MEET THE BOARD SAMANTHA ( SAM ) WALLENBERG , MS , OTD , OTR / L ( SHE / HER / HERS )
UIndy , and I want to continue to advocate for these areas . Therefore , I decided to take on the DEI SIS ( Diversity Equity and Inclusion Special Interest Section ) Co-Chair position . Also , being a part of the LDP helped me to identify this role and run with it .
What are your goals for the future at ILOTA ?
My short-term goals are to find another cochair and increase committee members and participation , as there is currently one co-chair and one committee member . My long-term goal is to make the DEI SIS an open and safe space to learn and grow that is representative of the backgrounds of students , practitioners , and people we serve .
Please tell us about your professional background .
I graduated from the University of Indianapolis ( UIndy ) in May 2020 with my Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Master of Science ( Gerontology ) degrees . I accepted a home health position with TherapyOne Resources , LLC in September 2020 . I recently accepted an inpatient psychiatry position with NorthShore University HealthSystem in March 2020 . I am currently in the ILOTA Leadership Development Program ( LDP ).
SAM WALLENBERG
How did you choose the position with ILOTA ?
I took on leadership positions at UIndy . I became the AOTA Representative on the UIndy SOTA Board . I founded the UIndy COTAD Chapter . COTAD stands for the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity . I was drawn to diversity , inclusiveness , equity , and cultural humility throughout my time at
How do you create a work / life balance for yourself ? What are your interests outside of
work ?
I do my best to not work on Saturdays and Sundays so that I can hangout with friends , family , and my significant other , as spending time with the people I love rejuvenates me . However , as much as I need social connections , I also need me-time , which I typically do during the workweek . I enjoy participating in the following : - yoga , - play the violin and sing , - spend time with my cats ( Cobain , Lucy , and Eddie Vedder ), - listen to podcasts ( i . e . My Favorite Murder , Unlocking Us by Brené Brown ), - read books ( i . e . Daring Greatly by Brené Brown , blink by Malcolm Gladwell ), - listen to music ( i . e . Wolf Alice , The National ), and watch movies ( especially horror and comedy ) and TV shows ( i . e . What We Do in the Shadows , Schitt ’ s Creek ).
9 Illinois Occupational Therapy Association | 2021 ISSUE 1