Supporting occupational therapy

across Iowa.

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The Iowa Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) brings together occupational therapy practitioners and students across the state with a shared purpose: strengthening our profession and improving lives through meaningful participation.

Through continuing education, advocacy, leadership opportunities, and peer connection, IOTA supports members at every stage of their professional journey. We serve as both a resource and a voice, advocating for policies that protect access to occupational therapy services and ensuring our profession remains strong, visible, and valued throughout Iowa.

If you are an Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, or student, we encourage you to do more than hold a membership. Join a community. Build relationships. Develop your leadership skills. Add your voice to the work shaping the future of occupational therapy in our state.

Iowa OT Association Hill Day 2024

A note from IOTA President, Sydney Marshman, OTD, OTR/L, BCG 

I am grateful every day to be surrounded by exceptional colleagues and to connect with the students who will soon join our profession. Occupational therapy is a remarkable field grounded in meaningful relationships, practical problem solving, and a deep understanding of how people live, work, and thrive in their environments.

Many of the principles that define occupational therapy, from client centered care to the person, environment, and occupation perspective, are now shaping the broader direction of healthcare. This reflects the longstanding strengths that have always been at the core of our profession.

I believe occupational therapy practitioners will not simply be part of the future of healthcare. We are called to lead it. We are at the forefront of wellness, prevention, and participation, and our voices matter now more than ever.

IOTA exists to support you through education, advocacy, and community. Whether you are early in your career or have practiced for decades, there is a place for you to connect, grow, and help shape what comes next for occupational therapy in Iowa.

If you’d ever like to connect, explore ways to get involved with IOTA, or simply talk shop about occupational therapy, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through the IOTA contact form or connect with me through my practice at Happy at Home Consulting. I’m always happy to share ideas and learn what others are building across Iowa.

Kindly, 

Sydney Marshman, OTD, OTR/L, BCG
President, Iowa Occupational Therapy Association


Upcoming events

  • 2026 Leadership Launch Cohort

    • 17 Dec 2025
    • 25 Feb 2026
    • 5 sessions
    • Zoom Link Provided with Registration
    Register


    The Leadership Launch Cohort is designed exclusively for occupational therapy students & professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills and explore what leadership can look like in everyday practice. Through guided learning, mentorship, and a small scale project, participants gain confidence and clarity as they step into leadership in a meaningful and manageable way.

    All modules are held virtually and can be attended live or viewed as recordings. The final Leadership Workshop will also be offered live with a recording available for those unable to attend.

    Participants completing the entire program are eligible for 7 CEUs.

    Interested in being a mentor? Mentors will review the participant’s project idea, provide guidance on scope, clarity, and feasibility, and meet with their assigned participant for up to one hour between Modules 2 and 3 to support project development. Mentors are also asked to attend or view the February 25 Leadership Workshop and to communicate with the program coordinator as needed. Their primary role is to offer encouragement and practical leadership support. Mentors may attend any of the four learning modules if they wish, but this is optional. The expected time commitment for mentors is up to ten hours from December 17 to February 25. Mentors are not expected to supervise, grade, or oversee the project. Helpful conversation topics may include the purpose of the project, planned steps, barriers, stakeholders, and ways to keep the project manageable.


    Show details

  • Hill Day Preparation

    • 2 Feb 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82287169254
    Register

    Get Ready for Hill Day!

    Join us as we prepare for our annual Hill Day.  Hear about ways you can get involved if you are coming and ways you can connect with legislators if you are unable to attend Hill Day in person.  Thank you for your continued interest and efforts to advocate for the future of occupational therapy practice across the state of Iowa. 

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82287169254
    Meeting ID: 822 8716 9254

    Show details

  • Iowa OT Hill Day 2026

    • 11 Feb 2026
    • 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Iowa State Capitol
    Register

    11:30 - Meeting with Advocacy Strategies in Rotunda 

    12 - 3 PM Meetings with legislators, conversations at table in rotunda

    3 PM - Group Picture

    3:15 - Table break down

    Show details

  • 2026 Leadership Workshop

    • 25 Feb 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Zoom Link Provided with Registration
    Register

    The Iowa Occupational Therapy Association Leadership Workshop is a virtual evening dedicated to celebrating the work and growth of this year’s Leadership Launch Cohort. Over the past 10 weeks, occupational therapy practitioners from across Iowa have participated in an immersive leadership experience designed to turn ideas into action and strengthen leadership within their own practice settings.

    Throughout the program, participants have:

    • Worked alongside experienced mentors from the Iowa OT community
    • Developed and launched meaningful projects related to their professional goals
    • Built confidence in leadership, advocacy, and systems thinking
    • Gained practical experience creating change in real-world settings

    This interactive Zoom session will serve as a showcase and celebration of their work. Cohort members will share their projects, lessons learned, and how the experience has shaped their growth as leaders.

    Presenters include:

    • Nancy Cardenas Macias
    • Cassandra Laas
    • Emily Carlson
    • Angela Hansen-Abbas
    • Emily Schell
    • Sue Sandahl

    Registration details:

    • $25 for IOTA members
    • $50 for nonmembers (registration includes one guest at no additional cost)

    Join colleagues from across the state to learn from their experiences, gather new ideas, and celebrate the next generation of occupational therapy leaders in Iowa.

    Event details: Wednesday, February 25, 6:00–8:00 pm CST, live via Zoom. Attendees are eligible for 2 CEUs.

    Show details

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