Campus visit from AOTA President Alyson Stover empowers Occupational Therapy graduates

The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New England welcomed Alyson Stover, M.O.T., J.D., OTR/L, BCP, president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), on May 16 to meet with members of the graduating Class of 2024 and impart wisdom as they begin their careers as occupational therapists.

In her address, Stover emphasized the pivotal role occupational therapists play in facilitating empowerment, not just for their clients but also for themselves. She underscored the importance of cultivating a mindset that fosters resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience.

Throughout her talk, Stover shared personal anecdotes from her own occupational therapy journey and professional insights. She stressed the skill of turning frustrations and challenges into learning experiences that can propel a person into the next chapter of their professional journey.   

Kris Winston, Ph.D., OTR/L, program director of UNE’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program, said the visit was not just an ordinary guest lecture but a motivating experience aimed at empowerment.

“The Class of 2024 was introduced to President Stover in the summer of 2023 via Zoom, and the students were very excited to discover that she would join us in person to cap off their program with her thoughtful and engaging lecture,” Winston remarked. “It was a wonderful experience for students, faculty, and professional staff involved.”

Stover also stressed the importance of self-care and resilience in a demanding field like occupational therapy. She encouraged students to prioritize their own well-being and stay connected with their support network of previous classmates, professors, and local and national associations, reminding them that they cannot effectively empower others if they allow themselves to become drained.

She also acknowledged the challenge of defining occupational therapy to the public because of the massive scope and variety of settings and specialties the profession encompasses. 

Stover encouraged graduating students to instead focus on their own niche and passions to then start conversations about all that is possible within the holistic profession of occupational therapy.

“Alyson’s willingness to engage with the audience on a personal level left a lasting impression that will inspire the next generation of occupational therapy professionals to take on the challenges they will face with compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that UNE and AOTA will always remain a support to them,” Winston said.