Voting opens June 1 and closes June 30 at 11:59 PM

Best viewed on desktop. On iPhone, turn your device sideways for an optimal view. There are three candidates for the Gulf Coast East District Vice Chair. Per TOTA By-Laws, If a dual slate cannot be obtained, provisions for a write-in candidate must be made, the ballot shall include a space to enter the write-in candidate’s name.

2026 TOTA Slate of Candidates

Scroll down to view candidates and their position statements. Click on the profile photos to view the candidate's summary of qualifications.

State Board Candidates

President candidates

John Luna, OTR, OTD

Position Statement: My name is John Luna. I am seeking reelection as your TOTA President to continue serving and supporting you, our practitioners, educators, researchers, students, and our profession across Texas. My focus remains on strengthening advocacy, increasing the visibility of OT, and helping execute our expanded three-year strategic plan. This is about our collective voice, not just what TOTA can do for you, but what we can do together. Together, we will build a stronger, more connected profession, honoring our legacy while advancing a vision for the future of OT in Texas.

Write-in candidate

Treasurer candidates

Chris Lasek, OTR, MOT

Position Statement: As treasurer, I would have the important role of preparing TOTA's annual budget and providing accountability and transparency for how TOTA's funds are being spent. If I am elected, I would like to provide a report in our Revista so that members can see financial trends of where our funds are coming from and going. I would also want to see how we can leverage TOTA's finances to increase our impact and growth as an organization. I believe TOTA has a lot to offer its members and has exciting opportunities ahead. I would be honored to serve as your TOTA State Treasurer.

Write-in candidate

District Candidates

Alamo South District

District Chair candidates - No nominations were submitted for this position.

Write-in candidate

Capital Centex District

Vice chair candidates

Kelsey York, OTR, OTD

Position Statement: I recently made the transition from full time clinician to full time academia. This also included a cross country move from Washington state to Texas. I am nominating for the vice chair or even a different position that may be a better fit to give back to the OT profession and become involved at the state level. I previously was the manager (lead) OT at Agape Pediatric Therapy; this role included leadership skills, time management skills, and administrative support making me a good candidate for vice chair.

Write-in candidate

Secretary candidates

Kelli Easley, OTR, MOT

Position Statement: I am a strong candidate for the TOTA Capital Centex Secretary position due to my organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in occupational therapy education. I regularly coordinate meetings, manage documentation, and communicate with diverse stakeholders, ensuring accurate records and timely information sharing. I am committed to advancing occupational therapy in Texas through collaboration, recruitment, and professional development, and I am confident in my ability to support the Executive Committee effectively.

Write-in candidate

Great Plains West District

Chair candidates

Dina Warren, OTR, MA

Position Statement: I love being an occupational therapist and advocating for our profession. Being a practicing therapist for almost 27 years has allowed me to see the evolution of this profession. My skills as a practitioner, mentor, lead therapist, and educator, as well as my current service as the Standards and Practice District Chair, have prepared me for a larger leadership role. I desire to serve TOTA and my profession further as district chair by supporting a thriving collaborative district community focused on supporting practitioners and students.

Write-in candidate

Gulf Coast East District

Vice chair candidates

Bridget Kwami, OTR, MOT, NTMTC	Position Statement: As a leader committed to advancing OT, I bring a depth of clinical experience that has shaped me into a steady, collaborative and forward-thinking leader — qualities that make me a strong candidate for the position. I am committed to strengthening professional networks. I believe in teamwork, transparency, and building a community that reflects the full breadth of occupational therapy in the district. My background in high-acuity care and family-centered pediatrics equips me to support members, strengthen education opportunities and help guide the association's growth as Vice Chair.	Supriya Sen, OTR, MS, OTD	Position Statement: I am honored to submit my candidacy for District Vice Chair. As a dedicated practicing member of TOTA, I understand the opportunities and challenges facing our district. I am passionate about the professional growth of our field and I believe this position plays a critical role in bridging the gap between state-level initiatives and local practice. I am committed to fostering a supportive community by organizing informative, relevant CEU opportunities and networking events where we can share resources, advocate for our profession, and mentor the next generation of OT practitioners.
Karthik Mani, OTR, OTD, FACOT	Position Statement: Karthik Mani is an academic leader and passionate occupational therapist who has several years of nonprofit leadership experience across two continents. He has served in several volunteer and official roles at NBCOT including NBCOT ambassador for Texas, where he acted as a conduit between TX OT community and NBCOT. He has extensive experience in OT practice, education, and research. Dr. Mani has dedicated his career advancing OT profession and education, which makes him an ideal candidate to serve as District Vice Chair of TOTA.
Secretary Candidates
Triston Batchelor, COTA	Position Statement: I bring a unique blend of experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and Human Resources professional. My background in HR has strengthened my skills in organization, compliance, communication, and accurate documentation. Combined with my leadership experience, I am prepared to support efficient operations and clear record-keeping as GCED TOTA Secretary while actively engaging and advocating for OTA members across the district.	Catherine Cooper Hay, OTR, PhD	Position Statement: I have a strong desire to support our organization and the field of occupational therapy. My prior experience in community based programs, as well as my work across the medical continuum of care gives me a broad perspective of the needs of practicing clinicians, and my current work in academia exposes me to the questions and needs of entry level practitioners. I am now at a time in my career that I have more time to give to the work of TOTA, and I hope to contribute in a meaningful way. Thank you for considering me for this position.

Rio Grande District

Chair candidates - No nominations were submitted for this position.

Write-in candidate

Trinity North District

Vice chair candidates

Sylvia Huang, OTR, OTD, CPAM, CBIS	Position Statement: I believe I am an excellent candidate for Trinity North District Vice Chair, bringing over 15 years of experience as an OTP and a strong commitment to advancing the profession. As a lecturer and PhD scholar, I champion the unique value of occupation in driving meaningful recovery and quality of life. I am passionate about advocacy, protecting our practice domains, and exploring emerging areas, positioning myself as a strong, forward-thinking leader for the district.	Savitha Sundar, OTR, PhD	Position Statement: I am an occupational therapy practitioner, researcher, and educator committed to advancing inclusive, participation-focused practice. With over 25 years of experience in clinical care, teaching, and leadership, I bring a collaborative and action-oriented approach. As Vice Chair, I am eager to offer my skills and time to our profession to support practitioner engagement, foster professional growth, and advocate for meaningful OT roles across settings. I am dedicated to strengthening our district's voice and impact within TOTA and our profession at large.
Secretary Candidates
Justine Faghihifar, OTR, OTD	Position Statement: I have enjoyed the last two years at this position and would love the opportunity to continue my service in this role.		Write in Candidate