Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Category: Member News
Meet RESNA's New Board Member: Cara Masselink, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, HCPS
How did you first get involved in RESNA?
I first became involved with RESNA while obtaining my ATP certification in 2013. Since then, I have attended and presented at RESNA conferences and visited the online communities to stay up to date. I led the position paper on Supported Standing and collaborated with RESNA board members in advocacy and policy change efforts while leading the Clinician Task Force.
Is there a moment or experience that shaped your interest in assistive technology?
I think the moments that shaped my interest in assistive technology were the ones when I learned about people's stories, their experiences, and the activities that were meaningful for them to participate in, as well as the obstacles that hindered them. When we worked together and found assistive technology solutions that enabled or facilitated their engagement, and I heard about their accomplishments, I was inspired to continue working in this area of practice.
What inspired you to join the RESNA board?
I see the continued need to advocate for access to appropriate assistive technology, and serving on the RESNA board will give me the opportunity to continue my involvement in this important work.
Can you share a bit about your background and how it aligns with RESNA’s mission?
I worked clinically as an occupational therapist in a variety of practice settings and with all ages before securing a position with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in their Assistive Technology department. After years of advocating one-on-one for individual patient needs with insurance companies, I saw a need for continued research to inform policies that could protect access to assistive technology and obtained a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Since then, I have used my education and experience to continue working toward improving assistive technology service provision and policies in an effort to facilitate the health and well-being of people with disabilities, which directly aligns with RESNA's mission.
What do you see as the board’s role in advancing RESNA’s mission?
The board should operationalize RESNA's goals to advance professional and educational development and provide value to its members by intentionally collaborating to determine the best methods to gather, disseminate, and communicate knowledge of assistive technology, as well as uphold minimum standards for practice in this area. The field of assistive technology encompasses many disciplines and specialty focuses, and the RESNA board must consider and listen to the breadth of the field and its practitioners in carrying out the directives.
What are you hoping to impact as a board member?
I'm hoping to contribute pragmatic, evidence-based, and solution-oriented input that considers users of assistive technology and practitioners in order to inform future RESNA plans and activities that protect access and promote best-practice service delivery.