2007 AOTA Awards and Recognitions
Presented Sunday, April 22, 2007
AOTA Awards
Jeanette Bair Writer's Award
Cordelia Myers Writer's Award
Recognition of Achievement Award
Roster of Honor
Roster of Fellows
Certification of Appreciation
Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award
Lindy Boggs Award
Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award
Award of Merit
2007 AOTA Service Commendations
AOTA Retired Educator's Award
Description of Awards
AOTA Recognitions Committee: Chairperson, Mary Kay Currie, OT, BCPR; Mary Ellen East, MS, COTA, ROH; Peter W. Giroux, MHS, OTR/L; Yolanda Griffiths, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA; and Lawrence Zachow, MA, OTR/L
David D. Clark, OT, FAOTA
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Lifetime Exemplary Leadership to Occupational Therapy's Advancement
David D. Clark has affected the profession with his ability to be an outstanding advocate and passionate communicator, which is now legendary and has persisted year after year for over four decades. He is noted for promoting the profession; for his innovations in practice; for political advocacy; for national, regional, and state leadership; and for his impact on the global community. He was one of the early student leaders and has never lost his enthusiasm for encouraging full student participation in professional development. Throughout the years he has been a strong proponent of professional development-coleading one of the largest regional conferences for 15 years. Through his communication skills, he has encouraged others to participate and excel with his thought-provoking comments and dialogue. His sustained and inspired leadership in the profession has served as a role model for hundreds of students and practitioners. His advocacy has been without parallel.
Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award
Wendy J. Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Boston, Massachusetts
Enabling Participation Through Theory and Measurement
Dr. Wendy J. Coster has made a significant and sustained impact on the profession of occupational therapy and the broader field of rehabilitation. She has advanced theory and developed conceptually coherent and psychometrically sound measurement tools to enable practitioners to plan and evaluate outcomes of intervention related to participation in meaningful occupations. Through her scholarship and educational leadership, Dr. Coster has advocated for the importance of critically examining our belief systems and the underlying assumptions regarding change. She has taught practitioners how to integrate research evidence to enhance the services we provide to our consumers worldwide. Her contributions have made a profound impact on occupational therapy, and more importantly, on people living with disabilities and their families.
Katherine B. Stewart, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Federal Way, Washington
Therapist, Advocate, Mentor, Teacher, Activist, and Role Model
Katherine (Kathy) Stewart has worked tirelessly to promote occupational therapy in the political arena in Washington State-increasing its recognition in legislation, regulations, and policies and increasing appreciation and understanding of the profession by elected officials. As Chair of the Washington Occupational Therapy Advocates Political Action Committee, her expert advice and testimony are an indispensable source of support to her state association's lobbyist. Kathy is passionate about teaching; she uses her position to enlighten students, peers, clients, and lawmakers and to advocate for the profession. Her engagement and activism make her a role model for all.
Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award
Peggy R. Gettemeier, MPH, COTA/L
Ferguson, Missouri
Cynthia S. Matlock, MBA, OTR/L
St. Louis, Missouri
Peggy Gettemeier and Cynthia Matlock exemplify professional partnership through their collaborative efforts at St. Louis University in Missouri. Working together, they have developed a community practice course that has evolved into full-fledged community programs within the St. Louis City and County Departments of Health and the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. Their shared efforts in academic fieldwork coordination enhance the relationship between course work and practice settings. Their OT/OTA partnership models professional collaboration for students, peers, and community agenices alike.
AOTA Certificate of Appreciation
John Hockenberry
Brooklyn, New York
Inspiring Occupational Therapy Practitioners to "Unleash Upredictability"
John Hockenberry is a journalist and correspondent and has been involved with occupational therapy for many years as both a consumer and advocate. He delivered the keynote address at the 2006 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo. In his speech he challenged all occupational therapy practitioners to embrace their skills and beliefs around rights and participation for all. He stated that occupational therapy is "not a cosmetic exercise in restoring us to an identity we no longer have; it's pushing through to the identity we are trying to find." He has inspired practitioners and students to "unleash unpredictability."
Stephen J. Page, PhD, FAHA
Cincinnati, Ohio
Leader in Occupational Therapy Stroke Research
Dr. Stephen J. Page is director of the Neuromotor Recovery and Rehabilitation Laboratory and director of research and assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He has become a leader in researching stroke interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice. He is known as a stroke expert who developed modified constraint-induced therapy and continues to research cutting-edge therapies for stroke.
