SOTA | Occupational Therapy | School of Health Professions

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

Mission Statement

黄果视频 Downstate鈥檚 Student Occupational Therapy Association Chapter intends to serve the Occupational Therapy student body by fostering an environment for professional development, community service projects, and meaningful opportunities for advocacy in the Downstate community. The E-Board of this organization is also responsible for the development of new initiatives that focus on professional networking and mentorship for the OT student body. SOTA strives to meet these efforts by running a variety of events throughout the year that are educational, extracurricular, and beneficial to our community through teamwork.

Current Faculty Advisor: Vikram Pagpatan, EdD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA, ATP, FAOTA

Recent Events

New Student Orientation
Winter Holiday Party
Occupational Therapy Month in April
Backpack Awareness Day
Autism Fair
Study Sessions for OT Student Body
Annual participation in the New York State Occupational Therapy Association's Lobby Day
American Occupational Therapy Association Capitol Hill Day
Fundraising to support AOTA conference representative
National Alliance for Mental Illness annual NAMIWALK

SOTA Group Photo

黄果视频 Downstate SOTA Executive Board and Duties

Tubraiz Qazi

President

My name is Tubraiz Qazi, and I am an Occupational Therapy student at 黄果视频 Downstate, and I serve as President of SOTA. I believe some of the best parts of the OT experience happen beyond lectures and exams鈥攖hrough friendships, shared experiences, mentorship, and the community built along the way. Whether it鈥檚 organizing events, bringing students together, or simply checking in on a classmate, I believe leadership starts with showing up for others. I am passionate about helping students grow both personally and professionally as they prepare to become future occupational therapy practitioners. As President, my goal is to create opportunities for students to connect, support one another, and enjoy their time in the program while growing into confident clinicians. I hope to leave SOTA a little stronger than I found it and make the journey memorable for those around me.

Elizabeth Raab

Vice President

My name is Elizabeth Raab, and I am an Occupational Therapy student at 黄果视频 Downstate serving as Vice President of SOTA. I am passionate about building meaningful connections within our program and creating opportunities for students to engage both inside and outside the classroom. I enjoy working with others, organizing events, and helping foster a supportive and welcoming environment for all cohorts. As Vice President, I hope to strengthen communication between students, promote involvement in SOTA activities, and help create experiences that make our time at Downstate both memorable and rewarding as we grow into future occupational therapy practitioners.

Rochelle Hafif

Secretary

Hi everyone! My name is Rochelle Hafif, and I鈥檓 serving as the Secretary of SOTA. I鈥檓 currently at 黄果视频 Downstate studying Occupational Therapy and am excited to continue exploring the many areas of OT. While I鈥檝e always seen myself working in pediatrics, I鈥檓 looking forward to learning more about the profession and where my interests take me. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, coaching and playing volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and going on walks. Through SOTA, I鈥檓 eager to connect with professionals in the field, increase awareness of the different OT practice areas, and help create opportunities for learning and professional growth.

Maria Psyllos

Treasurer

My name is Maria Psyllos, and I am an Occupational Therapy student at 黄果视频 Downstate. I am passionate about working with both pediatric and geriatric populations and enjoy being involved in my community through volunteering and community engagement. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active through running, expressing my creativity through various projects, and being involved in my Greek Orthodox community. As SOTA Treasurer, I hope to help create engaging opportunities for students, support our organization's goals, and ensure our resources are used in ways that benefit the entire cohort.

Ashley Morales

Creative Director

My name is Ashley Morales, and I serve as the SOTA Creative Director. As Creative Director, I look forward to helping facilitate and capture the fun moments we have as a cohort supporting one another through a Masters program. My professional interests within occupational therapy extend beyond traditional practice. I am particularly interested in the intersection of infrastructure, design, and occupational participation, as it relates to understanding varying experiences and the barriers individuals may encounter due to environmental and systemic limitations. In addition to providing occupational therapy services, I aspire to use the insights gained through direct client engagement to raise awareness of challenges that impact participation, accessibility, and quality of life. Through advocacy and creative communication, I hope to contribute to more inclusive and equitable communities.

Reanna Toon

Inter-cohort Coordinator

Hi, my name is Reanna Toon, and I am an Occupational Therapy student here at 黄果视频 Downstate! I am so excited to be a part of SOTA and help bring cohorts together through educational and engaging experiences! Beyond Downstate, I plan to become a Certified Hand Therapist and one day open my own clinic.

Sumaiyya Ahmed

Events Coordinator

Hi everyone! My name is Sumaiyya Ahmed. I'm thrilled to serve as your Events Coordinator for SOTA! I can't wait to bring our cohorts together through fun, educational, and engaging events throughout the year.

sota@downstate.edu