Your DCBOTC Team
Vice-President
Shanteria Watson
Dr. Shanteria Carr Watson, OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Howard University. She is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with experience providing school, clinic-based, and early intervention services to children and families from diverse backgrounds. She received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from New York University, specializing in pediatrics and leadership. Dr. Watson earned her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Howard University and her bachelor's degree in Health Science from the University of Florida. Dr. Watson is committed to providing resources, education, and culturally tailored interventions to minoritized communities. Dr. Watson's research interest includes the early identification of children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders from minoritized communities. She is also interested in supporting families gaining access to occupational therapy services and developing effective academic support systems for racially minoritized occupational therapy students.
Aja Black, COTA/L, serves as the Ergonomics Program Manager at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). She is a dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a robust educational background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The University of South Carolina - Upstate and graduating as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant from Keiser University.
Aja's expertise lies in developing and implementing tailored ergonomic solutions to mitigate risk factors and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. With a keen understanding of human factors, she specializes in assessing, designing, and integrating ergonomic best practices into organizational workflows across various industries. Her efforts have consistently led to successful initiatives that enhance workplace ergonomics and promote a culture of health and safety.
Secretary
Aja Black
Dr. Joylynne Wills is an esteemed faculty member at Howard University, serving in the Occupational Therapy department. With a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) and certification as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Dr. Wills is dedicated to advancing the field through both her teaching and her specialized expertise in occupational therapy. Her commitment to the profession and her students is evident in her efforts to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, thereby enriching the learning experience and contributing to the overall advancement of occupational therapy.
Treasurer
Joylynne Wills