Melissa Y. Winkle, OTR/L
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Emerging Practice and Dissemination of Knowledge
Melissa Y. Winkle is an occupational therapist who is consistently making strides in the emerging practice of animal-assisted therapy and assistance dogs as assistive technology. She is noted for developing unique programs in partnership with Adelante Development Centers and Assistance Dogs of the West. These programs allow the participants a sense of mastery, belonging, and contribution to the community. Her program has touched numerous communities, including adults with developmental delays, individuals with disabilities who serve as dog trainers and who receive the dogs, and occupational therapy practitioners and students.
Cordelia Myers Writer's Award
Caryn Johnson, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Havertown, Pennsylvania
"Level I Fieldwork Today: A Study of Contexts and Perceptions" published in the May/June 2006 issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Level I fieldwork sometimes is ignored or given short attention by educational institutions. Given the fundamental importance of fieldwork education to the professional development of occupational therapists, a greater understanding of the topic is timely and useful. This well-written and cogent article, which provides rich data from a large sample and rigorous statistical analysis, offers valuable implications for occupational therapy education and practice.
Jeanette Bair Writer's Award
Stacey Reynolds, MS, OTR/L
Richmond, Virginia
For her article, "Get in the Game! Participation in Sports for Children on the Autism Spectrum," published in the November 13, 2006, issue of OT
Practice
 |
Leadership and Service in Arkansas
Catherine R. Acre, EdD, OTR |
 |
Advancing Occupational Therapy Practice in Adult Rehabilitation
Margaret Newsham Beckley, PhD, OTR/L |
 |
Expert Pediatric Therapist, Scholar, and Researcher
Gary Bedell, PhD, OTR |
 |
Innovative Leadership in Practice and Education
Judith E. Bowen, MPA, OTR, CHTP |
 |
Excellence in Occupational Therapy for Older Adults
Susan Coppola, MS, OTR/L, BCG |
 |
Excellence in Leadership, Pediatric Practice, and Research
Anne Frances Cronin, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP |
 |
Promoting Excellence in Pediatric Research and Practice
Patricia L. Davies, PhD, OTR, BCP |
 |
Occupational Therapy Expertise and Leadership in Gerontology
Sharon J. Elliott, MS, OTR/L, BCG |
|
|
Leadership in Occupational Therapy Education, Administration, and Practice
Diane Gaffney, MBA, OTR/L
|
|
|
Innovation and Responsive Leadership in Professional Education
Mary Lou Henderson, MS, OTR/L
|
|
|
Visionary Leader in Advancing Gerontic Occupational Therapy
Beverly P. Horowitz, PhD, LMSW, OTR/L, BCG
|
|
|
Excellence in Leadership, Program Development, and Education
Diana R. Dilger Hunt, MPA, OT
|
|
|
Educational and Clinical Excellence in Gerontology
Sharon T. Kurfuerst, EdD, OTR/L
|
|
![]()
|
Innovator, Educator, and Leader in Occupational Therapy
Judith A. Parker, OTD, OTR/L
|
 |
Outstanding Leadership in School-Based Practice
Jean E. Polichino, MS, OTR |
 |
Excellence in State and National Leadership
Yvonne M. Randall, EdD, OTR/L |
 |
Leadership in Promoting Excellence in Psychosocial Practice
Peggy S. Sabol, MA, OTR/L |
 |
Exemplary Leadership in Program Development and Education
Diane R. Weiss, MA, OTR, BCP |
Roster of Honor
 |
Professional and Social Advocate, Facilitator, Mentor, and Role Model
Caroline A. Alterio, COTA |
 |
OTA Leadership and Innovative Practice in Assistive Technology
Kristi A. Voelkerding, BS, COTA/L, ATP |
Recognition of Achievement Award
 |
Outstanding Contributions to Practice and Education
Judith E. Bowen, MPA, OTR, CHTP |
 |
Excellence in Community Education and Administrative Leadership
Karen Parker Davis, MA, OTR/L |
 |
Innovative Accessible Indoor Play and Sensory-Motor Environments
Ingrid M. Kanics, MOT, OTR/L |
 |
Outstanding Contribution to Pediatric Global Health
Debra Tupé, MS, MPH, OTR |
AOTA Retired Educator's Award
The following individuals are being acknowledged for their exceptional leadership and commitment to the advancement of occupational therapy education.
