OTAO Board of Directors & Leadership Groups
If you are interested in knowing more about any of the open positions, please contact Elizabeth Miller.
Please refer to the 2019-2020 OTAO Board of Directors Document for a quick way to see who is on the Board of Directors & Leadership Groups.
Board of Directors & Leadership Groups Table of Contents
President
Elizabeth (Liz) Miller, OTR/L, CHT
Liz works as an occupational therapist at Providence Sports Care Center and has been practicing occupational therapy since 2009. She has served on OTAO’s Board of Directors since 2015.She grew up in Minnesota and enjoys biking, yoga, skiing, and exploring the Pacific NW with her friends, husband and dog. Areas of expertise: hand and upper extremity, concussion/mTBI.
President-Elect
This position is currently OPEN
Past President
Nicole' Pavenick, OTR/L
Nicolé Pavenick is a native Oregonian and has been practicing occupational therapy for 5 years. Nicolé currently works at Providence Portland Medical Center at the inpatient rehabilitation facility. Prior to finding OT, she worked in a school district as an educational assistant and at a summer camp with children with special needs for 7 years. She has served on the board for 4 years beginning as one of the Viewpoint newsletter editors, 2 years as a Continuing Education Co-chair and a year as president-elect, prior to accepting the role of OTAO president. In her free time she enjoys traveling, snowboarding, hiking, razor clamming and crabbing. |
Treasurer
Connie Liu, OTD, OTR/L
Connie is a native Oregonian and attended Pacific University. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and salsa/bachata dancing. She is a big Timbers and Blazers fan as well! She practices at Providence Sports Center and Providence Tanasbourne. Areas of expertise: hand and upper extremity, concussion/mTBI.
Secretary
Jackie Fullerton, OTR/L
jacquelinenfullerton@gmail.com
Jackie works as an occupational therapist at Oregon State Hospital. She is passionate about the role of OT in promoting participation and quality of life among individuals who are facing criminalization, often resulting from untreated illness. At the hospital, she has the opportunity to help patients stabilize and learn new skills to support health, safety, and lifelong recovery.
Jackie grew up on a horse farm in Maryland. She enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, learning new things, and spending time with her fiance and three furry family members. She is currently working towards becoming a certified yoga teacher. Areas of expertise: mental health, mindfulness, pain management.
Continuing Ed Co-Chair
Sara Pilorget, OTD, OTR/L
Sara works as an occupational therapist in the Oregon City School District and at Randall Children’s Hospital. She graduated from Pacific University in 2016 and has been actively involved in the continuing education collaboration between OTAO and the Pacific University School of Occupational Therapy since it began in 2014. Aside from loving her career in pediatrics, she enjoys reading, cooking and baking, spending time outside with her family, and exploring the world through the eyes of her new baby, Shiloh.
Continuing Ed Co-Chair
Jasmine Choquette, OTD, OTR/L
Jasmine is from Hawaii and attended Pacific University as an undergraduate and graduate student. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. She currently practices as an occupational therapist at Northwest Regional ESD, where she serves children and their families in a few early childhood special education programs. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, or listening to music.
Continuing Ed Co-Chair
Ryan Farwell, MOTR/L
Ryan works as an occupational therapist at Providence NE Rehab and has been practicing occupational therapy since 2013. He was a conference co-chair for the 2019 OTAO Annual Conference. Ryan grew up in Toledo, Oregon and enjoys backpacking, scuba diving and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also officiates high school wrestling and serves as the clinical director for Health Promotion for Special Olympics Oregon. Areas of practice interest include stroke, concussion and low vision.
Conference Chair
Connie Liu OTD, OTR/L
Connie is a native Oregonian and attended Pacific University. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and salsa/bachata dancing. She is a big Timbers and Blazers fan as well! She practices at Providence Sports Center and Providence Tanasbourne. Areas of expertise: hand and upper extremity, concussion/mTBI.
Legislative Co-Chair
Brooke Gentle, OTR/L
Brooke graduated from the University of Puget Sound Occupational Therapy Program in 2007. She has experience working as an occupational therapist in long term care, acute care, home health, outpatient pediatrics, early intervention, and schools. She has been working for the Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District for the past 6 years, where she specializes in early intervention, feeding, and school based consultation. Brooke serves as a representative for her district’s OEA local union, and she represents region #4 on the statewide Regional Services for Orthopedic Impairment Professional Learning Team.
Occupational Profile: Brooke was born and raised in Oregon, She is the mother of a delightful 11 year old boy. She highly values integrity, equality, kindness, and community. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, yoga, reading, writing, and learning.
