RISE Pathways Program

Dalmina Arias, OTD, OTR/L is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Student Outreach and Enrollment in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago. With extensive clinical experience spanning inpatient, outpatient, and home settings, she currently practices as an occupational therapist at a rehabilitation hospital on Chicago’s West Side.

As an educator, Dr. Arias teaches content on conceptual occupational therapy frameworks, payment systems, policy, advocacy, access, and occupational therapy outcomes and interventions. She is dedicated to preparing future occupational therapy practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and critical reflective thinking necessary to provide culturally responsive care. Her commitment to mentorship and student development extends beyond the classroom, as she actively supports students in their capstone projects, particularly those that emphasize health equity, social justice and community-based interventions.

Through her leadership, research, and unwavering commitment to service, Dr. Arias continues to shape the future of occupational therapy by developing equitable healthcare solutions, mentoring future practitioners, and advocating for policies that promote accessibility and culturally responsive care. She remains dedicated to leveraging her expertise to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of the communities she serves, ensuring that occupational therapy remains a powerful force for social justice and health equity.

Sarah Grinder (Nez Perce) is an occupational therapist whose clinical work has been primarily with children in early childhood settings. Her full-time work is as a Senior Lecturer in the occupational therapy department at the University of Southern Maine. She also serves as the founding program director of USM’s new occupational therapy assistant baccalaureate program. Her career dreams include finishing her PhD in occupational therapy, building culturally safe pathways and supportive systems for more Native students to enter the OT profession, and incorporating Native knowledge and perspectives on health into occupational science and occupational therapy practice.

Sarah graduated from the University of Southern Maine’s occupational therapy program in 2013 and began teaching for the program in Spring 2015. Before becoming an occupational therapist, she enjoyed over six years of teaching and private tutoring experience, including classical languages and formal logic. She currently teaches in the Pediatric Clinical courses and the OT Foundations course.

When she is not teaching, Sarah practices occupational therapy in a local, private clinic, where she works with children of all ages. She has experience in school-based and early intervention settings, as well as in community settings for adults with developmental disabilities. Looking at the whole person as a fellow human being, not just a diagnosis, guides Sarah’s practice, and she draws inspiration from the satisfaction of empowering a child to do more than he or she thought possible. Sarah explores how play can help a child learn, develop, and grow, while using Sensory Integration techniques. She is inspired by helping children learn how to live and love, and play with family and friends with joy. Sarah was recognized as an AOTA Emerging Leader and presented research at the AOTA annual national conference. She is also an active member of MEOTA. Outside of work, Sarah loves working with a local beagle rescue, performing with community theater, traveling as much as she can, and spending time outdoors with her husband.

Dr. Lisa Johnson is a clinical expert in pediatric occupational therapy, with over 30 years of experience serving children from birth through higher education in Canada and the United States. Her multicultural heritage and personal experiences fuel her dedication to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds. Dr. Johnson actively champions access and inclusion for children and young adults across various health, educational, and community settings, focusing on social and occupational justice.

She has delivered cultural training and created immersive service-learning experiences for occupational therapy students, equipping them to work effectively across diverse populations. With over 25 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations, her work focuses on universal design, functional literacy, and accessible programming. Dr. Johnson has led research and authored a book chapter on enhancing inclusion for marginalized populations and developed community programs supporting underserved children and families. Her international collaborations span the Dominican Republic, Japan, Kashmir, and Mexico, where she partners with healthcare professionals to promote wellness in under-resourced communities. As a dedicated faculty mentor, she empowers at-risk students by fostering belonging and cultural understanding in higher education.

Dr. Johnson is an advocate and mentor with a strong commitment to educational equity, occupational therapy, and community well-being. With experience as a faculty coach and mentor, she has supported at-risk undergraduate students by helping them navigate social and cultural norms in higher education. Her research focuses on the transitional needs of students entering college and graduate programs, leading to the development of mentoring initiatives that address academic success, mental health, and essential life skills.

A passionate voice for occupational therapy, Dr. Johnson has served in advocacy roles at both state and national levels, working to raise awareness among policymakers and improve access to services. In the clinical space, she has led efforts to design inclusive policies and programs that expand family access to occupational therapy, including flexible scheduling, parental coaching, and innovative group models. She also brings deep community engagement experience, having volunteered with organizations across the U.S. to address health and life needs in low-income regions.

