Keynote Session Description
Bridging Practice and Possibility: The Uncommon OT Journey
Patricia Motus
Occupational therapy has always been rooted in creativity, adaptation, and participation, yet many practitioners still feel confined by narrow definitions of what OT "should" look like. Through an autobiographical exploration of her unconventional career journey spanning mental health, community practice, homelessness services, trauma-informed care, program development, advocacy, podcasting, entrepreneurship, and education, Patricia Motus, OTR/L, CTIS, RYT shares how the occupational therapy lens can create impact far beyond traditional practice settings. Rather than viewing non-traditional practice as a departure from occupational therapy, this keynote reframes it as a continuation of the profession's pioneering roots: identifying unmet needs, building meaningful solutions, and creating access where it does not yet exist. Grounded in AOTA's Vision 2030, the second half of the keynote shifts from story to action, inviting participants to reflect on their own professional journeys and explore new possibilities for growth and contribution. Attendees will identify transferable skills, recognize emerging opportunities, and consider how their strengths, interests, and experiences can shape future career paths. Participants will leave with practical strategies for navigating professional growth and renewed inspiration to expand where and how their OT lens can create impact.
Keynote Speaker Bio
Patricia Motus, OTR/L, CTIS, RYT, is an occupational therapist, educator, mentor, yoga teacher, and host of The Uncommon OT Series podcast. For more than 25 years, she has worked across mental health, community-based practice, homelessness services, trauma-informed care, program development, and behavioral health, helping expand occupational therapy into settings where OT services did not previously exist. Throughout her career, she has developed occupational therapy programs, supervised and mentored students, and championed innovative approaches that increase access, participation, and belonging. Currently practicing in Los Angeles, Patricia is passionate about helping occupational therapy practitioners recognize the versatility and impact of the OT lens. Through her clinical work, teaching, mentorship, advocacy, and podcast, she highlights the many ways occupational therapists can create meaningful impact beyond traditional settings. Her keynote, Bridging Practice and Possibility: The Uncommon OT Journey, draws from her own autobiographical journey to inspire practitioners to recognize the transferable power of the OT lens and the opportunities it creates for innovation, purpose, and professional growth.
Breakout Session Descriptions
Building the Bridge: OT Entrepreneurship in Community Reentry After Incarceration
Ariana Gonzalez, OTD, OTRL, CTP, RYT
Life After Incarceration: Transition & Reentry (LAITR) founder, Dr. Gonzalez, takes you on her journey from her OT education, through practice and development of community-centered programs for underserved populations. You'll learn about the hard and soft skills required for OT entrepreneurship in niche areas of practice, best practices for OT working with justice-involved individuals will be explored, and perhaps even more importantly, we'll discuss how to sustain your own health and wellness in the midst of the pursuit.
Advocacy as an Occupation: Expanding the OTP’s Role Through Leadership and Public Policy
Laura Aust, OTD, OTR
Occupational therapy's impact extends far beyond traditional practice settings and individual client outcomes, reaching into the systems, policies, and communities that shape health and participation. This session examines advocacy as a natural extension of occupational therapy practice and explores how professionals can advance access, equity, and quality of care through public policy engagement. Drawing from experiences with the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association and the Alzheimer's Association, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the profession's role in shaping systems and improving population-level outcomes.
A New Frontier for OT: Expanding Use of Functional Assessments in Guardianship Decision-Making
David Renter, OTRL, CLT-LANA and Maureen Mickus, PhD
Abstract forthcoming.
Breakout Session Speaker Bios
Advocacy as an Occupation: Expanding the OTP’s Role Through Leadership and Public Policy
Laura Aust
Laura Aust, OTD, MS, OTR, is the Territory Director of Grassroots Advocacy for the Alzheimer's Association, where she mobilizes volunteer advocates and cultivates relationships with state and federal legislators to advance policies that support individuals impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementia. Laura has also served as President of the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association since 2021, leading initiatives that strengthen the profession, support practitioners, and advance occupational therapy's role within healthcare and public policy. She also serves on the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, contributing to the quality and advancement of occupational therapy education programs nationwide. A licensed occupational therapist, Laura brings a unique perspective to advocacy and public policy. After four years of clinical practice as a school-based occupational therapist, she transitioned into this non-traditional public policy role and enjoys helping occupational therapy practitioners and students recognize their potential to influence systems, shape policy, and create meaningful change beyond traditional practice settings.