2024 AOTA Awards & Recognitions

Developing intentional partnerships for enhancing diversity in occupational therapy education

Sanchala K. Sen, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR; Chinno Ingram, DrOT, OTR/L, PTA, CEAS; Megan Edwards Collins, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, CAPS, CFPS; and Cynthia S. Bell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

The Occupational Therapy Department at Winston-Salem State University increased student diversity through a multi-year, multi-pronged approach. They recruited undergraduate students, worked with other HBCUs, and created pipeline programs for middle and high school students. In 2020 they received a $3.25 million HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students award. As a result, the MSOT program has gone from 0 minority students to minority students comprising approximately 50% of the class. 

Authors: 
Sanchala Khanolkar Sen, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR 
Chinno Delihosie Ingram, DrOT, MS, OTR/L 
Megan Elizabeth Edwards Collins, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 
Cynthia S. Bell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Special Interest Section Quarterly Excellence in Writing Award page.

Integrating OT Services Into Mental Health Settings: An Inside Look at North Carolina’s Systems

by Tomeico Faison, Charley Jo Cross, Amanda Cadena, Alison Johnson, and Peggy Terhune 

March 2023 OT Practice

In North Carolina, the Monarch Behavioral Health Outpatient center has seen a positive impact on quality of care and outcomes in a variety of community mental health settings where OT services are provided. The company is working to expand OT to more areas of community mental health services and to balance access to services with sustainable business practices. Monarch continues to explore research opportunities to demonstrate the impact of OT services in mental health settings. 

Authors: 
Tomeico Faison, MS, OTD 
Charley Jo Cross, MS, OTR/L 
Amanda Cadena 
Alison Johnson 
Peggy Terhune, PhD, MBA, OTR/L 

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Jeanette Bair Writer's Award page.

Feasibility of Telehealth Occupational Therapy for Behavioral Symptoms of Adults With Dementia: Randomized Controlled Trial, by Elizabeth K. Rhodus; Carolyn Baum; Richard Kryscio; Changrui Liu; Rosmy George; MaryEllen Thompson; Kimberly Lowry; Beth Coy; Justin Barber; Heather Nichols; Alexandra Curtis; Angela Holloman; Gregory A. Jicha The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2023, Vol. 77(4), 7704205010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050124 
 
Supporting adults living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who reside in the community is a critical public health focus. The study authors explore the use HARMONY (Helping older Adults cReate and Manage OccupatioNs successfullY), a telehealth intervention that caregivers of adults living with AD can be trained to use to promote activity participation and manage behavioral symptoms. The findings highlight the unique contributions of occupational therapy telehealth strategies in the home. 

Authors: 
Elizabeth K. Rhodus, PhD, OTR/L  
Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 
Richard Kryscio, PhD 
Changrui Liu, MS 
Rosmy George, MS, BS, CCRP 
MaryEllen Thompson, PhD, OTR/L 
Kimberly Lowry, APRN 
Beth Coy, APRN 
Justin Barber, MS, CCRP 
Heather Nichols, BS, CCRP 
Alexandra Curtis, MPH, CCRP 
Angela Holloman, BS 
Gregory A. Jicha, MD, PhD 

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Cordelia Myers AJOT Best Article Award page.

Lily Baiser, MS, OTR/L

Lily Baiser, Chief Clinical Officer at Kinspire, holds an MS in OT from NYU. With almost two decades of clinical expertise, Lily's career reflects a dedication to innovative patient-centered care. At Kinspire, she spearheads clinical programs, blending technology with OT to revolutionize family care. Lily's leadership stems from a personal need to support her nephew's ADHD challenges. This drove her to innovate family care through Kinspire, bridging gaps unaddressed by traditional models. Recognizing the importance of real-time support, Kinspire empowers families with tools for children's development and stronger family bonds. Lily's pursuit of innovation champions family empowerment, not just treatment, fostering thriving everyday lives. 

