The Occupational Therapy Advisory Committee welcomed several incoming members at its Nov. 14 meeting and made near-term leadership arrangements before entering executive session and taking a confidential licensure action.

Introductions: Chair Ingrid invited new and future members to introduce themselves. Future members who spoke included Colin Hernandez (neuro clinician and consultant), Whitney Roden (home-health and rural practice experience), LaWenica "Wendy" Evans (27 years of OT practice and faculty at LSU Health Shreveport), and April Peyton (clinic owner and lactation consultant).

Leadership: Chair Ingrid said she will step down at the end of her term and solicited volunteers for chair or co-chairs starting Jan. 1. Caroline volunteered and LaWenica (Wendy) Evans agreed to serve as a co-chair with Caroline. Staff offered to meet with incoming co-chairs after the holidays to provide procedural guidance and support.

Executive session and licensure action: The committee moved into executive session as added earlier to the agenda. After returning, the advisory committee moved to "grant the license without any further requirements" for identification number 103545; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next: Staff will schedule 2026 meeting dates (every other month, Fridays at 10 a.m.) and meet with new co-chairs to orient them before the January start date.