OOTA Awards – Board Voting Form

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

⚠️ A board member should not vote on an award if they nominated someone or were themselves nominated. This is treated as a clear conflict of interest in most award‑governance policies, and the sources strongly support recusal in both situations.

Award of Merit

About: The highest honor bestowed by OOTA, recognizing exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and a sustained commitment to advancing occupational therapy in Ohio.

Selection Criteria: Leadership, Contributions to Standards/Practice, Advocacy, Professional Growth & Organizational Impact, and Additional Outstanding Contributions.

Nominee 1: Lisa Loveless

Comments from the nomination form:

1. I am honored to nominate Lisa Loveless for the OOTA Merit Award for her exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and advancement of occupational therapy. As my first mentor, she gave me the confidence to become the clinician I am today and inspired me to open a private practice. Lisa has been a pioneer in establishing OT as a respected profession in both male and female pelvic health through her clinical expertise, education, and course development. Her trauma-informed, consent-based approach sets the standard for pelvic health. Her commitment to fundraising for OT initiatives reflects her dedication both within and beyond our profession.

2. Lisa Loveless, OTR/L, is an OT, educator, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized pelvic health specialist whose career has been defined by leadership, innovation, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing the profession. After graduating from The Ohio State University, Lisa began her career in hospital-based rehabilitation. During her years at Fairview Hospital, she helped expand occupational therapy services within the NICU, created multidisciplinary continuing education programs for healthcare professionals, mentored newly hired OTs, and served as a Level I and Level II FWE.

Lisa later expanded her expertise in home health. While at Just In Time Therapy, she developed a low vision screening program to improve identification of vision-related functional limitations in home-based patients. At Cleveland Clinic Center for Connected Care, Lisa served as Clinical Coordinator and Interim Rehabilitation Manager. She created and presented a multidisciplinary Fall Prevention continuing education program. She also served as Assistant Administrator and Director of Rehabilitation for Ideal Home Health and Visiting Nurse Association, overseeing rehabilitation operations, staffing, program development, and clinical quality initiatives while mentoring therapists and emerging leaders.

In 2019, Lisa founded Next Level Therapy, a specialty OT practice dedicated to helping individuals with complex pelvic health conditions return to meaningful participation in daily life. She developed an innovative model of care integrating pelvic health rehabilitation, visceral mobility, manual therapy, breathing mechanics, dry needling, movement science, and occupation-centered clinical reasoning. Recognizing the need for advanced occupational therapy education in pelvic health, Lisa founded the education division of Next Level Therapy, Loveless Clinical Learning, an AOTA Approved Provider dedicated to evidence-informed continuing education. She has developed multiple nationally recognized educational programs that equip occupational therapists with practical clinical skills while expanding the profession’s role in pelvic health. She also volunteers her time, speaking to students at her alma mater, OSU, educating the next generation of OTs about this important aspect of the profession. Through teaching, speaking, mentorship, and clinical practice, Lisa continues to advocate for accessible pelvic health care while inspiring occupational therapists to pursue excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning. She is incredibly deserved of this award!

Nominee 2: Pamela Dixon

Comments from the nomination form: Pamela Dixon, MS, OTR/L, is the Manager of Rehabilitation Services at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, overseeing inpatient Acute Care OT Operations and the Neurological and Medical-Surgical OT/PT teams. Pam has dedicated 28 years to Cleveland Clinic, including over 20 in leadership. Passionate about elevating the value of acute care OT, she chairs the OT Acute Care and Leadership for L.I.F.E. Special Interest Groups. She has been an integral part of leading medication management and delirium management training across Cleveland Clinic inpatient sites. She led a group of occupational therapists in the development of the OT Cog-6 tool to better measure OT’s unique impact on cognition in the acute care setting and currently serves as the principal investigator on a study to analyze it’s use and impact. Her impact is far reaching beyond the Cleveland Clinic as a national speaker on cognition, delirium, and professional development. She is highly regarded as a strong leader, compassionate voice, and exemplary advocate for occupational therapy.

Nominee 3: Madeline “Tillie” Drexelius

Comments from the nomination form: Tillie is an exceptional occupational therapist at UC Health who embodies the spirit and values of occupational therapy every day. She is actively involved in numerous innovative initiatives and has served as a mentor to countless Level I and Level II occupational therapy students throughout the years. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship has had a lasting impact on both students and colleagues, helping to shape the next generation of practitioners. Most recently, Tillie has taken on a leadership role as the lead occupational therapist for the Freeman Clinic, UC Health’s pediatric-to-adult transition program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As one of the first programs of its kind in the nation, the Freeman Clinic is breaking new ground in supporting successful transitions to adulthood, and Tillie has been instrumental in its growth and success. She has developed specialized caseloads, created meaningful and individualized interventions, and works side-by-side with primary care providers in their clinics to deliver truly integrated, patient-centered care. Through her expertise and advocacy, Tillie has clearly demonstrated the value of occupational therapy within this population, resulting in increased awareness of OT services and a significant growth in referrals since the program’s inception. While individuals with IDD are too often underestimated or overlooked, Tillie consistently recognizes their strengths, potential, and aspirations. She empowers each individual to build skills, achieve greater independence, and reach goals that enhance their quality of life. Her passion, innovation, and unwavering belief in the capabilities of her patients make her an outstanding clinician and a remarkable asset to UC Health.

