The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Patricia L. Davies, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA,  as its new Board Chair. Dr. Davies is a distinguished professor at Colorado State University, where she leads the Brainwaves Research Laboratory. Her research focuses on understanding the neurological basis of cognitive, sensory, and motor functions, particularly in children with developmental disorders.

Davies' accomplishments include: 

• Over four decades of experience in occupational therapy
• Significant contributions to the field through research and education
• Extensive global collaborations and presentations
• Recipient of substantial funding from organizations like the NIH and NSF

Other Board Changes

We are honored to welcome Timothy Reistetter, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, as the new Secretary of our Executive Board for 2025, while Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L, will continue as Vice Chair, and Anne Bryden, PhD, OTR/L, as Treasurer.

Furthermore, we are delighted to announce the inclusion of Shawn Roll, PhD, OTR/L, Brent Braveman, OTR, PhD, FAOTA, Megan Chang, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT, and Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD as Trustees.

Outgoing Board Members

The AOTF extends its profound gratitude to the outgoing Board members: Mary Jane (MJ) Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, our immediate past Chair, and Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS, our former Secretary, for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions.

We also thank Kathleen Lyons, SCD, OTR/L, Pamela Talero Cabrejo, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, and Antoinette Shaw, OTR, for their dedicated service as Board Trustees.

Celebrating 60 Years of Impact

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, the AOTF remains committed to advancing occupational therapy through research, education, and advocacy. We look forward to continuing our mission with the support of our dedicated Board members and the entire occupational therapy community.

AOTF and AOTA are pleased to announce the selected students attending the annual Institute of Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy, April 4-5, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. The program will introduce students to a career in research, connect them with occupational therapy scientific community mentors, and immerse them in a research-focused professional experience. All the participating students are also invited to our special ticketed events at AOTA INSPIRE 2025, AOTF Breakfast with a Scholar, and State of the Science.  

Congratulations 2025 Institute of Future Scientists! 

Courtney Bland, Midwestern University- Downers Grove
Austin Blankenship, Hawaii Pacific University
Sarah Chamoun, Creighton University
Maegan Condalary, Wayne State University
Sailery Cortes Cardona, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
Grace Costenbader, Elizabethtown College
Caleb Del Rosario, Lewis University
Sadie Derusha, Western Michigan University
Hannah Dougherty, East Tennesee State University
Andrea Ducasse, Howard University
Brendan Flynn, Chatham University
Shanaylene Fuentes, Kean University
Lisbeth Gomez, Texas Woman's University
Isabel Guillen, Lewis University
Hannah Harwick, Methodist University
Alanna Humphrey, Keck Graduate Institute
Morgan Kam, San Jose State University
Evelyn Lamboy, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
Sheridan Lopez, California State University - Dominguez Hills
Nicole Moldovan, Monmouth University
Justina Necola, Keck Graduate Institute
Lauren Perkinson, University of Puget Sound
Jada Perry, Presbyterian College
Venisa Rodriguez, Johnson & Wales University
Julamy Serrano Arocho, Brenau University
Jamie Siegart, State University of New York (SUNY)- Downstate Health Sciences University
Cristina Sorensen, Winston-Salem State University
Dominique Soriano, California State University Dominguez Hills
Anna Todd, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Stephanie Tudela, Johnson & Wales University
Jillian Walker, Hanover College

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) deeply mourns the passing of Dr. Lynne Richard on January 13, 2025.

Dr. Richard was an extraordinary volunteer and donor who supported AOTF for over 30 years. Her dedication to the Foundation was evident through her active participation in various committees, including the Development Council and the Scholarship Selection Committee.

Lawrence Liff, AOTF Chief Development Officer, shared, "Lynne was a wonderful volunteer, always ready to help, and someone who truly championed our Foundation. Lynne served two terms on the Development Council with me. She was a great help connecting AOTF to people and schools in Florida and FOTA. All of us have lost a remarkable person who embodied the best characteristics of occupational therapy."

Dr. Alma R. Abdel-Moty, Dr.OT, MS, OTR/L, Clinical Professor & Interim Chairperson of the Florida International University Occupational Therapy Department, reflected on Dr. Richard's lasting impact:

“Dr. Richard began her journey at FIU over 13 years ago, where she served as a devoted professor and mentor, deeply committed to advancing healthcare education and improving student success. Her dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting students and colleagues was evident throughout her remarkable tenure at FIU. Over the years, she served as a trusted professor and held a variety of leadership roles within our college, including Department Chair of the Occupational Therapy program and, most recently, as Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.”

