AOTA Student NewsIssue 7 March 2014
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Questions to Consider
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p12Prepare for AOTA!
Meet your Steering Committee
AOTA Launches NBCOT Exam Prep
Finding Opportunity
Students from the west coast to the East coast making the most of opportunity!
p13Journal Club @ OT Connections
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Prepare for AOTA Conference
Top Events You Need to Know About
- AOTPAC has a goal to raise $75,000 this conference! Meet the AOTPAC team at their booth near the conference registration area. Receive your ribbon at the booth if you have contributed! We can do this!
- AOTPAC Party: OTs Have Talent! This talent show takes place April 5, from 730 pm to 1030 pm at the Hilton Baltimore, Holiday Ballroom 6. It will be a full party. Tickets $25 for students.
- Hands on Advocacy: A Visit to Capitol Hill. Wednesday, April 2 from 8:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Get the details and register on-line at: http://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/Annual2014/registration.aspx
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Questions to ConsiderReal questions from real interviews
1. Can you explain what you can bring to the team apart from being an occupational therapist (assistant)?
2. Why did you chose to interview her out of all the other possible places?
3. Provide me an example in which you excelled in a team situation.
4. Tell me about a difficult experience with a client and how you handled it?
5. What are you 2 greatest weaknesses?6. How would your friends describe you?7. Explain an obstacle you had to overcome in life?8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?9. What are your 2 greatest strengths?10. Tell me a little about yourself11. What questions do you have for me?12. What specifically do you like about our Company?
Consider This.We think the most valuable thing a company can provide is opportunity. Opportunity is what will keep you motivated, allow you to explore your own personal creativity, and set growth goals. Without good & meaningful opportunity, things such as salary, location, and time off can lose their initial spark.
Student Centennial
Commitment.Learn more about it and
make the pledge today
at:http://goo.gl/PSWtnY
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Chair Person Outgoing - Susan Lingelbach
As the Chairperson of the ASD Steering Committee and the Student Representative to the Board of Directors, Ive had an amazing year of opportunity. The Chairperson is invited to participate as a member of the AOTA Centennial Commission, a volunteer committee that meets several times throughout the year to discuss ways that each of our respective groups can move our profession forward in pursuit of the Centennial Vision. Each year, the AOTA Board of Directors develops Centennial Vision priorities to be achieved that year. Our AOTA Vice President, Amy Lamb, leads this group and helps suggest ways in which we are already contributing to our professions goals.The Chairperson is responsible for coordinating monthly meetings of the Steering Committee and overseeing all Steering Committee projects such as the ASD Student Newsletter, increasing ASD visibility via social media, increasing Global Student Connections, and the development of a new Student Award, to name a few. Ive written quarterly and annual reports to the Board of Directors and the AOTA Representative Assembly describing specific projects and professional goals we have achieved as a group that contributes to the overall success and visibility of AOTA. I also had the opportunity and the pleasure to organize the New Practitioner Panel educational sessions for both the AOTA/NBCOT National Student Conclave in Jacksonville, Florida and the upcoming AOTA Annual Conference and Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland. At the Student Conclave, I worked closely with Frank Gainer, the AOTA Director of Conferences to plan and MC during the Welcome Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and facilitate the Mock Interview/Resume Critiques session. Prior to the Conclave, Mr. Gainer asked our committee to contribute ideas for new sessions to be presented, several of which were accepted and added to the agenda. The Chairperson is also responsible for planning the Annual ASD Meeting, which takes place each year the day before the Annual Conference begins. This year we plan to take a different approach to the meeting and have the student representative from each school hear from leaders within AOTA as well as develop their own leadership plan. Prior to being elected as the Chairperson to the ASD Steering Committee, I believed that students had a powerful voice in shaping the future of our profession. As Im nearing the end of my term as the Chairperson of the only student group within AOTA, I know that our voice is loud, valued, and heard. While I know that only one person gets elected to have my particular experience each year, I hope that every student will contact the incoming Chairperson to find out ways that he/she can contribute to Steering Committee projects over the next year. I feel that we accomplished so much this year as a committee, helping to strengthen the student voice in AOTA, but I envision we could be accomplishing so much more with the ideas and manpower of students from all over the country.
