Get to Know Us
President, Nardia Aldridge, Ph.D., OTR/L, DTM
Dr. Nardia Aldridge, OTR/L, DTM, is an accomplished Associate Professor within the Occupational Therapy Department at Nova Southeastern University. With a strong educational background, including a BS in Occupational Therapy and an MS in Gerontology, she is dedicated to advancing healthcare and promoting diversity within her field. Born on the enchanting Island of Jamaica, Dr. Aldridge's journey has been enriched by her remarkable service of nine years in the United States Army, where she had the privilege of meeting her husband, Roger Aldridge. Their enduring partnership has spanned 28 years and has blessed them with two wonderful children. Dr. Aldridge is a true exemplar of humble leadership, often working quietly behind the scenes to effect meaningful change. Her passion lies in fostering diversity within the occupational therapy profession, a mission she ardently pursues through her various roles. She is not only the President and founder of the South Florida Black Occupational Therapy Caucus but also serves as the Eastern Member at Large for the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus. Her dedication extends to her past role as president of the New York State Black Occupational Therapy Caucus for over 14 years. Vice-President, Nazarah Williams, OTR/L
Nazarah Williams is a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) graduate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami. A Brooklyn native, Nazarah has called Florida home for the past few years, where she pursued her academic journey and looks forward to making an impact. During Level II fieldwork rotations in South Florida, she gained valuable experience at an outpatient hand facility and an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, cementing her commitment to a holistic approach to helping individuals regain independence and quality of life. Beyond clinical expertise, Nazarah has a deep-seated interest in advocacy, an essential aspect of occupational therapy that drives positive change in the lives of those in need. Her passion extends to a desire to work in diverse occupational therapy settings, including pelvic floor rehabilitation, acute care, orthopedics, and neurological rehabilitation. Her well-rounded approach will ensure she can make a meaningful impact within the community.
Nazarah's mission within our organization is to foster regional growth and connections. She has been actively expanding our caucus' presence, sharing her knowledge about occupational therapy with younger generations, and building bridges within the community. Treasurer, Lakeisha Sanders-Woods, OTR/L
Lakeisha Sanders-Woods is a passionate advocate for occupational therapy with over two decades of experience in the field. Her journey began at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she laid the foundation for her career and ignited her dedication to improving the lives of individuals through occupational therapy. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Lakeisha has worked with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings. Her heart has always been drawn to geriatrics, where she dedicated a significant portion of her career. For 12 years, she served as the Director of Rehabilitation in acute and long-term care settings. This role allowed her to impact the quality of life for countless individuals and their families. Lakeisha's commitment to the field of occupational therapy extends beyond clinical practice. Over the last eight years, she has taken on the role of an instructor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, nurturing the next generation of occupational therapy professionals. She finds fulfillment in guiding aspiring OTAs on their educational journey and helping to shape their future careers. In addition to her work in education and clinical practice, Lakeisha is proud to be a founding member and treasurer of the SFBOTC. Through this organization, she has actively contributed to advancing the field of occupational therapy and advocating for the well-being of our community. Furthermore, she has presented at the Florida Occupational Therapy Association on various FW issues and emerging practice areas. Occupational therapy is not just a profession for Lakeisha; it's a calling. She is thrilled to share her knowledge and experiences with you through this organization. Whether you are a fellow practitioner, student, or someone interested in the transformative power of occupational therapy, she invites you to join us on this journey of discovery, growth, and advocacy. Secretary, Kyrah Maduro, OT/S Bio coming soon |