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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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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Amy is proud to serve ConnOTA and her professional community as President. She has served on the ConnOTA board for several terms, first as the Member for Professional Development (MPD), organizing and hosting conferences. This included a quick switch to virtual conferences at the onset of COVID-19 and collaborating with State Association conference teams to troubleshoot the survival of conferences during a pandemic. After her tenure as the MPD, Amy served as the ConnOTA Vice President, collaborating with and mentoring newer Board members, helping with operations, and stepping in to support the President, when needed. Outside of ConnOTA, Amy is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western New England University. She is a certified yoga instructor and uses this as a way to support student mental health and wellbeing at work. She has committed her career to the area of pediatrics and has conducted much of her research on inter-professional practice and social and emotional learning for individuals in preschool through adulthood.
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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Corrin, the first COTA/L to be elected as ConnOTA President, has practiced in areas from home health to subacute to outpatient to Geri-psych and more. In every setting, she zeroes in on maximizing each client's level of function. After nearly a decade in the clinical settings, she took on higher education, supporting many students as an instructor, Fieldwork Coordinator, and Program Director. Though she continues to support former and current students, she has since returned to work with persons experiencing changes in cognition. Her desire to stay current with treatment and policy trends has driven her to attend ConnOTA and AOTA, topic-specific, and ALC and NEOTEC conferences, as well as present to the Alzheimer’s Association and other medical groups on identifying and treating changes in cognition as early as possible. She has also partnered with Dr. Margarita Reyes for her yearly education series. In addition to her COTA licensure, Corrin has received formal training in dementia care, vestibular rehab, cardiac rehab, and low vision. Corrin holds a BS in Early Childhood Development from Charter Oak College and an AAS in Occupational Therapy Assisting from Briarwood College.
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, MOTR/L, CBIS
2022-2024
Secretary
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Kristina completed her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2009. Kristina has invested many years into working with older adults in the skilled nursing setting and becoming a skilled rehabilitation director; currently, she focuses on mental health and adults with acquired brain injuries, earning her credentials as a certified brain injury specialist.
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 a decade-long career member of ConnOTA and ConnOTA's Membership Co-Chair, 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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Terese Betts has over 12 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist working primarily in school settings with preschool through high school-aged students with disabilities. She earned a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Howard University in Washington, DC, and a post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate from New York University. Dr. Betts' passion lies in facilitating engagement in leisure and social participation in community settings for youths with disabilities by addressing complex needs and social determinants of health. Terese is a 200-Hour RYT and shares her passion for yoga with the youth population in community settings. She enjoys spending time with her boys, playing with her dog, reading books, and attending yoga retreats.
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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Tessa earned her master’s degree from Saint Louis University in 2017. She is an occupational therapist with the Yale University School of Medicine, working on the Young Adult Services team at the Connecticut Mental Health Center. She also coordinates the Level II Fieldwork programming at her site and supports transitional housing programs facilitate independent living for young adults. Tessa is pursuing her ScD in Occupational Science at Towson University, with research interests in occupational justice and community participation for individuals with serious mental illness.
Jaimee Hegge, OTD, OTR/L, CKTP
Professional Development
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Jaimee has practiced as an occupational therapist since 2012 and teaches adult and geriatric physical rehabilitation in the Graduate Occupational Therapy Program at Sacred Heart University as a Clinical Assistant Professor. She received her Master of Science in OT degree from Sacred Heart University in 2012 and her Post-Professional Doctoral degree from St. Catherine University in 2018. She grounds her expertise in physical rehabilitation with focuses on home health, ergonomics, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is also a Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner.
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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Judi has extensive experience with ConnOTA as the Historian (since 2000) and has served two terms as President (2016-2020), and as Vice President, (2010-2014) where she was instrumental in facilitating many major organizational improvements. She has assisted or held the chair position for the annual Spring Conferences for over 17 years. ConnOTA has awarded her with the Award of Service, the Award of Merit, and the President’s award. She has a passion for ConnOTA and ensuring that the organization continues to remain a strong and innovative organization where the state’s Occupational Therapists can share their ideas and skills and utilize its growing resources to further their work in the state.
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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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