Executive Board
Chairman- Khamara-Lani Tarradath
Khamara-Lani Tarradath is a National Scholar who graduated from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences,Florida in 2015 through an Allied Health Scholarship. She has since completed further formal training in Healthcare Leadership and Global Mental Health Care from Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business and Harvard University respectively. A fierce advocate for advancing a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, Khamara-Lani currently also serves as the vice chairperson for both the CPRM and OTSLP Board. Upon graduation she worked in the Opelousas General Health System, Louisiana. In 2017 she assumed duties at the Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Ward at the St James Medical Complex. She is currently the senior occupational therapist at St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. When she isn’t in a meeting or giving a presentation about OT she’s likely to be at the gym, the beach or on a flight to see her niece and nephew.
Khamara-Lani Tarradath is a National Scholar who graduated from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences,Florida in 2015 through an Allied Health Scholarship. She has since completed further formal training in Healthcare Leadership and Global Mental Health Care from Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business and Harvard University respectively. A fierce advocate for advancing a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, Khamara-Lani currently also serves as the vice chairperson for both the CPRM and OTSLP Board. Upon graduation she worked in the Opelousas General Health System, Louisiana. In 2017 she assumed duties at the Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Ward at the St James Medical Complex. She is currently the senior occupational therapist at St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. When she isn’t in a meeting or giving a presentation about OT she’s likely to be at the gym, the beach or on a flight to see her niece and nephew.
Vice Chairman- Shauna Taylor
Shauna Taylor is an all-rounded occupational therapist serving in the capacity of Vice-chair person on the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association. She has a passion and love for the performing arts as she herself is a musician, singer and dancer. Shauna is the director and founder of Taylor-made Therapy Services. She has found joy in her role as an occupational therapist where she continues to work towards creating a positive impact on her clients and their families. Shauna is a graduate of the University of the Southern Caribbean where she completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. Shauna currently works with pediatric and adult populations. Her OT journey has been an incredible one filled with learning and growth as she continues to serve her community and advocate for the profession.
Shauna Taylor is an all-rounded occupational therapist serving in the capacity of Vice-chair person on the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association. She has a passion and love for the performing arts as she herself is a musician, singer and dancer. Shauna is the director and founder of Taylor-made Therapy Services. She has found joy in her role as an occupational therapist where she continues to work towards creating a positive impact on her clients and their families. Shauna is a graduate of the University of the Southern Caribbean where she completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. Shauna currently works with pediatric and adult populations. Her OT journey has been an incredible one filled with learning and growth as she continues to serve her community and advocate for the profession.
Secretary- Sigrid Minguell
Sigrid Minguell is a proud graduate of the local Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT) program, Sigrid is passionate about supporting the growth of TTOTA and advancing the field of occupational therapy in Trinidad and Tobago. Alongside her role as Secretary, she works in diverse clinic settings, including orthopedics, pediatrics and palliative care, providing holistic and patient-centered care. Her role within TTOTA involves coordinating key initiatives, and maintaining communication among members while fostering a collaborative environment within the organisation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, finding inspiration and relaxation through books, swimming and spending time in nature. As TTOTA celebrates its 20th anniversary, Sigrid remains committed to shaping a brighter future for occupational therapy in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sigrid Minguell is a proud graduate of the local Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT) program, Sigrid is passionate about supporting the growth of TTOTA and advancing the field of occupational therapy in Trinidad and Tobago. Alongside her role as Secretary, she works in diverse clinic settings, including orthopedics, pediatrics and palliative care, providing holistic and patient-centered care. Her role within TTOTA involves coordinating key initiatives, and maintaining communication among members while fostering a collaborative environment within the organisation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, finding inspiration and relaxation through books, swimming and spending time in nature. As TTOTA celebrates its 20th anniversary, Sigrid remains committed to shaping a brighter future for occupational therapy in Trinidad and Tobago.
Treasurer - Kimarah Reefe
Kimarah Reefe hails from the beautiful nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica. Ms. Reefe earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Southern Caribbean and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. As a registered Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatrics, Ms. Reefe is passionate about working with children with autism and their families. She also serves as the acting Director of the Occupational Therapy program at the University of the Southern Caribbean. An active member of the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association, Ms. Reefe is the co treasurer of the TTOTA and member of the education committee. She is involved in various fundraising and outreach initiatives and enthusiastically accepts invitations to share the benefits of Occupational Therapy with the broader community. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Reefe enjoys the outdoors, hiking, going to the beach, listening to good music, and cooking.
