President: Valerie Fox, PhD, OTR/L, CPRP

Dr. Valerie Fox is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received her Master's degree and PhD in Occupational Science. She also completed the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Fellowship at the Durham Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, which focused on recovery-based mental health services for Veterans. Dr. Fox currently works as an occupational therapist in behavioral health at the Durham VA. Her research interests include community participation for individuals with mental health issues and the role of occupational therapy in mental health services, specifically supporting occupational engagement. She is an avid OT advocate and fully believes in the power of occupation to enhance function, quality of life, and wellness. Thus, she enjoys program development, expanding OT services in needed areas, continuing to progress the profession, and mentoring students in occupation-based practice.  

Contact: [email protected]

Vice President: Bethany Pritchett, OTR/L

 Bethany (she/her/hers) received her Associate of Applied Science in OT from Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rock Spring, GA, a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Winston-Salem State University here in NC. Bethany has a diverse clinical background beginning in pediatrics, which evolved into a specialization in treating dysfunction in the older adult and prepared her well for a career as a clinical leader in long term care. Bethany currently serves as Regional Director of Operations for a rehab company specializing in senior-care here in NC and has a passion for student collaboration, advocacy, and special clinical interests in understanding cognition, fall prevention, and pelvic health.  Bethany is a wife, mother, and Christian, who enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, roller-skating, and traveling with her family in her spare time.   

Contact: [email protected]

Secretary: Reeti Douglas, OTD, OTR/L

Reeti Douglas (she/her/hers) received her bachelor of science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and her post-professional doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a specialization in Hand Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.  She currently is the doctoral capstone coordinator, assistant professor, COTAD faculty advisor, and OTD service coordinator at Wingate University. She was the founding pediatric hand therapist at a sports medicine center for children and founding pediatric hand therapist at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. She enjoys traveling around the world, hiking, running, reading, and being the biggest cheerleader for her two children.

Contact: [email protected]

Treasurer: Jennifer Lowder, MSOT

Jennifer Lowder is a graduate of Cabarrus College of Health and Sciences where she received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She completed a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management from Pfeiffer University and Associates in Health Science in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Stanly Community College. Jennifer currently works as an occupational therapist in North Carolina Public Schools. She is a supporter for the inclusion of children with a disability and applying occupation- based practice throughout school community environments.  In the summers, she enjoys working for Atrium in acute care and outpatient settings, mentoring students, and spending quality time with family.

Contact: [email protected]

President-Elect:  Debb Dorsett, MOT, OTR/L, CEIM

OTA Liaison: Samantha Ryan, COTA/L

Samantha (she/her/hers) has practiced as an OTA in many settings including Pediatric Outpatient Clinics, Skilled Nursing, Home Health, CCRC, Vocational Rehabilitation, and School Services. Samantha’s special clinical interests include advocacy, mental health, sensory processing, trauma informed practice, attachment theory, and leadership. Samantha resides in Cary with her wife, Jenn, and their three children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exploring outdoors with her dog, and gardening.

Contact: [email protected]

Legal and Political Co-Chairs: Kimberly Godwin, OTD, OTR/L & Amy Siegler, OTR/L

Kimberly Godwin OTD, MSOT, OTR/L (she/hers) is from Fayetteville North Carolina and currently resides in the Triangle area with her two dogs, cat, and partner, Chris. She is currently a clinical specialist in a mental health setting as well as adjunct instructor for occupational therapy. 

She has been working on advocacy and legislative initiatives with NCOTA since 2017. Kimberly's professional interests include mentorship, advocacy, teaching, and policy. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors camping or kayaking. 

Amy Siegler (she/her/hers) is an occupational therapist who owns LimbTech, an accessibility and mobility focused outpatient therapy practice located in WNC. She has been instrumental in advocacy of telehealth and the changes that have been implemented over the past 2 years. She believes in fostering the growth of the next generation of OT/OTA and takes students from all over the country in a student-led learning model to help mold the future of our profession. She is passionate about seating/positioning, accessibility, and access to healthcare for all populations.

