Practical Prompting for Advocacy Lesson

Course Description

In this session, we will describe how AI can be leveraged as a tool for advocacy efforts to optimize efficiency and reduce time demands for volunteer run initiatives and associations.

Speakers

Savanah Howe, MOT, OTR/L, QMHP, CSRS

Savanah Howe, MOT, OTR/L, CSRS, QMHP, is the President of the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association, where she leads statewide advocacy, strategic initiatives, and organizational operations to advance the OT profession across the Virginia. She is an occupational therapist at the University of Virginia, where she provides acute care services with a focus on neurologic and psychiatric populations as well as providing consultative services within the Memory and Aging Care Clinic. Savanah also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the James Madison University Occupational Therapy Program teaching adult based and neuro practice courses. Her leadership has been recognized through honors such as the 2023 James Madison University Young Alumni Award and the UVA Health Certificate of Excellence in Healthcare Leadership.

Caitlyn Berry, MS, OTR/L

Caitlyn Berry, MS, OTR/L, is Legislative Chair for the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (VOTA), where she works with association leadership and lobbyists to identify policy priorities impacting occupational therapy practice and access to services across Virginia. She leads VOTA’s annual Advocacy Day, coordinating meetings with state legislators and empowering occupational therapy practitioners and students to engage in the policymaking process. A licensed occupational therapist with experience spanning clinical practice, nonprofit leadership, and systems-level advocacy, Caitlyn is passionate about advancing equitable access to health, education, and community services. Previously, she served as Director of Government Relations for Sportable Adaptive Sports & Recreation, where she partnered with state agencies and policymakers to advance disability health and inclusion initiatives across Virginia. Caitlyn currently serves as Community Engagement Manager at Early Impact Virginia, leading community partnerships and statewide systems-building efforts to promote positive maternal and child health outcomes. She is a recipient of the Jayne T. Shepherd Making a Difference Award, the VCU College of Health Professions Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service, and was recently recognized as a VCU 10 Under 10 honoree.