We invite you to read Florida International University's announcement.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Dr. Richard’s family and friends.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) mourns the loss of Distinguished Professor Emerita Elizabeth June Yerxa ’52, who passed away on December 18, 2024, at 94.

Dr. Yerxa was a visionary leader and a towering figure in occupational therapy. As a scholar, researcher, and educator, she championed the development of occupational science. She inspired countless therapists with her insightful research and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her impact is evident in her numerous accolades, including:

• AOTF Presidency (1966-68)
• Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award (1966)
• AOTA Vice-Presidency (1972-75)
• AOTA Roster Fellow (1973)
• Chair of the AOTF Research Development Committee (1982–85)
• AOTF Academy of Research Charter Member (1983)
• AOTA Award of Merit (1987)

• Honorary Doctorates from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Exeter (1995)

A testament to her groundbreaking research, Dr. Yerxa was an original AOTF Academy of Research member. Established in 1983, the Academy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions to occupational therapy research. Her pioneering work in areas such as life satisfaction among people with severe disabilities and the nature and management of time continues to shape occupational therapy practice today.

Dr. Yerxa's legacy will endure as a testament to her brilliance, compassion, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of occupational therapy.

We are sharing a link to the University of Southern California announcement that features an obituary written by Professor Emeritus Dr. Florence Clark, a distinguished colleague within the AOTF Academy of Research.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2025 Research Fellowships and Scholarships. This funding supports post-doctoral researchers and doctoral candidates in pursuing their OT research. 

2025 Research Fellowship Recipients:

Bridget Kraus, PhD, MOT, OTR/L: Postdoctoral Fellow at The Curators of the University of Missouri. Title: Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Understanding and Promotion of Spinal Cord Injury Self-Management Throughout the Continuum of Care. Recipient of the Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship: This award supports foundational occupational therapy studies into the human condition.

Lindsay Spell, OTD, OTR/L: Postdoctoral Fellow at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Title: Asthma Home Occupation-based Modified Environmental (HOME) Assessment: Implementer Perspectives. Recipient of the Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: This fellowship seeks to improve diversity within the occupational therapy workforce.

2025 Research Scholarship Recipients:

Marshae Franklin, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L: PhD Candidate Research Assistant at the University of Southern California. Title: Exploring Authentic Belonging as Narrated by Black Autistic Women in STEM and Its Implications for DEI in Higher Education and Beyond. Recipient of the Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy: This scholarship recognizes research that advances the field of occupational therapy through investigations in key areas.

Vanessa Yanez, MSOT, OTR/L: PhD Candidate at Texas Woman's University. Research Title: Exploration of the psychosocial experiences and occupational participation in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A phenomenological study. Recipient of the Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship: This scholarship supports research in mental health and severe mental illness.

Amy Watson-Grace, OTD, OTR/L, BCP: Graduate Research Associate at The Ohio State University. Research Title: Sensory Processing, Sex Differences, and Autism Special Education Eligibility: Investigating Policy, Perceptions, and Practice. Recipient of the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship: This scholarship supports research in sensory integration and/or sensory processing.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is also excited to announce the inaugural recipient of our new mentorship funding!

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award Recipient:

Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA from the University of Missouri. This award recognizes outstanding mentors in functional cognition research and provides funding to support their mentee's research. Dr. Wolf's mentee is Melanie Morriss Tkach.

Congratulations to all of the 2025 AOTF Funding Recipients! Their research promises to significantly impact the field of occupational therapy and improve the lives of individuals and communities.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is dedicated to advancing the science of occupational therapy through research, innovation, and service. Every year, AOTF recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the profession through various prestigious awards. These honors highlight occupational therapy researchers' and practitioners' dedication, leadership, and impact worldwide.

Diverse Honors for Outstanding Contributions

The Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy, established in 1983, remains one of the highest recognitions in the field. Inductees are selected based on their exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions to occupational therapy research. The 2025 inductees include:

• Batya Engel-Yeger, PhD, OT,  Professor, Dean of Students, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
• Susan R. Magasi, PhD, MS, BScO, BSc, FACRM, Head and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
• Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FACRM, FAOTA, NZROT, Associate Dean for Health Sciences Research, Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
• Elizabeth A. Pfeiffer, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA, Professor, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

AOTF's award recognition program celebrates the breadth of contributions professionals bring to occupational therapy research. These awards are unique in recognizing contributions across the entire career span, from early-career promise to lifetime achievement. Beyond general research excellence, AOTF also honors specialized expertise in sensory processing (A. Jean Ayres Award) and acknowledges the vital role of service and financial support in advancing the field.

