Therapy Entrepreneurs and Leaders of Color

Dr. Ana Brussa Interview

Ana Brussa completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, earning a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. She then moved to Boston, where she earned her master’s degree and doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University. Ana lived in Boston for 15 years, practicing pediatric occupational therapy in outpatient settings. She spent 11 years at Tufts Children’s Hospital, working across a wide range of pediatric settings, including the NICU, PICU, inpatient services, and outpatient feeding. Ana currently lives in Texas, where she transitioned into pediatric home health. Until this past year, she served as the Director of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, and she now continues her work as the Lead Occupational Therapist for her agency.

 

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Maggie Conners Deforge Podcast Interview

Maggie (Conners) DeForge is a dedicated leader and advocate in the field of Occupational Therapy, with a strong focus on supporting Native and Indigenous communities. She serves in a leadership capacity related to Occupational Therapy for Native communities and is deeply committed to increasing the number of Native Occupational Therapy practitioners while expanding access to culturally responsive occupational therapy services for Indigenous individuals and communities. Her professional work centers on community health, inclusion, leadership development, and strengthening representation within healthcare professions. With expertise in occupational therapy practice, program development, and advocacy, she works toward improving service delivery systems and empowering Native communities through education, mentorship, and culturally grounded healthcare initiatives.

 

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Dr. Razan Hamed Podcast Interview

Dr. Razan Hamed, PhD, OTR/L

Professional Biography

Dr. Razan Hamed, PhD, OTR/L is a Full Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Occupational Therapy) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUMC), Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she is also the Associate Director of the Programs in Occupational Therapy. (Vagelos College)

Dr. Hamed holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science and an MS in Rehabilitation Science/Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Jordan. (Vagelos College)

She is involved in professional and academic service, including membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), and the Jordan Society for Occupational Therapists (JSOT). She also serves on the editorial board of Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology and contributes as a peer reviewer for multiple occupational therapy journals and conferences. (Vagelos College)

Dr. Hamed’s research includes work on culturally adapted assessment tools such as the Arabic Heritage Activity Card Sort (A-ACS) and the Arabic version of the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (A-PASS), as well as projects using virtual reality to enhance empathy and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in health professions education. (Vagelos College)

 

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Michael Bermudez Podcast Interview

Dr. Michael Bermudez, a first-generation immigrant born in the Philippines, is the Program Director of the Hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Shenandoah University, where he leads curriculum innovation, accreditation alignment, and faculty development. A Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Uganda, he has promoted global community rehabilitation and instructional technology education through collaborative initiatives on assistive technology and health promotion. His scholarship and international presentations focus on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance community rehabilitation research, assessment, and outcomes, preparing future rehabilitation practitioners to lead in technology-driven healthcare settings.

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Dr. Sandra Dunbar-Smalley Podcast Interview

Dr. Sandra Dunbar-Smalley (Sandee) received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University, her Master of Art degree from New York University and her Doctorate in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Sandee is currently the Chief Learning Officer for AdventHealth. She oversees numerous leadership development and learning programs. Sandee served for four years as the Provost of AdventHealth University, which followed over twenty years at Nova Southeastern University as an Occupational Therapy faculty member, Chair and then Assistant Dean in the College of Healthcare Sciences. Sandee developed the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence at Nova Southeastern University to train faculty members in research, teaching/learning principles and leadership/management aspects of higher education.

Sandee is also the author and co-author of leadership books, An Occupational Perspective of Leadership (3 editions), geared towards enabling others to easily apply leadership theory in everyday clinical and classroom experiences. Sandee has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to effective leadership practices, family centered care, occupation-centered practice and early intervention. Sandee has received many academic and service awards, including three Golden Apple awards for her teaching excellence. She enjoys mentoring and has been rewarded by seeing several mentees become leaders. She is married to Arnel Smalley, CEO of Small World Solutions, and has two adult children. Sandee’s favorite occupations are family time, traveling, reading, swimming, trying new restaurants and playing the piano.

 

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Dr. Camacho Podcast Interview

Dr. Camacho (he/him/el) is a distinguished scholar and clinician who identifies as a Generation Xer, urban dweller, first-generation American of South American descent, Latino male, and the first in his family to attain higher education. He holds a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean University. Dr. Camacho currently co-chairs the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee for the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA). His clinical expertise lies in adult rehabilitation, with a specialized focus on lower limb amputation. His scholarly pursuits are deeply rooted in equity, aiming to amplify and address the unique needs of historically marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented groups within society. Dr. Camacho has made significant contributions to the field through his dissemination of presentations and publications on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIJAB) at both national and international levels. His service to the occupational therapy community is profoundly centered on mentorship and sponsorship initiatives, particularly those that elevate the Latino community into leadership positions. In his personal life, Dr. Camacho strives for balance, cherishing moments with his family. Clinically, he is dedicated to assisting clients in engaging and participating in meaningful and necessary occupations. His passion and expertise in amputee rehabilitation drive his practice. As an educator, Dr. Camacho is committed to igniting students’ enthusiasm for the profession while fostering the development of critical thinking and practical skills.

