CAOT Executive Director and Current CAOT President
Claudia von Zweck PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.), OT(C)
Claudia von Zweck, is Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. In addition to her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy, she holds a Master’s degree in Community Health and Epidemiology and a doctorate in Rehabilitation Science from Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. Prior to coming to CAOT in 1995, Claudia worked as an occupational therapist in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, home care and a regional children’s treatment center. Her research interests include health human resources planning, community mobility, and professional practice.
Paulette Guitard PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.), OT(C)
After graduating from the Université de Montréal in 1985, I worked in mental health, pediatrics and physical rehab in various settings in Ottawa and in the Outaouais area. I then completed a masters degree in education and in 1993, I joined the Faculty of the Programme d’ergothérapie de l’Université d’Ottawa. In 2003, I completed my Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the Université de Montréal. My research interests include playfulness in adults, the role of O.T. in sexuality, fall prevention, assistive devices and the environment.
I have been actively involved with CAOT since 1994. For several years, I have been reviewing new publications and articles for CJOT as well as abstracts for the annual conference. From 1996-2002, I served on the membership committee. From 1994-2005, I served on the Academic Credentialing Council where I was co-chair from 1997-2001 and chair from 2001-2004. This committed enabled me to develop an expertise in program evaluation that is recognized by CREPUQ and PEAC (formerly ACCPAP).
I have been part of CAOT’s Board since 2005 when I was elected as the Quebec representative. After several years in that capacity, I took on the secretary/treasurer position. I truly enjoyed my year as president elect and am looking forward to the next two years. This has been a long time dream of mine. I am truly honored and privileged to be able to serve as president of this fabulous organization. Let’s work together to reveal this wonderful profession to the world!
