Elections are open to all current members of TOTA. All members (including student members) are encouraged to vote for State Board positions and for the candidates within their district.
Voting begins June 1 and ends on June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM Note: It is best to view this page from the website and not a cell phone. However, if you are using an iPhone you can turn your device sideways for an optimal view. There are three candidates for the Trinity North District Chair.
2025 TOTA Slate of Candidates: Scroll down to view candidates and their position statements. To learn more about each candidate, click on their profile photo.
2025 Positions Up for Election |
State Board: |
District Positions: |
|
Alamo South |
Capital Centex |
Great Plains West |
Gulf Coast East |
Rio Grande |
Trinity North |
Vice-President Secretary
|
Vice Chair Secretary |
Chair |
Vice Chair Secretary |
Chair
|
Vice Chair Secretary |
Chair
|
Click the "Vote Today" image below to cast your ballot.

♦ VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES♦
|
Position Statement: I have been an active TOTA member for over 10 years, and have been in several volunteer leadership roles for the past 8 years. I have been passionate about serving the organization, and am currently acting as the State Vice President. It would be such a privilege to continue supporting TOTA in this role and keep working with the wonderful team of people on the TOTA board.
|
Laurie Stelter, OTR, PhD
Position Statement: I have been honored to serve on TOTA's executive board for the past 6 years where I have been able to contribute efforts toward many worthy initiatives. These include chairing the committee that resulted in a major reformatting and update to TOTA's bylaws and policies and procedure documents, the institution of the practice forum presentation format at our annual conference, and most recently the development of procedures for individual committee and document management operational policies. I am excited to continue my service to the profession with a second term as Secretary.
|
♦ VICE CHAIR CANDIDATES ♦
|
Marcie Campbell, OTR, OTD
|
Position Statement: Advocacy is at the heart of my work as an occupational therapist, and I am committed to strengthening our profession through education, service, and leadership. I am eager to continue serving as Vice Chair of the Alamo South District to support local practitioners, foster collaboration, and promote engagement in our state organization. My passion for advancing OT has been recognized at the state level, and I would be honored to bring that same dedication to this role to support and empower our district.
|
Jacqueline Stevenson, OTR, OTD
|
Position Statement: Jacqueline Stevenson is an ideal candidate for the TOTA Secretary position due to her leadership, organizational excellence, and dedication to the profession. She hosts weekly program and advisory board meetings, ensuring clear, effective communication. A former Regional Director of Rehabilitation, she brings administrative expertise and a strong commitment to advancing occupational therapy through active TOTA engagement.
|
Lacey Spark, OTR, MOT, OTD
|
Position Statement: I would be honored and excited to serve as your Capital Centex District Chair for another term. In my time as your district chair and along with my fellow board members, I have been dedicated to bringing out district together, advocating for OT on the district and state level, working to provide continuing education opportunities for the membership, and giving back to the community. My goal for another term is to keep pushing forward in professional advocacy, building community, supporting OT practitioners, and serving YOU! Thank you for the consideration and opportunity.
|
GREAT PLAINS WEST DISTRICT
|
Melinda Underwood, OTR, OTD
|
Position Statement: I’m honored to be considered for the Vice Chair position of the TOTA Great Plains West district. I have over 25 years of experience as an OT, and I’ve been blessed to serve in a variety of clinical venues and currently in an academic setting. I’ve been a proud TOTA member for many years, and I value opportunities to mentor students, advocate for the OT profession, and connect with other practitioners. I am dedicated to service, education, and collaboration within the profession, and I would be excited for the opportunity to represent our region in this role.
|
Position Statement: I would like to be able to serve our OT community at a higher level than just within my current work position. I am interested in getting involved in supporting OT as a whole on our state level, and believe that working on our district level is a great way to impact within my local scope.
|
Lillie Thomas, OTR, MOT, EdD
Position Statement: I have been a member of TOTA for many years. I have presented at the TOTA conferences and offered continuing education locally in our district. I enjoy participating in the local district socials. As the SOTA sponsor, I work to help communicate with the students about events offered by TOTA and encourage them to participate and advocate for the profession through support at the state level.
|
Renee Shepherd, COTA, BS, M.Ed.
Position Statement: I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Chair of GCED. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving in leadership roles within this organization, first as the OTA representative from 2020 to 2021 and, most recently, as Vice Chair since 2021. These experiences have allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of GCED’s challenges, and opportunities. My time as OTA representative further deepened my commitment to advocating for the voices that make up our community. My priorities will include increasing participation and visibility of the profession.
|
Supriya Sen, OTR, MS, OTD
|
Position Statement: I bring proven leadership experience from my service to AOTA as Chairperson ,Work and Industry, SIS from 2020 - 2023, strategic planning and communication skills essential to this role. My ability to preside over meetings , guide district membership, and recruit committee leaders aligns with the responsibilities outlined. I will ensure compliance with organizational goals and foster collaboration. Additionally , my commitment to advancing occupational therapy through education, advocacy, and community engagement ensures I will effectively represent and support district members.
|
♦ VICE CHAIR CANDIDATES ♦
|
Position Statement: As a current appointed Vice Chair, I aim to advocate and bring awareness to the OT profession. I am an active participant within the community by participating in school events, and agency fairs that promote occupational therapy and the profession. If elected, I will continue working toward building a better and more united Rio Grande district along with my peers.
|
Position Statement: As an experienced OTA instructor and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with 12 years of practice, I bring a strong foundation in health and wellness education, effective communication, and organizational skills to the TOTA Secretary position. My background in teaching future OT practitioners has honed my ability to manage records, facilitate clear communication, and support team collaboration. I am committed to advancing the profession and ensuring efficient operations within TOTA, making me an ideal candidate for this role.
|
Position Statement: I am passionate about advancing occupational therapy in Texas and committed to fostering unity and growth within our district. With experience in leadership, collaboration, and event coordination, I’m equipped to guide our membership, support remote site groups, and align district goals with TOTA’s strategic vision. I bring strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills—ensuring our voices are represented and our impact is amplified across the state.
|
Purnananda Kar, OTR, OTD, MBA, CLT
|
Position Statement: One of the striking point I must say. I would like to see the Trinity North District have more association activity and presence. Increased awareness is needed for more clinicians to interact. I have a vision to collaborate with schools and local employers to bring out more clinicians to TOTA so we can spread the awareness in communities around DFW.
|
Kayla Allen, OTD, OTR, CPC, CSRS, CDP
|
Position Statement: As a doctoral-trained occupational therapist, educator, and leadership mentor, I bring a proven record of advancing the profession through innovative programming, statewide advocacy, and student success. From developing professional education for underrepresented communities to coaching 40+ students to NBCOT success, I lead with purpose and collaboration. As Trinity North District Chair, I will elevate engagement, drive strategic initiatives, and represent our region with excellence, vision, and integrity.
|
|
|
|