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Chair Person - Incoming - Heidi Carpenter
My name is Heidi Carpenter and I will graduate from Creighton University with my Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree on December 19, 2014. I am an Arizona native and earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University in 2009. Aside from engaging in the occupation of student for the past 22 years, I have enjoyed and learned from leadership roles that have included American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Liaison for the Creighton University Student Occupational Therapy Association (CUSOTA) and Treasurer for the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Student Government (PHPSG) at Creighton in the 2012-13 academic year. Currently, I am the President for PHPSG which represents just over 1000 students and oversees 18 class and 16 student organization governments that are comprised of occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapy students. I consider student leadership opportunities as one of the most valuable components of professional education and feel honored to be able to serve my fellow students in a national leadership capacity. Academically, I have pursued research opportunities throughout my education and have worked on projects involving service learning and yoga as an occupation-based activity. The benefits of yoga hold a particular fascination in my heart and mind. I have been a participant of yoga for over ten years and have been an instructor for just over two years. I anticipate specializing in the utilization of yoga principles in my practice as an occupational therapist. Professionally, my passion lies with neurorehabilitation and sustaining quality of life for people with neurodegenerative conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis. A note on my personal life, I have two dogs, Wesley (a pug) and Charlie (a Chihuahua mix), who have been my loyal and loving companions for the past six years. Finally, I belief a life well lived is inspired by great people who have come before us and that their quotes help center our ambitions. As we embark on this new leadership team for the ASD Steering Committee, I would like to quote John F. Kennedy who said, leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. I hope that in our pursuit of leadership, graduate education, and best-practice for occupational therapy we continue to lead with integrity and learn with passion along the journey.
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Meet Your Steering Committee
OT-Vice Chair Person- Outgoing- Kylie OConnell
As the ASD Steering Committee OT vice-chairperson I assist the chairperson in carrying out her duties. If the chairperson is absent during a meeting I perform the duties of the chairperson. I am responsible for communication between the Steering Committee and occupational therapy schools via email. One of the biggest projects I have worked on is growing and coordinating Boardroom to Classroom sessions. I have worked on sub committees implementing Student Global Connections, Student Award, and ideas for future projects!
OT-Vice Chair Person- Incoming- Nicole Lamoureux
My name is Nicole Lamoureux and I am a second-year OT student from Woodbridge, VA. I attended James Madison University for my undergraduate career in Health Sciences before my acceptance into JMU's Master of Occupational Therapy program in Spring 2012. I have enjoyed my time in the Shenandoah Valley by participating in adaptive sports events, attending the local farmer's market, and volunteering at the SPCA. I have a strong military presence in my family and have greatly benefited from my father's service in the Navy. I look forward to serving the older adult and veteran populations as an Occupational Therapist using evidence-based and community-based practices. As OT Vice Chairperson, I would like to build a stronger connection between student perspectives and AOTA affairs. My goal is to continue mentoring and inspiring others to fulfill their potentials in leadership roles.
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Representative to the COE-Outgoing- Nicole Cortes
Hello! My name is Nicole Cortes and I am the Student Representative to the Commission on Education (COE). From revising statement papers on the Philosophy of OT Education to studying Master vs. Doctorate Programs or Post-Professional Programs, the COE focuses on issues surrounding education that impacts students, practitioners, faculty, staff and everyone in-between! As the student voice, I represent all students (past, present and future) ideas, thoughts and opinions on important education issues. This year, the COE has begun the revision process of the FWPE as well as discussion of innovative ideas to bring practitioners into the education field as faculty (thinking about becoming a professor? Think yes!) The COE has also focused on Level I vs. Level II fieldwork and non-traditional fieldwork sites in order for all students and fieldwork educators to make the most of these learning opportunities. Keep the COE on the lookout! We have some great ideas coming your way!
