Amy Jo Lamb, OTD, OTRL, FAOTA
AOTA Vice President
Dr. Lamb is the Vice President of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University, and owner of AJLamb Consulting. She is the immediate past chair of the American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee (AOTPAC). She brings with her the valuable combination of clinical practice as a registered occupational therapist combined together with health care policy experience at the state and federal levels. Dr. Lamb’s expertise includes health policy, prevention and wellness, and occupational therapy as a career.
Dr. Lamb received both her Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy and her post professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Dr. Lamb got her policy start in the Minnesota House of Representatives working with the Health Policy committee. She was the paid lobbyist for the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association from 2000-2008.
Dr. Lamb’s clinical practice spans from private practice, school based pediatrics, acute care, and elders. Prior to her current position she was an Outpatient Director with Brookdale Senior Living managing the outpatient therapy clinics and home health rehabilitation services in assisted living and independent living communities in the Denver Colorado area.
In 2012, Dr. Lamb was selected to join the AOTA Roster of Fellows. In 2011, she received the Lindy Boggs advocacy award from the American Occupational Therapy Association for her leadership in advocacy and political action in the profession of occupational therapy. Therapy Times included her on their Most Influential list for 2007 for her contributions at the state and federal level in advocacy and health policy development.
In her volunteer leadership positions, Dr. Lamb is part of the team that helps occupational therapy professionals understand the policy agenda of the association and the role they as health care professionals play in advocacy, she organizes the grassroots, educates others on issues, and spends time on the hill with members of Congress to meet the needs of the Association. Dr. Lamb speaks regularly to groups on health policy issues impacting practice and benefits of consumers and provides participants with practical ways to get involved in the process and make their voices heard. She currently resides outside of Dexter, Michigan with her husband Nathan and their two children Gabby (11) and Josh (9).
What strikes me as I reflect on this past week is the power of collaboration. How the experience of one and the energy of another can serve as a catalyst.
As I talked with students this week about a variety of opportunities and connected them to practitioners who could serve as a resource to them or a possible partner on a project, it became increasing obvious about the power of connections. Experienced professionals in the field enjoy sharing their knowledge and to be a resource to those around them, our incoming generation is dynamic and ready to act with just a little direction and confidence.
Connections can occur in so many ways; with similar areas of interest, with complimentary interests, between professionals and the greater community at large. In this era of technology the possibilities to connect are limitless. As leaders of the profession we must place emphasis on drawing these connections. In these connections, we create avenues for progress. I view my role as a leader to be not one that sits at a table but one that is out meeting the professionals and students and making these connections to move occupational therapy forward to achieve the Centennial Vision and more.
I absolutely agree. I think I wouldn't be where I am in OT today without connections. Of course, same can be said about the OT conference presentations I have been making. For the earlier, seeing like minded peers succeed made me hungrier for succeed. For the latter, broadening my perspective about autism is so important, because no two cases are alike. Also, that will enable me to speak for more people on the autism spectrum!
Preach it, Sista'! 100% agree.