There are many leaders among us in occupational therapy. Some leaders are obvious such as our American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) President, Amy Lamb, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. However, many others work diligently in the background providing critical guidance in areas of education, clinical practice, administration, legislation, public policy and other significant roles. At our annual conference, may leaders are recognized for their contributions, and they inspire me with their commitment. President Ronald Reagan said, "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things”. I knew who I would ask to interview as a leader as soon as I reviewed the assignment. Joyce Rioux serves as the Chair of the AOTA Board for Advanced and Specialty Certification (BASC). There are nine members on the Board who each represent specific specialty and board certification practice areas. There four board certifications: …show more content…
She remarked that leaders in occupational therapy needed to “have a place at the table because what we do is essential to the well-being of others” (J. Rioux, personal communication, February 22, 2018). Joyce then related another example of someone who exemplified extraordinary leadership to her. A mentor stepped up to a leadership role without any preparation because it was an important task. This individual felt compelled to do something. This experience had a profound effect on Joyce through her leadership career, “this was an extraordinary leader-she just stepped up and made things happen when no-one else did. This person advocated for the State of Connecticut school therapists omitted out of the practice guideline for education”. (J. Rioux, personal communication, February 22,