Contact: [email protected]

Membership Co-Chairs: Jacqueline Mayo, OTD, OTR/L & Nikki Kardouni, MSOT, OTD, CLT

Jacqueline Mayo, OTD, OTR/L, (she/her/hers) is an occupational therapist and the chair of the Master of the Occupational program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Concord, North Carolina. Jacqueline has experience as a school-based therapist, serving as a member of the early childhood leadership team, diagnostic team, and the equity team. She received a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from Utica College of Syracuse University, a post-professional Master of Science from Boston University Sargent College, and a post–professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Jacqueline’s interests include the development of a cultural competence training program for educators and is a member of the North Carolina DEI. She is also a member of the NC Interprofessional Education Leaders Collaboration (IPELC) whose goal is to identify and immerse students in real world interprofessional experiences before entering clinical practice. Jacqueline is also involved in identifying evidence-based methods for the development of professional reasoning skills in occupational therapy students.   

Nikki Kardouni currently serves as Occupational Therapist and Director of Clinical Education at Cape Fear Orthopedics-Outpatient, and Adjunct Instructor at Methodist University. Nikki is interested in hand orthopedics, health disparities, lymphedema, and emerging roles and student engagement in occupational therapy education. Nikki is a wife to an Active-duty Army soldier, mother of two, avid reader, traveler, and foodie. 

Contact: [email protected]

Continuing Education Co-Chairs: Morgan Sawyer, MS, OTR/L, ITFS & Charity Faragoi, COTA/L

Morgan Sawyer received her MS in Occupational Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2017. She currently works in early intervention and enjoys working with infants, toddlers, and their families to participate in child and family occupations. Personally, she enjoys engaging in gardening and flower arranging, photography, and spending time with her husband and son at home and in the community.

Charity Faragoi (she/her/hers) graduated with her Associates of Applied Science degree from South College in Asheville, NC. She currently works as an occupational therapy assistant in the school system. She is the wife to a retired Army soldier, mother to 4 children (3 are triplets!), and in her free time, she enjoys reading, running half marathons, and camping. 

 Contact: [email protected]

Communications and Outreach Co-Chair: Beth Johnson, MS, OTR/L & Jessica Martin

 Heather "Beth" Johnson (she/her) has been a practicing OT since 2007. She spent the first 7 years of her career practicing in the Skilled Nursing setting. She transitioned to academia in 2014 where she developed a passion for advocating for the profession by teaching future OTAs! She enjoys spending time with her family. Her favorite place to be is the beach! She is honored to serve the NCOTA as the Communications Co-Chair. 

Jessica Martin (she/her) has been an occupational therapist for almost 7 years and currently works at a small community hospital in acute care and pediatric outpatient therapies. She aspires to be a life-long learner and continue to find ways to help others. Her favorite color is glitter and she loves the beach. 

 Contact: [email protected]

Education and Research Co-Chairs:  Charley Jo Cross, OTR/L & Stacey Caplan, OTD, OTR/L

Charley Jo Cross (she/her/hers) attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington obtaining a Bachelor's degree in psychology in 2016 and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill obtaining her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2018. She has focused her early career on expanding occupational therapy services in rural North Carolina and recognizes the importance of occupation-based practice to demonstrate the effectiveness of occupational therapy. Most recently, she has served as occupational therapist and Director of Occupational Therapy with Monarch where she developed an occupational therapy program and provided occupational therapy services focused on mental health to those most in need. 

Stacey (she/her) is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Wingate University.  She has over 30 years of clinical experience in pediatric private practice that has expanded her education and expertise toward non-profit management, organizational leadership, and program development. Her practice experience spans NICU, PICU, early intervention, hospital, home-based, school-based and center-based settings. Stacey’s advanced training and professional interests reflect her passion surrounding infant and child development and working with families caring for children with medically complex, special needs. Outside of her professional roles, Stacey’s favorite occupations include hiking, biking, exploring NC wineries, reading and gathering with family and friends.

