Emily Cummings - Co-Chair of Public Relations

Hi UOTA friends! My name is Emily Cummings and I work as a pediatric occupational therapist. I enjoy creative outlets like crafting (e.g., sewing, knitting, weaving) and painting watercolors, as well as supporting my family members in their activities. I stay active by skiing, playing volleyball, hiking/camping, and enjoying the local trail system along the river, usually while listening to a good audiobook. The pandemic lockdown piqued my interest in gardening and I find it thrilling to see what things I can convince to grow (and get my kids to try eating!) each year. I attended the University of Washington in Seattle, WA for my initial OT education, and completed a post-professional OTD degree and Healthcare Professions Education certificate program from Rocky Mountain University.  

I worked in western Washington for several years before moving to Utah, and felt a sense of loss at leaving my OT network behind in Washington when my family relocated. Upon joining UOTA,  I began to meet other practitioners in Utah and make connections with new organizations at continuing education events. The support I felt from UOTA as I started over in a new state was worth far more to me than the UOTA membership fee I paid. I never fully understood how much work goes on behind the scenes in UOTA, however, until I started volunteering on an annual conference planning committee a few years ago. It was great to see the collaboration of OT practitioners from different practice areas throughout the state, and I’ve had a new appreciation for UOTA ever since. I enjoy volunteering with UOTA, helping our association run smoothly behind the scenes and supporting occupational therapy-related endeavors in Utah.