Student Occupational Therapy Association
The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is offered at both campuses, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, with every occupational therapy student encouraged to join their corresponding association by attending one meeting per month. Joining SOTA has many benefits for students and surrounding communities. Benefits to joining include, but are not limited to:
- Build leadership skills in the field of OT
- Make connections with other students, faculty, and local organizations
- Give back to the community through volunteer opportunities
- Learn to advocate for our profession
- Apply skills learned in classes to use in a safe learning environment
- Gain knowledge by attending guest presentations
- Participate in fun social events with your fellow SOTA members!
Fundraise/Volunteer Events:
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Fundraising and 5K walk in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids
- AMBUCs: Fundraising by selling bleacher seats at WMU home football games
- Renew Mobility: Fowling to Keep em’ Rolling
- Lending Hands: Restore adaptive equipment
- Clock Mobility: Trunk-or-Treat
- IKUS Life Enrichment Services: Volunteer at respite events with individuals with varying levels of abilities
- Career Fair at Northeastern Elementary School: Advocating for OT!
- MiOTA Conference: Student Ambassadors volunteer their time at the annual state conference
- Special Olympics Area 16 Chapter
Social Events:
- Sports Game Outings: Rise, Whitecaps, and more!
- Yoga in the Park and Beach Nights
- Chair volleyball StoryPoint with senior residents
- Euchemencial Senior Center: Winter fashion show collaboration with WMU Fashion students and helping out at their community for various events
President: Molly Boyle
Where are you from: I am from a little town called Byron Center, MI that is about 15 minutes south of Grand Rapids! However, I moved around a lot in my early childhood, so I can also claim roots in Illinois, Ohio, California, and Florida. I went to WMU for my undergraduate degree and majored in OT preparation.
Favorite Occupations: Some of my favorite leisure occupations include, camping, backpacking, hiking, and running. Last summer, my boyfriend and I climbed a 14er in Colorado and we’ve got plenty of camping trips planned for the upcoming summer!
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am so excited to continue to strengthen the academic and working relationship between our OTD and OTA cohorts. We’re all in this together – including our fieldworks too! I am so excited to explore this working relationship and get to know everyone even more to make this experience super positive!
Current Areas of OT Interest: In the future, I plan on working with neurodivergent children, including history of trauma. I find sensory integration, trauma-responsive care, and feeding to be utterly fascinating! Additionally, I have been investigating more about the role of OT in end-of-life care for pediatric populations, in particular. Though there is shockingly little literature out there, I would love to explore this even more.
Vice President: Emma Norman
Where are you from: I am from the West Michigan area and completed my undergraduate degree at Olivet Nazarene University with a major in Kinesiology and minor in Psychology.
Favorite Occupations: Throughout my undergraduate degree I was on the swim and dive team which has fostered my passion for staying active. My favorite occupations include hiking, swimming, and baking.
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am most excited to work with SOTA to serve the Kalamazoo community and help foster interest in and excitement for the profession of Occupational Therapy both within the student body and surrounding areas.
Current Areas of OT Interest: My current areas of interest within the field of Occupational Therapy include school-based OT and outpatient neuro settings.
Treasurer: Abby Cassatta
Where are you from: I am from Plymouth, MI
Favorite Occupations: I enjoy working out, hanging out with my friends, working, and trying new foods
Current Areas of OT Interest: My current areas of interest within the scope of OT are working in geriatrics as well as inpatient rehabilitation.
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am most excited to advocate for my fellow OT classmates and build meaningful relationships within the community.
WSA Representative: Liv Stanek
Where are you from: I am from Paw Paw Michigan
Favorite Occupations: Outside of school, my favorite occupations are hanging out with friends and family, being outdoors, spending time with my two cats, and reading good books
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am so excited to be the upcoming WSA Representative and advocate for new experiences and relationships within our community.
Current Areas of OT Interest: My current interests of OT are working with outpatient adults with neurological conditions and inpatient pediatrics.
Secretary: Emily Watson
Where are you from: I am from St. Joseph Michigan. I am currently an undergraduate student in the OTA program at WMU.
Favorite Occupations: I love lifting weights and working out, playing sports (especially beach volleyball), sewing, thrifting, embroidering, puzzling, and listening to music. Going on a walk to listen to a new album is one of my favorite things to do.