Nominee 4: Cassidy Palmer

Comments from the nomination form: At UC Health, Cassidy has demonstrated tremendous professional growth and an unwavering commitment to the patients served across our outpatient facilities. While she continues to work on setting boundaries and saying “no” when needed, she consistently embraces new opportunities to learn, collaborate in multidisciplinary clinics, and mentor students. Her dedication to both professional development and patient care is evident in everything she does. One of Cassidy’s most significant accomplishments has been the development and expansion of UC Health’s Assistive Technology (AT) Program. Prior to her efforts, patients requiring assistive technology services often needed referrals to clinics elsewhere in the state. Through her initiative and leadership, Cassidy successfully secured thousands of dollars in funding to acquire specialized equipment and establish a robust in-house AT program. Today, she provides comprehensive assistive technology services to individuals with a wide range of diagnoses, including ALS, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke (CVA), and other complex neurological conditions. Cassidy is continually seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality, evidence-based care. Her passion for innovation, dedication to improving access to services, and commitment to exceptional patient outcomes make her an invaluable member of the UC Health team and to occupational therapists in Ohio.

Do you wish to abstain from voting on the OOTA Award of Merit?(Required)

Yes, I abstain

Please rank the individuals nominated for the OOTA Award Of Merit from your first choice recipient to your last choice recipient.

Lisa Loveless
Pamela Dixon
Madeline “Tillie” Drexelius
Cassidy Palmer

Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award

About: Recognizes an OOTA member who has made significant contributions to the body of knowledge in occupational therapy, demonstrated excellence in education and knowledge sharing, and shown a willingness to present a lecture at the OOTA Annual Conference.

Selection Criteria: Contribution to the Body of Knowledge, Excellence in Education and Knowledge Sharing, Clinical Innovation and Professional Impact, Commitment to Advancing the Occupational Therapy Community, and Willingness to Present the Lectureship.

Nominee 1: Alyssa DeCarlo

Comments from the nomination form: Alyssa DeCarlo is an OT at the Mellen Center of the Cleveland Clinic. She is innovative, thorough and an astute educator. She most recently worked so hard to present on Wheelchair modifications and ordering at the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a pioneer in that the organizers had not had any one work with vendors before and Alyssa needed to work through many barriers to make this impactful vital presentation happen on this national stage. I have presented with her at our local Mellen Center Update, she is organized, thoughtful, thorough and collaborative in organizing and presenting our presentation. I have also presented with her at CMSC in 2025 and we invited colleagues and created a detailed helpful presentation. I have also presented with her for a National MS Society virtual wellness day and she helped her colleagues and created a wonderful presentation. She is an astute presenter and is worthy of this award.

Nominee 2: Pamela Dixon

Do you wish to abstain from voting on the Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award?(Required)

Yes, I abstain

Please rank the individuals nominated for the Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award from your first choice recipient to your last choice recipient.

Alyssa DeCarlo
Pamela Dixon

Jane Case-Smith Outstanding OT Student Award

About: Recognizes an outstanding Occupational Therapy student member of OOTA who demonstrates professional involvement, leadership, mentorship, service, scholarly contributions, advocacy, and engagement in professional development.

Selection Criteria: Professional Involvement and Leadership, Mentorship and Service, Scholarly and Professional Contributions, Advocacy and Promotion of Occupational Therapy, and Engagement in Professional Development.

Nominee 1: Julia Buschbacher

Comments from the nomination form: Julia is such a hard worker in everything she does inside and outside of school. She is passionate about geriatrics, where she volunteers with different organizations, as well as caretakes for an older gentleman. As a student, she has been involved in OOTA with the conference, and more, which influenced me to get involved! Julia served as our SOTA president, where she helped facilitate events and communicate with our faculty. After serving as president, she continues to keep in touch with the younger cohorts to serve as a peer mentor. Julia has also been part of a research lab and has been part of publications! She is kind, passionate, resilient, and so hardworking. She is so deserving of recognition. Julia has been a very influential person during my time in occupational therapy school and I cannot wait to see how many lives she will impact as an occupational therapist.

Nominee 2: Madison Frair

Comments from the nomination form: I have demonstrated commitment to the occupational therapy profession through my involvement with AOTA and OOTA. In 2026, I ran for a national student leadership position with the Assembly of Student Delegates to promote student engagement in AOTA. I consistently pursue professional growth, including my participation in the OOTA Mentorship Program, completing 13.5 continuing education hours, and earning my Mental Health First Aid certificate. This year, I will present my scholarly research as a poster presenter at state conference. Overall, my professional involvement, advocacy, and dedication to learning strongly align with the values of the OOTA Outstanding OT Student Award.

