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AOTF Events at the AOTA Annual Conference

Research Resources   >   AOTF Events at the AOTA Annual Conference
June 06, 2025

 

  

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Thank you for joining us this year!

See you in Anaheim, California for AOTA INSPIRE 2026—April 23–25, 2026

AOTA INSPIRE 2025 Annual Conference & Expo Philadelphia, Pa. | April 3-5, 2025

Foundation Friday, April 4, 2025 

Breakfast with a Scholar

7:00 – 9:00 am ET 
Marriott Salons GH, Philadelphia Marriot Downtown
View program

A Journey Through Anxiety
David Anthony Rooney

Unprecedented exposure to the world around us is taking a toll on our mental health. Health polls indicate that U.S. adults are experiencing increasing anxiety, with young adults showing even higher trends. Drawing from his 30-year journey, David will inspire positive change in those dealing with anxiety or caring for others who do. Through authentic storytelling, validation, practical insights, and community building, he hopes to catalyze healing and support.

By attending AOTF Breakfast with a Scholar you will:

  • Recognize anxiety's emotional and physical dimensions.
  • Learn practical strategies to reduce, manage, and overcome anxiety.
  • Gain hope, resilience, and lasting calm.

The goal is to impart hope and illuminate the possibility of breaking free from the mental prison of anxiety, offering a roadmap to a life characterized by resilience, empowerment, and lasting calm. Acting as a guide and companion on the journey to mental well-being, David will inspire positive change in the lives of those dealing with anxiety or caring for others who do. Through authentic storytelling, validation, practical insights, and community building, he hopes to be a catalyst for healing and support.

Book will be available onsite for speaker signing.

Speaker Bio:

David RooneyDavid Anthony Rooney is an Emmy-winning filmmaker and Guinness world record-breaking musician from Dublin, Ireland. He has spent the last decade captivating audiences with his residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. His documentary, "An Irish Story: This Is My Home," explores the American Dream from an Irish immigrant perspective and has millions of views on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. He performed 60 shows in all 50 U.S. states in 40 days. Voted Best Irish Singer/Songwriter of the Year, he won an EMMY for outstanding achievement in a documentary and the Beloit International Film Festival's People's Choice Award.  

Beyond music and film, Rooney advocates for mental health and authored "Journey Through Anxiety," detailing his 30-year struggle with anxiety. Known for his honest and humorous approach, he is a respected musician, speaker, and author who regularly conducts talks on mental health and resilience and co-authored the TAP (Teen Anxiety Program), an evidence-based school curriculum utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy principles. 

 

State of the Science

3:00 – 5:30 pm ET 
Marriott Salons GH, Philadelphia Marriot Downtown
View Program

The Impact of Long COVID on Occupational Performance: Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Intervention and Research

Long COVID emerged as a complex, multi-system condition that challenged traditional diagnostic and treatment approaches. Learn about the opportunities for occupational therapy (OT) interventions and research to address the multifaceted nature of Long COVID symptoms. The panel will also discuss evidence-informed practice guidelines, using functional performance as a diagnostic marker, leveraging metacognition to mitigate the functional effects, long-term impact on disability and participation, and the importance of practice and policy development to support workplace accommodations.

Speakers:

 

Dorothy Farrar Edwards, PhD, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Professor of Kinesiology and Medicine Director, Collaborative Center for Health Equity School of Education Associate Dean of Research University of Wisconsin-Madison
Anna Boone, PhD, OTR/L, MSOT, CBIS, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri Columbia
Malachy Clancy, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR, Assistant Professor, Thomas Jefferson University
Kristen Kehl-Floberg, MSOT, OTR/L, BCG, PhD Student, University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health
Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM, Associate Professor at the University of Southern California’s Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Joy Hammel, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy and Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois
Jamie Wilcox, MPH, OTD, OTR/L, Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California’s Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

AOTF Foundation Friday

Research Excellence Symposium

12:30 – 2:00 pm ET
Marriott Salons F, Philadelphia Marriot Downtown 

AOTF fosters and celebrates research excellence across various career stages with a vision of having a vibrant science that builds knowledge to support effective, evidence-based occupational therapy. The 2025 AOTF Early- and Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardees along with our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Awardee share insights from their career journey and latest research. Included with your AOTA Inspire main registration- 

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

 

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Academy of Research Symposium

4:00 – 6:00 pm ET 
Marriott Salons GH, Philadelphia Marriot Downtown

The 2025 AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy Inductees share their career journeys and the latest development in their research. Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes and honors individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions to the advancement of the science of occupational therapy. Included with your AOTA Inspire main registration- 
Batya Engel-Yeger, PhD, Professor, Dean of Students, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Susan 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

Plus, don't miss (Tip: Search "AOTF" in the AOTA INSPIRE App.)...

  • STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship Posters, Thursday, 3-5pm, Phila. Convention Center, Ballroom AB
  • STRIDE Committee Informal Meet-Up, Thursday, 2:00 – 3:00 pm and Friday, 12:30 – 1:30 pm. AOTF Lounge, adjacent to AOTF Booth
  • Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture: Precision Occupational Therapy Through Data Driven Decision Making, Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, AOTF Academy of Research Member, Saturday, 11:15-12:30 pm, Phila. Convention Center
  • Promoting Engagement and Empowerment in Researchers (PEER) Hangout, Saturday, 1:30-2:30 pm. AOTF Staff Office (PCC Room 301). 
  • Awards & Recognitions Ceremony, Saturday, 4:15-5:45pm, Phila. Convention Center, Hall C
  • Visit our AOTF Booth (Grand Hall across from registration):
    • Support Occupational Therapy Research: Join us at our booth and spin the "Wheel of Philanthropy"! Your generous gift will be matched by Korro AI, doubling your impact on critical OT research.
    • OT Student Scavenger Hunt & Gift Card Giveaway: Calling all OT students! Participate in our exciting Scavenger Hunt. Complete it by April 6 at 12:00 pm, to be entered to win one of five $100 Gift Cards sponsored by Occupationaltherapy.com
    • Celebrate our 60th Anniversary
    • View display of 2025 Grant and Scholarship recipients, St. Catherine Challenge Results and Award recipients
    • Relax in our Donor Lounge 
    • Pick up free AOTF swag
    • And more!

Thank You Sponsors

Sponsors

Premium Sponsors

                  

 

       

       

       

 

Cancellation/Refund/Transfer Policies 

AOTF Conference Archives:

Research Excellence Symposium Archived Recordings

Lindsey Chang
/ Categories: News

AOTF: A Year of Impact, Celebrated from INSPIRE to OT Month

Picture collage with scholars, PTE members, Future Scientists and AOTF 60 Anniversary logo.

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.

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