Louise Adams, OTR
Diana Baldwin, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Marilyn B. Cole, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Gale Haradon, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Ron Stone, MS, OTR/L
Yvonne Russell Teske, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Deborah Walens, MHPE, OTR/L, FAOTA
Catherine Wilson, OTR
2007 AOTA Service Commendations
Aldrich, Cecile Marie
Colorado President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2006
Alston, Gina
Rhode Island President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Alterio, Caroline A.
New York President, Member Affiliated State AssociationPresidents, 2005-2006; Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Amaker, Robinette Joanne
Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006; Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2001-2007
Amini, Deborah Ann
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Anderson, Linda Morford
Wisconsin President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2001-2006
Anzalone, Marie
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit"
Arendt, Arleen D.
Member, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Arnold, Mary M.
Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Baptiste, Sue
Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Baranek, Grace T.
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006
Bass Haugen, Julie D.
Chairperson, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Group, 2006
Baum, M. Carolyn
AOTA President, Board of Directors, 2004-2007; AOTA President, Representative Assembly, 2004-2007; Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Baxter, Mary Frances
Texas Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Bentley, Jerry Dean
District of Columbia President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2001-2007
Berger, Susan E.
Education/Research Liaison, Gerontology Special Interest Section, 2006-2007
Bigsby, Rosemarie
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit"
Black, Teri L.
Director, Board of Directors, 2004-2007
Blaszkiewicz, Irena
District of Columbia Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Bloom, Patrick J.
Illinois President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2006
Blum, Judith C.
Member, Approved Provider Review Committee, 2001-2006
Bodison, Stefanie C.
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006; Member, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Standards Committee, 2005-2006
Boerkoel, David R.
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Bonder, Bette R.
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc, 2006
Bowyer, Patricia L.
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006
Brayton, Mary Rose
Wisconsin Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Breines, Estelle B.
New Jersey President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2006
Brennan, Jacqueline Rose
Massachusetts Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Broussard, Jessica Renee
Louisiana President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2007
Brown, Catana E.
Chairperson, Mental Health Ad Hoc, 2006
Burke, Janice P.
Member, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Group, 2006
Burkhardt, Ann
Board of Directors Representative, ASAP State Liaison Task Force, 2002-2005; Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Adult Vestibular Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapy Practice"
Burton, Sarah B.
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Calkins, Terry Gene
Montana President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Capone, Lucien
Public Member, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 2003-2006
Carrasco, Ricardo Cruz
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006
Case-Smith, Jane
Member, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Group, 2006
Caudill, Ashleigh
Secretary, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2006-2007
Caudle, Kathy
Delaware President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2003-2007
Chandler, Barbara E.
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006
Chiariello, Elizabeth Marie
New York Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2006; New York Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2006-2007
Christiansen, Charles H.
Member, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Group, 2006
Cohen, Helen S.
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Adult Vestibular Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapy Practice"
Coppard, Brenda M.
Postprofessional Academic Educator, Commission on Education, 2004-2007; Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Costa, Donna M.
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Commission on Education, 2004-2007; Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Crepeau, Elizabeth B.
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Crist, Patricia
Chairperson, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Cronin, Gaye W.
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Adult Vestibular Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapy Practice"
Crowe, Terry K.
Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006
Cunningham, Robert P.
Reasonable Accommodations Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
Currie, Mary Kay
Michigan Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007; Recognitions Chairperson to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Curry, Linda Sue
Rhode Island Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Daniel, Mary Frances
Co-Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
Davis, Karen Parker
Hospitality Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
DeLany, Janet V.
Chairperson, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006
De Santo, Joanna
Alaska Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Dillon, Mary Beth
Alternate OTA Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
DiMatties, Marie E.
New Jersey Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Dombrowski, Lynn
Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Dowler, Elizabeth
Alaska Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Duran, Gerri A.
Secretary, Board of Directors, 2004-2007; AOTA Secretary to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007; Board of Directors Representative, ASAP State Liaison, 2004-2007; Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Committee, 2006
East, Mary Ellen
Member, AOTA Awards & Recognitions Committee, 2004-2007
Eberhardt, Kathryn Melin
Director, Board of Directors, 2004-2007
Ecker, Georgia
Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2006
Elliott, Sharon J.
Quarterly Editor, Gerontology Special Interest Section, 2004-2007
Evert, Mary M.
Chairperson, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006
Fagan, Lisa Ann
Member, Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Fazio, Linda S.
Chairperson, Commission on Education, 2004-2007; Commission on Education Chairperson to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007; Commission on Education Chairperson, Representative Assembly Coordinating Council, 2004-2007
Fischer, Kelly M.
