David Merlo, MS, COTA/L, CPRP, ROH: OTP in a Peer-Operated Mental Health Agency

In this post, we will learn from David Merlo, MS, COTA/L, CPRP, ROH. He is an OTP and is managing director of Restoration Society, Inc, a peer-operated community mental health agency Buffalo, NY founded upon the recovery vision that all individuals can lead active lives filled with hope and satisfaction and make valuable contributions to our community. For 8 years prior he was the founding director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Bryant and Stratton College in Rochester, NY. Prior to that he was professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for over 18 years at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY. Trained through Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, David is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) in addition to being a licensed COTA. He completed graduate studies in assistive and rehabilitation technology at University at Buffalo OT Department and Center for Assistive Technology (CAT).  He earned an MS degree at Buffalo State College, focusing on adult education with emphasis on technology and supporting students with disabilities. David has presented at numerous conferences and co-authored articles on psychiatric rehabilitation, mental health recovery, assistive technology, and the role of occupational therapy assistants in clinical and community practice. He currently services on the board of Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation, an organization
that supports the first and only school in Haiti with four-year degree programs in both OT and PT. He serves in a leadership capacity with the Consortium of Psychiatric
Rehabilitation Educators, an interprofessional community of practice. He is past director of AOTA Board of Directors, and past representative of the AOTA Representative Assembly. He has served in numerous leadership and volunteer capacities within New York State Occupational Therapy Association.

Show Key Points:

·      David tells us about his background and favorite occupations

·      He describes what inspired him to do this work

·      He describes his current uncommon OT work and whom he serves

·      He describes his path and vision for occupational therapy

·      He provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice

·      He provides resources and his contact information  

RESOURCES:

http://www.davidmerlo.com/  (my personal website)

https://www.haitirehab.org/ (I'm on the board of Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation) Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation (HRF) is a non-profit, 501c3 organization founded with the mission of educating Haitians in the art and science of Physical and Occupational Therapy.

https://cpr.bu.edu/  Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College: Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. This center has led much of the research and development of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Model  

https://helpinghandsandbeyond.org/  A nonprofit humanitarian organization established and dedicated to educate and promote wellness, by encouraging and stimulating healing and recovery. The organization's primary project is Clinic Du Nazareen which provides general health care services, rehabilitation, community development, and mobile clinics throughout Miragoane, Haiti and the surrounding villages. My friend Bergson Louis Jacques, OTR, is the director. I've traveled with him several times to Haiti to help with their clinic. 

https://rsiwny.org/ Restoration Society, Inc. (where I serve as Managing Director). Restoration Society, Inc. programs are peer empowered rehabilitation communities founded upon the recovery vision that all individuals can lead active lives filled with hope and satisfaction and make valuable contributions to our community.

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 [email protected] or DM via Instagram @transitionsot

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A Monthly Series where we feature & applaud the unique work of Occupational Therapy Practitioners currently working in emerging & non traditional practice areas…settings where OT is Uncommon. Listen to an up close and personal conversation, hear their stories, motivations, personal tips and advice on how to get started and even get a glimpse of a typical day in these settings.
Be prepared to be informed, inspired and motivated as you hear their journey to these unique OT roles in unconventional settings.

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• Latest episode: 2025-03-17
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