President: Charley Jo Cross, MOT, OTR/L

Charley Jo Cross attended 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. She served as occupational therapist and Director of Occupational Therapy with Monarch where she developed an occupational therapy program, served in a leadership role, and provided occupational therapy services focused on mental health to those most in need. Most recently, she provides effective, evidence-based services to autistic individuals and their families as the autism specialist and occupational therapist at the Greensboro Center with UNC Chapel Hill’s TEACCH Autism Program. Charley has been a member of NCOTA since she was a student in the UNC Chapel Hill MSOT program and has participated in a number of activities within the organization including presenting at conference, advocating for mental health OT services, actively participating in the Alliance for Mental Health Promotion group, facilitating a community of practice through the AMHP group, and most recently she served as the Education and Research SIS co-chair from 2022-2024.

Contact: [email protected]

President-Elect: Vacant

Vice President: Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L

Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L is an innovate advocate for occupational therapy, Medicare specialist, and Founder of Amplify OT. Clarice is dedicated to inspiring occupational therapy practitioners and students to engage in advocacy to create meaningful change in our healthcare system.

Contact: [email protected]

Secretary: Allison Bolin, MS, OTR/L, MBA

Allison (she/her) is a seasoned hospital administrator with over 21 years of clinical, managerial, and operational experience in the healthcare industry. She serves the hospital in various capacities, including clinical business operations, marketing and network development, ambulatory services development, and continuous improvement governance. Allison has experience practicing in SNF, ALF, acute care, AIR, and ambulatory settings and has served as an adjunct faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Currently, Allison is the secretary of the United Way of Chatham County Board of Directors and an active participant in the Chatham Health Alliance. Residing in Pittsboro, NC for 19 years, Allison and her husband are proud to raise their two boys in Chatham County, where she enjoys cycling and spending time with her family.

Contact: [email protected]

Treasurer: Stacey Caplan, OTD, OTR/L

Stacey (she/her) is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Associate 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 current scholarship, advanced training and professional interests reflect her passion surrounding maternal health and infant feeding & development. She finds fulfillment in supporting both students and clinicians in their career journeys while advocating for the distinct value of occupational therapy at local, state, and national levels. 

Contact: [email protected]

Member at Large:  Vacant 

OTA Liaison: Vacant

Contact: [email protected]

Legal and Political Co-Chairs:  Dawn Solomon, OTR/L & Alita Borkar, MA, OTR/L

Alita Borkar MA, OTR/L has 7 years of experience as an OT across the lifespan in a variety of settings including leadership, research, networking, program development, fieldwork education and advocacy related roles. She has served as the AOTPAC ambassador for Maryland and on the legislative action committee for MOTA starting a virtual fundraising series, participating in podcasts and letter writing, leading Hill day discussions and conference presentations. She is dedicated to helping grow the profession via advocacy endeavors so our communities have access to quality healthcare services to help people lead a happy, meaningful and productive life.

Contact: [email protected]

Membership Co-Chairs: Brittni Winslow, MS, OTR/L & Anna DeDiemar, MOT, OTR/L, COTA

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 previously served as the SIS co-chair of the Admin and Leadership SIS.

Anna is from Cincinnati, OH, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati. She later received her associate degree from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences as an occupational therapy assistant and is a recent graduate of the Master of Occupational Therapy program at the same college. Anna has clinical experience in outpatient orthopedic hand therapy, school systems, behavioral health, subacute rehabilitation, and inpatient acute care. She is currently enjoying her role as an instructor and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. She also works part-time in the clinical setting with the adult and geriatric population. Anna has a passion for neurological and orthopedic diagnoses but also enjoys teaching her students how to be skilled, compassionate, and innovative occupational therapy practitioners. Her other interests include the arts, spending time with her daughter and dog outdoors, and traveling. 

Contact: [email protected]

Continuing Education Co-Chairs:   Swetal Thaker, OTR/L & Open 

Swetal Thaker received her Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2013. She started her OT career by working in Florida in a skilled nursing facility with older adults and then switched to pediatrics. She worked at a private practice with experience in seeing children in the home, school, daycare/preschool, and clinic setting. After moving to North Carolina, Swetal continued her work in pediatrics at Developmental Therapy Associates in the Triangle area in the clinic, school, and daycare/preschool settings. Currently, Swetal is serving as the Clinical Director at DTA where she is responsible for clinical supervision, direct patient care as needed, developing the clinical teams and overseeing all clinical operations across 4 clinics. Since 2019, Swetal has been presenting on sensory processing and fine motor at the ASK Conference through the Early Years Organization, which is a conference geared towards early education providers. Swetal and her husband have two young daughters and a pug, who keep life interesting in the best ways! 

