By Jill Pease
Rebecca Piazza, O.T.D., OTR/L, and Lindsey Prato, M.S., OTR/L, two occupational therapists with University of Florida ties, have been appointed to Florida’s Board of Occupational Therapy by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Piazza is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions, where she instructs students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She is a distinguished fellow of the Occupational Therapy Academy, part of the National Academies of Practice, and a member of the American Interprofessional Health Collaborative National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education as well as the American and Florida Occupational Therapy Associations.
Prior to joining the UF faculty in 2021, Piazza served as the lead occupational therapist for the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion multidisciplinary clinic and as the clinical coordinator for therapy at UF Health Rehabilitation Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from UF, a master’s degree in occupational therapy from San Jose State University and a doctorate in occupational therapy from Chatham University.
Prato is the owner and pediatric occupational therapist at Advancements in Therapy, LLC, in Tallahassee, and an occupational therapist for the Leon County School District. She serves on the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers and the Keiser University advisory board for the occupational therapy assistant program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health science from UF and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is currently enrolled in the post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is set to graduate in 2029 with her O.T.D. and a graduate certificate in multitiered approach to trauma.
The seven-member Florida Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for the licensure and regulation of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to ensure the availability of high-quality occupational therapy services. The board manages licensure, sets continuing education standards and handles disciplinary actions for violations of Florida laws and regulations.