Commission On Practice (COP)

The Commission On Practice (COP) serves AOTA by promoting the quality of occupational therapy practice and developing practice standards for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants relative to provider and consumer needs.

About the COP

The Commission on Practice (COP) is one of the bodies of the Representative Assembly (RA) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).  Since 1977, the COP serves AOTA by promoting the quality of occupational therapy practice and developing practice standards and documents for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants relative to provider and consumer needs.

Functions of the COP

  • Identifies the need for and develops, interprets, and periodically reviews and revises standards, guidelines, and other official documents related to occupational therapy practice.

  • Analyzes trends in systems and programs that affect the delivery of occupational therapy services.

  • Serves as a resource on issues related to occupational therapy practice.

  • Solicits input from other volunteer sector groups regarding current issues and concerns in occupational therapy practice.


How the COP works

COP conducts monthly virtual meetings. Meeting goals include:

  • Review and edit draft documents

  • Monitor COP projects

  • Coordinate COP projects with other AOTA bodies

  • Identify current practice concerns

  • Develop methods to address current issues

AOTA member participation

In addition to committee members, AOTA members who have a particular interest in an area of practice should forward their names and interests to the Chairperson of the COP. AOTA members are selected on an "as needed" basis to assist in COP business.

Commission On Practice

Shelley Coleman Casto
Chairperson

Shelley Coleman Casto

MS, OTR/L, BCP, CPST
Term: 2026-2029
Katrina Long
Member

Katrina Long

EdD, MS, OTR/L
Term: 2025–2028
Kaye Rubio
Member

Kaye Rubio

PhD, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Term: 2025-2028
Susan Blair
Member

Susan Blair

OTD, OTR, BCPR, BCG CDCS
Term: 2024-2027
Gretchen Bachman
Member

Gretchen Bachman

OTD, OTR/L, MBA, CHT
Term: 2024-2027
boop
Member

Cheryl Boop

MS, OTR/L, BCP
Term: 2024–2027
Member

Kathryn Wise

OTD, MHS, BHSc(OT), OTR/L
Term: 2025–2028
Member

Vicki Thomas

COTA, CDP
Tern: 2023-2026
Headshot of Tim Dionne
Member

Timothy Dionne

Term: 2025-2028
Cole Brockman
Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD) Liaison to COP

Cole Brockman

Student, Drake University
Term: 2025–2027
Kelly L Sajdak
Special Interest Sections (SIS) Liaison to COP

Kelly Sajdak

OTD, MSOLA, OTR/L
Term: 2025-2027
Julie Malloy
AOTA Headquarters Liaison

Julie Malloy

OTD, MOT, OTR/L, PMP, CPHQ, FNAP
Vice President, Practice
Teresa L. Dufeny
AOTA Practice Staff

Teresa Dufeny, PhD, OTR/L

PhD, OTR/L
Director, Evidence-Based Practice