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Emerging and Innovative Practice Award page.

Priyanka  Kapoor, OTR, BCPR, CSRS

Priyanka Kapoor, received her Master's in Psychology in 2002, and a Master's in Occupational Therapy in 2010. She is a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, CPI trainer, and AOTA Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation. Her research has been published in international journals and poster presented at the ACRM. She is employed at Baylor Scott &White Institute for Rehabilitation, Dallas. She is a mentor at heart and loves teaching. She has offered multiple state-approved continuing education and university-level courses for occupational and physical therapists. She is the program director of the BSWIR-OT Fellowship in Physical Rehabilitation. She enjoys being outside and spending time with her spouse and daughter. 

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Interprofessional Collaboration Award page.

Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

Dr. Jordan serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for USC University Clinical Services, the USC Chan Associate Chair of Clinical Occupational Therapy Services, and as the AOTA Advisor on the American Medical Association Relative Value Update Committee (RUC) Health Care Professional Advisory Committee (HCPAC) and the Practice Expense Committee. She previously served as a Director for the AOTA Board of Directors, an AOTA advisor to the National Quality Forum, and as the Chair of the OTAC Practice, Ethics, and Reimbursement Committee. Dr. Jordan has worked in healthcare for 20 years as a practitioner, educator, executive leader, and advocate for effective and equitable health care policy.

Said Nafai, MS, OTD, OTR/L 

Dr. Said Nafai was born and raised in Morocco. He received his doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT) from Boston University, USA. He is Associate OT Professor at American International College in Springfield, MA. 

He continues to work as an OT in rehabilitation hospital and skilled rehabilitation facilities. He is considered “The Father of OT in Morocco”. He founded and currently serves as the President of the Occupational Therapy Association of Morocco. www.OTAMO.org 

He is the Morocco Delegate to World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) and the President of the Arab Occupational Therapy Regional Group to WFOT. www.WFOT.org 

He has presented and worldwide about the distinct value of OT and promotes OT worldwide. Said is a firm believer in the role of advocacy in our profession. He is a member of the GATE Community, a group that is part of the World Health Organization that aims to improve access to assistive technology worldwide. He is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). He is a board member of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group (LAG) that aims to improve access to proper care for people with lymphedema in the USA. LAG led the efforts for the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. https://lymphedematreatmentact.org.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Health Advocate Award page.

Luis de Leon Arabit, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCN, BCPR, C/NDT, PAM, FAOTA 

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Luis Arabit has generously shared his extensive expertise with colleagues, students, and others to move the profession forward. He has "made significant contributions to the advancement of occupational therapy" in political advocacy and leadership. Luis organized events, provided presentations and lectures on the importance of advocacy and legislation impacting occupational therapy. His advocacy and leadership positions include elected and appointed positions at the local, state, and national levels. As OTAC VP, he helped increased membership in the Occupational Therapy Association of California and as the Region 5 AOTPAC Director he has inspired students and practitioners to actively support the profession. 

Diana R. Feldhacker, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR 

Dr. Diana Feldhacker is a champion for OT innovation, education, and scholarship. She is currently the founding program director of the OTD program at Des Moines University. Her experience as an occupational therapist has included clinical service and management across the lifespan as well as academic settings. With an OTD, PhD, and BCPR, she is committed to lifelong learning. Her strategies and approach in each area of occupational therapy have focused on innovation and advocacy, including access to occupational therapy for individuals, communities, and students alike. Dr. Feldhacker's knowledge and research expertise span interprofessional education, telehealth, and studies to inform contemporary and emerging practice. 