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am excited to make new connections with the other members of SOTA along with everyone we will work with and meet along the way!
Current Areas of OT Interest: While my experience is somewhat limited, I am currently interested in working in the school system. I believe that the education system needs to be more accessible to populations who don’t learn in the same way as others or need additional support.
Social Media Coordinator: Mia Kerouac
Where are you from: Homewood, IL
Favorite Occupations: Self-care, walking my dog, socializing, working out, cooking
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am excited to work with my team to help others and experience the many volunteer opportunities we take part in!
Current Areas of OT Interest: My ot interest are neurological rehabilitation and pediatrics!
Volunteer Coordinator: Madison Maki
Where are you from: I am from Crystal Falls, MI in the Upper Peninsula. I spent the last 5 years living in Marquette Michigan completing my bachelor's in biology with a concentration of anatomy and physiology at Northern Michigan University.
Favorite Occupations: My favorite occupations are ones involving my two dogs. I have a silver lab and a flat coat retriever that I walk, run, roller blade, hike, swim, you name-it we do it accompanied by my wonderful husband, Kyle!
What are you excited for with SOTA: I am most excited about making new connections in SOTA and playing a part in advocating for our profession and bringing in the importance of volunteering in our community. Being from a rather isolated small community up north, I believe that community connectedness helps create lasting experiences and relationships that will be helpful to bring with us into our OT/OTA careers.
Current Areas of OT Interest: My current areas of interest in OT are the geriatric population as well as an interest in neuro! I have worked in a memory care facility as well in an inpatient rehab setting and my favorite memories are with older adults, I love hearing about their life experiences, so much wisdom!
President: Isabel Evola
- Undergraduate School and Major: Michigan State University, Major in Kinesiology with a Minor in Health Promotion
- Favorite Occupations: Baking, Outdoor Activities, Travelling
- What are you excited for with SOTA? To build a sense of community among our cohorts and become an advocate for those who need support with engaging in their meaningful occupations!
- Current Areas of OT Interest: Pediatrics and Mental Health
Vice President: Josephine Sanders
- Undergraduate School and Major: Psychology, Ferris State University
- Favorite Occupations: Reading, weight lifting, & listening to music
- What are you excited for with SOTA? Getting more involved within the program as well as the community!
- Current Areas of OT Interest: Peds and neuro
Event Coordinator: Brooke Hineman
- Undergraduate School and Major: Oakland University - B.S. in Exercise Science
- Favorite Occupations: Reading, going to the gym, hanging with friends and family, hiking, and traveling!
- What are you excited for with SOTA? I am excited to continue and grow our involvement in the community while creating lasting connections.
- Current Areas of OT Interest: Pediatrics and inpatient rehab
Secretary: Sasha Poland
- Undergraduate School and Major: Hope College with a Psychology major
- Favorite Occupations: I love reading, doing crossword puzzles and exploring different coffee shops. I also enjoy weightlifting and going on long walks with friends.
- What are you excited for with SOTA? I am super excited about forming more meaningful relationships with the communities we serve and making a difference in the occupational wellbeing of others. I also am looking forward to getting closer to my peers and staff here at WMU.
- Current Areas of OT Interest: Neuro, inpatient rehab, and mental health!
Treasurer: Alexia Spyrka
- Undergraduate School and Major: Recreational Therapy at Grand Valley State University
- Favorite Occupations: My favorite occupations include spending time with family and friends, playing pickleball, and cooking.
- What are you excited for with SOTA? To make more connections with my peers and community members through our meaningful events.
- Current Areas of OT Interest: Pediatrics, acute care, and feeding
Public Relations & ASD: Emma Campbell
- Undergraduate School and Major: I graduated from Grand Valley State University (2023) with a Major in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology.
- Favorite Occupations: Spending time with my friends and family, painting, and any outdoor activities.
- What are you excited for with SOTA? I am excited to help promote community cohesion and grow closer with my peers in my program as we participate in meaningful events together.
- Current Areas of OT Interest: Pediatrics and neuro are the front runners right now but I am loving everything so that could change!
