ArizOTA Conference - Spring 2026 Schedule

The 2026 Spring Virtual Conference Begins In:

2025 Fall Conference Schedule

Track 1

Choose Date:

Saturday, May 16, 2026

7:45 am	Virtual Check In
8:05 am	SIS Symposium Opening & Headliner
8:05 am	Keynote Address The Future of OT: Human-Centered Care in an AI-Driven World Dr. Pooja Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG
8:50 am	Keynote Q&A
9:00 am	A Journey into Trauma-Informed, Nature-Based Occupational Therapy Haley Bodea OTD, OTR/L, CPT, ASDCS
10:00 am	Role of Occupational Therapy in School-Based Practice and Mental Health Jordan Earley, MS, OTR/L Haven Herndon, OTD, OTR/L
11:00 am	Introduction to Generative AI: Ethics & Practice Use for OTPs Dr. Pooja Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG
12:00 pm	Networking Lunch w/ Optional SIS Breakout Rooms
12:00 pm	Supporting Generation Z Students and Practitioners into OT Practice Abbey Glenn, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, ECHM
12:45 pm	15 Minute Break
1:00 pm	Age in Place or Find a New Space: How the PEO model makes OT the ideal discipline to lead this intervention Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP
2:00 pm	Launching into Work: An Evidence-Informed Framework for Transition to Competitive Integrated Employment for Disabled Youth Veda Collmer, JD, CIPP/US, OTR/L
3:00 pm	Legislative & Policy Updates and ArizOTA Business Meeting Sue Dahl-Popolizio, DBH, OTR/L Heidi Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, RYT Ali de la Montaigne EdD, OTR/L
4:15 pm	Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up

Track 2

Choose Date:

Saturday, May 16, 2026

7:45 am	Virtual Check In
8:05 am	SIS Symposium Opening & Headliner
8:05 am	Keynote Address The Future of OT: Human-Centered Care in an AI-Driven World Dr. Pooja Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG
8:50 am	Keynote Q&A
9:00 am	Current Trends in Occupational Therapy Education: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions(2) Katherine Schofield, DHS, OTR/L, CHT
10:00 am	Occupational Therapy’s Role in Enhancing Functional Outcomes for Women Recovering from Cesarean Sections Emily Gill, OTS Tania Shearon, DHSc, OTR/L, C-IAYT
11:00 am	Introduction to Generative AI: Ethics & Practice Use for OTPs Dr. Pooja Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG
12:00 pm	Networking Lunch w/ Optional SIS Breakout Rooms
12:00 pm	Supporting Generation Z Students and Practitioners into OT Practice Abbey Glenn, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, ECHM
12:45 pm	15 Minute Break
1:00 pm	Age in Place or Find a New Space: How the PEO model makes OT the ideal discipline to lead this intervention Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP
2:00 pm	The Impact Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Urinary Incontinence Have on Elderly Women and the Role of Occupational Therapy Tara Wigal-Wertsching, OTD, OTR/L
3:00 pm	Legislative & Policy Updates and ArizOTA Business Meeting Sue Dahl-Popolizio, DBH, OTR/L Heidi Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, RYT Ali de la Montaigne EdD, OTR/L
4:15 pm	Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up