OTR & COTA Elected to NBCOT's Board of Directors

OTR and COTA certificants cast their votes to elect two new members to the NBCOT Board of Directors. We are pleased to announce our newest members to the board.

Jane Cranston, OTR/MOT, BCP, CNT, NTMTC

Conroe, TX — OTR for 9 years; previously certified as a COTA for 19 years

Jane is a pediatric and neonatal occupational therapist with experience in clinical practice, program development, practitioner education, and professional leadership. Her work focuses on supporting medically complex infants and families across neonatal and pediatric settings.

“I am honored to be considered for service on the NBCOT Board of Directors… I will support NBCOT’s mission by protecting the public, promoting excellence in practice, and strengthening confidence in the profession. I am committed to ensuring future practitioners have opportunities to thrive while delivering safe, ethical, and high-quality care.”

Jane sees strong professional standards as directly connected to the quality of care that clients and families receive and to public trust in occupational therapy.

“Maintaining OTR or COTA certification is important because it reflects an ongoing commitment to competence, ethical practice, and accountability to the clients and families we serve.”

Melissa Tammaro, B.S., COTA/L

Reading, PA — COTA for 14 years

Melissa is the Director of Outpatient Services at Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania, where she oversees outpatient therapy operations, interdisciplinary teams, compliance, workforce development, and program growth. Her background includes both direct clinical practice and healthcare administration.

“Ultimately, I want to contribute to a forward-thinking board that champions excellence, supports practitioners, and ensures that NBCOT continues to be a trusted and relevant leader in occupational therapy certification.”

Melissa views certification as an important commitment to continued learning and maintaining high-quality practice throughout a practitioner’s career.

“Experience matters, but the willingness to continue learning and adapting is essential to high-quality practice.”

Future Opportunities

Please join us in congratulating Jane and Melissa on being elected to the NBCOT Board of Directors! They will begin their first term in January 2027. We would also like to thank all the candidates on the election ballot for their interest in serving on the board.

Interested in applying for the board of directors? Look out for a call for candidates in 2027 for one OTR position on the board. The first term will begin in January 2028.