Legislative Co-Chair
Michael Falcon, OTD, OTR/L, MHA, BS
Michael received his Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy, along with a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, from Pacific University. He currently works with pediatrics in the school setting and serves on the Legislative Committee in the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon (OTAO). Currently, he also holds a seat on the Presidential Task Force on the Global Alliance of Pain Patient Advocates, through the International Association for the Study of Pain. (IASP).
Michael has a passion for international OT and program development. His previous work includes program development for children with socialization deficits in Ecuador, training to local medical communities in Ibarra, Ecuador, and humanitarian work in Haiti.
His most recent projects include training Occupational Therapy students in Haiti and consulting with a local Oregon school district in developing pain and opioid curriculum for High School programs. He has also presented at conferences such as AOTA 2016 in Chicago, WFOT 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa and OTAO 2019 in Lincoln City, Oregon.
Legislative Co-Chair
Lori Taylor, OTR/L, MBA
Lori Taylor, OTR/L, MBA is a 2000 graduate of the Occupational Therapy program at Maryville University in St. Louis. Lori has worked in the hospital setting, outpatient hand therapy, and in post-acute care. She is most passionate about OT Life Balance Model and working to achieve that balance both personally and with others. Lori enjoys running, volunteering with Krayon Kids Children’s Theater, and spending time with her adventurous family. In her practice, Lori oversees 10 therapy post-acute care therapy programs. Being a board member of OTAO fulfills her dedication for life-long advocacy for her profession.
Marketing Chair
Brianne Salvati, OTR/L, MOT
Brianne Salvati, OTR/L, MOT is a graduate of Oregon State University and Loma Linda University. She currently works for Infinity Rehab as the Director of Professional Development. Bre is adjunct lab instructor for Linn-Benton Occupational Therapy Assistant program and serves as their Advisory Board Chair. Bre is an Oregon native and a big Portland Timbers fan. When she’s not working, she enjoys kickboxing and spending time with her husband and son.
Membership Co-Chair
Daniel Canchola, OTR/L
Daniel currently works as an Area Director for Consonus Healthcare. Although, from California (graduating from San Jose State University), he has embraced being an Oregonian (while remaining a huge San Francisco Giants fan). His professional experience includes mental health, acute rehab, home health, director roles in industrial rehab and skilled nursing. His passion is working with geriatrics.
Membership Co-Chair
Kristy Fleming, OTR/L
kfleming@ourhouseofportland.org
Kristy is a graduate of Pacific University and has been working as an Occupational Therapist at Our House of Portland since graduationg with her Master’s degree in 2005. Kristy has served on the OTAO Board of Directors since 2017, served on the Pacific University Advisory Council and on the OTAO conference planning committee for 2 years. Kristy is a Pacific Northwest Native that enjoys long distance cycling, spending time with friends and playing with her pup, Ozzy.
Membership Co-Chair
Jeff Lango, OTR/L, CDRS
Jeff Lango is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Driver’s Rehabilitation Specialist. He is the Executive Director of Alpine Rehab & Wellness Inc. which he founded in Portland in 2003. He has been practicing for over 25 years as an Occupational Therapist and has been involved in adaptive driving for over 20 years. He received his adaptive driver’s training from the Veterans Administration in Long Beach, CA in 1995. He is a member of both the American and Oregon Occupational Therapy Association. He is a Certified Driver’s Rehabilitation Specialist and is currently the President of the Pacific NW subchapter for ADED. Jeff was a committee member for the formation of Oregon’s Department of Motor Vehicles Bioptic low vision driving program in 2004. He is a licensed driving instructor and is the owner and operator of a commercial driving school in the State of Oregon. Jeff has a compassion and dedication to assisting individuals with disabilities pursue their opportunity for returning to independent driving. When he is not working, he enjoys hiking; working out and spending time with family and friends.
Linn-Benton Community College Faculty Representative
OPEN POSITION
OPEN
Linn-Benton Community College Student Representative
Kelly Viernes, OTAS
kelly.viernes.3715@mail.linnbenton.edu
My name is Kelly and I am currently an OTAS at LBCC. I have always been fascinated by indigenous cultures. I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho where I became intrigued by optimizing health through interventions that ultimately empower the client. I work with youth as an Occupational Therapy Aid through Multnomah county and with yogis as a Yoga Instructor through Afterglow Yoga. I am deeply interested in OTA advocacy and activism regarding state and federal policies that affect OT practitioners.
NW Oregon Regional Director
Kristin Johnson, COTA/L
Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, & Yamhill Counties
Kristin is a COTA/L and Assistant Rehab Director working for Consonus Healthcare. Practicing since 2000, she has experience in skilled nursing, home health and mental health. Kristin has served on the OTAO board since 2017. A native Oregonian, she enjoys gardening, backpacking, international travel, cooking and lingering over a good cup of coffee.