 

Instagram/FB- you get me unfiltered, my life, my political views, my happiness Mcam121- Michael Camacho LinkedIn- you get the scholar, leader, educator, and advocate for OT

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Kniquiah Hughes Podcast Interview

Kniquiah Hughes OTD, OTR/L, is a registered occupational therapist practicing in St. Thomas, Tortola, and Anguilla. She isa honors graduate of the Doctoral Occupational Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine. Dr. Hughes is currently the only occupational therapist in Anguilla where she opened her practice - Wellness Ave. providing services to people of all ages. She has moved throughout the USA - FL and VA, receiving several clinical experiences in acute care, pediatrics, mental health, and geriatrics. She is excited to be back on the islands, providing quality care to her people, and also, serving her role as the newly appointed President of the Association of Caribbean Occupational Therapists.

 

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Dr. Tomeico Faison Monologue Update

Dr. Tomeico Faison, the Wealthy Woman, is a woman of God, wife, mom serial entrepreneur, author, professor, speaker, and real estate investor.  She is the CEO of Therapeutic Solutions (therapeuticsolutionsofnc.com), CEO of Low Vision Rehab Solutions (and co-owner) (lowvisionrehabsolutions.com), and Faison Consulting (faisonconsulting.com). She is the founder of the podcast, Therapy Entrepreneurs and Leaders of Color and now shares hosting with Dr. Douglene Jackson who interviews her on this episode. Dr. Faison is the author of the Amazon #1 best seller-Occupational Therapy: Ten Simple Steps to Independent Contracting. She is also a faculty member in the new Duke OTD program, focusing on the recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented groups and specialty certificates (entrepreneurship and low vision). She has a master's (UNC-CH) and doctoral degree (BU) in Occupational Therapy and certificates in low vision rehab and business coaching. Her mission is to help one million entrepreneurs and leaders by partnering with therapists, organizations, and institutions to increase therapy business ownership and innovative therapy programs globally. Knowing the challenges associated with growing up in poverty and being a Black female health professional, Dr. Tomeico Faison infuses poetry into dynamic storytelling to inspire underrepresented women to live a life of wealth and abundance through entrepreneurial endeavors.

 

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Jarrett Dottin Podcast Interview

Jarrett Dottin (JD), OTR/L, MOT, CLT, specializes in treating clients with lymphedema and providing wound care in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. He is a certified lymphedema therapist and wound care therapist (CLWT), certified for head and neck lymphedema management, and is a certified compression fitting specialist (CCS) that utilizes LIR and Dr. Vodder style methods. He is a certified dementia practitioner and uses the Skills2Care to improve the well-being and skills of caregivers, slows the decline in the daily functioning of persons with dementia, and reduces challenging behaviors that can trigger nursing home placement. He has developed and led dementia training/mapping and restraint reduction, in addition to wheelchair positioning and contracture management programs at skilled facilities in Maine, Massachusetts, and Florida. Additionally, he has consulted with homecare agencies and physicians for the management of pain, neuropathy, and musculoskeletal dysfunction with microcurrent point stimulation (MPS).
Jarrett is the owner of JD The OT Therapy Services, a mobile occupational, physical, and speech therapy practice that manages clients with a variety of conditions including lymphedema, orthopedic injuries, cognitive declines, neurologic conditions, pain, wounds/scar management, and home modifications. The practice allows for outpatient services within a client’s home to assess, adapt, or modify issues that may impact a client’s life. He believes that therapy services should be available to those that need them, with the understanding that leaving the home for treatment may not be realistic.
Licensure/Certification:
● Registered Occupational Therapist -FL #OT15204
● National Board-Certified Occupational Therapist (NBCOT)
● Certified Lymphedema and Wound Care Therapist
● Certified LSVT Practitioner
● Head and Neck Lymphedema Management
● Microcurrent Point Stimulation Practitioner
● Certified Dementia Practitioner
● Skills2Care Practitioner
Clinical Experience:
● Assesses, plans, and implements occupational therapy care for diverse patient populations including those in inpatient settings, outpatient settings, home health care, and outpatient private practice setting. Patient conditions include but are not limited to orthopedics, neurologic, lymphedema of the extremities/head neck/trunk, and acute and chronic wound care.
● Documentation of patient care activities such as evaluations, progress notes, re-evaluations, and discharge summaries in adherence with Medicare and institution standards.
● Prepares and submits letters of medical necessity regarding lymphedema treatments, power wheelchairs, compression garments, and compression pumps to ensure coverage by insurance companies, and participates in formal appeals on behalf of patients regarding DME supplies.
● Collaborates with doctors, nurses, case managers, social workers, PT/OT/ speech therapists, and administrators utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
● Clinical settings: acute care, hand therapy outpatient, private practice OT, home health, and lymphedema therapy.
● Ensures clinics meet standards for annual certifications as a Medicare-certified rehabilitation agency.
● Owner/operator of an occupational and lymphedema therapy clinic.
● Provides continuing education presentations to health care providers.
● Develops and assists with educational programs related to services offered by outpatient clinics for physicians, outside facilities, and the public.
● Lead OT at inpatient centers managing clinician’s patient schedules, therapy visit utilization, client case conferences, and development of facility client care programs.
● Orients new therapy staff including occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students to their responsibilities.
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Teaching/Lecture Experience:
● Presenter for the education of occupational, physical and speech therapists regarding lymphedema management at the Next Level Geriatric Summit March 2023
● Co-presenter for the education of therapists regarding mobile lymphedema management at the Virtual Geriatric Summit, March 2022
● Educated Home Care Agencies and Physicians regarding the clinical benefits of microcurrent point stimulation and lymphedema management, 2016 - 2023
● American Occupational Therapy Association Co-presenter: Effect of Nintendo® Wii Fit™ Training on Balance and Community Mobility of Clients with Central Nervous System Dysfunction (CNS), 2011

