Student Representatives
ISU MOT Program Co-Rep
Alyssa Shirley
Alyssa recently graduated with a Bachelors in Health Science from Idaho State University (ISU) in May 2022, and she is excited to continue her education at ISU while earning her Masters of Occupational Therapy degree. Alyssa has a passion for advocacy of the OT profession which led her to be a part of IOTA through the position of a Student Co-Representative, a co-student delegate for AOTA’s Assembly of Student Delegates, and a general member of ISU’s Masters of Occupational Therapy Student Association (MOTSA). Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband Ben and her energetic border collie named Artie.
ISU MOT Program Co-Rep
Renee Phillips
Renee is a student at Idaho State University’s Masters of Occupational Therapy Program. Renee also serves on ISU’s Masters of Occupational Therapy Student Association’s Executive Board as Treasurer and is a co-delegate for AOTA’s Assembly of Student Delegates. Her favorite thing about Occupational Therapy is how client centered it is and hopes to help the profession grow and reach more people.Her other interests are quilting, cooking, and taking care of her dog, Oreo.
ISU OTA Program Co-Rep
Emily Marsh
Emily is studying to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Idaho State University and is in the graduating class of 2024. She has completed her level one fieldwork at Meridian Meadows Transitional Care. Emily fell in love with Occupational Therapy while shadowing at a pediatric clinic in Meridian, Idaho where she was able to see how Occupational Therapy makes a difference in the lives of those around her. In her free time, Emily loves to sing, dance, and be involved in outdoor activities. She also enjoys spending time to reading.
ISU OTA Program Co-Rep
Michael Rizor
Michael Rizor is studying in the Class of 2024 ISU OTA program. He completed his level one fieldwork at HandX in Pocatello, has been elected as a SOTA Club Officer in charge of Professional Development, and continues to search for ways to go above and beyond in his commitment to learning. When he isn’t studying he draws, spends time outdoors, and makes music.
CWI OTA Program Co-Rep
Kaila Boeck
Kaila graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education (K-12), a certification in early childhood literacy, and a music minor from Boise State University. In her time nannying throughout college, camp counseling at summer camps, teaching saxophone lessons, and long-term substituting, she fell in love with working one-on-one with other people. After stumbling accross Occupational Therapy during her last semester at Boise State, she began seeking out programs where she could pursue this unknown gem of an occupation. Kaila is learning towards working in pediatrics, but is eager to learn about other fields throughout her program. She just completed level one fieldword at Maddison Early Childhood Center. Outside of school, she plays her saxophone, loves being outdoors, and is involved in her church. She is proud to be a co-representative for CWI’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program alongside her peer, Megan Gibb.
CWI OTA Program Co-Rep
Megan Gibb
Megan Gibb is in her first year of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the College of Western Idaho and is in the graduating class of 2024. After many years of contemplating the right career path for herself, she discovered Occupational Therapy through a family friend. This discovery led to multiple hours of shadowing and volunteering for Boise Outdoor Occupational Therapy, where she fell in love with the profession and decided to pursue it for herself. Megan is very passionate about working in pediatrics in the future and hopes that soon she will be able to make this dream come true. She just completed her level one fieldwork at Madison Early Learning Center and is eager to learn more. Her favorite part about occupational therapy is the holistic approach that every individual receives and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. In her free time, Megan enjoys backpacking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and anything that allows her to be in nature. She is proud to be a co-representative for CWI’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program alongside her peer, Kaila Boeck.
OTA Representative
Andrea Belcoe
Andrea graduated from Brown Mackie College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 2017. Andrea’s interest in occupational therapy began with her involvement as a volunteer for Fort Boise Community Center’s adapted recreation program, AdVenture, and the annual Idaho Youth Wheelchair Sports Camp held in conjunction with the Idaho Elks Rehab. Andrea has found fulfillment working with a wonderful therapy and nursing team at Meadow View Nursing and Rehabilitation; a skilled nursing and long term care facility located in Nampa, ID. Being a part of a passionate team has inspired her to become an advocate for her profession and those we serve. Andrea lives on a “hobby farm” raising baby goats with her husband and 3 sons.