Judy R. Hamby, OTD, MHS, OTR/L, BCPR 

With over 33 years of experience, Judy R. Hamby, OTD, MHS, OTR/L, BCPR, has worked across the continuum of care, dedicating 23 years to acute care. Judy earned a bachelor's in OT from the Medical College of Georgia in 1990, a master's in OT from the University of Florida in 2006, and an OTD in 2021 from Thomas Jefferson University. She has authored multiple chapters in all three editions of Occupational Therapy in Acute Care, served as an item writer for the AOTA BCPR exam, and has been AOTA board-certified since 1998. In collaboration with two other OTs, Judy developed the new AOTA Professional Certificate in Acute Care. They provided a content proposal, recruited OTPs as authors for various courses, and created two courses herself. 

Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

Dr. Jordan serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for USC University Clinical Services, the USC Chan Associate Chair of Clinical Occupational Therapy Services, and as the AOTA Advisor on the American Medical Association Relative Value Update Committee (RUC) Health Care Professional Advisory Committee (HCPAC) and the Practice Expense Committee. She previously served as a Director for the AOTA Board of Directors, an AOTA advisor to the National Quality Forum, and as the Chair of the OTAC Practice, Ethics, and Reimbursement Committee. Dr. Jordan has worked in healthcare for 20 years as a practitioner, educator, executive leader, and advocate for effective and equitable health care policy. 

Sherry Kolodziejczak, MS, OTR/L

Sherry Kolodziejczak, MS, OTR/L holds degrees from Boston University and Eastern Michigan University. She has over 40 years of practice, advocacy and education. Over her career, she has presented at several workshops and conferences with a focused purpose on expanding awareness of occupational therapy.  This leadership has led to over 38 interprofessional programs benefiting consumers of occupational therapy. She influenced stakeholders on supporting legislation, initiatives and service line delivery by serving on boards and leadership positions National ALS Association, Multiple Sclerosis Association, AARP, Greater Leadership Huntsville, AOTA, ALOTA and NEALS. Sherry currently serves as the founding Director of an ALS Clinic.

Hannah Yates Oldenburg, EdD, OTR/L, BCPR

Hannah Oldenburg,EdD,OTR/L,BCPR, has been an OT for 11 years in acute care and currently associate professor at University of Minnesota. Hannah earned a Masters in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University in 2012 and a Doctorate in Education from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2018.She has authored multiple chapters in the upcoming third edition of the Occupational Therapy in Acute Care.She is also the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of the open access, peer reviewed Journal of Occupational Therapy Acute Care (JACOT).In collaboration with two other OTs, Hannah developed the new AOTA Professional Certificate in Acute Care including including content proposal, recruited for authors,and developed three courses. 

Tamra Linda Trenary, OTD, OTR/L 

Tamra L. Trenary, OTD, OTR/L has been an OT for 27 years with 25 years in acute care and 19 years as a Clinical Education Coordinator leading the 3:1 group model in acute care. Tamra earned her Master's in OT from the College of St. Scholastica in 1996 and her OTD from the University of St. Agustine in 2008. She has served on multiple AOTA committees, is a trainer for the AOTA Fieldwork Educator Workshop, published, and presented at state and national conferences. She has authored multiple chapters in the upcoming third edition of the Occupational Therapy in Acute Care. With two other OTs, she developed the new AOTA Professional Certificate in Acute Care, including content proposal, recruited for authors, and developed two courses herself. 

Kelsey Watters, CScD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS 

Kelsey Watters is the Clinical Practice Leader for Occupational Therapy at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab). In 2011, she graduated with her master's in occupational therapy from the University of Washington and most recently completed her doctorate of clinical science (CScD) in occupational therapy at the University of Pittsburgh in 2022. Clinically, she specializes in working with individuals recovering from a TBI and other conditions that lead to challenges in functional cognition and vision/perception. Most recently, she has become especially interested in how to implement best practice guidelines into regular clinical care. Outside of work, you might find her biking around Chicago or traveling!

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Award for Excellence in the Advancement of OT page.