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity
The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) is an organization that focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy (OT) profession. COTAD aims to address issues related to underrepresentation, cultural competence, and inclusivity in occupational therapy education and practice. Members of COTAD include practitioners, students, and educators who work collaboratively to create positive changes and advocate for diversity within the OT workforce. Benefits to joining include, but are not limited to:
- Diverse experiences
- Community engagement opportunities
- Advocacy and empowerment
- Leadership opportunities
- Personal growth
Previous Events:
- Traveling While Black documentary- immersive VR experience
- Adaptive Floor Hockey with MSU students
- ADL's Around the World: guest speakers from diverse backgrounds who shared information related to cultural differences in ADL practices (grooming, hygiene, dressing, and feeding).
- Working With Interpreters
- Guest speakers from Pride Center talking about their experiences with healthcare providers.
- Virtual Event: Solidarity & Solutions: Moving OT Education & Practice Forward
- WMU Take a Break
- Virtual Event: Anti-Oppression & OT
Future Events:
- ADLs Around the World
- Gender Affirming Guest Speaker
- More to come!
Director: Thahiyatul Sarah
Hi! I’m Thahiyatul Sarah (I go by Sarah). I’m a second-year student at WMU’s OTD program at the Grand Rapids campus. I grew up amongst a diverse community of minorities that encouraged me to reflect on how racial, religious, political, historical, and economic factors give rise to both privilege and oppression. I have a strong passion to serve marginalized individuals which I've been fortunate to do through various work and volunteer roles in the past. Recognizing the need for cultural awareness and humility within healthcare, I aspire to help create a space where students feel safe to explore and discuss difficult topics surrounding the impact of culture, race, religion, and other factors. It is a privilege to be a part of COTAD where I look forward to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field of OT. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, diving into a good book or movie and brewing chai for those who enjoy it.
Co-Director: Taylor Maysonet
Hello! I am Taylor Maysonet, a second-year student in the OTD program at the Grand Rapids campus. I'm thrilled to be involved with COTAD, which is dedicated to enhancing inclusion and diversity within our communities. My goal is to actively listen, learn, and empathize with others to understand their challenges and meet them where they are instead of where others think they should be. Participating in COTAD will not only further enhance my ability to provide comprehensive and inclusive care to all demographics but also help expose me to other diverse backgrounds. I'm eager to contribute fresh ideas, devise plans, and implement framework for future students. My current OT interests include pediatrics, acute care, and women's health. Outside of academics, I enjoy being up north, spending time with family, being on the water, and exploring new coffee shops. I'm so excited to be a part of this organization and am eagerly anticipating upcoming COTAD events!
Event Coordinator: Ellia Flejtuch
Hello! I am Ellia Flejtuch, a second-year student at Western Michigan University’s OTD program at the Grand Rapids campus. I joined COTAD because of its opportunities to learn more about diversity in occupational therapy and ways we can be inclusive healthcare providers. These opportunities are important for our personal and professional growth, as we will be providing care to clients from various backgrounds. Currently, I am interested in memory care, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute care settings. Outside of classes, I enjoy cooking, exercising, being in nature, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to be a part of COTAD’s leadership, and I look forward to seeing what we will learn and accomplish together!
Co-Director/Social Media Coordinator: Sydney Payne
Hello! I am Sydney Payne and I am heading into my second year of the OTD program at the Grand Rapids campus. I am excited to be a part of a club that promotes diversity and inclusion in practice. The field of occupational therapy is broad and teeming with diverse patients. Through the further development of cultural competence this will allow me as a future practitioner the opportunity to add to my knowledge of diverse cultures to support lasting connections with my future patients. My current OT interests include pediatrics or geriatrics, autism, and vision studies.
Faculty Advisor: Azalia Gonzalez
Hi! I’m Dr. Gonzalez and I’m a faculty member/advisor for the COTAD group. Throughout my career, I’ve had a passion for working with marginalized communities and under represented groups. Some previous personal involvements include volunteering at the Literacy Center of West Michigan, serving as president of a student organization group called Active Minds, and recently partnering with Help Pregnancy Aid in Grand Rapids to educate low income minority families about pelvic health. I now have the privilege to serve as an advisor to a group of brilliant and passionate students who share the same vision surrounding promoting inclusivity and diverse representation within the OT workforce. A random fact about me is that while math/numbers has never been my forté, I enjoy learning about finance, investing, and increasing my financial literacy.