Our Story

In 1989, a group of occupational and physical therapists in Atlanta created a small study group with the common goal of obtaining their hand therapy certification. The group members shared experiences, knowledge, and academic resources to help each other succeed.

A successful outcome drove them to continue meeting after the exam while word of their collaborative approach began to spread. Others with the same professional interests started to inquire about membership, and the Georgia Hand & Upper Extremity Special Interest Group was born.

GHUESIG is recognized by many professional associations, including:

American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

We continue to welcome new members from Georgia and across the country. Our team looks forward to helping serve the needs of therapists and therapy assistants with educational opportunities and resources at a value.

Current Officers

PRESIDENT
MISSY THURLOW, MBA, OTR/L, CHT

PAST PRESIDENT
ROB MCCLELLAN, OTR/L, CHT

VICE PRESIDENT
ADRIANA GARDNER, OTR/L, COMT-UL

TREASURER
STEPHANIE KIEL, OTR/L, CHT

SECRETARY
AMANDA CALDWELL, OTR/L, CHT

PUBLIC RELATIONS
RACHEL GROB, OTR/L

Our Mission

To be recognized as Georgia’s leader in providing educational and networking opportunities for occupational and physical therapy practitioners to advance the science and practice of rehabilitation for the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.