Education Division
The Education Division is responsible for ASHT continuing education offerings for members and nonmembers, including webinars, Hand Therapy Review Courses, Hands-on Orthotics Courses, Education on Tour traveling course, Pediatric Case Reviews, Upper Extremity Institute, Test Prep for the CHT Exam and more.
Education Division Director: Cara Smith, PT, DPT, CHT
Education Division members
Outreach Division
The Outreach Division develops, implements and coordinates ASHT non-CEU educational offerings for hand and upper extremity rehabilitation professionals. This includes developing new product offerings to engage members and non-members, establishing student-member outreach opportunities and providing mentorship and growth opportunities for members who are desiring to pursue certification. Projects that fall under the Outreach Division are student offerings, patient education, mentoring, ASHT Times, social media/promotions, the Hands in Motion podcast and more.
Outreach Division Director: Gayle K. Severance, MS, OT/L, CHT
Outreach Division members
Practice Division
The Practice Division implements initiatives identified in the annual strategic plan; monitors industry, legal and regulatory trends; and provides up-to-date information to members.
Practice Division Director: Angela M. Stephens, DHS, OTR/L, CHT
Practice Division members
Research Division
The Research Division identifies, implements and coordinates ASHT's research activities as defined in the strategic plan. Projects that currently fall under the Research Division include building a research community for ASHT members, Journal Club chat, reviewing and grading abstracts submitted for ASHT Annual Meeting, vetting requests for research surveys to be distributed to ASHT members, promoting submissions to the Journal of Hand Therapy and mentoring prospective researchers.
Research Division Director: Lori Algar, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Research Division members
Annual Meeting Committee
The Annual Meeting Committee is responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of the Annual Meeting program, including session planning, scheduling and coordination of topics, speakers and planned activities.
2026 Annual Meeting Chair: Rachel M. Pigott, MPH, OTR/L, CHT
Annual Meeting Committee members
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee is responsible for selecting award recipients according to established criteria for ASHT's awards presented at the Annual Meeting, including the Nathalie Barr Lectureship, Paul Brand, Joy MacDermid Lifetime Scientific, Lifetime Fellowship, Honorary Membership, Hall of Fame, Emerging Hand Therapist and Best Grassroots Effort Awards. Upon completion, the committee will note any proposed process changes and submit to the Board of Directors.
Awards Committee Chair: Sharon Montgomery, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS
Awards Committee members
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee advances ASHT's commitment to fostering a professional community where all members feel welcomed, valued and supported. The committee works to promote inclusive practices and sustainable initiatives across the society by reviewing policies and programs, collaborating with committees and volunteer groups and identifying opportunities to strengthen engagement, representation and belonging. Through ongoing education, dialogue and outreach, the committee helps ensure ASHT remains responsive to the evolving needs of the hand and upper extremity therapy community.
DEI Committee Chair: Raveen Virdee, MOT, OTR/L
DEI Committee members
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee develops and recommends to the board financial policies, plans and courses of action that accomplish ASHT's mission and contribute to the organization's financial well being. The committee reviews the annual budget and oversees issues related to financial policies, cash management, investments, risk management, financial monitoring, reporting, etc.
Finance Committee Chair: Rob McClellan, OTR/L, CHT, COMT-UL (Secretary/Treasurer)
Finance Committee members
International Committee
The International Committee responds to member questions, moderates the international e-Community discussion group and conveys salient information. The committee also liaises with International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT).
International Committee Chair: Preston Lockwood, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
International Committee members
Leadership Development Committee
The Leadership Development Committee facilitates opportunities for ASHT members to grow leadership skills that can help them potentially transition into leadership opportunities both within the society and within the hand and upper extremity therapy community as a whole.
Leadership Development Committee Chair: Theresa Hallenen, DHSc, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Leadership Development Committee members
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee is responsible for reviewing applications for vacant board positions and recommending the final slate. Upon completion, the committee will note any proposed process changes and submit to the Board of Directors.
Nominations Committee Chair: Kimberly Masker, OTD, OTR/L, CHT (Immediate Past President)
Nominations Committee members
Pediatric Committee
The Pediatric Committee is dedicated to advancing pediatric hand and upper extremity therapy. This committee supports the development of specialized resources, research and education while also ensuring that pediatric content is infused across ASHT’s programs and initiatives.
Pediatric Committee Chair: Jenny Dorich PhD, MBA, OTR/L, CHT
Pediatric Committee members
Interested in participating on a division, committee or ASHT project? Please review our current volunteer opportunities.