DEIJAB SIS
The DEIJAB SIS is established to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, accessibility, and belonging within the occupational therapy community in Michigan, ensuring that all experience equitable access to opportunities and resources across all practice areas.
Mission: To advocate for and implement initiatives that:
o Foster a culture of inclusivity and cultural humility.
o Address and dismantle systemic barriers and biases.
o Enhance representation and participation of underrepresented groups within the profession.
o Provide education and resources to support DEIJAB efforts across all areas of practice, including but not limited to pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, physical rehabilitation, school-based therapy, and community health.
Meetings
The committee is scheduled to host monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8pm.
DEIJAB SIS Contact: Please reach out to vicepresident@miota.org
DEIJAB SIS Leadership
Dr. LaTasha Allen is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a strong commitment to mental health. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Allen has worked extensively with OT student placements in hospital settings and has served as a clinical instructor to emerging practitioners. She teaches as an adjunct professor and brings a deep passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists. Dr. Allen remains actively involved in occupational therapy advocacy across Michigan and contributes to the development of OT and OTA programs through her service on multiple advisory boards.
Dr. Kereri has practiced as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. He has also
served as an educator in higher education (occupational therapy) for several years. He is an
Associate Professor and the Founding Program Director of the Doctor of Science in
Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate at Andrews University, as well
as an adjunct professor of occupational therapy at Parkland College, USA. Dr. Kereri holds a
Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
(2018), a Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy, orthopedic track, from the
University of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (2003), and a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from
Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi, Kenya (1994).
Bethany Burge is a community-based Occupational Therapist specializing in interventions that facilitate healthy aging-in-place. Over the last 13 years, Bethany has developed expertise and experience in evidence-based health promotion initiatives, advocacy, environmental modifications, grant-writing, and program development. Bethany achieved Board Certification in Gerontology through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and holds various specialty certifications in stroke rehabilitation, lymphedema, substance misuse prevention, home modifications, and non-profit management. Bethany previously volunteered on the MiOTA Fall Conference Committee and currently serves as the MiOTA Liaison to Michigan's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) OT Board and MiOTA’s Bylaws Committee.