About ConnOTA
ConnOTA has been shaping the future of occupational therapy in Connecticut since 1923, when Kathryn Root, our first president, laid the foundation for a thriving community of practitioners. Today, we’re a dynamic network of professionals across the state, advocating for the profession on both clinical and legislative levels. Our mission is to support, protect, and elevate occupational therapy while empowering our members. As an inclusive profession, OT drives meaningful change—enhancing health, well-being, and quality of life by creating real-world solutions that help people fully engage in everyday life.
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ConnOTA Membership FAQs
 Get to Know Our Dedicated Volunteers
Our Leaders Behind The Mission: Board Members
Our Committees & Their Impact: Committee Members
Our Representative at AOTA: RA Representative
Our Ambassador for Certification & Excellence : NBCOT Ambassador
Board Members
Amy Burton, OTD, OTR/L
2024-2026
President
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As ConnOTA's President, Amy brings her passion for advancing the occupational therapy profession in Connecticut, drawing from her extensive experience on the board. Her leadership has fostered successful conferences and mentored emerging leaders, creating a vibrant space for professionals to connect, learn, and lead. At Western New England University, Amy’s role as Assistant Dean and Professor extends to supporting student wellbeing through yoga and advocating for the integration of social-emotional learning in occupational therapy. Amy’s collaborative approach, commitment to professional development, and focus on empowering others make her an inspiring role model for future and current occupational therapy professionals eager to drive change and make a lasting impact in the profession.
Gus Schlegel, PhD, MPS, OTR/L, CHES, CAPS
2025-2027
Vice President
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As ConnOTA's Vice President, Gus brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to global healthcare advocacy. As a professor, Gus has spent years working in Haiti, where he co-led service learning trips, raised funds for local clinics, and consulted on community programs. His international service deeply informs his role at ConnOTA, where he collaborates with the President on strategic planning and policy development, supports program growth by working with committee chairs, and plays a key role in training new board members to ensure smooth transitions. Gus’s dedication to community service and leadership drives his efforts to strengthen ConnOTA’s mission and initiatives.
Corrin Campbell, BS, COTA/L
2024---
Past President
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As ConnOTA's Past President, Corrin plays a vital role in mentoring the new President, ensuring a smooth leadership transition, and contributing to the strategic direction of ConnOTA. She made history as the first COTA/L to hold the elected role of President, serving from 2020 to 2024. With experience in home health, subacute care, outpatient therapy, and geri-psych, Corrin has always focused on maximizing client function. After nearly a decade in clinical practice, she transitioned into higher education, where she mentored students as an instructor, Fieldwork Coordinator, and Program Director. Corrin currently works with individuals experiencing cognitive changes and stays engaged with treatment trends and policy developments through ConnOTA, AOTA, and other professional organizations.
Carol G. Potter, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS
2024-2026
Treasurer
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As ConnOTA’s Treasurer, Carol is committed to ensuring the accurate management of the association's finances, providing regular financial reports, and overseeing the proper allocation of funds. With extensive experience as an occupational therapist and leader in both clinical and educational settings, Carol brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has worked as a clinician, consultant, director, and educator in inpatient and outpatient therapy. Prior to joining ConnOTA, Carol served as Treasurer on the Executive Boards of the Washington Occupational Therapy Association, and the Westchester District of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, where she played a key role in overseeing financial affairs and ensuring transparency in budgeting and reporting.
Kristina Cuoco, MS, OTR/L, CBIS
2022-2024
Secretary
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As ConnOTA's Secretary, Kristina plays a key role in maintaining accurate records of the association's actions and supporting the development of written materials. Kristina earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University and has dedicated many years to working with older adults in skilled nursing settings. She has advanced to become a skilled rehabilitation director and now focuses on mental health and adults with acquired brain injuries. Kristina has earned her credentials as a certified brain injury specialist, further enhancing her expertise in the field. Kristina’s attention to detail and dedication to her responsibilities support the smooth operation of the association and its continued success.