Contact: [email protected]

Communications and Outreach Co-Chair:  Kayleigh Fessenden, OTD, OTR/L, & Alexandra Van Staden, OTR/L, BCPR

Kayleigh Fessenden is currently an occupational therapy instructor at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences instructing courses on development, mental health, adult intervention and kinesiology as well as serving as a capstone advisor. She has been an occupational therapist for 13 years working in both the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation environment specializing in hip fractures, amputations, fall prevention and balance. Kayleigh designed and led a joint commission accredited hip fracture program in the inpatient rehabilitation environment, as well as played the role of Student Fieldwork Coordinator. Prior to switching to academia, she held the role Director of Rehabilitation for an outpatient clinic in an assisted living facility that included a memory care unit. Kayleigh is originally from South Florida and relocated to North Carolina. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, running, doing yoga, traveling and spoiling her nieces and nephews.

Alexandra Van Staden, OTR/L, BCPR, received her master’s in occupational therapy from Florida International University in 2015 and is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration from UNCW. With over 9 years of experience, Alexandra has worked in acute care settings in multiple cities including Miami, Boston, Chapel Hill, and now Durham. Currently, Alexandra works in acute care at the Durham VA Medical Center where she has the privilege of working with the veteran population, providing holistic and occupation-based interventions while addressing both physical and psychosocial needs. Alexandra is particularly passionate about ICU care, early mobility, and mentoring occupational therapy students. Alexandra is originally from Massachusetts but now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys baking, gardening, and skiing.

Contact: [email protected]

Education and Research Co-Chairs:  India Cox ,MSOT, OTR/L & Open

India Cox is a Memphis, Tennessee native and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Currently, she is pursuing a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a Certificate in Hybrid Teaching at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Licensed in both North Carolina and Texas, she brings over seven years of clinical and academic experience, with a strong focus on gerontology and pediatric populations, including children on the autism spectrum. Ms. Cox’s areas of interest span sports rehabilitation and medicine, children and youth, productive aging and gerontology, and mental health. Ms. Cox is a passionate advocate for diversity, ethics, policy reform, and is deeply committed to community education and enhancing the occupational therapy profession.

As an emerging educator and researcher, Ms. Cox is driven to motivate and help shape future practitioners through mentorship and innovation in teaching and practice. She brings energy, creativity, and compassion to explore innovative ways of enhancing occupational therapy practice while always putting the patients first!

In her personal time, Ms. Cox enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, gardening, volunteering, and watching professional football and basketball. 

Contact: [email protected]

Awards Chair:  Aliza Shellhorn, COTA/L

Aliza is a passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant specializing in Outpatient Pediatric care who has served on the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Awards Committee for 3 consecutive years and has expanded her role to Awards Committee Chair this year. With deep respect for the profession of Occupational Therapy as a whole, Aliza is honored to lead the recognition of outstanding contributions across the OT community through collaboration with fellow practitioners.

Beyond her professional work, Aliza finds balance, hiking, traveling, and soaking up all that North Carolina's beauty has to offer. 

Aliza is honored to be part of North Carolina's occupational therapy community and is dedicated to upholding the position as Awards Committee Chair for the 2025-2026 year.

Contact: [email protected]

Bylaws Chair: Reese Vikram, OTR/L, BCPR 

Reese Vikram, OTR/L (he/him/his) received his Masters in Occupational Therapy from University of Tennessee Health Science Center.  He currently works as a Senior Occupational Therapist at Duke Raleigh Hospital. He has experience in home health, outpatient, and skilled nursing settings.   Prior to his involvement in

NCOTA, he served as Vice Chair for Middle TN in their OT association (TNOTA). He has a lab named Jet and enjoys traveling, golf and spending time with family/friends. 

Contact: [email protected]

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair: Linn Wakeford, OTR/L

Contact: [email protected]

Special Interest Section Co-Chair:  Nicole Creech, MSOT, OTR/L

Nicole Creech, MSOT, OTR/L, (she/her/hers) received a BA in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University. She is currently employed at UNC Lenoir, as an Outpatient Therapist, as well as the current OT Fieldwork Coordinator. Nicole has worked in a variety of treatment areas including acute, inpatient rehab, transitional care, outpatient, and skilled nursing. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading, and relaxing at the pool/beach.

Contact: [email protected]

SIS Administration and Leadership Co-Chairs: Alyssa Pittman, OTR/L, CLT & Maryann B. Brennan, OTD, MA, OTR/L, CSP

Alyssa Pittman, OTR/L, CLT, earned her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Presently, she is pursuing a Master's in Health Administration while concurrently serving as Assistant Manager of Rehabilitation Services at Duke University Hospital. Her overarching vision encompasses empowering fellow professionals, striving for operational excellence, exploring non-traditional career trajectories within Occupational Therapy, and championing the advancement of the profession.

Maryann Brennan, OTD, MA, ORT/L, CSP

Prior to moving to Sunset Beach, North Carolina and joining the Brunswick County Schools Exceptional Children staff, she practiced in Pennsylvania for over 30 years.   Dr. Brennan served as an Adjunct Faculty member and Assistant Professor at Alvernia University and Penn State University.   Dr. Brennan has presented at state and national conventions over the years.

Dr. Brennan earned a B.S. in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Dr. Brennan continued her professional development by earning an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology from Immaculata University. A lifelong learner, Dr. Brennan continued her journey earning her Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts. While at Boston University she developed her skills under the Dr. Wendy Coster and Dr. Karen Jacobs.