Fieldwork Educator, Commission on Education, 2004-2007; Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Fisher, Thomas F.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007; Member, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Foley, Kathleen Theresa
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Fontana, Paul A.
Chairman and Director, Region III American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee, 1999-2006; Member, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Fox, Gretchen A.
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Francis-Connolly, Elizabeth B.
Education/Research Liaison, Education Special Interest Section, 2006-2007
Gaffney, Diane E.
Member and Vice-Chairperson, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 2001-2007
Garza, Eileen R.
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2006-2007
Gelpi, Tina Marie
Fieldwork Subsection Coordinator, Education Special Interest Section, 2004-2007; Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Gettemeier, Peggy R.
People Power Co-Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
Giese, Terry Ellen
Illinois Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Gilbert, Mary Pat
Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Giles, Gordon M.
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Giroux, Peter W.
Member, AOTA Awards & Recognitions Committee, 2004-2007; Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Gitlow, Lynn
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007; Quarterly Editor, Technology Special Interest Section, 2004-2007
Goodrich, Elizabeth Anne
Communication Liaison, Technology Special Interest Section, 2004-2007
Gray, Karla Weatherford
Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2007; Washington President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2006-2007
Griffin, Christina S.
Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Griffiths, Yolanda L.
Member, AOTA Awards & Recognitions Committee, 2004-2007
Grogan, Susan
People Power Co-Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
Groth, Emily Bowe
South Carolina Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2005-2006; South Carolina Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2006-2007; Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Gupta, Jyothi
Education/Research Liaison, Education Special Interest Section, 2004-2006; EDSIS Liaison, Commission on Education, 2006-2007
Hachtel, Yvette C.
Tennessee Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Haertlein Sells, Carol A.
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc, 2006
Haiman, Susan
ASAP Representative, ASAP State Liaison Task Force, 2002-2006; Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2007
Hammel, Joy M.
Chairperson, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Hanley, Heidi M.
Utah Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Hansen, Barbara P.
Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Haradon, Gale
Member, ACOTE Appeals Board, 2004-2007
Hargadon, Luanne E.
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Harmon, Kay Madelon
Arkansas Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2006; Arkansas Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2006-2007
Harvison, Neil
Member, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 2003-2006; Chairperson, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Standards Committee, 2005-2006
Heinrich, Lorie A.
Wisconsin Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Heisler, Lauren
OT Vice-Chairperson, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2006-2007
Herden, Irene Louise
Connecticut Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Hildenbrand, Wendy Churchill
Speaker to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007; Speaker, Representative Assembly Coordinating Council, 2004-2007; Chairperson, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007; Chairperson, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Hinojosa, Jim
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Holloway, Elise
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit"
Holmes, Wendy Mari
Member, Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Hudkins, Amy Elizabeth
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Isack, Arthur G.
Public Advisor, Board of Directors, 2005-2007; Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Jackson, Jeanne M.
Member, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Javaherian, Heather A.
Quarterly Editor, Education Special Interest Section, 2004-2007
Jones, Joni A.
Vermont President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2006
Jones, Terrianne Thielen
OTA Academic Educator, Commission on Education, 2004-2007
Judah, Sherri Lee
Nebraska Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Kaskutas, Victoria
Member, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Keckhut, Jean M.
Alaska President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2006
Kempf, Cynthia M.
Co-Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
King, Sarah
Student Representative to the Commission on Practice, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2005-2007
Klein, Robin Ivy
Maryland President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2006; Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2007
Koenig, Kristie Patten
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Krishnagiri, Sheama Seshagiri R.
Vice-Chairperson, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Standards Committee, 2005-2006
Kurfuerst, Sharon
Pennsylvania President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2006
Laadt, Ginny
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit"
Landau, Stacy M.
Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Lanham, Susan E.
Communication Liaison, Gerontology Special Interest Section, 2005-2007
Lannigan, Elizabeth Griffin
New Jersey Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
LaVesser, Patricia D.
Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2007
Lawlor, Mary C.
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Learnard, Linda Taylor
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Lee, Cheryl Huber
Illinois Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Leech, Susan Weirick
Chairperson, Technology Special Interest Section, 2004-2007
Lindeman, Kristen S.
Student Representative to the Representative Assembly, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2006-2007; Assembly of Student Delegates Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2006-2007
Love, Robert C. E.
Oregon President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2007
Low, Jaclyn F.
Member, Approved Provider Review Committee, 2001-2006
Lowenstein, Nancy A.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 1998-2007
Lundquist, Jean
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Lysack, Cathy
Chairperson, Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Mahaffey, Lisa M.
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Mallinson, Trudy R.
