Previous Recipients

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Celebrating Excellence in Occupational Therapy Research and Leadership

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation recognizes outstanding contributions to occupational therapy science through our annual awards program. This archive honors the exceptional individuals who have advanced research, education, and practice in our field.

2025 Recipients

These awards were presented during the AOTA/AOTF Awards & Recognition Ceremony at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference, April 5, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • Batya Engel-Yeger, PhD
    Professor, Dean of Students, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
  • Susan Rosalie Magasi, PhD, MS, BScO, BSc, FACRM
    Head and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
  • Elizabeth A. Pfeiffer, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA
    Professor, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
  • Jennifer Weaver, PhD, OTR/L, CBIS
    Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
  • Janet Njelesani, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
    Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY
  • Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA
    Owner/Director of Clinical Operations, Piller Child Development, LLC, Phoenix, AZ
  • Leah Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L
    Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Los Angeles, CA
  • Wendy Coster, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA
    Professor Emerita, Occupational Therapy, Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation, Boston, MA
  • Mary Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
    Associate Chair of Research & Professor, Joint Appointment with The Keck School of Medicine of USC Department of Pediatrics, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
  • Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS
    CEO, Therapist, Consultant, Advocate, Technology Entrepreneur, Global Interventions for Therapy Services Institute, LLC
  • Kathleen Lyons, ScD, OTR/L
    Professor, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
  • Antoinette Shaw, OTR
    Program Director, OTA Program, Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
  • Pamela Talero Cabrejo, OTD, BSOT (Col), OTR/L, CPAM, COT
    Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
  • Donald Fogelberg, PhD, OTR/L
    Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
  • Clare Guiffrida, PhD, MS, OTR/L, C/NDT, FAOTA
    Professor, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
  • Antoinette Shaw, OTR
    Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rush University Medical Center, Evanston, IL
  • Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS
    CEO, Therapist, Consultant, Advocate, Technology Entrepreneur, Global Interventions for Therapy Services Institute, LLC

Ana Allegretti, PhD, OTR, ATP | Kristen Bacon, OTD, OTR/L | Renee Causey-Upton, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, CLA, FAOTA | Felicia Chew, MS, OTR/L, FNAP | Winifred Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA | Catherine Hoyt, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA | Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS | Bonita Kraft | Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA | Denise Nepveux, PhD, OTR/L | Forrest Pendleton | Timothy Reistetter, PhD, OTR, FAOTA | Cristina Reyes Smith, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA | Natasha Smet, OTD, OTR/L | Pamela Talero Cabrejo, OTD, BSOT (Col), OTR/L, CPAM, COT

2024 Recipients

These awards were presented during the AOTA/AOTF Awards & Recognition Ceremony at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference, March 23, in Orlando, Florida.

  • Ganesh M. Babulal, PhD, OTD, MSCI, MOT, OTR/L
    Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Lindy Clemson, PhD, MAppSc (Research), BAppSc (OT), Dip OT, FOTARA
    Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  • Roberta Gittens Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT
    Associate Professor, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA
    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, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Adam R. Kinney, PhD, OTR/L
    Research Health Science Specialist, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L
    Associate Professor, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
  • Batya Engel-Yeger, PhD, OT
    Professor, Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
  • Shelly J. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
    Professor & Academic Program Director, Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
  • Clare Giuffrida, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, C/NDT
    Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rush University Medical Center, Evanston, IL
  • Dagny Fidler, PhD
    Assistant Academic Coordinator, Adjunct Professor, Morningside University, Des Moines, IA
  • Stephen M. Shore, EdD
    Clinical Associate Professor, The School of Education, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education & Health Sciences, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
  • Simone V. Gill, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
    Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD), Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA
  • Cortney Leverentz, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CLT
    Creighton University (Alpha Iota)

2023 Recipients

These awards were presented during the AOTA/AOTF Awards & Recognition Ceremony at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference, April 22, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri.