Patty Coker-Bolt, PhD, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA 

Dr. Coker-Bolt has made profound contributions to occupational therapy in the U.S. and abroad.  Her work has transformed pediatric practice through cutting-edge advancements for children with neurologic conditions around the world. With over 25 years in the field of occupational therapy she has a strong record of research and scholarship in the areas of clinical interventions, early identification of infants at risk for cerebral palsy, and global education and training of OT practitioners. She studied the impact of intensive therapy and is a co-editor of the pediatric textbook "A Handbook of Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (P-CIMT): A Guide for Occupational and Physical Therapists, Researchers, and Clinicians." 

Amanda Wheeler, OTR/L, PhD, CLT

Amanda has 14+ years of experience in adult oncology rehabilitation, with specialization in the ICU. While at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Amanda led a multidisciplinary early mobilization team for critically ill oncology patients and advocated for occupational therapy's role in delirium management. Amanda developed ICU and delirium competencies and trained multiple rehabilitation professionals in this specialized setting. Amanda's research and knowledge dissemination has had local and national impact. 

Recently, Amanda partnered with a colleague to develop the SHU & YOU Women's Health Center offering pro bono OT services for women with breast cancer and pelvic conditions. A dream project, combining community service and student mentorship. 

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Recognition of Achievement Award page.

Lauren Carter Smith, OTR/L, CBIS

Lauren is a 2001 graduate of JMU and has served the OT profession at the local, state, and national levels in the roles of leadership with the Brain Injury Association of Virginia, Virginia OT Association, and the American OT Association for over 20 years. She has made a consistent leadership impact in OT experiential education as an exemplary OT and OTA Fieldwork I and II Educator, Clinical Education Program Coordinator, Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Virginia OT Education Council, and Facilitator of the AOTA's Fieldwork Educators Certificate Course.  Her sustained commitment to mentor others in the profession and her advocacy on behalf of students, academic programs, and the profession is commendable.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Distinguished Fieldwork Educator Award page.

Winifred Schultz-Krohn, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC, FAOTA

Dr. Winifred Schultz-Krohn, Dr. Wynn to her students, exemplifies the attributes of a distinguished educator by her servant-leader-educator approach focused on promoting others. Over the past 30+ years as an OT educator, she has supported and launched students as occupational therapists. Her two decades+ of pro bono services at a local shelter for unhoused families provided opportunities for students to collaborate on research projects resulting in over 400 students presenting at state, national, and international conferences. She created and supervised fieldwork experiences at this shelter on a pro bono basis for over 20 years. Additionally, she secured an endowed scholarship at San Jose State University to support OT students.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Distinguished Educator Award page.

Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Jordan serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for USC University Clinical Services, the USC Chan Associate Chair of Clinical Occupational Therapy Services, and as the AOTA Advisor on the American Medical Association Relative Value Update Committee (RUC) Health Care Professional Advisory Committee (HCPAC) and the Practice Expense Committee. She previously served as a Director for the AOTA Board of Directors, an AOTA advisor to the National Quality Forum, and as the Chair of the OTAC Practice, Ethics, and Reimbursement Committee. Dr. Jordan has worked in healthcare for 20 years as a practitioner, educator, executive leader, and advocate for effective and equitable health care policy.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Lindy Boggs Award page.

Shelly J. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Shelly J Lane is Professor and Academic Program Director at Colorado State University (CSU), Director of the CSU Sensory Integration, Play and Occupational Therapy Lab, and Conjoint Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of Newcastle, Australia. Her long research/teaching career has focused on topics linked to neuroscience foundations of childhood occupations and occupational challenges. She has mentored graduate students and colleagues for over 20 years, across five continents.  Dr. Lane presents nationally and internationally, has published widely, has edited, co-authored and contributed to texts addressing sensory integration and processing, neuroscience applications to practice, and pediatric occupational therapy practice. 

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Outstanding Mentor Award page.

Clarice L. Grote, MS, OTR/L

Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L, is an innovative advocate for OT, Medicare specialist, Amplify OT Podcast host, and Amplify OT's CEO and Founder. Amplify OT provides dynamic resources on Medicare policy, billing, and advocacy to inspire OTPs and students to amplify the value of OT. She has transformed the landscape of policy education and advocacy participation through her social media and virtual courses.

