Conference Committee Chair

Karen McCarthy, OTD, OTR/L

Professional Affiliations: Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Dominican University of California. Chair of Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition.

Position Statement: : I have served on the SSO conference committee for the past two years and was honored to serve as chair elect for 2020-2021. As we move into an uncertain environment for conference attendance, I am adaptable and flexible to plan for both in-person virtual, and hybrid events. I have a strong value for making conferences accessible, increasing student involvement, and I love coming up with creative networking opportunities and occupational breaks! I'm looking forward to my role as chair elect for planning SSO-USA 2022 Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy: Tension and Fit in Mission Bay, San Diego!

SSO Email: [email protected]

Chair-Elect

Maren Wright Voss, Sc.D., Ph.D.

Professional Affiliation: Assistant Professor of Health and Wellness, Utah State University

Position Statement:I have been a member of SSO since becoming a convert to occupational science from the field of psychology. Like Mary Reilly’s famous quote, I recognized the importance of hands (action) in the equation with mind and will to influence our own health. I participated in the SSO:USA Third Decade Initiative Committee and have previously supported the conference committee as a participant in the Silent Auction subgroup.  As a non-OT in the field of occupational science, I find the annual conference to be the premier opportunity for spreading cross-disciplinary collaborations and shining a light on the contributions of occupational science. As the Conference Chair-Elect, I aim to support the committee as they adapt to the needs of conference attendees and plan for both in-person virtual, and hybrid events. I share the chair’s commitment to accessibility and student involvement, while maintaining the conference’s focus on networking opportunities and engaging occupational breaks. I'm looking forward to my role supporting the upcoming SSO-USA 2022 Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy: Tension and Fit in Mission Bay, San Diego along with future conferences.

Past Board Conference Chairs

2021: Cynthia Evetts, Texas Women's University

2020: Mariana D'amico, Nova Southeastern University

2019: Doris Pierce, Eastern Kentucky University

2018: Mariana D'amico, Nova Southeastern University

2017: Jeanine Blanchard, University of Southern California

2016: Jennifer Pitonyak, University of Washington

2015: Beth DeGrace, University of Oklahoma

2014: Linda Buxell, St. Catherine University

2013: Linda Buxell, St. Catherine University

2012: Tina McNulty, University of Utah

2011: Tina McNulty, University of Utah

2010: Betsy Francis, Eastern Michigan University

2009: Kim Hartman, Quinnipiac University

2008: Nancy Furgang, University of New Mexico

2007: Betsy Francis, Eastern Michigan University

2006: Debra Rybski, St. Louis University

2005: Pollie Price, University of Utah

2004: Sheama Krishnigiri

2003: JoAnn Wright, University of Utah

2002: Sheama Krishnagiri, Doris Pierce and Pollie Price (Co-Chairs)