Representative to the COE- Incoming- Kate McWilliams
My name is Kate McWilliams and I am currently a third year student at Brenau's evening weekend program in Atlanta, GA. I discovered OT in 2009 and through my research about the career, I discovered a passion for the field. My undergraduate degree is in Business Management from Georgia College & State University. Since 2010, I have worked as a therapy technician at GA Hand, Shoulder, & Elbow, an upper extremity rehabilitation OT outpatient clinic. I enjoy volunteering with the Shepherd Center's Junior Committee that raises money and awareness for recreation therapy. I am a member of the BOTSA executive board serving currently as the student delegate for the evening/weekend program and I am on the student advisory board for the OT program at Brenau.
I am looking forward to serving as the representative for the Commission on Education for the StudentAssembly. Curriculum are so different amongst the OT programs nation wide. The global goal should be to educate and prepare the OT student to graduate with excellent clinical and classroom experience. I look forward to the future of OT education which will be very evolving.
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Student Rep to the Commission on Practice Ongoing into 2nd year- Kiel Cooluris
My name is Kiel Cooluris and I am the Student Representative to the Commission on Practice (COP). As a member of the COP, I provide feedback and recommendations on AOTA official documents that promote and guide best practice in, and standards for, occupational therapy relative to practitioner and consumer needs. I serve as the student voice on the COP, collaborating with both students and practitioners to ensure that all interests are reflected in these documents and other areas of occupational therapy practice. Additionally, I am actively involved as a member of the Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee. As part of the SC, we plan and coordinate all activities related to the ASD. I have been active in many projects over the past year ranging from launching Global Student Connections on OTConnections, serving as a liaison to students and universities interested in starting a SOTA group and acting as a contact person for promoting OT and providing feedback to prospective students interested in the profession.
Continuing Recognition and Thank You to Susan Lin, Liaison to ASD
To Susan Lin,
The members of the outgoing Steering Committee thank you!You are a shining example of continued devotion to this profession that we are all lucky to call our own. Your leadership skills throughout the year, have demonstrated what it takes in managing work, family, and dedication to the association. We take these lessons with us and out into the community to share. From your work, we can see how we fit into AOTA and we understand the opportunity that is available to each and every member of this outstanding organization. Fostering leadership has been your mission as the liaison to the Assembly of Student Delegates. We are confident the incoming committee will find an environment that is supportive and challenging towards the development of new practitioners, because of you.
Cheers!-ASD
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Communications & Advocacy Chairperson- Outgoing- Sean Sullivan
As the outgoing Communications & Advocacy Chair person, I am elated to say the experience has been nothing but a pleasure. In managing work, life, and volunteering I think this experience has allowed me to understand that advocacy efforts and volunteer work for the professional association is something we should all take part in. For the most part, my efforts were in connecting with student representatives from the various Universities around the country in fielding questions and brainstorming efforts for individual OT/OTA programs. Through this leadership role I was able to understand and view, first hand, what senior leadership looks like at AOTA and the hard work that is put forth on behalf of all practitioners.
Communications & Advocacy Chairperson-Incoming- Scott Ingraham
I earned my undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Georgia in 2002 and I will be finishing my Masters in OT this summer. I have always followed my passions in life and through coaching rowing and working as a personal trainer I found joy and satisfaction in helping others achieve. As I was searching for a career that would deliver this same satisfaction, I discovered Occupational Therapy and I never looked back. I had the honor of being chosen as my schools ASD Rep and now I am humbled to be serving all the students in AOTA for the next year. Please send me any ideas you have for us to help you feel more connected to the ASD and AOTA.
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Secretary- Outgoing- Megan Montague
Hi everyone! I am the outgoing secretary for the Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD) Steering Committee. My main role as secretary is to preparing and distributing minutes for each steering committee or ASD meeting. Other roles that I have as secretary is to help plan the annual ASD meeting, work in conjunction with other members of the steering committee as needed, and orienting the incoming secretary to their new job responsibilities. As secretary I have assisted with several committees that the ASD Steering Committee as formed including the newsletter committee, the ASD awareness committee, and the AOTPAC awareness committee. The newsletter committee was where I focused most of my efforts, my responsibilities included developing articles, editing the student newsletter, and developing a new format for the student newsletter. Other projects I have helped out with as secretary include editing and updating the ASD Student Manual and advertising the ASD to occupational therapy program directors. Being elected secretary of the ASD Steering Committee for the past year has been a great experience, I highly recommend getting involved with the ASD or the Steering Committee in any way that you can.