After earning her MS from Columbia University in 2018, Clarice pursued home health and acute care clinical work. She currently serves as the NCOTA Advocacy Co-Chair and an AOTPAC Ambassador. Previously, Clarice served as the Director of Practice for the Missouri OT Association (MOTA) and the Advocacy & Policy Coordinator for AOTA's HCHSIS.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Gary Kielhofner Emerging Leader Award page.

Amy L. Shaffer, Ed D, COTA/L

Dr. Amy Shaffer spent her early years in adult rehab settings shifting to academia at Chattahoochee Technical College, in 2012. Dr. Shaffer enjoys teaching students the art of activity analysis. She is also enthusiastic about service learning. It allows students to apply new skills, make community connections, and advocate for others. 

Dr. Shaffer serves on the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for ACOTE, and volunteers with the GOTA as Treasurer, conference programming peer reviewer, and Awards and Recognitions Committee member. In 2021, she was selected as the latest OTA joining two OTs to co-edit the textbook Occupational Therapy with Older Adults: Strategies for the OTA (5th Edition), published in 2023. Dr. Shaffer also enjoys passionately advocating for the OTA. Currently, that advocacy is focused on gaining recognition for OTAs as a vital team member & seeking reimbursement within Georgia's Medicaid and Early Intervention programming for services provided by assistants. Great strides were made in this effort in 2023 gaining the support of the GOTA and several key Georgia legislators.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the OTA Award of Excellence page.

Tina Champagne, OT, OTD, OTR, FAOTA

Dr. Champagne's commitment to the growth and development of occupational therapy (OT) in mental health is unparalleled. She presented at the first national conference for trauma informed care and restraint reduction in 2003 and continues to date. She created the Sensory Modulation Program and her work in trauma, attachment, and integrative practices across the lifespan, has established her as a leading expert. She has authored numerous publications and has provided over 100 workshops and consultations across the globe. 

Dr. Champagne's expertise, passion, and leadership within OT, in the realms of scholarship, practice and advocacy is regarded as one of the most profound and impactful influences in mental health. When an OT practitioner, educator, or student explores mental health and trauma-informed care, it is most certain that Dr. Champagne has contributed. And, even more powerful, when a child, caregiver, or family seeks support to improve their lives following trauma, dementia, or other mental health challenges, her work has helped guide the profession in delivering and advocating for this care.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the OTA Award of Merit page.

Shirley A. Wells, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA

From the inner city of Dallas, the coldest of Minnesota, the Navajo Reservation, to the U.S.-Mexico border of Texas, Dr. Shirley A. Wells worked and lived among various cultures. She dedicated her career to integrating culture and diversity into occupational therapy. These experiences led to her educating, writing, and presenting nationally and internationally. 

Dr. Wells was named among the 100 Influential People in Occupational Therapy 100 Years History, a Fellow of AOTA, and Roster of Merit of the Texas OT Association. She influenced AOTA as the Chair of the Ethics Commission, the Board of Directors, and the Multicultural Affairs program manager. She led a series of books on "Culture and Occupation." 

Dr. Wells earned a Doctor of Public Health from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, a B.S. from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and a B.A. from the University of Texas, Austin. She is the Chair and Professor of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Dr. Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion page.

Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA

Dr. Jacobs' career spans over four decades. She is Associate Dean of Digital Learning & Innovation, Program Director of the post-professional doctorate in OT program & Clinical Professor at Boston University's Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. She played a pivotal role in advancing backpack safety through AOTA's National Backpack Awareness Day & promoting the recognition of occupational therapy through OT Global Day of Service. As a Fellow of AOTA, the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society & the International Ergonomics Association, she has been recognized for her outstanding contributions as a scholar, professor, advocate, & mentor, who has inspired countless students & practitioners through her expertise in ergonomics, artificial intelligence, & entrepreneurship. She held leadership roles as the president & vice president of AOTA contributing to the growth & development of OT & received awards such as a Fulbright Scholarship & Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award. She authored numerous publications & is the founding editor of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the AOTA/AOTF Presidents' Commendation in Honor of Wilma L. West page.