  • Carolyn Unsworth, PhD, BAppSci (OT), GCTE, OTR, MRCOT, FOTARA
    Professor, Discipline Lead, Occupational Therapy Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Victoria, Australia
  • Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L
    Associate Professor; Director, Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory; Chair, ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group; Co-Director, USC SMART-VR Center; Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT
    Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • Elizabeth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, FAOTA
    Director of the Lifestyle Redesign® Knowledge Mobilization Initiative, and Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Bonita Kraft
    Retired occupational therapist practicing in behavioral health, focusing on schizophrenia, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, and other personality disorders, Camarillo, California
  • Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
    Owner, President, TMB Occupational Therapy Resources, Inc., Norristown, Pennsylvania
  • Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
    Clinical Professor of Occupational Therapy, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Felicia Chew, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP
    President, Integrity Health Solutions, Mount Royal, New Jersey
  • Donald Fogelberg, PhD, OTR/L
    Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
  • Susan Magasi, PhD, MS, BScOT
    Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy; Associate Professor, Disability and Human Development; Associate Head, Occupational Therapy, Department of Occupational Therapy and Disability Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • Kerri Morgan, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
    Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Kristie Patten, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA
    Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor of Occupational Therapy, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York
  • Tracey Ellis, OTR/L, MPH
    CEO & Founder, International Diagnostic Solutions, Inc. and Ellis Therapeutic Consultant, Inc., Washington, District of Columbia
  • Elizabeth Pfeiffer, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA
    Associate Professor, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; Director of the REACH Lab, Temple University
  • Sarah Synek, OTD, OTR/L
    Creighton University, Occupational Therapist at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, Nebraska

All Other Recipients

2022

View 2022 Acceptance Speeches

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH 
Natalie Leland, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA, University of Pittsburgh
Elizabeth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, FAOTA, University of Southern California
Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, OTJR Editor-in-Chief, University of Missouri

AOTF EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Beth Fields, PH.D., OTR/L, BCG, University of Wisconsin-Madison

AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Juleen Rodakowski, OTD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, University of Pittsburgh

FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Charles Christiansen, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Sarah Schoen, PhD, OTR/L, STAR Institute

AOTF VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, Colorado State University

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD 
Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, Tufts University
Simone Gill, PhD, OTR/L, Boston University
Forrest Pendleton, BA
Susan Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Washington University School of Medicine
Cheryl Strickland, OTR/L, Choice Rehabilitation

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Pat Booth, MAT
Ellen Cohn, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Boston University

AOTF PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH
Clarissa R. Stanhope, OTD, Rush University

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
 

2021

View 2021 Awards Ceremony

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH 
Kathleen Doyle Lyons, ScD, OTR/L, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 
Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 

AOTF EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Chih-Ying “Cynthia” Li, PhD, OTR/L, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas

AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Jessica Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Patricia Booth, MAT, Chicago, Illinois

AOTF A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Leah Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California  
Scott D. Tomchek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

AOTF VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, Piller Child Development, LLC, Phoenix, Arizona

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD 
Tara C. Alexander, OTR/L, CPC, North Texas Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 
Roger I. Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA, George Washington University, Washington, DC 
Mary C. Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Wendy J. Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
M. Pollie Price, PhD, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH 
Jennifer Fleming, PhD, OTR/L, FOTARA, Professor, The University of Queensland

AOTF EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Ickpyo Hong, PhD, OTR, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Medical Branch

AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Elizabeth A. Pfeiffer, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA Associate Professor Temple University

FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Nancy Snyder Lieftinck, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Stacey E. Reynolds, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University

AOTF VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Karla K. Ausderau, PhD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin – Madison

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD 
Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Dean, University of St. Joseph
Susan Garber, MA, OTR, FAOTA, FACRM, Professor, Baylor College of Medicine

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Julie Kalahar, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Director, Lake Area Technical Institute

2019

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Yael Goverover, PhD, OTR/L
Hui-Ing Ma, ScD, OT
Timothy Reistetter, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Robert Sainburg, PhD, OTR/L
Susan Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Natalie Leland, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA

FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Ruth Ann Watkins, MBA, OTR, FAOTA

AOTF A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Stefanie Bodison, OTD, OTR/L, C/NTD

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Bette Bonder, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Linda Heilman, COTA
Martha Kirkland, OTR
Joan Rogers, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Ruth Ann Watkins, MBA, OTR, FAOTA

AOTF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Liliana Alverez, PhD

AOTF PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Rylie Power

2018

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Bernadette Nedelec, PhD, BScOT(C)
Ching-yi Wu, ScD, OTR

AOTF FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Donald F. Lang (posthumously)

AOTF A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Roberta (Bobbi) Pineda, PhD, OTR/L

AOTF VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Rondalyn Varney Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD 
Joseph K. Brey, OTD, OTR/L
Mary Ellen Buning, PhD, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Wendy J. Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Jan Miller Polgar, PhD, OT Reg (Ont), FCAOT

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Leeanne M. Carey, PhD, BAppSc(OT)
Terri Cassidy, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CDRS
Susan M. Fitzpatrick, PhD
Kristine Haertl, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Helene J. Polatajko, PhD, OT Reg (Ont), OT(C), FCAOT, FCAHS
Jan Stube, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Elizabeth Torrez, OTD, OTR/L

2017

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Natasha A. Lannin, PhD, BSc(OT), GradDip
Keh-chung Lin, ScD, OTR

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Florence A. Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Frederic W. Sammons, OTR, FAOTA

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Tara J. Glennon, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Sara S. Ulfers

AOTF MERITORIUS SERVICE AWARD
M. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Martha Kirkland, OTR
Kinsuk K. Maitra, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Lisa Bodry,  OTR/L
Laura N. Gitlin, PhD

2016

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Gary Bedell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Roseanne Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Jenny Ziviani, PhD, BAppSC(OT), MEd

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST 
Mary Foto, OT, FAOTA, CCM

A.  JEAN AYRES AWARD
Alison E. Lane, PhD, OTR

AOTF AWARD FOR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM
Fern Silverman, EdD, OTR/L and Andrea Tyszka, MA, OTR/L

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Patricia (Pat) Booth, MAT
Mary Foto, OT, FAOTA, CCM
Emily A. Kringle, MOT, OTR/L
Diana L. Ramsay, MPP, OTR, FAOTA

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Susan M. Fitzpatrick, PhD
Melissa Oliver, MS, OTR/L

2015

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (presented posthumously)
Naomi Josman, PhD, OT(I)
Mary Jane Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L
  
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (presented posthumously)

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Patricia Bowyer, EdD, MS, OTR, FAOTA
  
VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

 AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Alfred “Chip” J. Chiplin, Jr., JD, MDiv, CPE
  
AOTF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Kathleen Matuska, PhD, OTR/L
  
AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Sandra Rogers, PhD, OTR/L
Stephanie Singleton, OT/L

2014

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Deirdre Rose Dawson, PhD, OT Reg (Ont)
Joy Hammel, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Elizabeth R. Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L

AOTF AWARD FOR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM
Sandy Hanebrink, OTR/L
Alexander Lopez, JD, OT/L

A.  JEAN AYRES AWARD
Dottie M. Ecker, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Susan H. Knox, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Deborah Whitcomb, PhD, MBA, OTR/L AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Adam T. Drobot, PhD

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Jane D. Acquaviva
Andrea R. Bilics, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Aaron Eakman, PhD, OTR/L
Nancy Richman, OTR, FAOTA
Jane Rourk, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA
Kim Schoessow, OTD, OTR/L
Kari J. Tanta, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Beta Delta Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon at Nova Southeastern University 

2013

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Christine A. Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Stephen Page, PhD, MS, MOT, OTR/L, FAHA
Sylvia Rodger, BOcc Thy, MEd St, PhD

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Kenneth Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

AOTF AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERISM
Fengyi Kuo, DHS, OTR, CPRP