Secretary- Incoming- Ashley Harper
My name is Ashley Harper and I am a second year OT student from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. I became an OT to help people live better lives, and I am excited for the opportunity to work toward this goal in my new position. I look forward to serving the Occupational Therapy community as the ASD Steering Committee Secretary for 2014. I hope to help share ideas and information among students and practitioners alike and help the OT profession work toward it's centennial vision. I hope to meet many of y'all in Baltimore!
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Meet Your Steering Committee
Student Rep to the RA - Outgoing- Kristin Davis
Greetings! My name is Kristin Davis, and I have had the honor of serving on the ASD Steering Committee for the last two years as the Student Representative to the RA. Serving on the Steering Committee has been a wonderful experience for me as I transitioned from student to practitioner. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about AOTA as a whole and meeting people as passionate about OT as I am. I currently work as a pediatric OT in a non-profit outpatient setting, and I love my job! We are truly blessed to work in a field that makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Go OT!
Student Rep to the RA- Incoming- Phillip Lin
We must make our profession strong, and being actively involved with AOTA and the Assembly of Student Delegates is a vital part of such a mandate. As Student Representative to the Assembly, I will solicit student viewpoints regarding our professions direction and present these views to the Representative Assembly, the Congress and policy-making body of AOTA. Using my strong communication and interpersonal skills cultivated by teaching high school students, my analytical aptitude honed through earning my Doctorate of Jurisprudence from USC Law School, and my detail-oriented work ethic developed over four years of assisting students as a Resident Advisor, I plan to ensure that OT is recognized for its essential place in healthcare: helping people perform occupations that imbue their lives with wholeness, purpose, and meaning. In her 1961 Eleanor Clark Slagle Lecture, Dr. Mary Reilly posited that Occupational Therapy could be one of the great ideas of 20th century medicine. Now, half a century later, we students have a responsibility to ensure that the great promise Occupational Therapy holds is fulfilled. As Student Representative to the Assembly, I am here to help our profession reach that potential.
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AOTA Launches NBCOT Exam Prep
AOTA is pleased to announce the arrival of NBCOT OTR Exam Prep and NBCOT COTA Exam Prep, the only online, interactive practice featuring actual NBCOT exam questionsdeveloped and reviewed by top occupational therapy leaders and educators across all practice areas. This prep includes nearly 1,000 self-assessment questions that help students or new graduates focus on topics to master and earn certification. Highlights include practice tests with multiple-choice and clinical simulation questions, detailed feedback about answers, ability to check progress by NBCOT domain and by topic, and much more.
For more information, visit http://nbcotexamprep.net.
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Journal Club @OT Connections
Learn about and discuss the latest evidence in your practice area!
We invite you to join and participate in the electronic Journal Club to be held virtually on OT Connections from March 18, 2014 to April 8, 2014.
Several e-Journal Clubs will run concurrently in the AOTA Member Forums. The Journal Club will take place in an asynchronous format, which means you come to the forums at anytime and read and respond to comments and questions by participants and the facilitators.
The participating AOTA Member Forums are as follows:-Developmental Disabilities SIS -Home and Community SIS-Driving/Driver Rehab Network -Low Vision Group-Early Intervention and School SIS -Mental Health SIS-Gerontology SIS -Physical Disabilities SIS-Hand Subsection -Technology SIS-Sensory Integration SIS -Work and Industry SIS
To join, simply go to OTConnections.org, sign in and go to the AOTA Member Forums.
An announcement will be made two weeks prior to the start of the Journal Club regarding the hot topic/focused question. A critically appraised paper of the journal article that addresses the topic/focused question will be provided.
