AOTA welcomes new Board of Directors members
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bethesda, MD, 07/01/2025 – The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - the country’s preeminent organization representing the interests of nearly 250,000 occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) nationwide - is pleased to announce the installation of eight new Board of Directors members, effective today. This distinguished group of occupational therapy and industry leaders will guide the Association in advancing its mission and taking the profession to new heights.
The newly appointed Board of Directors members, each with a three-year term (2025-2028) unless otherwise noted, include:
President: Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Secretary: Leslie Jackson, OTD, MEd, OT/L, FAOTA
Representative Assembly Speaker: Halley Read, PhD, OTR/L
Board Director: Nardia Aldridge, PhD, OTR/L, DTM
Board Director: Natalie Chang Wright, MBA-HCM, COTA/L, ROH
DEIJAB Chairperson: Dahlia Castillo, OTR, OTD (2025-2027)
Consumer Advisor (non-voting member): Jha’nee Carter
Public Advisor (non-voting member): Jackie Provost, MPH
“The formation of this new board marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our profession. Composed of visionary leaders with diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and areas of expertise, this board is uniquely positioned to lead with purpose, clarity, innovation, and accountability," said Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. With her installation today, Dr. Anvarizadeh will make Association history by becoming its first Black and Iranian American president.
The new Board of Directors will enter their roles during a highly transformational time for the organization, one that is anchored in an unwavering focus on innovation and growth. Central to the Board of Directors' work is Vision 2030, which serves as the guiding force and definitive aspiration for the occupational therapy profession over the next five years.
"We are delighted to welcome our new board members at this exciting time as AOTA deepens its focus on innovation and growth”, said CEO Katie Jordan, OTD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA. She added, “We are confident the significant experience and expertise each board member brings to the organization will help inspire deepened engagement with AOTA and advance the profession by supporting its vision to enrich life for ALL individuals and society through meaningful engagement in everyday activities."
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About the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Since 1917, AOTA has been at the forefront of both protecting and advancing the occupational therapy profession. It is the country’s preeminent organization representing the interests of nearly 250,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students nationwide.
Based in Bethesda, Maryland, AOTA exists to advance occupational therapy practice, education, and research through standard setting and advocacy on behalf of its members, the profession, and the public. The Association serves the occupational therapy community through its unparalleled standards setting, legislative & regulatory advocacy, practice, and professional development resources and support essential to enabling occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to thrive throughout all career stages and practice settings. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
Contact: AOTA Media Relations at praota@aota.org