Joyce E Rioux, EdD, OTR/L, SCSS, FAOTA
2023-2025
Government Affairs Co-Chair
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As Co-Chair of Government Affairs for ConnOTA, Joyce works with Latasha and the ConnOTA lobbyist to track and respond to laws and policies affecting occupational therapy in Connecticut. She keeps members informed through advocacy chats, legislative action nights, website alerts, and board meetings while collaborating with state and federal agencies to advocate for the profession. Joyce also serves as a consultant for the Capitol Region Education Council and has held leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Therapies and Chair of AOTA's Commission on Continuing Competence. An advocate for school practice, Joyce is dedicated to advancing occupational therapy in education and beyond.
Latasha R. Dionne, OTD, OTR/L
2024- 2026
Government Affairs Co-Chair
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As Co-Chair of Government Affairs for ConnOTA, Latasha works alongside Joyce and the ConnOTA lobbyist to advocate for policies that support occupational therapy practitioners and the communities they serve. With a decade of experience in pediatric settings, she brings a strong foundation in cultural competence, occupational justice, and health equity to her advocacy work. Latasha is also a professor at Springfield College, where she imparts her knowledge and passion for the field to the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners. She is dedicated to keeping ConnOTA members informed and engaged, providing updates on policy issues impacting OT in Connecticut. Latasha's commitment to advancing the profession drives her efforts to ensure that the voices of occupational therapy practitioners are heard at the state and national levels.
Anne Koba, MS, OTR/L
2024-2026
Membership Co-Chair
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As ConnOTA's Membership Co-Chair, Anne collaborates with Maureen to foster a vibrant and engaged community of occupational therapy professionals. With over 30 years of experience, Anne brings a wealth of expertise to her role, having worked in school-based, early intervention and home-based pediatric settings, focusing on inclusion and independence for clients. She is passionate about team collaboration and client-centered practice, which aligns with her commitment to creating meaningful connections within ConnOTA. Currently, as an assistant professor at the University of Hartford, Anne mentors future occupational therapists while specializing in occupation-based practice, assistive technology, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor development, and best practices in teaching and learning and the establishment of welcoming and inclusive environments. Her extensive background enhances her ability to engage members, develop resources, and advocate for the growth of our professional community.
Maureen Leyes, M.Ed., COTA/L
2023-2025
Membership Co-Chair
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As ConnOTA's Membership Co-chair and a decade-long career member of the association, Maureen works alongside Anne to strengthen and engage the occupational therapy community. With a background as an educator in both special education as well as in the private sector, she is passionate about teaching and a strong advocate for accessible education. Currently Associate Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the OTA Program at CT State Manchester, Maureen is dedicated to preparing the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners with a holistic approach to education. Her clinical experience in physical rehabilitation, along with her current work per diem at Mount Sinai Rehab Hospital’s inpatient setting, adds valuable real-world insight to her role. Maureen’s passion for both teaching and practice ensures that ConnOTA continues to support professional growth and development, fostering a strong and connected community for all members.
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Committee Members
Terese Betts, MS, OTD, OTR/L, RYT
SIS Co-Chair
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As a member of ConnOTA’s Professional Development team, Tessa is committed to ensuring that the educational needs of our members are met through well-organized conferences and learning opportunities. With a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University and current work at Yale University School of Medicine's Young Adult Services team, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Tessa also coordinates Level II Fieldwork programming and supports transitional housing programs for young adults. She is currently pursuing a ScD in Occupational Science at Towson University, with a focus on occupational justice and community participation for individuals with serious mental illness. Tessa’s dedication to both her professional development and the continued growth of ConnOTA members makes her an invaluable resource in shaping educational events and conferences.
Stefanie Seanor, EdD, MBA, OTR/L, ABDA
SIS Co-Chair
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As ConnOTA's SIS Co-Chair, Stefanie works alongside Terese to coordinate educational events and professional development opportunities that align with current trends and practitioner needs. With nearly 25 years of experience in pediatric and adolescent occupational therapy across school and private practice settings, she is passionate about supporting mental health and wellness. Stefanie has led interprofessional workshops, mentored graduate students and clinicians, and contributed to research on entry-level practitioner readiness. She is an assistant professor in the Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy at Sacred Heart University and holds a Certificate in Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare, reinforcing her commitment to advancing education and best practices in the field.