Tajze Johnson is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Methodist University, Class of 2024, with prior degrees in Occupational Therapy Assistant and Healthcare Administration. Since 2021, he has gained valuable experience in various healthcare settings, with a focus on advocating for underserved populations. Kidney disease and occupational therapy's (OT) role in organ transplantation is his main research area of interest.

Tajze’s motivation to pursue this area is both personal and professional. Born with kidney disease, he is a recent kidney transplant recipient and has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of end-stage kidney disease and the transplant process. Overcoming these challenges gives him a unique perspective and fuels his desire to help others achieve their goals and live full lives.

He has served as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for the past four years in various healthcare settings, where he has worked in group homes, a corrections facility, and other diverse environments. He currently serves as the AOTA Assembly of Student Delegates Advocacy Representative, where he works to advance the profession and equitable access to OT services. This role has further fueled his passion for leadership and advocacy, allowing me to contribute to shaping the future of OT while promoting diversity and inclusion within the field. In addition to advocacy work, Tajze has found purpose as an adjunct professor at Central Piedmont Community College’s OTA program, where he trains future practitioners to serve underrepresented communities.

Dr. De’Andre Nunn is a distinguished educator, occupational therapist, and athletic coach with over 15 years of experience in higher education and healthcare. His career has been dedicated to fostering academic excellence, mentoring students, and promoting health and wellness through occupational therapy and kinesiology. With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and academia, Dr. Nunn’s work has impacted students, athletes, and patients across diverse settings, including universities, rehabilitation centers, and correctional facilities.

Dr. Nunn’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary expertise. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Movement and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Iowa, followed by a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Kinesiology and Sport Psychology from Northern Illinois University. He further advanced his expertise with a Master of Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University and a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Western Governors University, set for completion in 2025.

Beyond academia, Dr. Nunn’s clinical expertise extends across various healthcare settings, including acute care, mental health, rehabilitation, and home health. He has worked as an occupational therapist in hospitals, correctional facilities, and schools, providing evidence-based treatment and conducting research on health promotion and obesity prevention. His commitment to addressing health disparities is evident in his work with underrepresented communities and at-risk populations.

In addition to his academic and clinical pursuits, Dr. Nunn has an impressive athletic background. A decorated wrestler and powerlifter, he has competed at national and international levels, earning titles such as USA Wrestling Masters National Greco-Roman Champion and International Powerlifting League World Championships Runner-Up. He remains actively involved in coaching and mentoring young athletes through programs like Beat the Streets Chicago Wrestling.

Dr. Nunn’s dedication to education, healthcare, and athletics exemplifies his holistic approach to fostering well-being and success. His influence extends beyond the classroom and clinic, shaping the future of occupational therapy, health sciences, and sports performance.

Dr. Grayson Owens is an Instructor in Occupational Therapy and Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016 and his Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Arkansas State University (ASU) in 2019.

As an educator, Dr. Owens developed innovative instructional videos of clinical palpation skills and created the Clinical Observations program, facilitating over 200 hours of clinical observation per semester for occupational therapy students. As a member of the Inclusive Occupational Therapy Education committee at WashU, he collaborates with colleagues to advance diversity and equity in occupational therapy education. Recently, Dr. Owens was promoted to Director of Recruitment for the Washington University in St. Louis Occupational Therapy Program, and he is driven to improve awareness of the profession and increase diversity in the profession.

As Chair of the St. Louis District of the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association, Dr. Owens maintains active involvement in professional organizations as well as affinity groups such as the Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in Occupational Therapy and OUTmed an organization at the School of Medicine at WashU. Both organizations focus on advocacy and research ofLGBTQ+ needs. Dr. Owens also volunteers as an active committee member for the Rehabilitation and Disability Special Interest Section. His contributions to the field continue to advance occupational therapy education, research, and practice.

Clinical Associate Professor & Chairperson, Occupational Therapy Program, Stony Brook University (NY)

Member, DEIJAB Committee

Teaching Instructor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University (PA)

Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Alabama State University (AL)

Member, DEIJAB Committee

Occupational Therapy Practitioner, First Step Therapy, LLC (FL)

Long Term Services and Support Utilization Management Reviewer, AmeriHealth Caritas (PA)

Member, Volunteer Leadership Development Committee (VLDC)