Kimarah Reefe hails from the beautiful nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica. Ms. Reefe earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Southern Caribbean and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. As a registered Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatrics, Ms. Reefe is passionate about working with children with autism and their families. She also serves as the acting Director of the Occupational Therapy program at the University of the Southern Caribbean. An active member of the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association, Ms. Reefe is the co treasurer of the TTOTA and member of the education committee. She is involved in various fundraising and outreach initiatives and enthusiastically accepts invitations to share the benefits of Occupational Therapy with the broader community. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Reefe enjoys the outdoors, hiking, going to the beach, listening to good music, and cooking.
Treasurer - Shanice Clarke
Shanice Clarke has a keen eye for detail and has been instrumental in ensuring the organization’s financial health and transparency since her appointment. Ms. Clarke brings a level of expertise and integrity that is truly invaluable as she also holds a Master of Marketing from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business. Her business acumen helps her to navigate complex financial matters with ease. Since taking on the role of treasurer, Shanice has worked diligently to manage the association's budget, oversee expenditures, and implement effective financial strategies. Beyond the numbers and clinical practice, Ms. Clarke is known for her love of travel, adventure and creativity, which shines through in her use of engaging activities to motivate clients and facilitate meaningful progress in and out of the clinic. Ms. Clarke believes in the importance of raising awareness about occupational therapy and its benefits in any setting she enters. She volunteers with local and foreign organizations, providing workshops and resources to help individuals across the lifespan understand how occupational therapy can enhance their daily lives.
Shanice Clarke has a keen eye for detail and has been instrumental in ensuring the organization’s financial health and transparency since her appointment. Ms. Clarke brings a level of expertise and integrity that is truly invaluable as she also holds a Master of Marketing from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business. Her business acumen helps her to navigate complex financial matters with ease. Since taking on the role of treasurer, Shanice has worked diligently to manage the association's budget, oversee expenditures, and implement effective financial strategies. Beyond the numbers and clinical practice, Ms. Clarke is known for her love of travel, adventure and creativity, which shines through in her use of engaging activities to motivate clients and facilitate meaningful progress in and out of the clinic. Ms. Clarke believes in the importance of raising awareness about occupational therapy and its benefits in any setting she enters. She volunteers with local and foreign organizations, providing workshops and resources to help individuals across the lifespan understand how occupational therapy can enhance their daily lives.
PRO- Shaianne Pemberton
Shaianne Pemberton is the Public Relations Officer for the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association. In her role, she contributes to advocating for the profession and raising awareness about the critical role of occupational therapy in improving quality of life. She is a dedicated adult and geriatric occupational therapist with a passion for accessible housing, home modifications and adaptive equipment. Her commitment to improving the lives of her clients is reflected in her work, which focuses on enhancing independence and safety in everyday environments. As a Certified Living in Place Professional, she is desirous of making homes more accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Shaianne Pemberton is the Public Relations Officer for the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association. In her role, she contributes to advocating for the profession and raising awareness about the critical role of occupational therapy in improving quality of life. She is a dedicated adult and geriatric occupational therapist with a passion for accessible housing, home modifications and adaptive equipment. Her commitment to improving the lives of her clients is reflected in her work, which focuses on enhancing independence and safety in everyday environments. As a Certified Living in Place Professional, she is desirous of making homes more accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities.
WFOT Delegate- Samantha Roberts
Samantha Roberts, a proud product of the ‘greatest little island on the planet’, Tobago, was locally trained at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) Occupational Therapy program. With a deep dedication to public service, she has focused her career thus far on improving healthcare delivery, particularly within the public sector. Having worked at St. Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital and in her current role at the Scarborough General Hospital, Samantha has gained experience in treating a wide range of conditions, particularly in mental health and rehabilitation.
