The Ohio Occupational Therapy Association’s Newsletter Committee is dedicated to keeping members informed, engaged, and inspired. Through timely updates, professional insights, and member spotlights, we strive to foster connection and promote the growth of OT practice across Ohio.
Interested in contributing or joining our team? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
Meet the Committee
Alyssa DeCarlo, MS, OTR/L, MSCS, CSRS, LSVT graduated with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in 2015. After graduation, Alyssa started as a staff occupational therapist at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in acute care in Easton, PA. She then transitioned to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation where she spent 6 years honing her skills in the inpatient rehabilitation completing her LSVT BIG and PWR!Moves for the Parkinson’s population as well as obtained her MSCS through CMSC. Alyssa relocated to outpatient rehab at Cleveland Clinic in 2022 and shares her time between the Mellen Center and Twinsburg Edison locations where she specializes in wheelchair evaluations, acts as the OT representative for ALS Clinic, Co-chair of the Neuro SIG, PT Residency Faculty Member, Neuro Rehab and Spasticity and MS Update Committee Member, and has run an Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist study group to assist others in developing their skills and knowledge with the MS population and obtain their certification as well. She currently sits on the Ohio OT Association Board as the Older Adult Special Interest Section Leader and continues to expand her engagement within the MS Community by collaborating with MSAA, NMSS, and other groups/companies to provide educational opportunities for patients, families, and clinicians alike. She recently became credentialed as a Certified Strok Rehabilitation Specialist. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys bowling, karaoke, crafting, and traveling to visit friends and family.
Nathan Grizenko, OTD, OTR/L (he/him) is a licensed occupational therapist with experience in pediatrics, geriatrics, disability advocacy, and community-based practice. When he’s not volunteering or spending time with friends and family, Nathan enjoys crocheting and exploring all the fun festivals and local businesses in Columbus.
Kelly Neal, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, c/NDT, CBIS brings her experience as a neurological inpatient rehabilitation occupational therapist. After serving as a clinical educator coordinator, she fell in love with the learning experience that occurs in those fieldwork experiences. Kelly has recently joined the University of Cincinnati Occupational Therapy doctorate program to educate the next generation of occupational therapists.
Erika Eustaquio, OTD, OTR/L is a passionate advocate for the OT profession, with experience in legislative advocacy through her capstone project with OOTA. Her passion for advocacy inspires her contributions to the OOTA Newsletter Committee. Outside of her role in acute care and inpatient rehab settings, Erika enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, and discovering new restaurants.
Christie Tuttle, MS., COTA/L, ROH (she, her, hers) has 26 years of experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant specializing in forensic mental health, Christie is a passionate advocate for mental health, recovery, and the OTA profession. A proud graduate of the Cincinnati State OTA program, she has served as adjunct faculty there for 18 years, and for the past three years has also taught mental health coursework at Muskingum University. She holds a Master’s degree in research from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in psychology and addictions. Currently serving as the President of the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA), she is also a former chair of the Southwest District. Known for being student-focused and deeply committed to OOTA by advancing the profession through advocacy, Christie brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.