It is with a heavy, yet grateful heart that AKOTA honors the contributions that Melissa Robinson made to the advancement of occupational therapy services in the state of Alaska. We send our condolences to her surviving friends and family, including Terri Atwell, who kindly shared the following sentiments.
(Mary) Melissa Robinson, a founding member of the Alaska OT Association, passed away after a long illness. Melissa was one of the original 11 therapists who founded AKOTA. Melissa was a dedicated therapist who believed in serving her state and national associations as well as her clients. She held all AKOTA offices and was elected by her Alaskan peers to serve on the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Representative Assembly for several terms. She worked with leaders from all states in setting priorities and policies for the national association and for advancing the profession of OT. She was instrumental in getting Alaska state licensure passed despite many challenges, and through her efforts, was able to get the licensure law through the process on the first try. She later served on the Alaska Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board and offered highly informed input on regulations and licensing decisions.
During her career, Melissa worked in mental health, geriatrics, school based practice and pediatrics. She helped develop the department for Occupational and Physical therapists in the Anchorage School District and was the program consultant/lead therapist for many years . She mentored multiple therapists throughout her career.
Melissa will be remembered for her quick wit, continued desire for knowledge, hard work and dedication to her family, friends, clients and profession.