AOTA Announces First-Ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Access, and Belonging Team

Dr. Varleisha Lyons to Lead Charge as Vice President

North Bethesda, MD…The American Occupational Association (AOTA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Access, & Belonging (DEIJAB). Dr. Lyons has been a practicing occupational therapist for more than 20 years. She holds degrees in psychology (with a minor in Black American studies), occupational therapy, and two doctoral degrees. She dedicated her PhD studies on equitable access and health disparities and is a leading expert on the neurological connection to self-regulation and conditions such as Autism, Trauma, and Sensory Processing disorder. Dr. Lyons joined the AOTA staff in 2020.

AOTA Interim Executive Director Charles Jeffers III said, “Varleisha is an incredible scholar and practitioner. She brings a wealth of expertise and is deeply experienced in issues most pressing around DEIJAB.” Dr. Lyons earned AOTA’s Roster of Fellows Award in 2023 for her leadership on volunteer committees, efforts to diversify the profession, and addressing DEIJAB.

Dr. Lyons plays many roles in life and professionally, making her a clear choice to lead AOTA DEIJAB. She is an Executive Board Member for several interprofessional groups, caregiver advocate, and champion for occupational therapy, at-risk youth, children and adults with developmental/ intellectual disabilities, women, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented populations.

“This is more than an honor for me. It is full circle! I have been a champion and advocate in this work starting during my elementary school years as an at-risk youth in New Castle, DE. I have a love for our profession and believe we can be an exemplar for equitable and accessible care for all, diversifying our professional networks," said Dr. Lyons about the role of DEIJAB in occupational therapy.

Dr. Lyons was the first Black and Indigenous woman to work as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF.) She founded and chaired the first and only professional Masters of OT program in the state of Delaware. She recently served as the Chair of the PCORI Healthcare Delivery and Disparities Research (HDDR) Advisory Panel (2022-2023). In 2024, Dr. Lyons has been selected as a Distinguished Practitioner and Fellow with the National Academies of Practice.

Other accomplishments include:

• International speaker, best-selling author, and subject matter expert
• Board Member, National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (NJC); The interdisciplinary composition of this committee reflects the pervasive importance of communication in all spheres of human functioning and across traditional boundaries. (2020-Present)
• Board Member, National Association for Hearing and Speech Action (NAHSA) (2020-Present)
• Member of the distinguished Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Public service organization)
• Freelee Foundation Executive Board of Directors (2016-Present)
• Community in Schools Board of Directors for At-Risk Youth (2018-2019)

AOTA DEIJAB Vision

Dr. Lyons said, “Along with our team, especially our DEIJAB Practice Manager Angela Warren, I desire to develop a cohesive network of individuals and communities working together on issues related to DEIJAB (i.e. members, DEI Committee, MDI Networks, external partners)- This is not the work of AOTA nor the issues of the Association. This is a momentous endeavor requiring the efforts of the entire OT community. We want to provide a home for that network.”

She also noted that her team will provide resources for OTPs, students, and consumers to help guide education and awareness of DEIJAB topics. This involves the continued evolution of the AOTA DEI Toolkit highlighting disability inclusion and equality.

About AOTA

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 213,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting professional and educational standards, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.

MEDIA

To interview Varleisha D. Lyons PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA (Pronouns she/her/hers) Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice Access & Belonging, contact Jennifer Rignani, AOTA media relations at praota@aota.org or 412-977-5795.