We proudly introduce the 2025 recipients of these prestigious awards:

NEW! Lifetime Achievement Award – Honoring individuals who have significantly impacted OT research and made major service-based and financial contributions to AOTF.

• Wendy Coster, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA, Professor Emerita, Occupational Therapy, Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation, Boston, MA 

AOTF Early Career Research Excellence Award – Recognizing emerging researchers making significant strides in advancing knowledge.

• Jennifer Weaver, PhD, OTR/L, CBIS, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

AOTF Mid-Career Research Excellence Award – Honoring researchers who have demonstrated sustained contributions to the field. 

• Janet Njelesani, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy New York University, New York, NY

AOTF A. Jean Ayres Award – Supporting individuals committed to research development in sensory processing and theory testing.

• Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA, Owner/Director of Clinical Operations, Piller Child Development, LLC, Phoenix, AZ

AOTF Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence – Recognizing clinicians engaged in research that advances brain-behavior relationships and sensory processing disorders. 

• Leah Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Los Angeles, CA

See the complete archive of award recipients, including our awards and honors for leadership and service.

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence
The 2025 AOTF awardees will be honored at the AOTF/AOTA Ceremony during the AOTA INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo in Philadelphia, PA, on April 5, 2025,
We invite you to celebrate these incredible individuals and their contributions to the field. Together, we can continue to advance occupational therapy research and practice through meaningful support and recognition.

#AOTFAwards #OTResearch #AOTAInspire25 #AcademyofResearch #SupportOTResearch

Every year, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) award recognition program celebrates the breadth of contributions professionals bring to occupational therapy research. This includes honoring our fantastic volunteers who have given their time and expertise to support the Foundation and our mission.

Congratulations to our 2025 Awards and Honors for Leadership and Service recipients:

FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
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     

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
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   

LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION 
Donald Fogelberg, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Clare Guiffrida, 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      

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Ana Allegretti, PhD, OTR, ATP, Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Foundation, Captstone Coordinator, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
Kristen Bacon, OTD, OTR/L, Chair, Applied Health and Wellness, Assistant Professor, Program Director, Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY
Renee Causey - Upton, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, CLA, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
Felicia Chew, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Mount Royal, NJ
Winifred Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Distinguished Professor, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri Health, Columbia, MO
Catherine Hoyt, Assistant Professor, Program Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS, CEO, Therapist, Consultant, Advocate, Technology Entrepreneur, Global Interventions for Therapy Services Institute, LLC
Bonita Kraft, Retired Clinical OT, Mental Health, Camarillo, CA
Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Dean, Health Sciences Research, Professor, Clinical Research and Leadership Professor, Health, Human Function and Rehabilitation Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Denise Nepveux, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Duke University, Durham, NC 
Forrest Pendleton, Palo Alto, CA
Timothy Reistetter, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Associate Dean of Research, School of Health Professions, Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cristina Reyes Smith, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Natasha Smet, OTD, OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Adjunct Clinical Professor, National American University, Assistant Clinical Professor, Hybrid Program, Site Coordinator, Phoenix Bioscience Core, Phoenix, AZ                                                                                       
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

The 2025 AOTF Leadership and Service recipients will be honored at the AOTF VIP Reception in conjunction with the AOTA INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo in Philadelphia, PA, on April 3, 2025.
See the complete archive of award recipients, including our 2025 AOTF OT Research Awardees.

How to Become Involved:

• Become a volunteer for AOTF and partner in our mission to build evidence to improve practice and health. 
• Donate and/or fundraise to support evidence-based research.
• Sponsor a grant, award, scholarship, or event.
• Become an AOTF Ambassador.

Together, we can continue to advance occupational therapy research and practice through meaningful support and recognition.

#AOTFAwards #OTResearch #SupportOTResearch #Volunteer

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2025 Research Grants. This funding supports OT faculty and early career researchers in pursuing their OT research. 

