Toni Solaru, MS, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP: OT in Culturally Relevant Care & Training
In this episode, we will learn from, Adeola (Toni) Solaru, MS, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP (they/them). Toni is a community-based mental health occupational therapist and clinical assistant professor working in Chicago, IL. Driven by justice and inclusion, Toni is dedicated to providing equitable services to meet the diverse needs of their students and clients. In addition to their role as a professor and clinician, Toni is the co-founder and chair of Diverse-OT National. Diverse-OT is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to advance the OT profession’s cultural climate by increasing student knowledge of culturally responsive practice and works to support underrepresented students of color. Toni received their Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Occupational Doctorate from Columbia University. Toni is passionate about delivering high-quality and culturally relevant client-centered services, health equity and justice, and assisting clients to achieve their personal goals.
Q & A with Toni:
Please tell us a little about yourself and a few of your favorite occupations.
My name is Toni Solaru (they/he) and I am a functional cognition specialist based in Chicago, IL in addition to being a Clinical Assistant Professor at UW-Milwaukee.
What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?
I am a huge fan of the series as I love to see the different and creative ways people are practicing occupational therapy. I want to contribute back to a series that helped me along my way, especially because being an "Uncommon OT" can be lonely work. But this podcast is a great reminder that there are plenty of us trailblazers out there.
Please describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve and the needs that you address.
Currently, I am the founder and chair of Diverse-OT National. Mission: Diverse-OT National is dedicated to building a strong community of occupational therapists and students who are prepared to dismantle systemic barriers in the fight for health equity. Through education, leadership, and collective action, we empower OTs and students to provide care that is inclusive, just, and rooted in and responds to the lived experiences of communities most affected by injustice. Vision: We envision a future where all occupational therapists provide inclusive, just, and culturally relevant care. Values: Advocacy. Empowerment. Culturally Relevant Care. Occupational Justice. Community Partnerships.
What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?
Diverse-OT National began as a student club in 2016 at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where myself and Dr. Caitlin Robinson (Rhoten) were both graduate students. Caitlin and I drew upon our personal experiences navigating an occupational therapy graduate program as an underrepresented student. We recognized a need for structural change, that supported the material and emotional needs of students from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as pathways for entry into OT programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds. What started as a small idea to empower students has led to the creation of a non-profit organization that operates at five universities across the country as well as on an international level; working to bring people together to create communities of support that promote health equity & justice for all.
How did you get there? Can you describe your path?
Brief "Timeline" 2015 - Toni & Caitlin begin their OT program. They notice areas for improvement within the program in regard to inclusive syllabi, readings, assignments, and fieldwork placements. 2016 - After various ‘task groups’ failed to address the concerns brought up. Toni & Caitlin decided to take matters into their own hands and created the student organization, Diverse-OT Club. 2018 - Students from Boston University reached out and asked if they could start a Diverse-OT chapter after reading an article about our club. “Non-Profits for Dummies” was checked out from the library and the rest is history. 2019 - We operate at 5 universities and at the (inter)national level offering programming, resources, and support in the fight for health equity & justice.
Please describe a typical day or OT session in your uncommon setting. What OT skills do you utilize?
Although I am the co-founder and chair of Diverse-OT National, I also work as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UW-Milwaukee. A typical day consists of teaching and other academic responsibilities. As part of my position, I was able to negotiate that focusing on Diverse-OT National was part of my service to the community. The days that I'm focused on Diverse-OT work, it looks like taking non-profit courses, planning, organizing, and attending meetings with other justice-based orgs and people, lots of effort placed into fundraising (please donate!), marketing, and of course programming.
Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?
Successes - Launching new programming for the 2025 year (Reading for the Revolution; Advocacy in Action); Launching our CE Series ("Unlearning Ableism, Relearning Access) and our General Body Meeting ft. Dr. Mason Munson ("Developing OT's Knowledge and Skill in Transgender Care: Understanding the Occupations of Gender.") All of these events have been well-attended with positive feedback; I'm most proud of the feedback that reflects a radically inclusive community that we are attempting to build. Challenges - FUNDING! Getting non-profit funding, grant writing, soliciting donations, it's all so tough.
How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?
I build learning into my role; all BOD members for DOT have a responsibility to engage in continuing education related to our mission, vision, and values. This looks like listening to different educational podcasts, reading, and staying up-to-date on literature.
Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting? How do OT or the services you provide get funded?
Currently, I am not compensated for my work with Diverse-OT, but that will change once we are funded. I support myself with my salary from teaching.
Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?
You have to dream big and believe in yourself. Your network is everything.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?
Non-profits are tough work.
How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you, and promote your unique work?
Instagram: @tonisolaru & @DiverseOT_National,
Website: www.diverse-ot.com
Email: info@diverse-ot.com
LinkedIn: Diverse-OT National
Phoenix's Insta: @Pheenie.The.Weenie
Diverse-OT CE Events!
March 22: Solidarity & Solutions: Moving OT Education & Practice Forward
March 26: Reading for the Revolution
RAYO CO-OP
Please list any resources you would like me to include with your Show Notes (courses, articles, assessments, tools, etc.)
Mockingbird Incubator website - https://www.mockingbirdincubator.org/
SCORE website - https://www.score.org/
Where Are All the Black OTs - Sign up [www.givebutter.com/diverseot]
Reading for the Revolution - [www.givebutter.com/readingrevolution]
General Fundraising Campaign [www.givebutter.com/diverseot]
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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