I have been an occupational therapist since 1978. I started my career in Psychiatry where I founded three OT departments and developed OT programs for different client groups. I have held many positions in the National Association both national and internationally. From 1999-2019 I had my own company Rol-maat, centre for OT, training and advice and coaching strategies. As COTEC delegate for the Netherlands (since 2000) I was member of the OT Tuning project team and was as COTEC link person to the ENOTHE board member of the executive committee of COTEC and board member of ENOTHE. My goal was and is to inspire colleagues and join forces in Occupational Therapy to make a strong OT voice in Europe. In October 2013 at the first General Assembly of COTEC in Malta I was elected president of COTEC; a position I have held for the full term of six years. I was one the founders of Occupational Therapy Europe and ROTOS. In November 2014 I was honored by the Dutch Association with the Astrid Kinébanian Award and in 2018 with the Fellowship of EN. In 2021 I was awarded the (first) COTEC Fellowship.Since my retirement I am volunteering as Dutch language coach and for the foundation Vier het Leven. Specialties: clientcentered work, coaching, (intercultural) communication, talent scouting, occupational balance, fieldwork coaching and assessment, European cooperation.At the moment I am active as a volunteer in Dutch language coaching for immigrants (Syrian and Russian) and trying to find them proper jobs.