 Dr. Brennan brings with her a broad range of skills to the profession.  She has spent much of her career working in diverse pediatric and community settings. Dr. Brennan has over thirty (30) years of clinical experience in the hospital setting (NICU, inpatient, and outpatient adult and pediatric), early intervention (Birth-3-year-old), preschool (3-5), K-12 public education, and numerous adult settings.   

 Dedicating her career to helping individuals achieve and acquire skills, Dr. Brennan founded her company Brennan Educational Services, LLC, expanding her ability to provide comprehensive services to children, adults, and families.  Continuing her lifelong educational journey, she developed her Community-Based Practice Paradigm (copyright pending) while at Alvernia University and Penn State University.  Collaborating with professionals in the community, raising awareness for occupational therapy, and developing future leaders in the field continue to be a passion fueling Dr. Brennan’s endeavors. 

 Dr. Brennan’s educational philosophy is driven by continuous evaluation to ensure her students are prepared to deliver impactful results, utilizing the best practices most currently available. Her philosophy is perhaps best encapsulated by Simon Sinek, “The value of a true leader is not measured by the work they do but by the work they inspire others to do.”

Contact: [email protected]

SIS Gerontology Co-Chairs: Jeff Lucas, Ph.D., OTR/L, CDP, CKTP, CAPS & Isabel Carter, OTR/L

Dr. Lucas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Winston-Salem State University. Dr. Lucas received his undergraduate degree from East Carolina University earning a BS in Recreational Therapy in 2005, BA degree in Psychology from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2006.  He then achieved his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Winston-Salem State University in 2009.  Then he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. He joined Winston-Salem State University in 2017 as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Occupational Therapy.

Dr. Lucas has worked in multiple settings during his career as a practicing occupational therapist including acute care, outpatient, home health and skilled nursing. Skilled nursing is where he spent most of his practicing years specializing in geriatrics, fall prevention, wheelchair seating and positioning, and splinting and contracture management. Dr. Lucas's research interests are Factors Influencing Burnout in Rehabilitation Directors in Skilled Nursing Facilities and The Impact of Free Occupational Therapy Clinics has on Student Learning.

Dr. Lucas, co-founded/owner Trending Devlopment, LLC in 2019. Trending Devlopment, LLC allows an individual (s) to obtain and sustain affordable housing in Eastern North Carolina.  

Isabel attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, receiving her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2021. She also graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University. She spent the first two years of her career working in Asheville, NC in inpatient rehabilitation, and now resides outside of Charlotte working in acute care. While she enjoys working with a variety of adult populations in the hospital, she has a special interest in promoting pelvic health education and continence management to older adults. In her free time, Isabel loves to spend time with her husband and two dogs, or baking, crocheting and gardening. 

Contact:  [email protected]

SIS Mental Health Co-Chairs: Carli DiMeo, OTD, OTR/L & Open

Carli DiMeo is an occupational therapist and educator living in Western North Carolina. She has over three years of specialized practice in pediatric mental health and sensory integration and additional experience in stroke rehabilitation, school-based practice, and inpatient adult psychiatric stabilization.

DiMeo earned a doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University in 2021. She completed her bachelor’s degree in behavioral health and dance at Boston University in 2018. She has been active in OT education since 2022, when she became an adjunct instructor at Boston University and taught two first-year occupational therapy doctoral courses. DiMeo’s clinical practice includes extensive work in emerging areas of practice, serving as a member of a team in community based mental health that works with families impacted by trauma. She also serves as a trauma-informed care trainer for the Home for Little Wanderers. In addition to clinical and academic roles, DiMeo has conducted in-situ research focusing on family systems and interprofessional collaboration, leading studies such as "Childhood Antipsychotic Use: Trends, Disparities, and Occupational Impact" and “The Family Sensory Environment: Assessment and intervention to Increase Family Functioning”. DiMeo has presented these and other works focused on family mental health at state and national conferences, including the Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services, AOTA, and MAOT. DiMeo moved to NC in 2024 and is excited to get to know more OT's in the state!

Contact: [email protected]

SIS Children and Youth Co-Chairs:  Karen Merchant, MS, OTR/L & Open

Karen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education from Appalachian State University before pursuing a Master's of Occupational Therapy from Tennessee State University. She has over 20 years of experience working in pediatric settings. Karen began as a special education preschool teacher in Nashville, TN working in a private setting and in the school system. As an occupational therapist, she has over 14 years of experience working in a private clinic setting and in the public school setting. Karen enjoys spending time listening to her husband play music locally and spending time with her two children. She is an active tennis player and loves traveling to the  NC Mountains to relax, hike, ski, and watch the Mountaineers play football.

Contact: [email protected]

SIS Physical Disabilities Co-Chairs:  Tina Webb, OTD, MS, OTR/L & Kayla Swaringen

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.

Contact:  [email protected]

SIS Home Health Co-Chairs: OPEN

SIS Technology Co-Chairs: Heather Smith, OTR/L & Open

Contact:  [email protected]

Student Board Members: Brian Gonzalez Granados, OTS & Open

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.