About IOTA
About The IOTA
The Iowa Occupational Therapy Association is a non-profit corporation established in 1977.
IOTA is a membership-based organization that works to build the capacity of its members through education, research, and communication. The IOTA acts as a public advocate for Occupational Therapy to promote the viability of the profession and access to services.
If you are an Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant or Student in an Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant program, we welcome you to not just join your state organization but to become engaged in the networking, professional development, and advocacy that is occurring.

Mission Statement
The objectives of the IOTA shall be to build the capacity of its members through education, research, and communication. The IOTA will act as a public advocate for Occupational Therapy to promote the viability of the profession and access to services.
Current IOTA Goals:
Develop meaningful “buy-in” for members to maintain membership through:
- Creating CEU options throughout the state or virtually
- Connecting to other professional organizations
- Garnering feedback from members relating to membership
- Connecting to students and new graduates
- Encouraging member participation in recruitment efforts
Support occupational therapy practice and fieldwork in Iowa by:
- Advocating for appropriate reimbursement models
- Increasing professional development opportunities with collaboration with IPTA and ISHA
- Focusing on evidence-based research, promotion of OT articles for ‘members-only’ CEU’s
- Increasing presence in communities/social media.
- Engaging in legislative initiatives to promote the scope of practice integrity
Executive Board and Volunteers
Executive Board –with Vote and Voice | ||
President | Steve Bowen | |
President-Elect | Sydney Marshman | |
Secretary | Jamie Rognes | |
Treasurer | Jessica McHugh | |
OTA Representative | Lorri Swarney | |
Committee on Practice and Ethics (see Practice Group liaisons below) | Angela Hansen Abbas | |
Education & Research Committee | OPEN | |
Legislative Committee | Denise Behrends Davis Christy | |
Public Relations Committee (includes district chairs) | Sydney Moore | |
Membership Committee (includes 3 subcommittees) | Jill Schmidt | |
Invited to Executive Board — Voice, No Vote | ||
Communications Subcommittee | OPEN | |
Nominations Subcommittee | OPEN | |
Scholarship & Recognitions Committee Subcommittee | OPEN | |
Academic & Fieldwork Practice Group Liaison | Angela Fritz-Mchone | |
Children & Youths Practice Group Liaison | Julie Jones | |
Health & Wellness | Rachel Allen-McHugh | |
Mental Health Practice Group Liaison | OPEN | |
Productive Aging Practice Group Liaison | Kathie Dell | |
Rehab, Disability & Participation Practice Group Liaison | Mary Jo McCleary | |
Technology Practice Group Liaison | OPEN | |
Work & Industry Practice Group Liaison | OPEN | |
Reimbursement Ad hoc committee | Denise Behrends | |
District Chairperson(s) | NE: Denise Dermody SE: Kathy Jaske Gardner NW: Cortni Krusemark SW: OPEN Central: Sue Toale Knapp | |
Student Representatives | OT PROGRAMS: Allen College: Emily Busta Natalie Martinson Drake University: Jessica Merrill St. Ambrose: Jake Hillard OTA PROGRAMS: Hawkeye Community College: OPEN Indian Hills: Monica Sickels Kirkwood: OPEN | |
Past President | Leanne O’Brien | |
Iowa’s Rep to AOTA RA | Denise Dermody | |
IOTA Administrative Assistant | Shelly Plough | |
IOTA Website Manager | Emily Forsyth |
