Hello, my name is Melanie Suttner. Since July 2021, I’ve enjoyed working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, in the medical settings of South Davis Community Hospical/Western Peaks, a respiratory specialty hospital-PRN, in addition to post acute-care skilled nursing at, Fairfield Village of Layton-PRN, Life Care Center of Bountiful-Full time, and Home-Health with Canyon-PRN. Prior to employment as a COTA, I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Speech Communications in 2001. During that period I explored a career as an orthopedic fitter, followed by product sales. Although, my previous careers provided me with useful skills, my passion to serve, heal, and lead people – gave rise to becoming an OTA. As I serve, my patients and community to become more independent in their changing minds and bodies, I do so, by creating a collaborative environment that is energetic, fun and client-centered. I love occupational therapy because the profession values, ‘meeting people where they’re at’, demonstrating a community that focuses on the well-being of “all abilities”, including both patient and provider. I’m seeking to be nominated as the new OTA Representative for UOTA 2023-2025, because I am ready to further my professional experience as an OTA, while encouraging current and future OTA students to be excited about the field. Additionally, I’m interested in staying apprised of new laws/changes in the profession, simultaneously, looking forward to interdisciplinary networking, collaboration, and professional development, while creating more life changing events and sustainable programs.