Contact: [email protected]

Awards Chair: Shelley Ashcroft, OTD, OTR/L

Shelley received her bachelors in occupational therapy from Lenior Rhyne and occupational therapy doctorate from Creighton.  She has worked in multiple settings but majority of her career has been in mental health.  And is enjoying her new occupation of motherhood. 

 Contact: [email protected]

Bylaws Chair: Justyn Roark

Justyn (she/her) received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. She currently works in a Level 1 Trauma Center as an acute care therapist, though she also has inpatient rehab and outpatient pediatric experience. She is a dog mom to her pup, Remi. She also enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and hiking with my pup.

Contact: [email protected]

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair: Linn Wakeford, PhD, MS, OT/L, FAOTA

Linn Wakeford (she/her/hers) is a faculty member in the UNC-Chapel Hill OT program and works with children and families through the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Primary practice and research interests center on increasing diversity and true inclusion in the field of OT and working with children and families in natural environments. Linn has taken multiple trainings related to anti-racism, diversity, and equity issues, serves on several related committees, and has a strong commitment to social justice in multiple forms. She believes that working for greater diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing and important journey for all of us. 

Contact: [email protected]

Special Interest Section Co-Chair:  Alisha Singh

Alisha Singh (she/her/hers) has been a volunteer with NCOTA since 2015. She has worked in pediatrics, academia, and currently works for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Contact: [email protected]

SIS Administration and Leadership Co-Chairs: Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L & Patty Hoffman

Brittni Winslow (she/her/hers) received her masters degree in occupational therapy from East Carolina University in 2011 and promptly began her career in pediatrics. She has now worked with the pediatric population for over 10 years and has experience and training in sensory processing, reflex integration, DIR/Floortime, SOS Approach to Feeding, and working with a variety of diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and dyslexia. She is the Executive Director and Owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy (formerly Emerge - A Child's Place). Brittni is married to another entrepreneur in the food service industry, and has 3 daughters who keep her very busy with their many occupations. She serves as the SIS co-chair of the Admin and Leadership SIS.

 Patty Hoffman (she/her) received her BS in Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College in 1989, and her OTD at Quinnipiac University in 2017. As an OT for over30 years, she has had the opportunity to work in a wide variety of settings, but has spent the past 15 years in home care. Patty is a lifelong learner, and enjoys working as an adjunct faculty member, fieldwork educator and mentor. Professionally, she enjoys presenting at state and national conferences and being involved in her state organizations as a way to give back to her predecessors.

 Contact: [email protected]

SIS Gerontology Co-Chairs: Susan Blair, OTD, OTR, BCPR, BCG, CDCS & Susan Avila Misciagno, OTD, OR/L, BCG, C/NDT

Susan lives in Clemmons, NC and works for Baylor University’s OTD Program. She graduated from MUSC in 1987 (OT)  and Chatham University in 2019 (OTD). Susan became AOTA Board Certified in Gerontology in 2013.  Her research focus is frailty in older adults.

Susan Avila Misciagno (she/ella) obtained the Board Certification in Gerontology from AOTA in 2019 and a post-professional OTD from Creighton University. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Gerontology and Leadership from Concordia University- Chicago. Susan is an Assistant Professor and the Capstone Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Department at Methodist University. She teaches Interventions for older adults in the OTD curriculum and MU. Susan has worked with older adults as a clinician, lead OT, and Rehab manager in long-term care and community settings for the last sixteen years.

 Contact:  [email protected]

SIS Mental Health Co-Chairs: Megan Leach McCann, OTR/L & Catherine Kaminski, MS, OTR/L, BCMH

Megan Leach McCann, OTR/L (she/her/hers) is the Program Director for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC.  Megan is a co-chair for the NCOTA Mental Health SIS, and has been involved in the advocacy group, NC OT Alliance for Mental Health Promotion (NC OT AMHP), since its inception. Meaningful Roles and Occupations include: mom of dogs and humans, spouse, pedestrian, cyclist, dancer, reader, yogi, cook, organizer, daughter, sister, friend, volunteer, and equity advocate. 

