 Contact Hour
Participants will learn about the unique role of occupational therapy in Ohio’s juvenile correctional facilities and how OTP’s role can be expanded to support clients’ mental health in all settings. Presenters will share mental health treatment ideas that can be generalized to various OT settings.
Register Here

Virtual Student Event~ Post-Graduate Fellowship Opportunities: What is an OT Fellowship?
2025-02-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
Attention all Ohio OT Students!
Are you thinking about what’s next after OT school? A post-graduate fellowship might be the perfect way to gain specialized experience, advance your skills, and grow your career—all while being a paid, full-time employee.
Join us for an exciting webinar entitled: Post-Graduate Fellowship Opportunities: What is an OT Fellowship?, presented by: Adannaya Nzeogu, OTR/L

Date: Tuesday, February 4th
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online
Free for any Ohio OT/OTA student!

This session will provide valuable insights into what OT fellowships entail, including how they differ from fieldwork, application timelines, and how they can enhance your practice in areas such as acute care, hand therapy, neurology, assistive technology, and more.
Help us spread the word! Share this event with your classmates and peers who might be interested in learning more about fellowship opportunities and how they can support career growth in occupational therapy.
Sign up NOW
Registration closes February 3rd
**Please Note: This session is primarily geared toward OT students, but OTA students are also welcome to join, especially if they are considering transitioning to an OT role in the future. We are also working on hosting an event with a specific focus on OTA career development, so stay tuned for more opportunities!