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Patricia L. Davies, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Mary L. Schneider, PhD, OTR/L

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Sharon G. Ryan, OTR

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Mark C. Sullivan
Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH
Catana Brown, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Kristie Patten Koenig, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Janet M. Powell, PhD, OTR/L 
  

2012

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Anita Bundy, ScD, OTR, FAOTA
Sherrilene Classen, PhD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA
Dorothy Farrar Edwards, PhD
Annette Majnemer, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT

AOTF AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERISM
Evelyn Jaffe, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Shelley E. Mulligan, PhD, OTR/L
Grace Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Melissa Oliver, MS, OTR/L
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
SERVICE COMMENDATION
Nancy Vesper Snyder 

2011

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Suryakumar Shah, PhD, OTD, MEd, OTR, FAOTA
Susan L. Murphy, ScD, OTR/L
 
AOTF/PATTERSON AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERISM
Patricia Coker-Bolt, PhD, OTR/L
Yvette Hachtel, JD, MEd, OTR/L
Debra Lindstrom Hazel, PhD, OTR
Deborah Whitcomb, MBA, OTR/L
Catalina Zobel, BA, COTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Ellen S. Cohn, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Jane A. Koomar, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Cynthia F. Epstein, MA, OTR, FAOTA
Ruth Ann Watkins, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Stephen A. Wilburn 

2010

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Patricia L. Davies, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Johanne Desrosiers, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT
Roger O. Smith, PhD, OT, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Joan C. Rogers, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Mary L. Schneider, PhD, OTR/L 

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Julia L. Wilbarger, PhD, OTR
 
AOTF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Catherine S. Nielson, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
William “Bill” Farland, PhD
Nancy Talbot, MEd, OTR, FAOTA 

2009

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Nancy A. Baker, ScD, OTR/L
Leeanne Carey, BAppSC(OT), PhD
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
M. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Shelly Lane, PhD, OTR/L
Susanne Smith Roley, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

​VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L
 
AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Phyllis Bauer Madachy 

2008

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Grace T. Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Shula Parush, PhD, OTR
Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Beatriz Abreu, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Zoe Mailloux, MA, OTR, FAOTA
 
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Ann P. Grady, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Jane Davis Rourk, OTR/L, OTR/L, FAOTA, BCP
Donald Lang
 CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Wendy J. Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 
Janet Craik, OT(C), MSc
Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT(C), OT Reg (Ont), FCAOT
 
LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Elizabeth Crepeau, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Virginia Dickie, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Perri Stern, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Gretchen Stone, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Jean Deitz, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Reatha Clark King, PhD 

2007

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Daniel Bourbonnais, PhD, OT
Joyce Engel, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Catherine L. Lysack, PhD, OT(C)
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Charles Christiansen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Laureen R. Franklin, MS, OTR/L

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Joan Dostal, OTR/L 

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Christine Peters, PhD, OTR
 
LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Nancy L. Beck, MA, OTR/L
Helen L. Hopkins, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (Posthumous)
Elizabeth Tiffany Mather, MEd, OTR, FAOTA
Carole Simon, MS, OTR/L 

2006

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
M. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Susan Garber, MA, OTR, FAOTA, FACRM

​CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Lexi Funk
Michaela Vattimo 

2005

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Patrice L. Tamar Weiss, PhD, MSc, BSc(OT)

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Martha Kirkland
 
A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Paula Kramer, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Zoe Mailloux, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Kimberly A. Van Den Wymelenberg, MS, OTR/L

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Jane Koomar, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
AOTF LEADERSHIP COMMENDATION
John Bardi
Edward A. Eckenhoff
Karen Jacobs
Mori MacKenzie
Patti Moore
Daniel P. Ryan
 
AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Leopold G. Selker, PhD, MBA
Gordon Williamson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA 

2004

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Marcia Finlayson, PhD, OTR/L
Mary C. Lawlor, ScD OTR, FAOTA

