Heather Parsons
Occupational therapist Tim Kennedy was sworn into office as a United States Congressman on May 6, 2024. Kennedy represents Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York, and is the first occupational therapist to ever serve in Congress. After graduating with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from D’Youville College, Kennedy spent more than a decade working as an occupational therapist in both pediatric and skilled nursing facility settings. He often credits his work and training as an occupational therapist as the reason his key focus is always on the needs of his constituents, and for his ability to be an out-of-the-box thinker and problem solver.
Kennedy was elected to the New York State Senate in 2011, where he served until his election to the U.S. Congress on March 30. Because he was elected in a special election following the retirement of Congressman Brian Higgins, Kennedy’s Congressional term only lasts through the end of this year. Like all House of Representatives members, he will be up for re-election this fall. AOTA is thrilled by this historic election!
Heather Parsons, MSOT, is AOTA’s Vice President of Federal Affairs.
