Dr. Bri The OT

28/02/2026

I am honored to share that I have been elected to serve as Alternate Delegate representing the .

What began as curiosity about global occupational therapy has grown into a deep appreciation for collaboration across countries, systems, and lived experiences.

I step into this responsibility with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to listening to practitioners, students, and communities whose perspectives must help shape where we go next.

Leadership, to me, is not about standing at the front — it is about standing with. The honor is meaningful, and the responsibility is even greater. I am ready to listen, engage, and get to work.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me, challenged me, and placed your trust in me. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Global OT. Local impact.

25/02/2026

WOW. 🧡✨Officially published in an OT textbook!🥹🤗
Years ago, I sat in occupational therapy school reading chapters written by names I recognized, feeling inspired whenever I saw those same authors speaking at conferences or shaping conversations in our field.

Today, I get to turn the pages and find my own name there!

Since starting OT school, I’ve heard the name Gary Kielhofner countless times and gained knowledge of how his work helped shape how we understand occupation, identity, and meaning. So being published in the Kielhofner’s Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice series feels like a true full-circle moment!

This chapter was especially meaningful because I had the honor of co-authoring it with my mentor, Gail, my “volitional OT godmother.” She has always seen me clearly, even before I fully saw myself. I remember my mom encouraging me to cherish her guidance. Writing this chapter together is something I will carry with me for a lifetime!

I’m also grateful to highlight Dalmina and Pooja, two professionals I deeply admire and learn from!

Grateful. Humbled. Joyful. ✨🤗
You never know which pages you’ll read as a student that you may one day help write!

📖 Chapter 21: Bonner, B., & Fisher, G. (2026). Educational, consultative, and coaching approaches. In J. Wolske & G. Fisher (Eds.), Kielhofner’s Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice (5th ed., pp. 302–317). F. A. Davis.

13/02/2026

🙏🏽Deep gratitude.✨who we meet, what we listen to, and how we show up for one another across cultures truly matters!

As I continue the journey of running for the WFOT Alternate Delegate moments like these deepen my commitment to global collaboration, meaningful representation, and listening with intention!✨

Khop khun ka — thank you!

19/01/2026

Occupational therapy is global 🌍 and that matters!
WFOT helps strengthen OT education, workforce conversations, and advocacy worldwide, which supports how our profession grows and is recognized everywhere. When OT is supported globally, it helps create stronger pathways for practice, learning, and collaboration locally too!

05/01/2026

Hi! I’m Dr. Briana Bonner, and I’m running for World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Alternate Delegate!

WFOT is the global organization that brings occupational therapy associations from around the world together.

In the United States., AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) represents us at the global table through a Delegate and Alternate Delegate.

I’ll be sharing more about WFOT, why it matters, and how global advocacy connects to everyday OT practice.

✨Global OT .Local Impact✨

16/11/2025

Just smiling 🤗at how far this journey has brought me!
I’m so grateful for the mentors, friends, students and colleagues who’ve poured into me along the way … each conversation, each moment, each shared laugh has shaped the OT I am! There’s such peace and joy in walking in purpose & surrounded by people who remind you that the work we do truly matters. 💛

✨Here’s to learning, growing, and staying grounded in gratitude through every season of the journey! ✨

03/11/2025

Moments like these remind me that joy and connection are also forms of leadership 🌻 OT isn’t just what we do… it’s who we become while helping others live boundless lives!
✨ Your energy, ideas, and laughter remind me why this community is so special… we’re all part of something bigger, shaping a more connected and compassionate future! 🧡

01/11/2025

Every season in this OT journey has stretched me, surprised me, and shaped me. ✨From student to practitioner to dreamer… I’ve learned that purpose doesn’t always show up in straight lines. Sometimes it’s hidden lessons, quiet growth, or small wins that no one sees but you and God. 💛

This season, I’m choosing unstoppable joy🤗
The kind that stays through change, waiting seasons, and new beginnings.🧡

✨ affirmations I tell myself, I’ll share with you:
keep going. You’re not behind … you’re becoming.
Trust your process, your pace, and your purpose!

Here’s to a new season full of faith, joy, and boundless growth!

27/10/2025

Still taking this moment in…being recognized as the 2025 Outstanding OT Awardee ✨at Fall conference is such an honor! BUT let’s be real, everyone deserves this award! Every OT, OTA, student, mentor, client, and community member I’ve connected with…this is for all of us. 🧡Every connection has shaped my journey, every story has fueled my purpose, and every shared laugh or breakthrough reminds me why I do what I do!✨
I’m humbled, grateful, and grounded but y’all, this is just the beginning!!! So here’s to growth, impact, and everything that’s next… cause I ain’t done. 😉
✨🌍

01/10/2024

Honored !!! ✨🌻🫶🏽

Congratulations to McNair alumna, Dr. Briana Bonner, for being chosen as a recipient of the 2024 Echo 25!

Echo 25 was established to feature 25 exceptional Truman State University alumni under the age of 40 who have demonstrated the characteristics of Truman graduates, who are creative, socially responsible leaders and engaged world citizens. Recipients of this award were recognized this Friday, September 27, 2024.
Dr. Bonner (’14) earned a B.S. in Health Science with a minor in Disability Studies from Truman State University. Her professional journey includes a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a clinical doctorate from the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she developed the Families Achieving Competency Together (FACT) program, a psychoeducational initiative supporting families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Dr. Bonner spent four years in international service in eastern and southern Africa; she co-founded the nonprofit Network for Inclusion and Advocacy (N.I.A.) and Helping Hands Global Outreach, where she trains practitioners to serve vulnerable populations. As CEO of World Wide Bri, she curates luxury group and solo travel experiences worldwide.

Congratulations to Dr. Bonner on this outstanding achievement and legacy!