2025 Implementation Research Grant Recipients

Jessica Edelstein, PhD, OTR/L
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago dba Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Complementary Implementation and De-Implementation Strategies to Close the Evidence-Practice Gap in Stroke Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
Mentor: Miriam Rafferty, DPT, PhD, PT

Janell Pisegna, PhD, OTR/L, CSRS
Colorado State University
Multifaceted Implementation Program for Occupational Therapy Practitioners Addressing Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Home and Community Care
Mentor: Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT

Brocha Stern, PhD, OTR
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Characterizing and Refining Implementation of a Personalized Patient-Reported Outcome Measure in Outpatient Care
Mentor: Natalie E. Leland, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA

The Implementation Research Grant program is made possible through a generous donation from NBCOT.

2025 Intervention Research Grant Recipients

Catherine Hoyt, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Community Driven Methods for Screening for Developmental Delay Among Infants and Toddlers with Sickle Cell Disease
Mentor: Allison King, MD, PhD, MPH

Vanessa Jewell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Feasibility of the REAL-Fam to Support Diabetes Self-Management, Family Participation, and Child Health
Mentor: Beth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, LRC, FAOTA

Jaewon Kang, PhD, MSOT
Colorado State University
Using Virtual Reality Technology to Increase Acceptance of Home Modifications for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Mentor: Brett Fling, PhD

The Intervention Research Grant program receives donations from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the AOTF St. Catherine Challenge.  

These innovative research projects demonstrate the critical role of occupational therapy in addressing complex health challenges across the lifespan. By supporting the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions, AOTF continues to invest in the future of OT science and practice. Congratulations to the 2025 recipients for their commitment to advancing the profession and improving health outcomes in the communities we serve.

At the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), we believe meaningful research happens when communities are engaged. This belief is at the heart of our 2024 Annual Report theme: “Engaging Community Partners.”

Now available for download, the AOTF 2024 Annual Report highlights how researchers, donors, students, and practitioners have come together to expand knowledge, fund innovative projects, and shape the future of occupational therapy through collaboration.

We are proud to share the 2024 AOTF Annual Report, which reflects a year of deepened partnerships, bold research initiatives, and meaningful progress in occupational therapy.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report

• Inaugural Engage Summit: Over 100 researchers and community partners gathered for AOTF’s first-ever Engage Summit, sponsored by NBCOT®. This summit is a milestone in advancing community-engaged OT research.
• New Grant Opportunity: AOTF announced the launch of a community-engaged research grant, debuting in Spring 2025,
• $550,000+ in Research Grants Awarded: Across our Implementation Research, Health Services Research, and Intervention Research Grant programs, AOTF continued to fill gaps in OT research through early-stage funding.
• 65+ Scholarships Awarded Nationwide: From first-generation students to doctoral candidates, AOTF awarded over 65 scholarships in 2024, supporting the development of a diverse and promising OT research workforce.
• STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship: AOTF supported five OT students and clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds in mentored research experiences, with $127,000 awarded since 2022,

AOTF OT Student Scavenger Hunt winners announced Apr. 15th.
Thank you for playing while learning about our independent non-profit advancing OT research.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Linae Williams of Alvernia University
Marleigh Bays of West Virginia University
Noelle Njoku of Towson University
Brenna Merillat of Texas Woman’s University
Aby Thomas of Brenau University

Thank You to Our Sponsor: 

OccupationalTherapy.com

At AOTF, our mission to support and advance occupational therapy research is a year-round commitment, reflected in every grant we award, every scholar we mentor, and every program we develop. But once a year, that work comes into focus in the most powerful way: at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference & Expo.

The 2025 conference in Philadelphia was more than just an event—it was a vivid mosaic of the people, research, and partnerships that define the future of OT. It’s where we saw the real-world impact of the grants and scholarships we champion all year and celebrated the awardees who are shaping what comes next.

Among the many highlights was our special VIP Reception, held to celebrate the Foundation's 60th Anniversary. It was a truly memorable occasion, bringing together dedicated donors, partners, and friends to commemorate six decades of unwavering commitment to advancing occupational therapy research.

Inspiration & Innovation

Our journey at the conference began with moments that reminded us why we do what we do. One of the most memorable was Breakfast with a Scholar, where David Anthony Rooney offered a powerful perspective on managing anxiety through community and resilience. His honest storytelling and practical strategies framed mental health as a challenge and a place for growth, compassion, and connection.

The State of the Science Symposium, The Impact of Long COVID on Occupational Performance: Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Intervention and Research, was a key AOTF offering. This session explored OT's vital role in Long COVID care and research. Feedback highlighted the importance of understanding "the role of OT in chronic conditions such as long-covid" and the power of personal narratives in illustrating the impact of this research.

