Board of Trustees - The American Occupational Therapy Foundation

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The AOTF Board of Trustees provides strategic direction and governance for the Foundation’s mission to advance occupational therapy science. These distinguished leaders bring diverse expertise in research, clinical practice, education, and advocacy to guide our work in building evidence that improves lives.

Executive Committee

Patricia Davies, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Chair

Term: 2025–2027

Patricia Davies, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Dr. Davies is the director of the Brainwaves Research Laboratory at Colorado State University, where she focuses on understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie cognitive and motor behaviors in both children with and without disorders.

She holds joint appointments in the Departments of Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and Human Development and Family Studies, and is also a faculty member in the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrated Neuroscience Program. Dr. Davies is part of three interdisciplinary research teams: one that develops brain-computer interfaces, another that applies universal design for learning to enhance post-secondary opportunities for college students with disabilities, and a third that creates and implements obesity prevention interventions for young children. Additionally, she has served on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, the Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. Dr. Davies earned her B.S. in occupational therapy from Colorado State University and both her M.S. and Ph.D. in neuroscience and developmental psychology from the University of Wyoming.
Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT

Vice Chair

Term: 2026–2028

Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT

Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT, is an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University. She leverages her prior clinical experiences in physical rehabilitation and her doctoral training in implementation science to identify solutions that narrow the “research-to-practice” gap.

Dr. Juckett and her team have developed and tested strategies to expedite the use of innovations (e.g., standardized outcome measures, fall prevention interventions) in real-world practice settings, including stroke rehabilitation units, community-based organizations, and aging service agencies.Her work has been funded by entities such as the NIH, PCORI, the Administration for Community Living, and the National Science Foundation, and she is actively involved in local and national service initiatives to improve the health outcomes of vulnerable aging communities.
Brent Braveman, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Treasurer

Term: 2026–2028

Brent Braveman, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Braveman serves as Director of Rehabilitation Services at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the nation’s top-ranked cancer hospital. He oversees a department of over 140 occupational and physical therapy practitioners.

His extensive volunteer service includes two terms on the AOTA Board of Directors as Speaker of the Representative Assembly and Secretary, and board service with AOTPAC. He has represented occupational therapy on the NIH Working Group on Cancer Rehabilitation and the National Quality Forum’s projects on cancer care and patient-centered design.

Recognition: AOTA Fellow, AOTA Recognition of Achievement Award for Management and Program Development
Timothy Reistetter, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Secretary

Term: 2025–2027

Timothy Reistetter, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Dr. Reistetter is Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. He is nationally recognized for leadership in health services research within rehabilitation and occupational therapy.

His groundbreaking work developed Rehabilitation Service Areas, providing researchers with essential tools to measure variations in rehabilitation service delivery, access, and quality across geographic regions. His research is currently funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ R01).

Previous AOTF Leadership: Board Chair (2024-2025), Scientific Advisory Council Chair

Trustees

Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA

Term: 2026–2028

Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA

Dr. Piller is owner and director of Piller Child Development, a multi-site outpatient pediatric therapy practice in the greater Phoenix area. She specializes in sensory integration and feeding therapy.

Her scholarly work examines the impact of sensory environments on preschool participation, with interests in knowledge translation and evidence-based treatment protocol development. Dr. Piller is author of Implementing School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Multi-Tiered Approach to Sensory Processing Needs.

Education: PhD in Occupational Therapy (Texas Woman’s University)
Shawn Roll, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Term: 2025–2027

Shawn Roll, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Roll is Professor in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. He combines expertise as both an occupational therapist and registered musculoskeletal sonographer to investigate intersections among built, social, and organizational environments with health, well-being, and flourishing in technology-enabled workplace contexts.

He has received over $7 million in grant funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Science Foundation, with more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Recognition: AOTA Fellow, AIUM Fellow, AOTF Academy of Research inductee, AIUM Distinguished Sonographer Award
Teal Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

Term: 2024–2026

Teal Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Benevides is a tenured Associate Professor in the Institute of Public and Preventive Health at Augusta University. Her community-engaged research fosters access to services and support for autistic people and others with intellectual and developmental disabilities through partnerships that center community priorities.

Recognition: AOTA Fellow; serves on autism, suicide prevention, and occupational therapy organizations to advance scientific knowledge translation
Jana Cason, DHSc, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA

Term: 2026–2028

Jana Cason, DHSc, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA

Dr. Cason is Full Professor and Director of Scholarship in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Recognized as an early leader in telehealth development within occupational therapy, her current work explores ethical and effective integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare settings.

She has delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences and serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation.

Recognition: Fellow of AOTA and the National Academies of Practice
Megan Chang, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Term: 2025–2027

Megan Chang, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Chang is Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at San José State University. She leads a psychophysiology lab exploring the impact of stress on sensory processing, sleep, and mental health, with focus on understanding sensory processing patterns and evaluating risk factors associated with health behaviors across diverse populations.

Her research includes investigating effects of mindfulness practices on parents of children with disabilities. She directs a faculty-led program in Taiwan providing students with immersive experiences in universal healthcare systems.