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Elizabeth B. Devereaux, MSW, ACSW/L, OTR/L, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Catherine A. Trombly, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA

VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Susanne Smith Roley, MS, OTR/L
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
M. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

2003

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Helen Cohen, EdD, OTR
Linda Tickle-Degnen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Winifred Wiese Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Carol Sue Bernardo, MEd, MA, OTR
James R. Stanton, MSW 

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Nancy Vesper Snyder, MS, OTR, FAOTA
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Jean Deitz, PhD, OTR, FAOTA   

2002

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Virgil Mathiowetz, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Gail Fidler, OTR/L, FAOTA

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Mark Biehl
Mori MacKenzie 

PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Dorothy “Dottie” Handley-More

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Maralynne D. Mitcham, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

2001

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Laura Gitlin, PhD
Margo Holm, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, ABDA
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Jeanette Bair, MBA, OT, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Jane Case-Smith, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Wendy Coster, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Renee Watling, MS, OTR/L
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Bette Bonder, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Virginia Dickie, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Smith and Nephew, Inc, Rehabilitation Division 

LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Elizabeth Crepeau, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Terry Crowe, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Malcolm Cutchin, PhD
Alexis Henry, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Doris Pierce, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Graham Rowles, PhD
Louise Thibodaux, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Susan B. Fine, MA, OTR, FAOTA
Lex Frieden, MA
Hanna Gruen, OTR/L
Ann Hight 

2000

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Craig A. Velozo, PhD, OTR

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Don Lollar, EdD
 
LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Virginia Dickie, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Mary Beth Early, MS, OTR/L
Joyce Engle, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Kathleen Kannenberg, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Lisette Kautzmann, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Heather McBride, OTR
Wendy Starnes, OTR/L
Perri Stern, EdD, OTR
Virginia Stoffel, MS, OT, FAOTA 

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Jim Hinojosa, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

1999

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Betty Rirsteen Hasselkus, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Cheryl Mattingly, PhD
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Florence S. Cromwell, MA, OTR, FAOTA

PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Beth A. Hall, MOT, OTR/L
Lisa Ross, MOT, OTR/L
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Charlene Ager, MA, OTR, FAOTA
Peter Gillette, MD 
HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD 
Robin Jones, COTA, ROH
 
LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Winifred Wiese Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
L. Diane Parham, PhD, OTR, FAOTA   

1998

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Mary Schneider, PhD, OTR
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Ruth Brunyate Wiemer, MEd, OTR, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
L. Diane Parham, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Charlotte Brasic Royeen, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Kyle Russell

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
The Psychological Corporation and Therapy Skill Builders
 
HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Lezlie Adler, MA, OTR
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Ronya Kozmetsky
Maralynne D. Mitcham, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

1997

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Wendy Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Lela A. Llorens, PhD, OTR/RET, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Anne C. Mosey, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Mary Ponte-Allan, MOT 

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
James Papai, MPH
Center for Collaborative Research at the National Center for Dental Hygiene Research at Thomas Jefferson University
 
HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Glen Gillen, MPA, OTR/L, BCN
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Charles H. Christiansen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA 

1996

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Mary Law, PhD, OT(C)
Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT(C)
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Claire Yanoshak, MS, OTR/L
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Esther Bell, MA, OTR/L
Florence Clark, PhD, OTR, FAOTA 

HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Constance Davis, OTR
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Bryon Cohen (posthumously)
Edward Eckenhoff, MA, MHA, FACHE

1995

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Noomi Katz, PhD, OTR (presented in 1996)
 
A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Virginia Scardina, MA, MEd, OTR, FAOTA
 
PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Sheri Zimmerer-Branum
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
John Cowin
Margaret Short-DeGraff, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Catherine Trombly, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
 
HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Michele Ellis, MEd, OTR/L
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Elizabeth Devereaux, MSW, ACSW/L, OTR/L, FAOTA
Sharon Stoffel, MA, OTR, FAOTA 

