The Polls Are Open!

We are excited to introduce candidates for four positions on the NYSOTA Executive Board: Vice President, Treasurer, and two Trustees. You can learn more about each candidate by reading their personal statements and CVs below. Candidates are listed by position, and then alphabetically.

Click here to cast your vote by May 30th.

You must be signed into your NYSOTA member account to vote. Successful candidates will take office on July 1, 2024 and serve for two years.

Candidates for Vice President

Michael Roff, MS, OTR/L (Incumbent)
It is an honor to once again express my intent to serve New York State occupational therapy providers and students through the role of NYSOTA Vice President. I seek to continue to foster a state professional association that empowers our membership, fostering their growth and supporting their practices.

In my previous term, I worked diligently to build a more sustainable, transparent, and welcoming NYSOTA alongside a dedicated executive board and volunteer base. I’ve spearheaded initiatives ranging from back-end policy and procedure development, volunteer retention and recruitment, and development of additional membership benefits like NYSOTA’s Communities of Practice. In my dual service as NYSOTA Project Manager, I’ve worked alongside NYSOTA’s executive board to launch and refine intuitive and accessible project management strategies that empower NYSOTA’s leadership to build programs and host events that benefit NYSOTA’s members.

If elected, I am excited to find new ways to encourage and empower membership engagement with our organization. This includes initiatives you may have already seen, like feedback surveys regarding important legislation or policy, and some you may have not, like short-, medium-, and long-term volunteer/leadership opportunities. I am confident that together, we can create a strong and sustainable NYSOTA to the benefit of the occupational therapy profession.

Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of NYSOTA.
For Michael Roff's CV, click here.

Candidates for Treasurer

Dean Carroll, MPH, OTR/L
As an Occupational Therapist for the past 24 years, I have helped many patients through their independent living journey. During this time, I have been a member of NYSOTA and find it is an essential organization for networking, learning, and advocating for our profession. I am running to become the next NYSOTA Treasurer to give back to the organization that has supported my career and the profession of Occupational Therapy.

In addition to working as an Occupational Therapist I have experience in finance and accounting. I owned a home modification business for over 10 years and was responsible for completing bookkeeping, billing, and filing taxes. As a volunteer for the Harvey D. Morin VFW post for 5 years, I served as the post Quarter Master/Corporate Treasurer. In this role I was responsible for accounting for multiple revenue streams, payroll, tax filings, and maintaining multiple bank accounts for the organization. I was also a board member for the Town of Amherst, New York, Youth and Recreation Department for 3 years and chaired the finance committee which reviewed the cost of programs run by the town.

My experience and skills will help NYSOTA fulfill its mission and priorities to advocate for current and future Occupational Therapists. I am asking for your vote to be the next NYSOTA Treasurer.
For Dean Carroll's resume, click here.

Candidates for Trustee

There are two Trustee positions open. Please select two candidates on your ballot.

Tyra M. Banks, EdD, OTR/L
As a dedicated member of the occupational therapy community for 22 years, I have always believed in the importance of bringing people together to achieve common goals. Whether spearheading initiatives to enhance educational environments or championing practical solutions to address systemic barriers, I remain focused on uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to the fabric of our profession and vital to NYSOTA's mission. Bringing people together strengthens our advocacy efforts to ensure practitioners are supported, and occupational therapy services are accessible to all individuals across the state.

As a member of the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for
Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), I bring a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape that shapes our profession and a commitment to advancing initiatives that ensure high academic standards and student success. Supporting the success of students empowers the next generation of practitioners to continue building on the long-standing advocacy for the profession and the clients served in NY and beyond.

If elected, I intend to leverage my experience and expertise to create spaces where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. Together, we can build bridges, foster connections, and work collaboratively towards a future where NYSOTA serves as a beacon of unity, inclusivity, and unwavering support for our next generation of occupational therapy practitioners.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to serve you and contribute to the collective success of NYSOTA.
For Tyra Banks's CV, click here.

