Mentor and Mentee Bios
Pioneers in Practice Leadership Development Program
Introduction to Mentors and Mentees
Mentors
Casey Melvin, OTR/L
Casey Melvin is an occupational therapist, CEO of Tilton’s Therapy, and a leading advocate for elevating the therapy profession at the intersection of healthcare practice and policy. Through her work with statewide coalitions, national organizations, and legislative initiatives, Casey has championed sustainable funding, professional recognition, and system-level reforms that directly impact patient access and therapist success. She is passionate about empowering occupational therapy practitioners to shape the future of healthcare through advocacy, collaboration, and leadership. Casey’s approach combines clinical expertise with a visionary commitment to systemic change, helping to position OT professionals as vital drivers of a healthier, more inclusive future.
Donnamarie Krause, PhD, OTR/L
Donnamarie Krause, PhD, OTR/L, is an Associate Professor and current Director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Donnamarie has been a licensed OTR/L since 1991 with specialty intervention certifications in hands, cardiac, burns as well as in leadership and spiritual care. She received a PhD in Rehabilitation Science in 2019 and current scholarship agenda looking into innovative methodologies for chronic neuro-musculoskeletal disorders focusing on upper extremity or posture related issues as they impact occupational performance, and the intersection of spirituality and self-mastery.
Past experiences with adults in burn care, hands and upper extremities, aquatic therapy and postural restoration are just a part of her clinical areas of expertise.
Donnamarie has been involved in leadership throughout her career in professional and volunteer social justice committees and has served in higher education for 15 years in Undergraduate and Graduate programs.
Susan Skees Hermes, OTD, OTR/L
*photo from LinkedIn
Staff OTR School-based practice & part-time faculty.
(From LinkedIn) After 30 years of clinical experience working with all ages and populations, my skills are diverse. I am American Occupational Therapy Association Board Certified in Pediatrics (BCP), certified in the administration of the Southern California Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) through Sensory Integration International, Florida Training for Occupational and Physical Therapist in Early Intervention (TOPSEI) certified through the University of Florida, and Handwriting Without Tears Level 1 certified. I participated in data collection for the Sensory Processing Measure, the Goal-Oriented Assessment of Lifeskills (GOAL), and the Print Tool. I have been a presenter at the World Federation of Occupational Therapist Congress, the American Occupational Therapy Conference and at the Kentucky, Massachusetts and Florida state conferences.
Mary Beth Lohman, OTR/L, CNT, CIMI, TIP, NDT
*photo from LinkedIn
Graduate of University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1981, moved west for adventure; few OT’s and lots of opportunity in every area. Specialties in Head Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury and Neuro early on. Shifted focus to Pediatrics and finally newborns and moms. Covered inpatient, outpatient, home health, schools and early intervention. Grew programs from 1 (me!) to up to 20. Currently at Pediatric Lead at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas. Personal philosophy of always wanting to know everything, and frustration of knowing I will never know enough. Passion should drive a therapist because only it will create the joy and happiness in your work.
Rachel Martin, OTR/L
I have been a clinician working in inpatient rehab and home health settings for about 5-6 years. I have experience with per diem and full-time work. I have been a NOTA Board member for the past 2 years.
Prabha Iyengar Cox, OTR/L
*photo from LinkedIn
Acute care, home health, outpatient within hospital, manager of Human Resources, leadership, diversity and inclusion.
Mentees
Matthew Brandenburg, OTD, OTR/L
*photo from LinkedIn
(From LinkedIn) Occupational Therapist | Health Educator | Host
Empowering people through occupational therapy and storytelling
I’m a licensed occupational therapist (OTD, OTR/L) with over 8 years of experience helping individuals, including children, older adults, students, and healthcare professionals, live more empowered, engaged, and meaningful lives. My clinical background is rooted in health promotion, chronic disease management, cognitive and physical rehabilitation, and lifestyle redesign. But my passion extends beyond the clinic.
As a national podcast producer for AOTA and founder of Blue Ridge Production, I create educational content that translates complex research into powerful, human-centered stories. As Chair of NOTA’s Advancement and Innovation committee, I lead strategic initiatives to improve community health and well-being, and advocate for the everyday OT practitioner.
Whether I’m developing a custom podcast to supplement an OT curriculum, guiding an older adult toward fall recovery, or leading a discussion on performance-based care models, I’m focused on optimizing the actions that bring people purpose.
