PEAC and CAOT Welcome New Program Manager

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 30, 2015) - Effective January 1, 2016, Amanda Walton will be joining PEAC as the new Program Manager for the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP).

"For the past three years, the OTA & PTA EAP has been managed by Kathy Davidson in the role of Program Manager of the EAP, while also acting as Executive Director of PEAC," said Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, PEAC President. "We have been immensely impressed with the work that Kathy has done managing both of these roles, but recognize that the ongoing growth of the accreditation program has resulted in the need for more hours to be dedicated to the Program Manager position for this important program."

Raised in New Brunswick, Walton obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario in 1998. Her career as clinician and manager spans orthopaedic and neurological practice areas, institutional and community care, and public and private contexts. With an eye to strengthening interprofessional teamwork and collaborative partnerships, she has managed teams which included physiotherapists, occupational therapists, OTAs and PTAs. Walton most recently held a leadership position in a community based health agency in Ontario, where she was responsible for two large teams of health professionals geographically spread among three offices.

"I am very much looking forward to this unique opportunity to be involved in the ongoing growth and development of the accreditation program for OTA and PTA education programs in Canada," said Walton. "I have a wealth of experience as both a clinician and a leader and I am excited to apply my enthusiasm, professionalism and expertise to this important work".

Walton will be working closely with PEAC, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the Canadian Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Educators Council (COPEC), as well as with the Joint Accreditation Committee for the EAP. She will liaise closely with all education programs affiliated with the OTA & PTA EAP as part of her responsibility for the oversight and administration of accreditation for occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant education programs in Canada.

Kathy Davidson will remain as the Executive Director of PEAC and have oversight for the OTA & PTA EAP.