Student Representative
Julia Tantillo
2026 Student representative
Julia is a first-year OTD student at Creighton University in the Alaska Hybrid Pathway. Originally from upstate New York, she has called Alaska home for the past five years. With several years of experience as a K-12 educator, she brings initiative, adaptability, thoughtful advocacy, and a strong ability to foster connection across diverse groups to her leadership roles. She continues to work as a substitute teacher in the Anchorage School District while in OT school. During the summers, she works as a wilderness guide in Prince William Sound and remains actively committed to environmental stewardship through volunteer service. Julia currently serves as the Class Secretary for her OTD Class of 2028. If selected as Student Liaison, she is committed to going above and beyond to support her peers, serve as a reliable point of connection, and contribute meaningfully to the mission of AKOTA.
Term end date: March 2027
The Student Representative is appointed by the AKOTA Board of Directors and serves a one year term with no more than two consecutive terms. The Student Representative’s role provides a mechanism for expression of occupational therapy student concerns and offers students a platform for active participation in AKOTA affairs. The role of the AKOTA Student Representative is to act as a liaison between AKOTA and all occupational therapy students in the State of Alaska. The Student Representative shares information gathered from Alaska occupational therapy students with AKOTA members and facilitates student involvement in the Association. Student Representatives serve as AKOTA Board Members without a vote.