Member, Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Malone, Mary M.
Massachusetts President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2006
Marino, Shirley J.
OTA Educator, Commission on Education, 2004-2007
McGuire, Mary Jo
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Adult Vestibular Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapy Practice"
McMahon, Joyce Lenore
Kansas President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
McNamee, Mary Jane
Delaware Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
McQuade, Lorie J.
Member, Ethics Commission, 2004-2007
Meriano, Catherine E.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007
Milius, Tracy
Nebraska Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Miller, Cheryl L.
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Morgan, Kerri Ann
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Moyers, Penelope A.
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006; Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007; Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Muñoz, Jaime Phillip
Professional Academic Educator, Commission on Education, 2004-2007; Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2004
Murphy-Fischer, Deborah Ann
New York Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2006
Neufeld, Peggy S.
Member, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Oblath, Deborah Toby
Delaware Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Oliver, Richard E.
Member, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Standards Committee, 2005-2006
Owens, Margaret
Sergeant At Arms to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Padilla, René L.
Chairperson, Education Special Interest Section, 2004-2006; EDSIS Liaison, Commission on Education, 2004-2006; Member, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Standards Committee, 2005-2006; Chairperson-Elect, Commission on Education, 2006-2007
Page, Jill Jackson
Member, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Pascarelli, Frank R.
Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006
Pauw, Carole Cepeda
Washington Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Peter, Theodore Preston
Arkansas Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2006
Picus, Karen
Nevada President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2006
Pitts, Deborah B.
Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006; Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2007
Ponciroli, Carol M.
People Power Co-Chairperson, Local Conference Committee, St. Louis, MO, 2007
Porter-Watson, Rebecca
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2001-2007
Pugh, Sandra F.
Arkansas President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Quake-Rapp, Cynthia
Chairperson, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Radley, Laurel Cargill
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2000-2006
Raisor, Janet O.
Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Ramsay, Diana Lee
Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006; Member, Mental Health Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Randall, Yvonne M.
Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Rappolt, Susan G.
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2006
Reed, Carol W.
Member, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Standards Committee, 2005-2006
Reid, Claudette Stork
Michigan Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Reistetter, Timothy A.
Texas Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2006
Reitz, S. Maggie
Chairperson, Ethics Commission, 2004-2007; Ethics Commission Chairperson to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007; Ethics Commission Chairperson, Representative Assembly Coordinating Council; 2004-2007; Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Rice, Valerie J. Berg
Chairperson, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Rogers, Joan C.
Member, Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006; Member, Elect Positions and Governance Transition Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Roley, Susanne Smith
Member, Evaluation of Governance Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, September 2006-January 2007
Rourk, Jane Davis
Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006
Sabata, Dory B.
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Sain, Susan J.
Faculty Subsection Coordinator, Education Special Interest Section, 2004-2007; Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Sanderson, Sharon R.
Oklahoma President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Sauter-Davis, Diane
Maine President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2004-2006
Savrann, Michelle M.
Massachusetts Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2006-2007
Scaffa, Marjorie E.
Member, Health and Wellness Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006; Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006; Author, "The Role of Occupational Therapy in Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery: A Concept Paper"
Schaffer, Marc
Ohio President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Schefman, Jordan
Advocacy & Communications Chairperson, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2006-2007
Schlabach, Terry Pouliot
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 1998-2007
Scoggin, Angela E.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007
Sehnal, Judith Pelletier
Connecticut Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Shaffner, Pamela K.
Florida President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Sheffey, Agnes A.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007
Siebert, Carol
North Carolina President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Simon, Rebecca Lynn
Rhode Island Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Smith, Amy Lynn
Vermont President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2001-2006
Smith, Gayle Green
Washington Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Sorensen, Jane Harrold
Tennessee Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Stoffel, Virginia C.
Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2007
Stoll, Michele Annette
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007
Stone, Gretchen V. M.
Member, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup, 2006
Strand, Cherie Louise
Idaho Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Strzyzewski, Susan
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit"
Stube, Jan E.
North Dakota Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Stump, Nannette
Consumer Member, Representative Assembly, 2006-2007
Sudduth, Heather Meyn
Mississippi President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Talley, Vibeke
Member, Fieldwork Resources Ad Hoc Committee, 2005-2007
Tesmer, Ann Kristine
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2003-2006
Tewfik, Diane B.
Member, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, November 2006-April 2004
Tomlinson, Jeffrey Lane
Chairperson, Qualified Mental Health Profession Ad Hoc Committee, April 2004-November 2006
Toto, Pamela E.
