VOTA is Virginia's leading organization for occupational therapy practitioners and students. VOTA is committed to advocating for and further developing the profession of occupational therapy in our state.

What does the AOTA Representative Assembly do?

What does the RA do? The Representative Assembly (RA) is the professional policy-making body of the Association – the “Congress” of the AOTA. And YOU (members of the RA) are the link – to getting your constituents to act on professional issues and concerns. The functions of the RA include being responsible for policies affecting the direction of the profession; this includes:

  • Formulating, debating and voting on motions
  • Charging RA officials, RA bodies, officers of the Association, or the Board of Directors to fulfill approved motions
  • Establishing and charging ad hoc committees
  • Electing RA officials and standing committee chairs


Who is my AOTA Representative?

Gretchen Ward, OT

Gretchen Ward is an Occupational Therapist with 13 years

experience working with children and youth in school, home,

and group home settings with an emphasis on neuro-divergent

populations. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and

Columbia University, and frequent presenter at state, national, and international occupational therapy conferences.  In 2019 she made a shift in focus to assistive technology and home and community based supports serving as clinical director for MPower Me and has most recently started a new practice, PowerUp Occupational Therapy Consulting. Her mission is to empower individuals, providers, and organizations to amplify the voice and choice of marginalized individuals through the use of trauma and tech informed neuro-diversity affirming strengths based practice models. As your representative to the Representative Assembly of the profession, she is eager to support the occupational therapy practitioners of Virginia and be your voice to the RA. I look forward to connecting soon. Email me at  VARep@ra.aota.org.

    What is the role of the AOTA Representative?

    • To communicate with members in their election area and serve as the liaison between members and the Assembly/Association.

    • To participate in meetings and other forums (OT Connections)
    • To assist constituents with influencing policies (develop/write motions)
    • To encourage Association membership
    • To work collaboratively to ensure transition of new reps (recruitment, election, orientation, and mentoring) NOTE: The Representative’s focus is on making decisions for the good of the profession and the Association – not just individual members or election areas


    Where can I find more information?


    Contact Usoffice@vaota.org
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