Education: PhD in Occupational Science, MS in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology, MA in Occupational Therapy (USC); BS in Occupational Therapy (National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
Tracy L. Jirikowic, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Term: 2026–2028

Tracy L. Jirikowic, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Jirikowic brings over 30 years of pediatric occupational therapy expertise with specialization in neurodevelopment and interventions for children with developmental disabilities. She has particular research and clinical interests in children with prenatal substance exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

She holds a clinical appointment with the University of Washington Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network and serves as Research Affiliate with the UW Institute on Human Development and Disability. Dr. Jirikowic is Program Director of the Master of Occupational Therapy program and Co-Director for the PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program at UW.
Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD

Term: 2025–2027

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD

Dr. Martin is Manager of Clinical Research and Education at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

She has been principal investigator and co-investigator for grants from the Paralyzed Veterans of America Education Foundation and the Department of Defense. As founder and primary investigator of Kennedy Krieger’s Neurorehabilitation and Recovery Lab, her work focuses on clinically meaningful interventions ready for rapid translation to practice.

Education: BS in Occupational Therapy (Boston University); OTD (Rocky Mountain University of Allied Health Professions)
Rochelle Mendonca, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP

Term: 2026–2028

Rochelle Mendonca, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP

Dr. Mendonca is Assistant Professor in the Programs in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University and Director of Post-Professional Doctoral Programs. Her research focuses on technology and disability, including development, testing, and dissemination of technology-based interventions.

She has developed apps measuring accessibility of medical products, home environments, and community environments for people with disabilities. She also develops and tests rehabilitation robotics to support clinicians in under-resourced communities. Dr. Mendonca has received approximately $4.5 million in federal grant funding.

Recognition: Fellow of AOTA and the National Academies of Practice
Rachel Wolpert, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM

Term: 2024–2026

Rachel Wolpert, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM

Dr. Wolpert is Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri. Her research develops, tests, and implements virtual reality-based interventions for adults and older adults post-stroke.

She has extensive interdisciplinary experience working with computer scientists and engineers and previously directed the Game Based Rehab Lab at USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies. She completed a T32 postdoctoral fellowship in rehabilitation clinical trials and a KL2 Career Development Award. Dr. Wolpert is PI of an NIH R01 evaluating sensor systems in homes of rural community-dwelling older adults.

Non-Voting Members

Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Term: 2025–2028

Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Anvarizadeh is a Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy and former Director of Admissions at the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. As the architect of USC Chan’s holistic admissions process, Dr. Anvarizadeh led transformative efforts that resulted in the most diverse cohorts in the Division’s history.

A Founding Member and former Chair of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD), Dr. Anvarizadeh has been a driving force in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression within the occupational therapy profession. She made history as the youngest and the first Black and Iranian woman to be elected as AOTA President, a role she officially assumed in July 2025.
Ann Bartman, Ed.D., OTD, OTR/L, CPAM

Term: 2025–2027

Ann Bartman, Ed.D., OTD, OTR/L, CPAM

Dr. Bartman has been a practicing clinician for over 13 years, having earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Gannon University. It was at Gannon University that she was inducted into Pi Theta Epsilon National Honor Society. Her clinical practice has primarily focused on acute care and inpatient rehabilitation, and she has a particular passion for working with patients who have sustained burns.

Since 2015, Ann has been teaching full-time after completing her post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Chatham University. She served as the inaugural doctoral capstone coordinator at Duquesne University for six years and earned an Ed.D in Educational Leadership during her time there. Ann served as the Program Director of Slippery Rock University’s OTD Program for three years, and she is now teaching full-time at The Ohio State University.
Cristina Reyes Smith, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Term: 2024–2027

Cristina Reyes Smith, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Smith is Associate Professor and Director of Admissions in the MUSC College of Health Professions Division of Occupational Therapy. She began serving as AOTA Vice President in July 2024 after serving as Director on the AOTA Board (2020-2023).

Her expertise spans community health promotion, program development, and leadership development, with focus on access to care for underserved communities. She has coordinated multiple annual events including the MUSC Culturally Sensitive Care Program and the Septima P. Clark Poetry Contest for South Carolina youth.

Education: Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MUSC); OTD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Scott Campbell, PhD

Term: 2024–

Scott Campbell, PhD

Dr. Campbell has served as AOTF’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2015. Previously, he was Executive Director and CEO of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, where he led collaborative research projects including the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), the Biomarkers Consortium, and Grand Challenges in Global Health.

From 2001-2010, he served as National Vice President of Research Programs at the American Diabetes Association, overseeing all research programs and helping acquire major donations. Dr. Campbell spent 16 years in academia with appointments at the University of South Dakota, University of Missouri, and Michael Reese Hospital.

Education: PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences (University of South Florida)
Publications: 40 peer-reviewed articles, 9 invited reviews, 14 book chapters on cardiovascular disease

Past Board Chairs

AOTF has been guided by visionary leaders since its founding in 1965:

Mary Jane (MJ) Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, CLCP, FASIA (2019-2024)

Mary C. Lawlor, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (2018-2020)

Wendy J. Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (2016-2017)

Diana L. Ramsey, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (2009-2015)*

Ruth Ann Watkins, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (2003-2009)

Jane Davis Rourk, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA (1998-2003)

Maralynne D. Mitcham, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (1994-1997)

Elizabeth B. Devereaux, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA (1988-1994)

Nancy V. Snyder, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (1970-1971 & 1985-1988)

Martha S. Moersch, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA (1982-1985)

Wilma L. West, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (1972-1982)

Myra L. McDaniel, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA (1968-1969)

Elizabeth J. Yerxa, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (1966-1968)

Alice C. Jantzen, BS, OTR/L (1965-1966)

*Board President role, now referred to as Board Chair