We were also moved by the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture, delivered by Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, a Member of the AOTF Academy of Research, titled “Precision Occupational Therapy Through Data Driven Decision Making.” Her vision of combining clinical practice with analytics underscored the growing importance of data in improving outcomes and deepened our commitment to supporting research that leads to real change.

Research & Recognition

The Awards & Recognitions Ceremony brought this full circle as these awardees are more than honorees—they embody what our supporters make possible. Every accolade reflected the talent and perseverance that power occupational therapy forward, and the vibrant science community behind it.

We also gathered in sessions like the Academy of Research Symposium and the Research Excellence Symposium, where up-and-coming researchers, along with legendary researchers, shared their journeys, progress, and impact—a powerful reminder that AOTF’s mission doesn't end with funding; it starts there.

As champions of research, AOTF was especially proud to highlight the work of our STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship recipients. Their poster presentations showcased innovative ideas and commitment to health DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility).

Interactive Engagement: Our Booth & Beyond

Strategically placed in the Grand Hall, the AOTF Booth was a hub of energy, curiosity, and connection. As we celebrated 60 years of advancing OT research, we were thrilled to meet with hundreds of attendees, sharing our story, answering questions, and handing out Swag with a Purpose. Our “Wheel of Philanthropy” made mission-driven giving fun and engaging. Thanks to the generosity of our community and a matching gift from Korro AI, we raised nearly $20,000 to support OT research.

We also hosted STRIDE Committee Informal Meetups, offering a welcoming space for researchers to connect, exchange ideas, and explore mentorship opportunities.

And of course, the OT Student Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by OccupationalTherapy.com, was a huge hit. Students made meaningful connections and gained a stronger sense of belonging in the OT research community.

A Tapestry of Impact

AOTA INSPIRE 2025 offered a powerful glimpse into the heart of AOTF's mission. Whether through the rigor of research presentations, the spontaneous connections made at our booth, the knowledge shared in expert lectures, or the enthusiasm of new voices, the conference experience truly reflected our values and the strength of our collaborations.

We are especially grateful to everyone who made a gist onsite during the conference. Your generosity directly supports the next wave of research leaders and ensures that innovation, diversity, and evidence-based practice remain central to occupational therapy. To our dedicated volunteers and partners, your steadfast commitment inspires others and brings dreams to life. None of this would be possible without you, who have been a cornerstone of the Foundation since its inception.

Thank you for believing in our mission during OT Month and every day of the year. 

Check out the Facebook album dedicated to this event.

We’ll see you in Anaheim in 2026. Until then, the work continues.

The Occupational Therapy Journal of Research (OTJR), published by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), is proud to introduce a new Infographic Series—created to help bridge the gap between research and practice.

These visually engaging, evidence-informed resources are designed to make core concepts in occupational therapy more accessible, shareable, and ready for implementation across various settings.

Whether you're supporting emotional regulation, promoting daily function, or working in emerging areas of occupational therapy (OT) practice, our infographics can serve as quick references, teaching tools, or conversation starters with clients, caregivers, students, and colleagues.

Our first infographic highlights the Zones of Regulation™ framework—an approach that helps individuals identify and manage emotions using four color-coded zones: Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. It’s a powerful tool for building self-awareness, supporting co-regulation, and creating a shared language around emotions in clinical and educational environments.

Download the Zones of Regulation infographic and use it in your sessions, classrooms, or team discussions. This is just the beginning. We’ll continue adding more OTJR infographics to the AOTF website throughout the year—all grounded in occupational therapy research and designed to help you bring evidence to life in your daily work. Stay tuned—and thank you for helping us move OT research forward!

There’s a growing recognition that occupational therapy research must better reflect the people and communities it serves. But recognition alone isn’t enough. We need to create purposeful pathways that eliminate obstacles and provide genuine support.

Many occupational therapy (OT) scholars, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, those with disabilities, and/or those working in under-resourced settings, encounter systemic challenges when attempting to engage in research. These challenges may include a lack of mentorship, limited access to institutional resources, and funding gaps that hinder their ability to participate fully in the scientific conversation.

The Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Mentored Research Scholarship exists to change that.

The scholarship, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and guided by the STRIDE committee, offers scholars valuable research experience with a dedicated mentor, either online or in person. This opportunity fosters skill development, professional growth, and engagement in national research networks.