 

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Dr. Zipporah Brown Podcast Interview

Dr. Zipporah Brown, OTD, MS, OTR/L, DipACLM is a licensed occupational therapist, academician, and trailblazer committed to increasing access to education and healthcare. Dr. Brown has a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from California State University of Dominguez Hills, a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies, and a Post-Professional Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California in which she co-founded the first student run diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) association within the division. As a health and wellness practitioner, Dr. Brown specializes in lifestyle and health management interventions and is a Board-Certified Diplomate of Lifestyle Medicine, one of two in the entire state of Oregon. Her eagerness to increase access to equitable healthcare stems from witnessing far too many loved ones grapple with the impact of inadequately addressed health conditions. 

Dr. Brown's work has focused extensively on establishing occupational therapy’s distinct role in emerging practice settings with an emphasis on improving access through the development and implementation of occupational therapy programs. Within her doctoral training at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice and Homes for Life Foundation, she specialized in health promotion through lifestyle optimization, occupational engagement, and community integration for underserved populations. As an inaugural Community Based Fieldwork Instructor she developed occupational therapy programs in un(der)served communities; increasing access to services as well as providing students with transformative opportunities to apply theoretical and practical knowledge. Sequentially, as an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, she worked at the height of the pandemic to collaboratively curate unique fieldwork opportunities for students in preparation for entry-level practice. Most recently, Dr. Brown became the inaugural occupational therapist at Linn County Department of Mental Health in Albany, Oregon. There her emerging role focuses on health promotion and disease management for individuals living with persistent mental illness. 

Dr. Brown’s current role in academia primarily focuses on developing and implementing lifestyle medicine competencies within multidisciplinary curriculums. Notably, she initiated the integration of lifestyle medicine competencies into the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum at Western University of Health Sciences and went on to spearhead a partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to become the first DPT program approved for the ACLM Partial Academic Pathway program. Concurrently, she collaborates with faculty and community partners to develop meaningful community service and outreach projects in rural and underserved communities. 

As a budding leader in the occupational therapy profession, she has served in various leadership roles within the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC). Namely, a member of the OTAC Leadership subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ad Hoc Committee, in which she contributed to the development of a proposal for the addition of a Chief of DEI position; and as a Co-Chair of the OTAC Student Leadership Committee in which she amplified the voices of student leaders through creating safe spaces. She most recently contributed to the development of a Community of Practice Group for the American Occupational Therapy Association in which she facilitates national discussions focused on establishing best practices and specific tools to enhance occupational therapy’s role in health promotion.

Dr. Brown has presented research addressing psychosocial considerations for women living in permanent supportive housing; strategies to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in health professional programs; and the integration of lifestyle medicine competencies into allied health professional programs at state, national and international conferences. 

Ultimately, she uses her formal training and lived experience to increase access to transformative person and community-centered healing practices.

 

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