Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association

08/04/2025

What to stay up to date on all MOTA happenings?! Subscribe to our email list!
No MOTA membership required.... but of course we would love for you to join!

Subscribe here: https://mota.wildapricot.org/

07/29/2025

So many amazing presenters at our MOTA Annual Conference this year!

07/28/2025

Come listen to Bryden discuss the EMPOWER Model!

🎤 Presenter Spotlight: Bryden Carlson-Giving, OTD, OTR/L 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Bryden Carlson-Giving as a featured presenter at MOTA's Annual Fall Conference!

Ableism proliferates occupational therapy practices,
often marginalizing neurodivergent individuals and contributing to occupational injustice. This session introduces the EMPOWER model, a neurodiversity- focused framework that values neurodivergent ways of being, emphasizes reflection on ableism, and promotes inclusive, affirming practices. It encourages therapists to critically examine their biases throughout the OT process and support and celebrate neurodiversity. Participants will learn practical techniques to implement the model, foster anti-ableist approaches, and advocate for equitable, meaningful occupations for all individuals.

📍 Join us and be part of the conversation.
🔗 https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

07/28/2025

Two more amazing speakers!

🎤 Presenter Spotlight: Michelle Pettit, MA, OTR/L & Elizabeth Duffy, MS, OTR/L 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Michelle Pettit & Elizabeth Duffy as featured presenters at MOTA's Annual Fall Conference!

A presentation with a powerpoint highlighting the following: Increase your understanding of self-injury through learning about potential underlying factors of self-injury, destigmatizing self-injury, and how to approach self-injury with curiosity. The presentation also includes ways to support people who engage in self-injury (and their families) through regulation and other practical strategies such as creating a client- centered safety plan and learning about what tools and strategies may not be helpful. There will be plenty of ready-to-use and helpful resources shared. This presentation will hopefully also improve your confidence in supporting self-injury as a holistic and compassionate OT.

📍 Join us and be part of the conversation.
🔗 https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

07/10/2025

Do you know an amazing OTP who is making a huge difference in their clients lives? Do you have a mentor or Fieldwork Educator who inspired you? Check out the MOTA Annual awards and nominate your favorite OTP today!

Don't forget to follow MOTA Annual Conference for all conference updateteses!

🎉 Now Accepting Nominations for the 2025 MOTA Awards! 🎉

Do you know an outstanding occupational therapy practitioner or occupational therapy student making a difference? Nominate them for one of MOTA’s prestigious annual awards!

Award recipients will be honored at our 2025 Annual Conference and will receive a FREE one-year MOTA membership!

Submit your nominations today and help us spotlight the inspiring work happening across our field.

Nominations Deadline: September 1, 2025
Learn more and nominate by scanning the QR code or clicking the link: https://forms.gle/EP9UYEFBjbX2hDBx6

Let’s celebrate excellence in OT together! 💙

07/07/2025

Register now!

Join us at the Annual MOTA Conference – 🌟

📅 Date: October 3rd and 4th
📍 Location: Kelly Inn, St. Cloud MN (100 4th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301)
🎟️ Register Now: https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

✨ What to Expect:
✅ Inspiring Keynotes
✅ Maker's Market
✅ Unconference
✅ Workshops and Networking with fellow OTPs

07/07/2025

Get registered for the MOTA Annual Conference to hear these amazing speakers!

Register Now: https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLZGOhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpJn6VAiTKPNxNQtTD78ur-wivDJRrgpYg-pU9e9hwXKMyEym-jjjlEDXkP5_aem_-uIkKGmNaPfcS69cjicjCw

🎤 Presenter Spotlight: Bryden Carlson Giving, OTD, OTR/L and LaVonne Fox, PhD, MOTR/L🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Bryden Carlson Giving and LaVonne Fox as a featured presenters at MOTA's Annual Fall Conference!

This session encourages occupational therapy practitioners to broaden their perspectives by exploring Indigenous worldviews and moving beyond Western concepts of ability. It focuses on decolonizing practice, honoring diverse cultural perspectives, and understanding the impact of colonization on disability. Attendees will gain practical strategies to integrate Indigenous philosophies that embrace neurodiversity, promoting more inclusive, respectful, and equitable care.

📍 Join us and be part of the conversation.
🔗 https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

07/02/2025

2 more amazing speakers at the MOTA Annual Conference!

🎤 Presenter Spotlight: Cole Burns, OTR/L, and Jason Hokkanen, COTA/L 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Cole Burns and Jason Hokkanen as a featured presenter at MOTA's Annual Fall Conference!

Join an interactive session that explores the key elements of a work hardening program. The presentation includes hands-on lifting technique demonstrations and task simulations to show how functional movements can be safely adapted for returning to work. It also introduces concepts from pain neuroscience education and motivational interviewing to address both physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Ideal for newcomers or those seeking a deeper understanding, the session is beneficial for potential participants or referral sources.

📍 Join us and be part of the conversation.
🔗 https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

06/26/2025

🚨 Exhibitor Opportunity! | MOTA Annual Fall Conference 🍂

The MOTA Annual Fall Conference is coming up this 📅 Fall — October 3-4! Join us as an exhibitor and connect with occupational therapy professionals, educators, and students from across the state.

✅ Showcase your products or services
✅ Build meaningful relationships
✅ Support the OT community
✅ Gain visibility and make an impact!

📍 Location: St. Cloud, MN
🔗 Reserve your exhibitor booth now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFinW_VD4vQo-oiM-uFGuJcZjbXkrntJTiXIfuyBMtp7GjaQ/viewform

06/26/2025

Register now!
MOTA Annual Conference

Join us at the Annual MOTA Conference – 🌟

📅 Date: October 3rd and 4th
📍 Location: Kelly Inn, St. Cloud MN (100 4th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301)
🎟️ Register Now: https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

✨ What to Expect:
✅ Inspiring Keynotes
✅ Maker's Market
✅ Unconference
✅ Workshops and Networking with fellow OTPs

06/16/2025

This dynamic duo will share their knowledge on Functional Upper Extremity Levels and give an important refresher on Stroke Rehab!

🎤 Presenter Spotlight: Emily Gorshe, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR and Teresa Wickboldt, OTD, OTR/L 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Emily Gorshe and Teresa Wickboldt as a featured presenters at MOTA's Annual Fall Conference!

Functional Upper Extremity Levels (FUEL): A Stroke Rehabilitation Refresher
This course provides an updated look at stroke rehabilitation with a focus on optimizing upper extremity function. It highlights the importance of using the Functional Upper Extremity Levels (FUEL) framework for goal-setting and assessment, as outlined in the 2023 occupational therapy practice guidelines. Designed for occupational therapists, the course emphasizes evidence-based strategies to support meaningful, goal-directed recovery across the rehabilitation continuum.

📍 Join us and be part of the conversation.
🔗 https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892

06/16/2025

There are some amazing speakers ready to present at our annual conference!

Get registered today and keep up on all announcements and events by following MOTA Annual Conference

🎤 Presenter Spotlight: Ashley Rue, MAOTR/L 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Rue as a featured presenter at MOTA's Annual Fall Conference!

This course offers an in-depth exploration of best practices for ensuring smooth transitions and improved patient outcomes across post-acute care settings, including acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient services. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will learn to navigate challenges and implement effective solutions to enhance care continuity.

📍 Join us and be part of the conversation.
🔗 https://mota.wildapricot.org/event-6174892