Tessa Boston, MOT, OTR/L
Professional Development
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As a member of ConnOTA’s Professional Development team, Tessa is committed to ensuring that the educational needs of our members are met through well-organized conferences and learning opportunities. With a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University and current work at Yale University School of Medicine's Young Adult Services team, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Tessa also coordinates Level II Fieldwork programming and supports transitional housing programs for young adults. She is currently pursuing a ScD in Occupational Science at Towson University, with a focus on occupational justice and community participation for individuals with serious mental illness. Tessa’s dedication to both her professional development and the continued growth of ConnOTA members makes her an invaluable resource in shaping educational events and conferences.
Jaimee Hegge, OTD, OTR/L, CKTP
Professional Development
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As a member of ConnOTA’s Professional Development team, Jaimee brings over a decade of experience in occupational therapy, with a strong focus on adult and geriatric physical rehabilitation. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Sacred Heart University, where she teaches in the Graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Jaimee holds a Master of Science in OT from Sacred Heart University (2012) and a Post-Professional Doctoral degree from St. Catherine University (2018). Her expertise spans home health, ergonomics, and pelvic floor dysfunction, and she is also a Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner. Jaimee’s role as Professional Development Coordinator allows her to leverage her diverse knowledge to support the continued growth of ConnOTA’s educational offerings.
Heather Studwell, MS, OTR/L, MBA, CLT-LANA
Professional Development
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As a member of ConnOTA's Professional Development team, Heather supports the planning of continuing education conferences that reflect the evolving needs of occupational therapy practitioners. She has over 24 years of experience in oncology rehabilitation, with a specialty in breast cancer care, and now serves as the Oncology Survivorship Program Coordinator at Greenwich Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital – Greenwich. Heather holds degrees in early childhood education and occupational therapy, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and is pursuing a DHSc in Leadership in Clinical Practice and Education at George Washington University. Drawing on her broad clinical and academic background, she helps ensure the professional growth of Connecticut’s occupational therapy community.
Rhonda Schneider, COTA/L
Public Affairs
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As ConnOTA’s Public Affairs Coordinator, Rhonda Schneider, COTA/L, is responsible for promoting the association’s mission by coordinating the timely distribution of news, developing marketing materials, and managing special programs like the job shadow and mentor initiatives. She is key in raising awareness about the association's activities and engaging members through various communication channels. A 2024 graduate of CT State Manchester, Rhonda began her career in acute care at Hartford Hospital. With a lifelong passion for occupational therapy, Rhonda believes in the transformative power of purposeful activity to enhance well-being. Rhonda's enthusiasm for connecting with members and spreading awareness of the value of occupational therapy makes her an essential asset as Public Affairs Coordinator.
Judi Sheehan, OTR/L, CFo
Historian
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As ConnOTA’s Historian, Judi plays a crucial part in preserving the organization’s legacy and ensuring that important documents are easily accessible to members. With over 20 years of experience with ConnOTA, including two terms as President and several years as Vice President, Judi brings a wealth of knowledge about the organization’s growth and history. Her dedication to maintaining the association’s records and supporting its continued success makes her an invaluable resource for the board and members. Judi’s passion for ConnOTA helps to ensure that the association remains a dynamic and supportive network for Connecticut’s occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and those entering the profession.
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AOTA RA Representative
Joan Sauvigne-Kirsch, EdD, OTR/L (2023-2027)
Connecticut Representative
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As our Representative Assembly (RA) representative, Joan is your connection to shaping the future of occupational therapy at the national level. She stays informed on key professional issues, gathers input from peers, and ensures that our community’s voice is heard in important discussions. She also helps onboard new representatives, collaborates with leadership, and engages in decision-making that impacts the profession. Whether it’s serving on committees, mentoring future leaders, or keeping everyone updated, she plays a key role in making sure occupational therapy continues to grow and evolve.
NBCOT Ambassador
Morgan R. Villano, MPA, MSPS, OTR/L
Connecticut Ambassador
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As an NBCOT ambassador, Morgan is your go-to resource for staying connected with the broader occupational therapy community—including students, practitioners, educators, and leaders. She helps expand NBCOT’s presence at the state level, making it easier to access important certification resources, stay informed, and engage in meaningful conversations about the profession. Whether you have questions about certification or want to get involved, Morgan is here to support you and help keep occupational therapy moving forward.
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