Mid-Willamette Valley Regional Director
Katie Smith, OTD, OTR/L, MHA
Benton, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, & Polk Counties
Katie practices occupational therapy with Samaritan Health Services in Corvalis and also owns and operates a local mental health practice. Katie has been involved with OTAO since 2015, and is a founding member of the Oregon Occupational Therapy Emerging Practice Task Force. Katie plays several instruments poorly, but she sings rather well.
South Willamette Valley Regional Director
Lynden Scahill, OTD, OTR/L
Coos, Douglas & Lane Counties
Lynden obtained her OTD from Creighton University in Omaha where she is originally from. She moved to the southern Oregon coast 5 years ago with her husband Tim. She has recently been a Director of Rehab in a SNF and is moving to home health through the local hospital. She enjoys spending time with her son Julian and dog Hayes. Lynden and her family enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
Southern Oregon Regional Director
Rachel Wolfe, OTR/L
Curry, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, & Lake Counties
Central Oregon Regional Director
Fiona Mains, MS, OTR/L
Crook, Deschutes, Hood River, Jefferson, Sherman, & Wasco Counties
Fiona graduated as an occupational therapist in 1989 in Scotland where she practiced in various clinical settings before immigrating to New Zealand in 1996, and then relocating to the USA in 2012 with her husband’s job relocation. Fiona has worked within a wide range of populations; in hospitals, community services, medical research, and taught occupational therapy students at college for a number of years. Since moving to the USA, Fiona has upgraded her occupational therapy knowledge to fit the American healthcare culture and is now working in a specialist consulting role within the High Desert Education Service District, and as an independent practitioner for Treehouse Therapies. Fiona has past experience in NZ where she was elected, by her peers, to hold the professional portfolio as part of the Occupational Therapy New Zealand Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa executive; working on position papers in response to proposed government law changes. Fiona was later appointed as a professional board member to The Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand, working hard to ensure that best practice was in compliance with New Zealand health law. Fiona and her family love their new home in Bend and are taking advantage of all the fun outdoor activities available so close to home.
Eastern Oregon Regional Director
Angela Mart, MOTR/L
Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, & Wheeler Counties
Angela Mart is the Regional Director for Eastern Oregon. She works at Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise, Oregon where she assisted the hospital in starting an Occupational Therapy program in January, 2016. She is treating patients in the inpatient, swing bed, and outpatient settings. She enjoys biking, trail running, XC skiing, and other outdoor adventures with her dogs, Kotter and Tilda Jane. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to live, work, and play in such a beautiful and special part of Oregon.
SIS Liaisons
Productive Aging Liason
Paul Zulak, OTR/L, QMHP
Paul is an occupational therapist at Providence St Vincent Hospital.
He grew up in Upstate NY, is a Navy Vet and enjoys grandkids, gardening, running, biking, lions, tigers and bears, and exploring the Pacific NW with family & friends. Areas of expertise: Old folks, Aging in Place, Behavioural Health / Cognition.
Mental Health Liason
Jackie Fullerton, OTR/L
jacquelinenfullerton@gmail.com
Jackie works as an occupational therapist at Oregon State Hospital. She is passionate about the role of OT in promoting participation and quality of life among individuals who are facing criminalization, often resulting from untreated illness. At the hospital, she has the opportunity to help patients stabilize and learn new skills to support health, safety, and lifelong recovery.
Jackie grew up on a horse farm in Maryland. She enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, learning new things, and spending time with her fiance and three furry family members. She is currently working towards becoming a certified yoga teacher. Areas of expertise: mental health, mindfulness, pain management.
Children & Youth Liason
Erin Cochran, OTR/L
Erin has been working as an occupational therapist since 2008 after graduating from Tufts University. She has worked in many pediatric settings including inpatient rehab, hospital based outpatient clinics, acute inpatient including NICU, and school based programs. She currently works at the Institute on Development and Disability at OHSU and specializes in feeding, assistive technology, Down syndrome, and NICU follow up. Erin hails from Cleveland, OH yet has enjoyed living in Oregon since 2012 and loves running, cooking, knitting, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and daughters.
Sensory Integration and Processing Liason
OPEN POSITION
This position is currently OPEN
Rehabilitation & Disability Liason
OPEN POSITION
This position is currently OPEN
Home & Community Liason
OPEN POSITION
This position is currently OPEN
Oregon OT Emerging Practice Liason
Katie Smith, OTD, OTR/L, MHA
Katie practices occupational therapy with Samaritan Health Services in Corvalis and also owns and operates a local mental health practice. Katie has been involved with OTAO since 2015, and is a founding member of the Oregon Occupational Therapy Emerging Practice Task Force. Katie plays several instruments poorly, but she sings rather well.
Historian Liason
OPEN POSITION
This position is currently OPEN