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Empowering Black Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Students

Our Misson

Providing Professional Support and Networking Opportunities

We advocate for Black occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students in order to enhance and promote their contributions to the occupational therapy profession, national and state associations, and public-at-large.

We Advocate for Black Leaders and Role Models in the Occupational Therapy Profession to Enhance and Promote their Contributions

Donate Today

Our Leadership

We are making an extra effort to build our membership for the sake of collective power and support. Together we can do great things!

Riqiea Kitchens PhD, OTR, BCPR, CSRS President
Candice Freeman OTD, MOT, OTR Vice President
Lisa Simmons OTD, OTR/L Secretary
Brendan Cook OTD, OTR/L Treasurer
Nikki Demus MOT, OTR, CAPS Central and Interim Western Regional Coordinator
Nardia Aldridge PhD, OTR/L, DTM Eastern Regional Coordinator
Grace Hopkins OTDS Student Representative

Becoming An Active Member Supports Black Scholarship, Advocacy, Professional Development, Operations and Ongoing Programming

Join Today!

Upcoming Events

    • Saturday, May 17, 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • https://sfbotc.wildapricot.org/event-6083868

    Interested in Working with Justice-Involved Individuals?
    Whether you're a student, practitioner, or member of the public, don’t miss this powerful and timely session in our Emerging Practice Series!

    Topic: The OTP’s Role with Justice-Involved Individuals (Current and Post-Incarceration)
    When: Saturday, May 17 | 1:00 PM EST
    Where: Online via Zoom
    Donation: $10 (SFBOTC Members) | $15 (General Public)
    Contact hours provided
    Register here: sfbotc.wildapricot.org/events

    Join Alexander Kokesh, MOT, OTR/L, QMHP, Program Development Coordinator at LAITR (Life After Incarceration: Transition and Reentry), as he leads a compelling session on:

    ✅ Understanding the conditions and challenges justice-involved individuals face
    ✅ How occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can support these individuals
    ✅ Advocacy strategies at the local, state, and national levels to drive meaningful change
    ✅ Fieldwork and employment opportunities in justice-based OT practice

    About the Speaker:
    Alexander Kokesh is an OT professional with experience in mental health, substance use, and developmental disorders. Passionate about policy reform and psychosocial rehabilitation, Alex brings a unique and empathetic perspective to working with underserved populations.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your lens on occupational therapy and social justice!


    • Tuesday, June 17, 2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Join us for an empowering and solution-focused session designed to support Black occupational therapy students who are currently navigating fieldwork or capstone experiences and encountering issues related to racism or discrimination.

    Topic: Rooted & Resilient: Support and Strategies for Black OT Students while Navigating Fieldwork and Capstone

    Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
    Time: 7:30 PM EST 6:30 pm CST
    Location: Virtual (Zoom link to follow upon RSVP)

    This event is open to Black:

    OT and OTA students

    Practicing clinicians and mentors

    Faculty and Fieldwork educators

    Academic fieldwork coordinators

    Together, we’ll engage in:
    ✔️ Real conversations
    ✔️ Practical strategies for self-advocacy
    ✔️ Community-building and empowerment

    Your presence matters—whether you're a student in need of support or a professional ready to uplift the next generation. 

    RSVP today to receive the Zoom link!
    Let’s come together to affirm, support, and strengthen our students.


    • Thursday, June 19, 2025
    • 7:00 PM
    • https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/50th-anniversary-gala-2

    Join Us for the NYSBOTC 50th Golden Anniversary Celebration!

    Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
    Time: 7:00 PM
    Location: Vetro Restaurant & Lounge
    164-49 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414

    Let's celebrate together! Join us as we honor our shared history and achievements as a vibrant community. Enjoy great company, uplifting moments, and unforgettable memories.

    Together, we shine!

    Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/50th-anniversary-gala-2

    Can't wait to see you there!


    • Saturday, June 28, 2025
    • 2:00 PM
    • Sfbotc.wildapricot.org/events

    SFBOTC GUEST LECTURE SERIES
    Let’s Talk Men’s Health!

    Join us for a powerful, often overlooked conversation in OT practice:

    Addressing Male Pelvic Health Conditions: Urinary Concerns and Erectile Dysfunction

    ‍⚕️ This session breaks the silence on male pelvic health and opens the door to understanding how OT can make a difference!

    ️ Featuring: Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L
    Founder of Pelvic Soul & Expert Pelvic Health Therapist

    Saturday, June 28
    2:00 PM EST
    Via Zoom

    Register Now: Sfbotc.wildapricot.org/events

    Donation: $10 for members | $15 general
    Contact hours provided!

    ✨ Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or simply curious—this session is a must-attend for expanding your clinical lens and deepening your knowledge in this emerging area of practice.

    Share. Invite. Learn. Let’s destigmatize and elevate the conversation around male pelvic health—together!


    • Wednesday, October 15, 2025
    • 6:00 PM
    • sfbotc.wildapricot.org/events

    Are you passionate about mental health, advocacy, and meaningful occupation?

    Join us for a powerful and inspiring session with Robin Underwood, PhD, OT/L, as we explore how occupational therapy can be a lifeline for domestic violence survivors. Learn how OTPs play a crucial role in trauma recovery, daily life skills, safety planning, and community reintegration

    You're Invited: 
    SFBOTC's Emerging Practice Series in Collaboration with NSU

    ✨ The OTP's Role Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors ✨

    Wednesday, October 15
    6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST
    Via Zoom
    Donation: $10 members | $15 general
    Contact hours provided

    Register today at: sfbotc.wildapricot.org/events

    Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, uplift your practice, and stand in solidarity with survivors.
    Let’s be the change—one life, one intervention at a time.




Frances Swift Scholarship

NBOTC is a 501(C)-6 non-profit organization. donations are welcome to support our scholarship fund. Our vision is to eventually endow the Frances Swift Scholarship. Give Today! Support our Frances Swift Scholarship to assist students with educational costs.

Goal: $15,000.00
Collected: $3,648.00
24%


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