Lindsey Carter, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP-C

Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP

Secretary

Lauren Andelin is an Assistant Professor and Director of Fieldwork for the Department of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to transitioning to full time academia in 2020, Lauren worked at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU where she continues to work PRN. She has specialty training in sensory integration and assistive technology and has her AOTA board certification in pediatrics. Lauren received her M.S. in OT from VCU in 2009 and her post professional OTD from VCU in 2018.  Lauren is the mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, writing, and learning.

Elizabeth Richardson, OTD, OTR/L

Treasurer

Dr. Richardson currently serves as an associate professor and capstone coordinator for the Murphy Deming OT program. During her tenure in higher education, Dr. Richardson has engaged in a wide range of teaching, scholarship, and service activities. She has served as co-director and clinical instructor in the Summer Autism Camp and Interprofessional Autism Clinic where she advocates for the unique role and distinct value of occupational therapy through modeling and instruction of intervention approaches that reflect the core values, attitudes, and principles of OT including an emphasis on play and strengths-based approaches. Her work in interprofessional education and practice in these programs was used as a basis for her doctoral capstone project while completing her post-professional doctoral degree in occupational therapy at the University of St. Augustine. As a mother of four children and grandmother, she values time with her family and also loves to spend as much time as possible in the mountains or on the water exploring outdoor adventures.

Committee Chairs

Shivani B. Vij, Occupational Therapist, OTD, OTR/L

Nominations and Awards

Shivani Vij is a distinguished occupational therapist with over a decade of experience across various settings, including schools, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient, outpatient, and home health care. She obtained her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2019 from The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Utah. Currently serving as an occupational therapist at Valley Health Home Health in Winchester, VA, Shivani has continuously pursued opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise in the field.

Her involvement in various scholarly activities evidences her dedication to the profession. During the peak of the pandemic in 2021, Shivani published a peer-reviewed publication that focused on evidence-based strategies for managing long-COVID symptoms, underscoring her expertise in this area. In 2022, she contributed to another peer-reviewed journal that emphasized culturally competent practices for South Asian clients, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the profession while ensuring inclusivity and diversity. Shivani's most recent publication, in 2023, focuses on occupation-based interventions in chronic dyspnea management. Her other interest areas include chronic disease management, aging in place, and community-based rehabilitation.

Shivani is also the recipient of the AOTA 2023 Choosing Wisely Championship Award. This recognition is for practitioners leading efforts for safe, effective, evidence-based care based on the Choosing Wisely recommendations. Shivani is also a peer reviewer of two leading occupational therapy journals, Occupational Therapy International and The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. She is also an external reviewer for the Robert Bing Scholarship for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). With her extensive experience and dedication to occupational therapy, Shivani is a valuable asset to the healthcare community.

Heidi Hull, OTD, OTR/L

Continuing Education

Heidi R Hull, OTD, MS OTR/L is originally from Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Gannon University in 2002, continued her education at VCU and received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and graduated in 2004. She then returned for her post-professional OTD to VCU and graduated in 2015. Heidi has spent most of her professional career working in the school systems, private and public. She currently serves as the Lead OT for Albemarle County Public Schools and has a Level 1 Certification in Handwriting Without Tears. Heidi grew up volunteering at a summer camp for children with disabilities and helping the hippotherapy, so working with people with disabilities is in her blood. In her spare time Heidi enjoys spending time with her children, reading, and running.

Jane Hampson

Membership

Jane’s career as a pediatric OT has spanned over 40 years and many diverse settings both in the US and the UK. She has conducted therapy with horses and dogs, in NICUs, schools, clinics, swimming pools and operating rooms. She has always sought opportunities to help parents better understand their children, especially in the presence of sensory issues affecting behavior such as picky eating or emotional regulation. Jane just opened her own practice, Common Senses LLC, in her home in Herndon where she uses her garden and her cat to help create a welcoming and unique sensory experience for her clients. She is excited for this opportunity to serve the profession and its members through VOTA, and is looking forward to growing our membership. Together we are stronger!

Chelsey Hall

Communications

Chelsey is originally from Roanoke, VA and now lives in Richmond with her husband and wild toddler. She works forAllied Instructional Services as one of the Directors of Workforce Management and OT Services Coordinator. She enjoys providing mentorships and support to the OT professionals contracted with AIS. Her background includes abachelor’s of science in Psychology at Radford University and her master’s of occupational therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, she graduated from Shenandoah University with her post-professional doctorate. During her educational and professional experiences, Chelsey has worked in a variety of settings and with people of all ages. She has experience working with clients in the public-school setting, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation, early intervention, and pediatric private practice. Chelsey enjoys supporting VOTA and values the networking opportunities provided at conferences along with professional development at the events.

Vivian Swingle
Bylaws, Ethics

Vivian Swingle has a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University. She currently works as a school based OT with Fairfax County Public Schools. Prior to transitioning to the school based setting 10 years ago, Vivian managed the outpatient neurological rehabilitation program at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. She also has experience working in inpatient rehab, acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and in early intervention. In addition to her clinical practice, she has co-taught courses for the COTA program at Northern Virginia Community College and served on their Curriculum Advisory Board. She is looking forward to becoming more involved with VOTA in this new role. In her free time she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family. She is the mother of 4 sons and is often volunteering with scouts, and soccer and rugby teams.