Student Occupational Therapy Association » College of Public Health & Health Professions

The University of Florida Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is an organization of volunteers who create and stimulate an interest in the field of occupational therapy among University of Florida students and the Gainesville community. UF students enrolled in the OTD program are welcome to join!

Our mission

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The Student Occupational Therapy Association’s mission is to serve the community in areas related to occupational therapy while developing members’ skills as future clinicians and community building with social activities and service projects.

We encourage personal growth and knowledge of current trends in occupational therapy to students interested in the field with guest speakers and opportunities to gain hands on experience serving alongside occupational therapists.

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What we do

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Professional development

SOTA provides members with opportunities to attend professional development events in order to develop their skills as future clinicians, rehabilitators, and educators. Through these events, members can explore opportunities for clinical practice, interact with professors and licensed occupational therapists, and gain a better understanding of the health professions.

Service

SOTA is a service-based organization that works with many groups around Gainesville, Florida. These events allow members to raise awareness regarding occupational therapy practices and participate in unique hands-on opportunities and personal interactions with a variety of populations within the community.

Fundraisers

SOTA hosts a variety of fundraising events within the community in order to sponsor local organizations and assist them in achieving their mission to educate and advocate for underrepresented populations. Fundraising events provide an opportunity for members to promote the organization’s mission and stimulate interest in the field of occupational therapy.

Socials

Social events emphasize the importance of networking and social interaction with peers and future colleagues. SOTA provides interactive and enjoyable opportunities to connect with classmates, instructors, and OTD students.

SOTA leadership

President

Andrea Pena

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Vice President

Chloe Prewitt

A person stands outdoors in a lush, green area wearing a navy University of Florida Occupational Therapy polo shirt and light-colored pants with a university ID clipped to the waistband. Trees and plants surround the person, and sunlight filters through the leaves.

Secretary

Isa Gobel

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Treasurer

Daniela Diaz

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Outreach chair

Lia Vangellow

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Professional Development co-chairs

Summer DeWitt and Chelsie Lucas

Two people stand facing each other outdoors, shaking hands with one leg bent behind them. One wears a light blue shirt, black pants, and white sneakers, while the other wears a black shirt, black pants with white stitching, a university ID badge, and white sneakers. Lush greenery and trees provide a natural background.

Service co-chairs

Vanessa Flores and Catalina Vasquez

Two people stand side by side outdoors, each with one arm around the other and their free arm raised outward. They wear University of Florida Occupational Therapy polo shirts—one in white and one in black—and light-colored pants with university ID badges clipped at the waist. Green plants and trees surround them in bright sunlight.

Fundraising co-chairs

Laura Taylor and Bria Daley

Two people stand back-to-back outdoors in a garden area with trees and greenery, each with arms crossed and one leg bent so that their feet touch behind them. One wears a blue University of Florida Occupational Therapy polo shirt with light blue jeans and white sneakers, while the other wears a maroon polo shirt with black pants and black-and-white sneakers with yellow accents.

Accessibility co-chairs

Delaney Kashner and Leilia King

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Social co-chairs

Sydney Weatherspoon and Sydney Eisert

Two people stand back-to-back outdoors with their arms crossed, one wearing a dark green shirt and black pants, and the other in a black shirt and light blue jeans with a university ID clipped to the waistband. Green plants and trees fill the background.

orientation co-chairs

Paige Zolecki and Phoebe Hecker

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Assembly of Student Delegates of AOTA

Bria Daley

Assembly of Student delegates of AOTA

Daniela Diaz

What is occupational therapy?

As defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy, or OT, enables people of all ages to participate in daily living. OT help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include

an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals
customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals
an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan

Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. OT practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.

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Connect with us

To learn more about joining SOTA, upcoming events and activities, check us out on Instagram!