AOTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENT: JANUARY 12, 2021
U.S. Capitol Breach and Ongoing Threats of Violence
The AOTA Board of Directors has published a statement strongly condemning the recent assault on the US Capitol. We support our colleagues on the Hill and others who have been deeply affected by these events. You can view the entire statement here:
https://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/Get-Involved/BOD/News/2021/Capitol-Breach.aspx
JUNE 2020 UPDATE:
I am pleased to report that I was sworn in for the Board of Directors of the American Occupational Therapy Association on Friday, June 12, 2020. Thank you so much to everyone who voted and to those who supported my nomination! I am excited to begin working with the Board and AOTA Staff on July 1, 2020.
CRISTINA REYES SMITH
OT Educator, Advocate, & Entrepreneur
Dr. Cristina Reyes Smith has over 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist and community leader in health promotion, program development, and volunteer service. She has been featured nationally as an AOTA Pediatric Chat Speaker and has published multiple articles regarding OT practice and service delivery with Spanish-speaking clients. She has presented nationally and across a number of states about occupational therapy. She has served in leadership roles in both university, state, and national positions. She is Owner and Business Development Coordinator of Vida Bella Services, LLC a pediatric occupational and physical therapy agency.
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Cristina is running for the AOTA Board of Directors to promote leadership, advocacy, and access to care for the occupational therapy profession to meet Vision 2025 and beyond.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
LEADERSHIP
Cristina has served two terms as the South Carolina State Representative to the AOTA Representative Assembly. She served as Secretary of the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association and has also served on a number of state and national committees. Dr. Smith is currently Admissions Director and an Assistant Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina.
ADVOCACY
Cristina coordinates an annual advocacy visit for AOTA Hill Day to the South Carolina State House for occupational therapy students and practitioners. She is a founding member and Academic Engagement Coordinator of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) and COTAD-ED, a new initiative for connecting educators.
ACCESS TO CARE
Cristina founded a private practice in 2012 to provide access to occupational and physical therapy services to pediatric clients with challenges in access to care. She is active in efforts to increase awareness of diversity issues and access to occupational therapy and healthcare services to under-served populations through local, state, and national advocacy.