2026 AOTA Awards & Recognitions

AOTA Awards & Recognitions Committee Members

• Robin Pegg, MEd, COTAL, ROH, ATP - Chairperson
• Heather Johnson, OTD, OTR/L
• Jesus Diaz, OTD, OTR/L
• John Patro Jr., OTD, OTR/L
• Laura Novak, OTD, OTR, BCG
• Michelle M. Hunter, OTD, OTR/L
• Sarah Parker, OTD, OTR/L
• Susan M. Higgins, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
• Tara L. Boehne, OTD, OTR/L
• Wayne L. Winistorfer, MPA, OTR, FAOTA

AOTA Roster of Honor

The Roster of Honor, established in 1979, recognizes occupational therapy assistants who through their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and/or guidance have made a significant contribution over time to the profession with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the Association. In 2026, one new Roster of Honor awardee is recognized for this distinction.

Ada Boone Hoerl, MEd, COTA/L
Championing OTA education, advocacy, and professional advancement.

 

AOTA Roster of Fellows

The Roster of Fellows, established in 1973, recognizes occupational therapist members of AOTA who, through their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and guidance have made a significant contribution over time to the profession with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the Association. In 2026, 59 new Fellows join this distinguished society.

Alix G. Sleight, PhD, OTD, MPH, OTR/L
Innovative practice and scholarship impacting cancer survivors.

Allen Keener, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP
Leader in technology, mental health, and education.

Amber Bianca Armstead, DrPH, OTR, BCPR
Advancing Equity: Occupational therapy education and research.

Amber M. Angell, PhD, OTR/L
Promoting health equity for underserved autistic populations.

Andrea Thinnes, OTD, OTR/L
Advancing health through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship.

Angela Patterson, OTD, OTR/L, FNAP
Transforming occupational therapy through global education innovation.

Ann E. McDonald, PhD, OTR/L, MA, ALC, SWC, DipACLM
Outstanding contributions to education, service, practice, and research.

April C. Cowan, OTR, OTD, CHT
Driving Excellence: Occupational therapy education and practice.

Cara Lekovitch, CScD, MOT, OTR/L, BCG, FNAP
Innovative leader advancing excellence in gerontology care.

Cathleen C. Johnson, OTD, OTRL, FMIOTA, FNAP
Exceptional leadership, teaching, mentorship, consulting, service.

Cheranne Hunter-Bennett, MS, OTR/L
Leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Cheryl Miller, OTR/L, DrOT
Passionate, authentic, leader, advocate, educator, researcher, author.

Christina Douglas, OTD, MOT, OTR, NTMTC
Advancing occupational therapy through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.

Colleen Cameron Whiting, OTD, OTR/L
Innovator in sensory and trauma-informed school-based practices.

Crystal Gateley, PhD, OTR/L
Passionate mentor for quality occupational therapy services.

Cynthia Chih-Ying Li, PhD, OTR/L
Transforming occupational therapy practice with evidence-based policy research.

Cynthia Sears, OTD, MA, OTR/L, BCP, FNAP
Innovator, early adopter, advocate, and servant leader.

Dahlia Cavazos Castillo, OTR, OTD
Empowering practitioners, students, and underserved global communities.

Dale A. Coffin, EdD, OTR/L
Leading change through advocacy, equity, and compassion.

Danbi Lee, PhD, OTD, OTR/L
Scholar advancing practice through equity and innovation.

Danielle Centi, DrOT, OTR/L, CBIS
Advancing occupational therapy through innovation and leadership.

Emily J. Balog, PhD, OTR/L, FNAP
Advocacy, collaboration, and art innovating OT leadership.

Erik Johnson, OTD, OTR
Occupation unleashed: Connection and the human spirit.

Halley Read, PhD, OTR/L
Mental health knowledge translation for occupational therapy.

Heidi Bertram, MS, OTR/L
Transforming mental health and veteran-centered practice.

Hope Caracci, OTD, OTR/L
Transforming occupational therapy through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.

Inti Marazita, PhD, MS, OTR/L
Occupation empowers all: Educator, mentor, and collaborator.

Janet Christhiff O'Flynn, OTD, OTR
Transformative leader bringing occupational therapy to Haiti.

Janice Hinds, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCMH
Advocate, educator, occupation-focused mental health practitioner.

Jennifer Wingrat, ScD, OTR/L
Expert clinician, educator, scholar, and mentor.

Joan Surfus, OTD, OTR/L, SWC
International leadership, mentorship, and service advancing pediatric practice.

Joanne E. Flanagan, ScD, OTR/L
Committed pediatric clinician, educator, scholar, and advocate.

Julie Kugel, OTD, OTR/L, DipACLM
Professor, scholar, and diplomat of lifestyle medicine.

Julie Malloy, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, PMP, CPHQ, FNAP
Leading translation of evidence and quality into practice.

Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L
Championing interoception research, practice, and global advocacy.

Kerri Morgan, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
Enhancing mobility and participation through research excellence.

Kim Karr, OTR/L, CPHQ, RAC-CT
Educates, empowers, and elevates occupational therapy practice.

Kristin Valdes, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
An innovative educator shaping occupational therapy's future.

Lenin Grajo, PhD, EDM, OTR/L, CLA
Impactful leadership and contributions to occupational therapy education.

Lisa Deshaies, BS, OTR/L, CHT
Embracing Our Occupational Roots: Master clinician and educator.

Michael J. Borst, OTD, OTR, CHT
Faith-driven leader, educator serving through clinical excellence.

Michael J. Gerg, OTR/L, MS, DOT, CHT, CEES, CWCE
Leadership in occupational therapy education and work rehabilitation.

Michael J. Urban, OTD, MS, MBA, OTR/L, CEAS
Future-focused leader amplifying occupational therapy's reach and value.

Michele Berro, MA, OTR/L
Extraordinary clinician, mentor, leader, advocate, and humanitarian.

Michele Parkins, MS OTR/L, IMH-E (posthumously)
Healing lives through relationships, play, and innovation.

Nathan Ben Herz, OTD, MBA, OTR/L
Innovative leader and educator advancing neurorehabilitation nationwide.

Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L
Transforming practice through innovative scholarship and educational leadership.

Patricia Nagaishi, PhD, MA, OTR
Dedicated servant leader, clinician, and educator.

Paula Stewart, PP-OTD, MS, OTR/L
Empowering children and families through occupational therapy.

Quinn Tyminski, PhD, OTR/L, BCMH
Innovation in mental health practice and entrepreneurship.

Rebecca M. Aldrich, PhD, OTR/L
Visionary scholar transforming occupational therapy globally.

Ryan Lavalley, PhD, MOT, OTR/L
Advocate for Communities of Liberation, Abolish ICE

Scott Trudeau, PhD, MAOT
Long-term impact on students and productive aging.

Sherry Hite, MOT, OTR/L
Advancing oncology rehabilitation through leadership and innovation.

Stephanie L. de Sam Lazaro, OTD, MA, OTR/L
Advancing occupational therapy leadership in interprofessional education.

Thomas J. Mernar, PhD, OTR/L
Advancing occupation-centered education, leadership, and innovation.

Tracey E. Recigno, PhD, OTD, OTR/L
Visionary leadership and service expanding occupational therapy's reach.

Tyra Banks, EdD, OTR/L
Leadership in anti-racist occupational therapy pedagogy.

Victor Camacho, OTD, OTR/L, LAc
Visionary advancing equity, mentorship, and community impact.