Catherine (she/hers) is an occupational therapist in the criminal justice system since 2013. She received her board certification in mental health in 2019. She enjoys being a fieldwork educator and advocating for OT in mental health. Catherine also enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and son, reading, being outdoors, and wetting her plants (gardening).

 Contact: [email protected]

SIS Children and Youth Co-Chairs: Megan Luckette, COTA/L & Meg Harris, MS, OTR/L

Megan Luckette (she/her/hers) is a COTA currently practicing in a school-based setting with experience working in skilled nursing and outpatient pediatrics. Her professional interests include sensory processing, school based mental health, and trauma informed care. 

 Meg Harris (she/her/hers) earned her Master's in Occupational Therapy from UNC Chapel Hill and has been in school-based practice ever since. She is currently the Lead Occupational Therapist for Guilford County Schools. Her professional interests include occupation-centered assessment and intervention, working as part of a collaborative school-based team, and adapting materials and tools for students who have significant cognitive and physical disabilities. Meg enjoys reading books, travel with her husband (including visiting her two adult sons), and appreciating & making art.

Contact: [email protected]

SIS Physical Disabilities Co-Chairs:  Tina Webb, OTD, MS, OTR/L & Sanchala Sen, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR

Tina Webb (she/her/hers) is an adjunct professor at Winston-Salem State University.  Much of her professional background is in adult inpatient rehab settings, including acute care, inpatient rehab, and skilled nursing settings.  While she enjoys all things OT, she has particularly love for working with clients with stroke and neurological conditions.  Away from work she enjoys traveling, and spending time with family, both the two-legged and four-legged ones.

Dr. Sanchala Sen (she/her/hers) is an assistant professor in the department of Occupational Therapy. She is originally from India and has been in the US since 1993. She has been an occupational therapist for over 35 years and has experience in several OT settings. Her expertise is in Neurological conditions as it relates to OT and the NICU. She teaches mainly Adult-based and NICU courses and Labs in OT. She likes to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

Contact:  [email protected]

SIS Home Health Co-Chairs: Kayla Smith, OTD, OTR/L & Miranda Amey, MS, OTR/L

Kayla (she/her/hers) received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University and her Master’s degree from Winston Salem State University. She currently works for Advance Home Health as a clinical therapist. Her professional interests relate to work with clients with stroke/TBI, COPD, and dementia. She also enjoys being a fieldwork educator. Her personal occupations are traveler, hockey lover, wife, dog mom, and gardener.

SIS Technology Co-Chairs: Amanda Davis, OTR/L, OTD & Alyssa Horan, OTR/L

Amanda Davis is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Pfeiffer University. Her clinical experiences have included working with adults across a variety of settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, outpatient services, and community programs. She enjoys spending time with her family and getting outdoors and exploring the area. 

Alyssa Horan (she/her) is currently working in Inpatient Rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC with focus on treating patients following neurological disruptions. I love being an OT and constantly learning new ways to improve function. I am very interested in researching and learning more about stroke rehab, adaptive equipment, and caregiver education. My meaningful roles and occupations are spending time with friends/family, hiking, camping, reading, and binging The Office.

Contact:  [email protected]

Student Board Members: Grace Payne & Julia Sartori

Grace Payne (she/her) is a student with Rowan Cabarrus Community College working towards becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant by May 2023. I have a bachelors in Special Education and am interested in working with individuals with disabilities through an occupational therapy lens. My meaningful roles and occupations are spending time with friends/family, being a cat mom, drinking coffee, hiking, and reading.

Julia Sartori (she/her/hers): Julia Sartori is a second year MSOT student at Winston-Salem State University. After licensure, she hopes to work in pediatrics and then eventually the NICU. Julia has many hobbies including being an excellent self-taught cook, a novice knitter, and outdoor lover.

Contact: [email protected]

NCBOT Liaison: Heidi Dorfman, MS, OTR/L

Heidi (she/her/hers) received her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Boston University.  She is currently working in a private practice setting.  He professional interests are in older adults and aging in place.  She enjoys her role as a wife and grandmother of two.  Heid has many hobbies, including dance and playing the drums and ukulele.