Tiffany Johnson, COTA/L
I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for the July 2024 - June 2026 term. With a deep commitment to the mission and objectives of NYSOTA, I am eager to contribute my skills and experiences to further advance the goals of our esteemed association.

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with two years of active practice in a sensory gym located in South Jamaica, Queens, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who have inspired and mentored me. These invaluable relationships began during my time at LaGuardia Community College, where I first embarked on my journey in occupational therapy. I am also a current member of the New York State Black Occupational Therapy Caucus and have been a part of the Scholarship, Kwanzaa Celebration and Fundraising committees.

Having gained a comprehensive understanding of NYSOTA's mission and vision, I am motivated to play a role in its expansion and development. As a current member, I recognize the significance of advocacy and support for fellow COTAs. I am deeply committed to sharing the knowledge and resources I have acquired to empower others within our profession.

I am particularly drawn to the initiatives such as the "Dessert and Dialogue" opportunities, which have not only captured my interest but have also sparked meaningful conversations within our community. I hold immense respect for the dedication of the OTA committee and I am eager to contribute to their ongoing efforts.

If entrusted with the responsibilities of a trustee, I pledge to fulfill my duties with diligence and integrity. I am committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity within our profession, ensuring that our association remains member-oriented and responsive to the evolving needs of practitioners.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am genuinely excited about the prospect of serving as a trustee and contributing to the continued success of NYSOTA. I look forward to the opportunity to serve alongside you and to make a positive impact within our profession.
For Tiffany Johnson's resume, click here.

Christopher Marotta, OTD, OTR/L
It is with great enthusiasm I offer this personal statement, expressing my interest in serving on the New York State Occupational Therapy Association’s Executive Board as a Trustee. As a passionate occupational therapist with over two decades of valuable experience in a variety of practice settings, I am keenly aware of the pivotal role our profession plays in enhancing the lives of students, individuals, and communities. I am deeply committed to lifelong learning and growth, recognizing the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and the importance of staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices. Being a recent graduate of Touro University receiving a post professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, an active volunteer co-leader of the NYC Metro chapter of Makers Making Change, an adjunct faculty member to local university’s Occupational Therapy programs and a long standing executive union vice president for the Henry Viscardi School Faculty Association, has equipped me with a diverse skill set. I am eager to contribute my knowledge, insights, and perspectives to advance the collective goals of our professional organization, promoting excellence in occupational therapy practice, advocating for the needs of our members and our clients, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders within our community. I believe in modeling the way and setting an example for others to follow, which will enable others to become more involved and exceed their own expectations. I want to inspire others to embrace similar values of team collaboration, taking responsibility, showing empathy, being creative, demonstrating commitment, and to follow a shared vision to challenge the process towards facilitating change. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am confident that together, we can propel our profession forward and achieve new heights of excellence. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with each of you in furthering the mission of NYSOTA and its members.
For Christopher Marotta's resume, click here.
   

Brian W. Muni, OTD, OT/L
Greetings! My name is Dr. Brian Muni. I am submitting my name for consideration to become a member of the NYSOTA Board of Trustees.

 As a life-long New Yorker, it would be an honor to merge a 30-year-long advocacy of our profession with the goals and mission of NYSOTA. I cannot be more grateful to have found a profession that blends my passions for music, health, and infusing joy into everyday living. Using my media background, organizational and people skills, I would be excited to share this enthusiasm on the State level and help spread the word about what we do, how we do it, and the need for occupational justice. Our struggles for workplace equality are evident to me every day in the halls and classrooms of the New York City schools where I have spent most of my work life. NYSOTA’s emphasis on innovation, empowerment, and fellowship move me to greater involvement and action.

I thank you kindly for your consideration.
For Brian Muni's resume, click here.