1994

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Erika G. Gisel, PhD, OTR
William C. Mann, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Frederic W. Sammons, PhD (Hon), OTR, FAOTA

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Kathleen Kannenberg, MA, OTR/L 

PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH AWARD
Steven Park, MS, OTR/L

HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Christa Czycholl, MS, OTR/L
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
James Plumtree, MA, OTR   

1993

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Winifred Wiese Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
G. Gordon Williamson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Anita C. Bundy, ScD, OTR, FAOTA
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Jean S. Morgenweck, MBA

HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Mary Warren, MS, OTR
 
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Carlotta Welles, MA, OTR, FAOTA
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
M. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOT

1992

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Anne G. Fisher, ScD, OTR, FAOTA

​A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Georgia DeGangi, PhD, OTR
Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR 

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Richard L. Allison, MS, OTR/L
Gail S. Fidler, OTR, FAOTA
Maureen Fleming, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
Mary Foto, OTR, FAOTA
Cheryl Mattingly, PhD

HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Lois Carlson, OTR/L, CHT   

1991

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Jean Crosetto Deitz, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
David L. Nelson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS’ COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Carlotta Welles, MA, OTR, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Sharon A. Cermak, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
Anne G. Fisher, ScD, OTR, FAOTA

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Ann Hight
Kenneth Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION AWARD
Margaret Mitani, OTR  

1990

AOTA-AOTF PRESIDENTS” COMMENDATION AWARD IN HONOR OF WILMA L. WEST
Wilma L. West, MA, OTR, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Elizabeth J. Yerxa, EdD, OTR, FAOTA

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Elnora M. Gilfoyle, DSc, OTR, FAOTA 

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Fred Sammons, OTR/L, FAOTA

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Carolyn Del Polito, PhD 

1989

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Janice Burke, MA, OTR
Gary Kielhofner, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA 
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
RGK Foundation

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Lyla M. Spelbring, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Lela Llorens, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

1988

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Lela Llorens, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Kenneth Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Kappa Delta Phi Sorority

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Elizabeth Crepeau, OTR, FAOTA

1987

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Cynthia M. Berchulc, MOT, OTR
Amy Bridgman, MLS
Kathlyn Reed, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA


MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Martha S. Moersch, MEd, OTR/L, FAOTA 

1986

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Sharon Cermak, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
Florence Clark, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
 
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Evelyn Jaffe, OTR, FAOTA
Judith Powell, PhD, OTR
Elizabeth J. Yerxa, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
The Moody Medical Library

GOLD PINS
Fred Sammons, OTR/L, FAOTA
Carlotta Welles, MA, OTR, FAOTA

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Ann Grady, OTR, FAOTA

1985

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Lezlie J. Adler, MA, OTR
Christine Carlson, MA, RPT
Getchen Dahl Reeves, MA, MOT, OTR 

MERITORIUS SERVICE AWARD
Frank W. Oppenheimer (posthumously) 

1984

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
Gary W. Kielhofner, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA
Kenneth Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Joan C. Rogers, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Catherine A. Trombly, MS, OTR, FAOTA
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Alice C. Jantzen, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Charles H. Christiansen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
Richard C. Cox, PhD
Mae D. Hightower-Vandamm, OTR, FAOTA

1983

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH
A. Jean Ayres, PhD, FAOTA
Mary Reilly, EdD, FAOTA
Elizabeth J. Yerxa, EdD, OTR, FAOTA

1982

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Jean Morse, PhD
Virgil Scardina
Virginia Scardina, MEd, OTR, FAOTA 

TESTIMONIAL OF APPRECIATION (GOLD PIN/PRESIDENT EMERITA) 
Wilma L. West, MA, OTR, FAOTA 

1981

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Marion W. Crampton, OTR, FAOTA
Lela Llorens, PhD, OTR, FAOTA  

1980

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Nancy V. Snyder, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Carlotta Welles, MA, OTR, FAOTA
Kappa Delta Phi Sorority    

1979

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Frank W. Oppenheimer

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