Her dedication to providing care in the public sector reflects her belief in ensuring that quality therapy services are accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable populations. Samantha is also a strong advocate for holistic, patient-centered care, recognizing the importance of addressing both the physical and mental well-being of those she serves
Samantha Roberts, a proud product of the ‘greatest little island on the planet’, Tobago, was locally trained at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) Occupational Therapy program. With a deep dedication to public service, she has focused her career thus far on improving healthcare delivery, particularly within the public sector. Having worked at St. Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital and in her current role at the Scarborough General Hospital, Samantha has gained experience in treating a wide range of conditions, particularly in mental health and rehabilitation.
Her dedication to providing care in the public sector reflects her belief in ensuring that quality therapy services are accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable populations. Samantha is also a strong advocate for holistic, patient-centered care, recognizing the importance of addressing both the physical and mental well-being of those she serves
WFOT Alternate Delegate - Jenia Cunningham-Blackman
Jenia Cunningham-Blackman is a compassionate client- centered occupational therapist (OT) currently working at the St. Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. When Jenia learned about OT at the age of ten (10), it quickly became her dream job. Finally, after earning a national open scholarship for creative studies, Jenia received the opportunity to complete degrees in Occupational Therapy and Spanish at Mount Mary University in Wisconsin, in the United States. While studying, she became impassioned about occupational therapy advocacy and increasing service accessibility in her local context. Upon returning to Trinidad in 2021, Jenia began to work in the public sector facilitating sessions with clients of all ages facing various neurocognitive, developmental and physical challenges to foster independence, improving their functional ability and overall quality of life. Jenia strongly believes in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. When she is not at work, Jenia loves to spend time with her husband at the beach or on a hike, expressing herself with dance or art, and cultivating loving relationships with others
Jenia Cunningham-Blackman is a compassionate client- centered occupational therapist (OT) currently working at the St. Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. When Jenia learned about OT at the age of ten (10), it quickly became her dream job. Finally, after earning a national open scholarship for creative studies, Jenia received the opportunity to complete degrees in Occupational Therapy and Spanish at Mount Mary University in Wisconsin, in the United States. While studying, she became impassioned about occupational therapy advocacy and increasing service accessibility in her local context. Upon returning to Trinidad in 2021, Jenia began to work in the public sector facilitating sessions with clients of all ages facing various neurocognitive, developmental and physical challenges to foster independence, improving their functional ability and overall quality of life. Jenia strongly believes in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. When she is not at work, Jenia loves to spend time with her husband at the beach or on a hike, expressing herself with dance or art, and cultivating loving relationships with others
ACOT Representative - Gabina Rayside
Gabinia Rayside is currently the ACOT Country Representative in the association's executive, she is a 30 year old occupational therapist and has been practicing for the past 3 years. She graduated from the University of the Southern Caribbean in 2020 and started working in 2021 due to COVID restrictions. Gabinia currently serves both pediatric and adult populations on both islands of Trinidad and Tobago. She is passionate towards her job and is dedicated to creating a holistic and comfortable experience for her clients whilst in session as she deeply sympathizes with the emotional aspect of both client and caregiver involved and reminding them regardless of the situation they can engage in meaningful activities that will bring them joy.
Gabinia is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and to assist in creating balance in their lives which may sometimes look a little different pre-injury/diagnosis or different in general in the context of special needs kids/adults. When Gabinia is not working, she herself is dedicated to living a balanced life by including exercise, fostering relationships with loved ones, engaging in cultural activities and traveling to list a few.
Gabinia Rayside is currently the ACOT Country Representative in the association's executive, she is a 30 year old occupational therapist and has been practicing for the past 3 years. She graduated from the University of the Southern Caribbean in 2020 and started working in 2021 due to COVID restrictions. Gabinia currently serves both pediatric and adult populations on both islands of Trinidad and Tobago. She is passionate towards her job and is dedicated to creating a holistic and comfortable experience for her clients whilst in session as she deeply sympathizes with the emotional aspect of both client and caregiver involved and reminding them regardless of the situation they can engage in meaningful activities that will bring them joy.
Gabinia is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and to assist in creating balance in their lives which may sometimes look a little different pre-injury/diagnosis or different in general in the context of special needs kids/adults. When Gabinia is not working, she herself is dedicated to living a balanced life by including exercise, fostering relationships with loved ones, engaging in cultural activities and traveling to list a few.
