On August 6–7, 2021, NBCOT hosted a virtual orientation meeting for the 10 newly-appointed* and the 15 originally-appointed ambassadors to the NBCOT Ambassador Program. Attendees were provided with a review of NBCOT certification programs, resources, and services, as well as other information related to their roles as ambassadors.
In 2019, NBCOT embarked on a new volunteer-driven initiative, the NBCOT Ambassador Program. The development of this program came from the countless invitations we receive to present and/or exhibit at state conferences and other meetings. While we participate in many of these events, we are unable to meet all requests. The purpose of the NBCOT Ambassador Program is to increase our presence at state-level events and provide information about NBCOT certification programs, resources, and services.
The NBCOT Ambassador Program enables us to have OTR® and COTA® certificants represent NBCOT at events that our staff are unable to attend. The ambassadors provide their OT community with the opportunity to ask questions and send suggestions directly to NBCOT, while also assisting us with environmental scanning to keep us updated on issues affecting occupational therapy practice.
The program officially launched in 2020, but because of the cancellation of in-person events due to COVID-19, you may not have seen an ambassador in your state yet. We encourage you to talk with our ambassadors at events, as they are excited to learn from you. The program will continue to grow in 2021, with more states being added by year-end.
Newly-Appointed NBCOT Ambassadors

Elaine Adams, OTR
Connecticut

Adley Chan, OTR
California

Rebecca Gross, OTR
Pennsylvania

Taz Kang, OTR
North Carolina

Maria Klamm, OTR
South Dakota

Shirish Lala, OTR
Florida

Karthik Mani, OTR
Texas

Amber Sand, COTA
Colorado

Cheryl Strickland, OTR
Missouri

Miranda Tippie, OTR
Ohio

Christopher Trujillo, OTR
Arizona

Wayne Winistorfer, OTR
Wisconsin
* Since the posting of this article, two more ambassadors have been added to the program.