Jacob graduated with his MOT in 2018 and received his ppOTD from Chatham University in 2022. He currently works as an assistant professor at West Virginia University. His clinical experience includes inpatient neuro rehab, skilled nursing, and neuro outpatient. Jacob is a Certified Stroke Recovery Specialist and certified in aquatic therapy. Outside of the traditional clinic, he works in community-based care with an emphasis on providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
President Elect - Coty Dennler, COTA/L
Coty graduated from the University of Charleston with his Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2017. He then continued his education to gain a Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia University and a Master's Degree in Aging Studies from Arizona State University. He also gained his Certified Aging in Place Specialist Certification in 2024. His career has focused on serving older adults across diverse settings, and he currently serves as a fieldwork coordinator and OTA instructor at the University of Charleston, Beckley Campus. He is passionate about lifelong learning and expanding access to occupational therapy in emerging practice areas to meet evolving client needs. Over the years, he's been actively involved with WVOTA, contributing to legislative efforts, event planning, and membership development. As President-Elect, he is committed to strengthening our professional community, advancing advocacy, and supporting continuing education.
Vice President - Bailey Riggs, OTR/L
Bailey is a 2024 graduate of West Virginia University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. She is originally from Bridgeport, WV, and attended Fairmont State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prior to attending graduate school. Bailey has held leadership positions such as President and Historian of West Virginia University’s Student Occupational Therapy Association. She has been recognized for earning the Elizabeth Devereaux Award for a continued pattern of advocacy for the profession of occupational therapy, as well as the Innovation in Research Award for her development of the research project, “Collegiate Student-Athlete Mental Health in West Virginia: An Occupational Prospective.” Bailey is a full-time occupational therapist serving at a Long-Term Care Facility, and has interests in mental health, gender-affirming care, and those within the unhoused and substance-use populations. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, getting coffee with friends, sitting in the sun, and spending time with her cats.
Secretary - Jackie Hurt, COTA/L
Jackie Hurt is an Assistant Professor and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director at the University of Charleston. With over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy education and clinical practice, she is dedicated to developing future leaders in the profession. Jackie is actively involved in state and national advocacy efforts, curriculum development, and student mentorship. She has been recognized for her leadership and service with multiple honors, including the NBCOT Excellence Award and AOTA’s Roster of Honor.
Taylor Grout is a recent graduate from West Virginia University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. She is originally from O’Fallon, IL and prior to moving to WV, she studied at Missouri State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Movement Sciences and became a certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine. During her time in OT school, Taylor served as a WVOTA Student Representative, where she participated in annual conference planning and served as a liaison between the organization and WVU’s OT program.
The University of Charleston, OTA Program Student Reps
Justin Tate, OTA/S
Justin Tate is an OTA student at the University of Charleston- Charleston campus. He is from Hurricane, West Virginia. Alongside serving as a WVOTA representative, Justin is the Vice President of UC's SOTA organization. After graduation, he plans to continue his studies to become a registered occupational therapist. In his free time, Justin enjoys mountain biking, running, and traveling.
Megan Wadsworth, OTA/S
Megan Wadsworth is an OTA student at the University of Charleston- Beckley campus. She is from Summersville, West Virginia. Megan chose to study occupational therapy to help people live life the way they want to despite the challenges life may give them. After graduation, she plans to continue her studies to become a registered occupational therapist. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time with her pets, reading autobiographies, and cooking.
West Virginia University- MOT and OTD program Student Reps
Matthew Lilly, OT/S
Matthew is a first-year occupational therapy student at West Virginia University. A lifelong Mountaineer, Matthew is from Athens, West Virginia, and completed his undergraduate studies at West Virginia University in 2024. Matthew strives to help others live their lives to the fullest and, in his free time, enjoys time spent outdoors and sports.
Lily Pysher, OT/S
Lily is a second-year occupational therapy student at West Virginia University. She is originally from Kennett Square, PA, and she has attended WVU since 2021. Alongside serving as a WVOTA representative, Lily will be the Vice President of WVU’s Pre-OT Club which is currently being established. Lily has a passion for learning about how to best help others grow, especially in mental health areas. In her free time, Lily loves to read books and spend time with friends and family.
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