In 2024, STRIDE awardees focused on various research topics, including maternal health, hospital readmissions, and neurodiverse youth. Their work, along with previous recipients, contributes to the advancement of occupational therapy (OT) through personal experiences, professional commitment, and mentorship.

Mentored. Funded. Empowered.
That’s what STRIDE offers: funded support for tomorrow’s OT leaders.

Apply by July 7 to take the next step in your research journey.

The third Workshop in Implementation Science and Health Grant Writing (WISH) Workshop, held May 20-22, 2025, was a tremendous success, according to well, evidence such as satisfaction surveys and knowledge self-assessment tools. One hundred percent of participants agreed that: their mentoring group was well-suited for their research; that feedback they received during the workshop improved their proposals; that they would use the knowledge gained from the workshop; and that their mentor provided constructive feedback before and during the workshop. As in prior years, WISH was sponsored by LeaRRn, an NIH-funded rehabilitation research resource center, CoHSTAR, a health services research and training center supported by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. This year's trainees included 24 investigators, 13 of whom were occupational therapists, 11 of whom received travel awards sponsored by AOTF.

“I received iterative, real-time, honest feedback from successful and seasoned scholars and my fellow mentees. I don't know of any other setting where I could engage in that kind of fast-paced feedback loop! It was such an energizing, enriching, and productive experience.” - WISH Participant

The workshop offered each participant one of three tracks: Implementation Science, Health Services Research (HSR), and a Mixed Approach, which combined elements from the other two tracks. Attendees spent one and a half days in didactic sessions and in small-group breakout sessions (aka pods) where mentees discussed, critiqued, and strengthened their proposals. The workshop also included a panel on integrating lived experience into grant writing featuring community partners and representatives from PCORI, AOTF, and NCMRR. On the final day, Program Officers and mentors participated in a moderated panel on common grant proposal mistakes and success strategies.

"Supporting and participating in grant writing workshops like WISH underscores AOTF's commitment to advancing the science of occupational therapy through research, collaboration, and capacity-building. Empowering emerging researchers with the skills to write grant proposals and secure funding is a critical step toward building evidence, fostering innovation, and achieving long-term impact."- Satvika Garg, PhD, OTR/L, AOTF Chief Scientific Officer

The next WISH workshop is planned for May 2026.

If you're inspired to apply for one of our many grant programs, check out our current funding cycle timeline and request for applications. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

AOTF is proud to announce the inaugural winner of the OT Dream Financial Aid Award, Alexandria Antonucci, a 2025 graduate from the University of New England.

The OT Dream Financial Aid Award provides financial assistance to a recent graduate of the MSOT program at the University of New England to cover the cost of their first OTR certification exam, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This award was created by an occupational therapist who knows the reality of facing financial hardships associated with higher education and wanted to support new graduates as they begin their careers. This award, the first of its kind, is a remarkable demonstration of philanthropy in action, making an immediate impact on the field of occupational therapy.

Good luck to Alexandria as she takes the NBCOT exam, and we look forward to her receiving her certification.

The application for the 2026 OT Dream Award will open in February 2026.

The AOTF Scholarship Program is proud to recognize the dedicated service of Kerri Morgan, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, professor at Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, as she concludes her term as Co-Chair of the Scholarship Review Committee. Dr. Morgan's leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the application and review process, making it more user-friendly for students and more efficient for reviewers.

Under her guidance, the program experienced remarkable growth. In the most recent cycle, the Scholarship Program received nearly 350 applications and awarded over 50 scholarships—a significant increase in both applicants and awards compared to previous years.

While Dr. Morgan will be stepping down from her Co-Chair role, Mary Zadnik, PhD, OTR/L, will continue in her position, providing continuity and experienced leadership. Joining her as the new Co-Chair is Tracey Recigno, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, a professional occupational therapist with nearly two decades of experience in clinical and academic settings. Dr. Recigno is the program director for the developing hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Hawai‘i Pacific University in Honolulu. Though the program is based in O‘ahu, she resides in southern New Jersey, just outside Philadelphia. In addition to her new role, Dr. Recigno also serves as Vice President of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE), a national occupational therapy honor society. 

New Timeline for the 2026 Application Cycle

In a departure from tradition, the AOTF Scholarship Program will shift its application launch from mid-August to mid-January 2026. This change is designed to better align with academic calendars and provide applicants with additional preparation time. Scholarship recipients will be notified in May 2026.

For more information about the Scholarship Program or to submit questions, please contact: David Robertson, scholarships@aotf.org.