Currently working on a feasibility study of podcasting in OT education, honored to be a mentee in the pioneers in practice leadership development program, and exploring new opportunities to protect and lead innovation in healthcare.
Outside of work, I’m a lifelong reader, dancefloor enthusiast, athlete, and low-key strategist (Clash of Clans, anyone?). I believe storytelling is the most powerful tool we have to improve lives and I’m always on the lookout for ways to promote the value of occupational therapy.
I’m open to collaborations, speaking opportunities, or creative partnerships that elevate healthcare and education.
Brianna (Bria) Kula, OTD/S
Aloha! My name is Bria, I’m 23 years old and a first year doctoral student at Hawaii Pacific University Las Vegas pursuing Occupational Therapy. My interest for OT sparked when I had OT sessions myself and grew a rapport with my therapist. She shared her journey into OT, what she loved, what she would change and it pushed me to do my own research. I found my calling that day, a holistic approach to medicine that didn’t just heal the injury but encompassed the whole person creating tailored interventions to best support their needs. I believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, meaningful life, and I love being a part of a profession that advocates for their community and supports participation in daily life activities. As I’ve gotten further into my schooling I’ve discovered my love for neuro rehab and have been working hard to find how I can pair OT with professional athletes, more specifically the NFL. I’m excited to continue my journey at HPU-Las Vegas and look forward to the opportunities that this mentorship program has for me!
Sophie Fan, OTA/S
Hi! My name is Sophie and I’m a current OTA student at Pima. I have experience as a CNA in a rehab setting and that’s where I learned about and saw first hand the amazing impact of occupational therapy.
Lindsay Miller, OTR/L, PAM
*photo from LinkedIn
(From LinkedIn) My niche is navigating the increasingly challenging and complicated healthcare institution in the U.S. as a clinician, manager, business owner, and client advocate.
My top priority is health and well-being of individuals I serve – whether at a rehabilitation center or in the community.
I work to create an environment for my colleagues and employees that allows them to work at their highest level of expertise and fullest scope of practice.
I strive to understand and fully utilize our current reimbursement models and resources in order to create systems that are sustainable, supporting continued success, expansion and growth.
I am an advocate in my community, my profession and my government in an effort to improve the health, quality of life, and access to healthcare and wellness resources of the population.
Brandon Ramirez, OTD/S
Brandon’s professional background reflects extensive leadership experience within higher education and nonprofit organizations. He served as the International Global Development Committee Chair in Circle K International (2020-2021) and received an international award for his distinguished leadership. In this role, he oversaw multiple committee chairs, developed the organization’s first annual Asia-Pacific (ASPAC) conference, collaborated with Kiwanis International partners in Italy, Belgium, and Luxembourg to support club development, and advocated for expanded accessibility through translation efforts for Latin America chapters.
Before attending Hawai’i Pacific University, he was a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Antioch University Seattle, where he additionally served on the Student Council as the First Year Representative, Election Co-chair, and Mentorship Program Co-Chair, where he supported student engagement, developed mentorship programming for incoming cohorts, and advocated for student needs through ongoing communication with peers and faculty.
During his time at the University of San Francisco, Brandon assisted in chartering the third national chapter of the United Students for Veterans’ Health, serving as the inaugural Co-Membership Director and later as the Membership Director. In these roles, he helped recruit and onboard volunteers and advocated for veteran health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Brandon founded and chartered the first Future Clinicians Association, serving as the inaugural Co-President and Director of External Affairs. Through this role, he advocated for more clinical mental health education, collaborated with community partners, and gained experience in organizational governance, including writing bylaws, facilitating meetings, and guiding the organization’s growth post graduation.
In his free time, Brandon enjoys creative pursuits, drawing, and streaming on Twitch, running races, playing board games with friends, and trying out new hobbies and occupations.
Jessica Mendoza, OTD/S
My name is Jessica Mendoza, 3rd year OTD student at TUN with a passion for mental health. My level II fieldwork settings were inpatient rehab and acute care. My capstone project will be program development and establishing a support group for caregivers of adults living with cancer. After licensed, I hope to work in inpatient rehab and/or acute care and eventually own a mental health consulting business. I aim to practice culturally competent care by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. My favorite occupations are binging watching TV shows, taking lagree classes, and drinking coffee.