Irma Pereira, OTD, OT/L
I am writing to express my strong interest in joining the Board of Trustees at NYSOTA. I have been an Occupational Therapy Practitioner for 36 years. I have served in pediatrics during this period, specifically with the birth-to-five population. I have over 26 years of experience in entrepreneurship, program development, training, supervision, and mentorship. I have been an adjunct professor at several prestigious higher-learning institutions for the past years. I have taught and mentored students in the pediatric track and with their capstones. I completed my Post Professional Doctorate Degree at Quinnipiac University in 2019. I have presented posters, short courses, and relevant topics of conversation that matter to the occupational therapy community at AOTA and NYSOTA conferences.

I have volunteered in community non-profit organizations, and my roles have included
treasurer, president, vice president, and secretary. I have helped raise over $70K annually in funds for schools, including the financial fiduciary role of creating budgets and accounts payable/receivables.

I believe I would be a candidate for the trustee position at NYSOTA. I have great respect and passion for the profession of Occupational Therapy. I believe that occupational therapists are holistic in their practice and qualified to serve in various areas within our communities. I am a strong believer in “paying it forward” in service, advocacy, and in creating opportunities for leadership.

The skills that I would bring to NYSOTA are leadership, team building, innovation, advocacy, and humility. An area that I feel strongly about is Evidence-Based Practice, as this makes our profession stronger in its ability to demonstrate our importance to the health community and to third-party payers or funding sources. I also feel that the representation of those we serve is crucial in our research. I am an innovator, consistently looking for opportunities where I can bring light to not only OT but to those I serve in marginalized communities. I am also bilingual and bicultural, which would bring a different perspective to the board.

My experience, communication skills, and strong interest in advocating for our profession would make me an asset to the NYSOTA Board, helping them continue their growth and promote their mission. I would be honored to be among the leadership of this organization as we move forward in creating advancements in our field.
For Irma Pereira's CV, click here.

Cicily Talerico, OTD, OTR/L
My name is Cicily Talerico, and I am submitting my application for consideration for the open trustee position. I am interested in this opportunity as I wholeheartedly believe in and am committed to upholding the mission and core values of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA).

As an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Utica University for the past three years, I can bring a unique blend of academic and clinical experience to the table. My 12-year tenure as an adjunct lecturer and over 20 years of clinical practice in various settings have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy across the lifespan. My recent focus on mental and behavioral health, particularly in children and youth and community settings, has further deepened my expertise. This diverse background has enriched my teaching and service at Utica University and fostered research collaborations and professional relationships within the OT community.

I would like to run for one of the open trustee positions at NYSOTA. I am choosing to run for this position because I have learned the importance of being part of something bigger, such as NYSOTA. Being a NYSOTA member, I have connected with many other OT practitioners who have become my mentors, colleagues, and research partners. These connections have strengthened my knowledge and experiences and produced research, presentations, advocacy efforts, and professional friendships that enhance the OT profession and NYSOTA as a professional organization.

My core values align with NYSOTA's empowerment, fellowship, education, innovation, and JEDI values. I have weaved these core values into my everyday life through teaching, service, and scholarship. In the summer of 2023, I began a level II emerging practice fieldwork at my local homeless shelter. I am grateful for my faculty position at Utica University, which allows me to be innovative and provide an array of educational opportunities for our students and future OT practitioners. This fieldwork experience has not only empowered the OT students to become agents of change but also empowered the people using the services that make life beyond homelessness possible. I am a strong advocate for social and occupational justice. In March of 2022, I received a DEI faculty leadership award through the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Utica University. I am a member of the DEI collaborative and was recently elected to serve on a sub-committee to review DEI in our University curriculum.

My mission for this position on the Board of Trustees aligns with NYSOTA. I am dedicated to promoting the profession of occupational therapy and representing all occupational therapy practitioners who work and live in New York State. I envision becoming part of the NYSOTA board, which will contribute to the growth and advancement of the occupational therapy profession in our state.
For Cicily Talerico's CV, click here.