Patty Coker-Bolt, PhD, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA

Dr. Coker-Bolt is passionate about supporting practitioners abroad and has trained therapists in several countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Vietnam. She was selected by the WFOT to be a consultant for a Handicap International Project in Vietnam which led to the development of a "Rehabilitation Guideline for the Management of Children with Cerebral Palsy - Occupational Therapy". Dr. Coker-Bolt has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State and completed a U.S. Fulbright Scholar Award (2022-23 Trinidad and Tobago) and Fulbright Specialist Awards (2019, Russia and 2017, Haiti).  She received the WFOT Thelma Cardwell Foundation Award for Research to collaborate with faculty in Kazan, Russia. 

Michael Falcon, OTD, OTR/L, MHA

Michael is a humanitarian, educated in the perspective of occupational therapy, who values each opportunity to serve in the global community. He has had the privilege of working directly with communities in Ecuador, Colombia, and Haiti. These opportunities have included pediatric programs, education to native and indigenous healthcare communities, and clinical OT education. Today, a majority of his work is in pain and the lived experience, including opportunities to educate students in modern pain science in healthcare programs across the country. He sits on a number of committees with the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and is a founding member of GAPPA, the Global Alliance of Partners for Pain Advocacy. 

Daniel Park, OTD, OTR/L, MSW, MEd

Danny Park is an Associate Professor at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and is the founding director of the Chan Office of Global Initiatives. Under his leadership, Global Initiatives has been devoted to building a safe and compassionate home for hundreds of international OT students at USC, and has sustained respectful, fruitful relationships with partners around the world.

Of note, Dr. Park and his team have established 11 active international student exchange partnerships since 2014 and have hosted the annual Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion program, which has welcomed 451 students and practitioners from 46 countries to form a true global OT community of learners.

Angela Patterson, OTD, OTR/L, FNAP

Dr. Angela Patterson is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Creighton University. Her academic efforts are providing an advanced OT degree for international students, hosting international students for a summer rehabilitation program, and mentoring students in international OT practice. Dr. Patterson contributes to the development of an international rehabilitation workforce as a consultant with Physiopedia and the ReLAB-HS Toolkit team. Her scholarly work in international publications and presentations focuses on the development and advancement of OT for under resourced populations. Dr. Patterson has worked with China, Uganda, Pakistan, and Ukraine in clinical training for the advancement of rehabilitation.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the International Service Award page.

Roseann Cianciulli Schaaf, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Roseann Schaaf is Director of the Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Professor of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, and Research Director for the Collaborative in Ayes Sensory Integration®.  Dr. Schaaf has a PhD in Neuroscience, a Master's in Education and is on the faculty of Jefferson's Farber Institute for Neurosciences. She has devoted her career to the study of sensory features in autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions with the goal of improving the lives of children and families. Dr. Schaaf has received over $8 million from NIH, PCORI and others; and with her colleagues manualized Occupational Therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration®, developed the Data Driven Decision Making Approach to guide therapist's clinical reasoning and studied it effectiveness. This work contributed to its rating as an evidence-based intervention for autism. Dr. Schaaf has mentored dozens of students and young therapists, is the author of 6 books and over 100 peer-reviewed articles/abstracts, and is now extending her work to diverse and underserved communities.

To learn more about this award’s history and criteria, and to view a list of past recipients, visit the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award page.

Congratulations and thank you to the 2024 Service Commendation recipients, individual members of AOTA who have provided volunteer service and leadership to support the Association and the profession. AOTA is grateful for your service and contributions; your investment of time and energy adds value to AOTA’s mission and serves to strengthen the profession.