Mission & Vision
The aim of the Student OT Association (SOTA) is to foster professional growth through educational enrichment, meaningful connections, and community service while advocating for occupational therapy awareness and creating a supportive environment for students and faculty. We aspire to engage and inspire members through accessible, diverse events that promote professional development, build lasting connections, and create purposeful opportunities that enhance the occupational therapy educational journey.
SOTA Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paula Rabaey
If you have questions or would like to connect, please email [email protected].
Membership Requirements
- All OT Program students are automatically members in SOTA.
- Pre-OT students are welcome to join general body meetings, but are ineligible to become members.
- Attend and participate in monthly meetings, service, fundraising, educational, and committee sessions.
Become a Member
For incoming students, more information will be provided in the Orientation Course and on orientation day. For current students, please refer to the SOTA Canvas Course for more information.
Executive Board 2025-2026
Co-Presidents
Maria Kelly – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Ashley Roth – Rochester Class of 2027
Serves as the official representative of the SOTA at meetings and events. Presides over all SOTA meetings on their respective campus. Responsible for registering the organization each summer (coordinating as needed between both campuses). Responsible for fulfilling absences of other officer positions.
Vice President
Taylor Johnson – Twin Cities Class of 2028
Assumes the duties of the President in their absence. Succeeds the President if the President is unable to complete their term. Assists the President (e.g., helps create presentations, coordinates snack rotations, checks in with other officers). Helps run meetings on their respective campuses. Responsible for fulfilling absences of other officer positions.
Secretary
Dhwani Hingu – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Grace Muellner – Twin Cities Class of 2028
Oversees formal club communications, including checking and responding to emails on a regular (at least weekly) basis. Sends reminders for monthly meetings (one week in advance and again the day before). Sends a recap email within one week after each meeting (including topics discussed, presentation slides, and guest speaker contact info if applicable). Coordinates outreach to guest speakers and sends follow-up/thank-you messages post-event. Records all virtual meetings, with consent, and archives the recordings.
Co-Treasurers
Emily Poisl – Rochester Class of 2027
Abigail Koebernick – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Manages the budget, financial transactions, and record-keeping, ensuring transparency and compliance with University requirements. Provides monthly financial reports to the membership. Liaises with the University Office of Student Affairs, attends ICC (Interprofessional or related) meetings, and coordinates fundraising each semester. Organizes student travel and lodging for MOTA/AOTA conferences; oversees any financial assistance programs.
MN State OT Liason
Sara Purdy – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Ella Bloomquist – Twin Cities Class of 2028
Communicates with MOTA and other state-level OT organizations. Encourages student involvement in state OT conferences and events.
Assembly of Student Delegates Representative
Kiara Clusiau – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Represents SOTA within the Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD). Relays information from AOTA and ASD Steering Committee to SOTA members. When possible, this student attends AOTA and/or MOTA.
Communications Committee
Elizabeth Watson – Rochester Class of 2027
Bailey Andemar – Twin Cities Class of 2028
Collaborates with the Secretary to send monthly meeting emails and announcements. Manages the organization’s social media presence (e.g., Instagram for UMN SOTA).
Social Outreach Committee
Mckenna Vacek – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Addison Bemboom – Twin Cities Class of 2028
Plans social events and meetings to build community within the program.
Alumni Outreach Committee
Anna Julius – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Mason Olsansky – Twin Cities Class of 2028
Coordinates events and activities to engage alumni as resources for current students (e.g., networking events, panels).
Community Outreach Committee
Ainsley Ditlefsen – Twin Cities Class of 2027
Organizes volunteer opportunities within the local community. Connects with local OTs for educational meetings or mentorship opportunities.
Research Committee
Ricarda Salk – Rochester Class of 2027
Coordinates discussions on current literature and research in occupational therapy. Collaborates with faculty to facilitate research-related learning or opportunities for members.