Chairperson, Gerontology Special Interest Section, 2004-2007; Member, Board Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Urish, Christine K.
Iowa President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Uy-Eichhorn, Geraldine C.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2001-2007
Vergara, Elsie
Author, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit"
Voelkerding, Kristi A.
Member, Children & Youth Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Walloch, Christy Lyn
Communication Liaison, Education Special Interest Section, 2004-2007
Warren, Lana
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Warren, Mary L.
Member, Productive Aging Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Watson, Callie Lynn
Nebraska President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Wedemeyer, Miriam P.
Member, Work and Industry Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Weiss, Patrice L.
Member, Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation Ad Hoc Workgroup, 2006
Wenner, Sandra Lee
ASAP Representative, ASAP State Liaison Task Force, 2002-2006
White, Winfield A.
District of Columbia Alternate Representative to the Representative Assembly, 2004-2007
Wiley, Deborah
OTA Vice-Chairperson, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2006-2007
Williamson, David R.
Consumer Advisor, Board of Directors, 2005-2007
Wilson, Catherine A.
Member, ACOTE Appeals Board, 1997-2006
Wilson, Denise M.
ASAP Representative, ASAP State Liaison Task Force, 2004-2006
Wintermantel-Zondlo, Joann A.
Arizona President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2007
Wolf, Timothy J.
Chairperson, Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee, 2006-2007; Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2007
Woodworth, Laura Donanne
Michigan President, Member Affiliated State Association Presidents, 2005-2006
Wright, Jo Anne
Member, Panel to Explore Outcomes of the OT/OTA Degrees, 2005-2006
Young, Jamie D.
Member, Roster of Accreditation Evaluators, 2004-2007
Zachow, Lawrence
Member, AOTA Awards & Recognitions Committee, 2004-2007
Each year, AOTA and AOTF recognize and honor colleagues who have made significant contributions to the profession of occupational therapy through an annual nominations process that members are encouraged to be part of. Each organization respective Recognitions Committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and making final selections from each of the outstanding candidates that are put forward. This tradition is a source of pride within the profession. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to increase public awareness and focus public attention on the contributions not only of individuals but of the profession as a whole. The following is a list of the awards and recognition bestowed by the AOTA and the AOTF for which individuals may be nominated.
Awards and Recognitions Offered by
the American Occupational Therapy Association
AOTA Award of Merit is the highest Association honor for an occupational therapist. The purpose is to honor members of AOTA who have made an outstanding global contribution to the profession of occupational therapy.
OTA Award of Excellence is the highest Association honor for an occupational therapy assistant. The purpose is to honor occupational therapy assistants who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of occupational therapy.
Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award is an academic honor established as a memorial to Eleanor Clarke Slagle, one of the outstanding pioneers in the profession of occupational therapy. The purpose is to honor a member of AOTA who has creatively contributed to the development of the body of knowledge of the profession through research, education, and clinical practice.
Lindy Boggs Award recognizes the significant contributions by an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in promoting occupational therapy in the political arena by increasing recognition of occupational therapy in federal or state legislation, regulations, and policies or by increasing appreciation and understanding of occupational therapy by elected or appointed officials.
Health Advocate Award expresses the appreciation of AOTA for extraordinary contributions of national significance that led to the advancement of health promotion or health care or both.
Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award recognizes an occupational therapy assistant and an occupational therapist who, through their collaborative efforts to promote the profession of occupational therapy, exemplify the professional partnership.
AOTA Certificate of Appreciation expresses the appreciation of AOTA for extraordinary contributions to the advancement of occupational therapy.
AOTA Roster of Fellows recognizes occupational therapist members of AOTA, who with their knowledge and expertise, have made a significant contribution to the continuing education and professional development of members of the Association.
AOTA Roster of Honor recognizes occupational therapy assistant members of AOTA, who with their knowledge and expertise, have made a significant contribution to the continuing education and professional development of members of the Association.
Recognition of Achievement Award recognizes occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who have made notable contributions to the profession and its consumers in a focused area of occupational therapy practice.
AOTA Service Commendation recognizes individual members of AOTA who have provided service to the Association and profession through time- or task-limited activities.
Cordelia Myers Writer's Award is presented every year to recognize a first-time author (sole author or first author) of a feature article in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy published in the previous year.
Jeannette Bair Writer's Award is presented every year to recognize the author(s) of a feature article in OT Practice that inspires occupational therapy practitioners to use their management and leadership skills to create better access to occupational therapy services and to promote the profession.
