PROVIDER OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE CHAIR- Joanne Walkup, MS, PT

Joanne Walkup graduated from West Chester University in PA with a BS in Health and PE, and a minor in Adaptive PE. Joanned taught for 5 years in Pennsylvania, and in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. Joanne also graduated from the OU Health Sciences Center with a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy in 1984,  then went on to become a Pediatric Certified Specialist (PCS) 1997 through 2007. She graduated from OUHSC with a Masters Degree in Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2000. Over the last 36 years, Joanne has worked at Baptist/Integris, the OKC School systems, SpecialCARE, and in Mustang Schools. Joanne opened a Private Practice in 2008 at Physical Rehabilitation Associates, focusing on evaluating gair, and providing orthotics for children around the state. 
 

Provider of the Year (POY Committee Member) Ashlee Mitchell, COTA/L – ( Ashlee served as the OANAPT 2020 Conference Chair)

Ashlee Mitchell is a small town girl from Frederick, OK who now resides in Norman. She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Science while also earning her degree in occupational therapy through Southwestern Oklahoma State University-Caddo Kiowa Technology Center. Ashlee is nationally certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, as well as licensed through the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. She is currently practicing as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at OKC SPEECH LLC in Midwest City working with pediatrics in the clinic, home, and daycares. Ashlee has a heart for seeing children grow and be functional in whatever stage of life they may be in despite any difficulties they may have. She loves doing anything outdoors, road-trips, exercising, trying the latest restaurants, cooking/baking, and spending time with family, friends, and her husband who is currently in school to be a physical therapist.

 

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR- Dianna Persun, OTR/L

Dianna Persun is an Occupational Therapist and the owner of Can Do Kids Therapy. In this role, Dianna coordinates and manages Occupational Therapist, Speech  Therapist and assists the front office in items needed to coordinate and execute all manners regarding the functioning components of Can Do Kids Therapy.  She completes all Occupational Therapy evaluation and assist the COTA’s in providing the best plan of action for all of the patients. She is a big believer in assisting families in gaining new skills so that they can guide their children in learning new skills. Dianna is a Registered Occupational Therapist and holds the Bachelor of Science degree from Misericordia University(1992). In 1985 she began her OT career as an COTA as a graduate from OKCCC.

Dianna Persun is no stranger to Occupational Therapy as having spent the last 35 years as an therapist with 29 of those years treating the pediatric population. She is currently the Governance Chair on the board of OANAPT.  Prior to starting her private practice of Can Do Kids Therapy in 2008. She spent a total of 5 years in Germany treating the Military Child.  There in 1994-1997, she was part of the small team that began the implementation of the Early Intervention program to assist the 0-3 year old military child.  She has practiced in Colorado and in Pennsylvania. 

Over the last 35 years, she has focused on continuing education of motor movements, early intervention, sensory processing, neurodevelopment, feeding and oral motor skills. Dianna enjoys helping children and families in a variety of way to improve a diversity of skills.  She likes to offer functional activities that can be a part of the family daily routines. Dianna has presented at the OANAPT yearly conference, addressed the DASCO and Autism Speaks Edmond support group on feeding, oral motor and sensory and behavior topics.  She has also been on the board of OKCCC student advisory board. 

​

 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE CHAIR- Heather Jarvis, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S                                                                                                            Heather holds a master’s degree in the field of speech-language pathology, in which she has been practicing for the past 14 years.  Heather has primarily worked with infants and children, and has special interest and expertise in the area of pediatric feeding disorders.  She currently holds a board certification specialty in swallowing and swallowing disorders.  Heather currently works in the hospital and private outpatient settings.

 

STUDENTS AND LEND VOLUNTEERS COMMITTEE CHAIR- Angelica Butanda, COTA/L

Angelica attended the OTA program at OCCC, and was the first college graduate in her family. After graduating in 2019, Angelica worked at an outpatient pediatric clinic predominantly serving the bilingual community. She is now blessed to work in a school setting. Angelica loves working with children! Being part of their growing process and helping achieve their greatest potential makes the intermittent struggles and hard work worth it. Anglica serves in OANAPT’s leadership team as the volunteer coordinator for Students and LEND Program students from OUHSC. 

​

2022 Conference Co-Chairs:

Ashlee Mitchell, COTA/L 

Laura Labus, COTA/L