David M. Merlo

  • [Hello]
  • [AOTA Board]
  • [Curriculum Vitae]
  • [Additional Information]
  • [Contact]
  • [Hello]
  • [AOTA Board]
  • [Curriculum Vitae]
  • [Additional Information]
  • [Contact]

David M. Merlo, MS, COTA/L, CPRP, ROH

About me...

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For over 34 years, I have built a successful and satisfying career as an educator, practitioner, consultant, and leader, based on the foundations of my education in occupational therapy. For over 18 years I taught within the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY. I am now the founding director of the  Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Bryant & Stratton College in Rochester, NY. The program was awarded accreditation in December 2016.

I am a board director of Restoration Society, Inc., a person-centered, occupation-based community mental health program based on the recovery model. I serve on committees and boards, locally and nationally, representing occupational therapy and psychiatric rehabilitation among consumers, other disciplines, and organizations - including New York State Occupational Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, and the Consortium of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Educators.

I've built upon my education in occupational therapy by pursuing advanced studies in assistive technology, psychiatric rehabilitation, and adult education. I consistently share what I learn by presenting at conferences, meetings, social networks, as well as teaching in the classroom.

My career objective is to expand my vision of enabling all people the opportunity to improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, be integrated and contributing members of their communities, and strive to reach their full potential (SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery, 12/10/11). I am interested in further exploring and expanding that vision through a variety of roles including educator, administrator, consultant, leader, and advocate. My vitae (link below) tells more about my roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Please contact me HERE for more information.

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I work for people, not companies.
I am motivated by ideas, not by profit.
I am guided by values and principles,
not by policies and procedures.

* COTA/L: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Licensed             
* CPRP: Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner              
* ROH: AOTA Roster of Honors

View my Talent Profile
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Download my CV
“As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living." (Vision Statement 2025, AOTA, 2018).
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