Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT & Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L: OT & Cultural Humility
In this post, we will learn from Dr. Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT & Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L, co-authors of Occupational Identity. Dr. Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT is an occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy as a certified hand therapist. She completed her undergraduate work at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in the field of Biological Sciences. She further went on to pursue her master’s degree from Loma Linda University and her occupational therapy doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Promotions. Coming from humble beginnings, she has always had a passion for serving humanity through community service ventures, statewide as well as missionary work abroad. Places she has been honored to serve included an orphanage in Haiti to make adaptive equipment and upper extremity orthotics for children as well as an orphanage in Morocco, to work with the Arab and Italian therapists on proper positioning of children with arthrogryposis, to name a couple. When not abroad, she loves to devise her own volunteer projects for the community such as Turkey trotting to raise money for families during the pandemic as well as gathering donations for Christmas gifts for women and children victimized by domestic violence and substance abuse issues. Being a part of her church family has always been a priority, along with the strong foundation her faith provides. Continuously trying to lead by example, Dr. Herrera believes in a healthy lifestyle that includes active participation in nutrition, mental wellness, and physical health. With her eagerness to learn about and experience new cultures, languages, music, foods, and sports activities, Dr. Herrera can truly say that every day is an exciting gift from God. Through the skills learned as an occupational therapist, Dr. Herrera believes that we are more than a body of parts; but are uniquely and wonderfully made, to share our gifts, talents, and skills with our fellow man.
Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L, is co-founder of kNOwBiaS, a long-time activist rooted in anti-war, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. He was born and raised in a small town in Ohio by my immigrant Lebanese parents. He received his occupational therapy training in Philadelphia, PA, and later obtained his Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Temple University. He received a Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and his research involved exploring racial bias in the field of occupational therapy. His personal and professional experiences have given him a unique and genuine expertise in the intersections of race, health, culture, and justice. Partnering with Alaa could mean that you are better able to address racism, bias, and oppression in your institution, and facilitate powerful discussions that truly embrace justice for all and can ultimately change and save lives.
Q & A with Alaa & Erica:
Please tell us a little about yourself and a few favorite occupations.
Alaa- Father, educator and OT. Favorite occupation currently is being a dad.
Erica- Jesus follower, mother,/wife OT/CHT, educator. Favorite occupation currently is being mother and person of service.
What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?
Alaa- Occupational Identity Book and prior advocacy
This book was created following a lack of response and substance after the murder of George Flloyd. I have been an advocate for social justice my entire adult life and we just kept finding ourselves centering whiteness in OT. It was time for us to get rid of the gatekeepers and allow the marginalized and minoritized to tell their story.
Erica- We wrote a book that we feel would benefit all who have stories to tell.
What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?
We were inspired by the ability to share our personal and professional experiences as OTs
How did you get there? Can you describe your path?
Alaa- A lot of trauma, pain, and isolation. Doing this work is daunting and often unheard or ignored.
Erika- From committee to sub committee to then finding common ground on an idea, then writing. Including reviewing, re-writing and reviewing again.
Please describe a typical day or OT session at your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?
On top of having our own toddlers, significant others and careers our day would consist of additional tasks such as interviewing, writing, reviewing and discussing the project weekly.
Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?
Alaa- Our book is to be published May 21, 2024, a truly great moment and a very validating feeling in my career.
Erica- Pertaining to the co-authoring together, recent lows would be the stress and pressure of trying to meet deadlines while still trying to be a part of our daily personal and professional lives. Recent highs would be the feedback from people sending words as well as photos of them with our book.
How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?
Alaa- Humility
Erica- Always learning. Humility to continue to absorb new knowledge and listening.
Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting? How do OT or the services you provide get funded?
Alaa- Yikes, lol. This work is valuable, as is our time. Compensation may vary, but often times we are asked to do the work for free and that is just unacceptable.
Erica- When writing a book you have to go in with the belief that it is worth it. There is no guarantee in the beginning that others will see your vision. In the end it may pay off.
Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?
Alaa- Have empathy, Use your privilege, build community.
Erica- Be patient with the process and urgent in your beliefs.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?
Alaa- Practitioners doing the work in DEI are not robots. We have feelings, responsibilities, families, etc. It takes a lot of courage to speak up. Some of the criticism can feel dehumanizing.
Erica- There is a lot of uncertainty with your own project. When you think you are done, the editing process is vigorous.
How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you, and promote your unique work?
Alaa - IG: @alaa.abouarab, linked in, website: knowbias.net. email: alaa@knowbias.net.
Erica - johnsoerica@gmail.com, facebook: Erica V. Herrera
Please list any resource you would like to include with your Show Notes (courses, articles, assessments, tools, etc.)
www.knowbias.net
https://us.jkp.com/products/occupational-identity
https://myaota.aota.org/shop_aota/product/900599
Coalition of Occupational Therapists Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot
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