Nominee 3: Alexandra Henry

Comments from the nomination form: Some students are remembered for their accomplishments; others are remembered for how they make people feel. Alexandra “Al” embodies both. More than just an exceptional student, she is a steadfast source of encouragement for others: the first to offer a helping hand, celebrate a success, or make someone feel they belong. As Co-President of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD), she transformed her passion for JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) into meaningful action. Her OOTA conference presentation (2025) & forthcoming capstone on occupational therapy’s role supporting transgender & gender-diverse clients, and her service as a peer mentor with the Office of Student Wellbeing all reflect the same commitment: ensuring others feel seen, valued, and supported. I am confident that Al will use this compassion, humility, and quiet leadership to leave a lasting mark on our profession.

Nominee 4: Maia Lynch

Comments from the nomination form: Maia is deserving of the Outstanding OT student award. She is the kind of future occupational therapist our profession needs. She has consistently and selflessly chosen opportunities to lead, serve, and advocate for others by serving as president of the Xavier Student OT association and working as a peer educator in the student well being office. Her focused research and planned capstone supporting Latina survivors of domestic violence reflects both courage and compassion. Professionally Maia has already authored a publication in a peer reviewed journal (Women’s Reproductive Health), presented her research at the 2025 Ohio Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and attended the AOTA Inspire Conference. Her accomplishments are impressive, but it is her character that leaves the greatest impression. Maia leads with humility, integrity, and genuine care for others, and I have no doubt she will strengthen the future of occupational therapy.

Nominee 5: Miranda Walker

Comments from the nomination form: During my doctoral capstone, I combined my personal and professional experiences to advocate for systems-level change in oncology after losing my father to cancer. At a Cancer Center in Toledo, Ohio, I addressed limited awareness and access to OT by implementing staff education, and EMR workflow modifications. After a four-week pilot across three oncology clinics, 36 patients were connected to therapy resources, and 22 OT referrals were generated. This project demonstrated how students can drive meaningful systems-level change despite service delivery barriers. I also attended the OOTA Hill Day event to advocate for the profession during this capstone experience.

Do you wish to abstain from voting on the Jane Case-Smith Outstanding OT Student Award?(Required)

Yes, I abstain

Please rank the individuals nominated for the Jane Case-Smith Outstanding OT Student Award from your first choice recipient to your last choice recipient.

Julia Buschbacher
Madison Frair
Alexandra Henry
Maia Lynch
Miranda Walker

Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award

About: Recognizes Occupational Therapy Assistant student members of OOTA who demonstrate exceptional initiative, leadership, and commitment to advancing the profession through meaningful engagement at the district, state, and/or national levels.

Nominee 1: Harley Bokin

Comments from the nomination form: I am currently the Vice President for my program’s SOTA Club. I have created a newsletter for the program to coordinate professional development and advocacy opportunities through the cohort, OOTA, and AOTA. I participated in the ASD representatives’ meeting at the AOTA conference this year. I provide consistent peer mentorship within my cohort through academic support from the beginning. In the community, I have volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation for many years and have volunteer experience supporting elementary students with their reading skills. This is also my second year as a volunteer coach with my local softball and baseball league making their T Ball teams more inclusive to those with disabilities. I have submitted to present at this year’s OOTA Conference on a hot topic of “celebrating the inchstones”. I have designed both a T shirt and a sweatshirt for the promotion of my OTA program to raise awareness of OT and support further student activities within our program. I actively promote OT through my community engagement and volunteer work. I’ve attended OOTA’s student conclave, OOTA conference 2025, and AOTA conference 2026. I attend workshops and in-services outside or program requirements to further my knowledge.

Nominee 2: Araianna Smith

Comments from the nomination form: Arianna distinguished herself as an exceptional leader and ambassador for the OTA profession throughout her time in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Lorain County Community College. She consistently served as a role model to her peers, demonstrating maturity, initiative, and a deep commitment to professional growth. Her natural ability to mentor classmates and foster a supportive learning environment elevated the entire cohort. Beyond the classroom, Arianna embraced every opportunity to represent and advance the OT profession. She was routinely the first to volunteer for program and community events, including the OOTA Annual Conference, high school college fairs, and LCCC Preview Days. Through these efforts, she provided thoughtful outreach, educated prospective students, and strengthened the visibility of occupational therapy within the community. Her service, professionalism, and enthusiasm reflect the qualities of an emerging practitioner who will undoubtedly make meaningful contributions to the field.

Nominee 3: Anna Fox

Comments from the nomination form:

1. Anna Fox is highly recommended for the 2026 Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award. An exceptional student exceeding GPA requirements, she demonstrates stellar professionalism and serves as the SOTA Club Academic Student Delegate. Anna champions campus wellness through health fairs and national AOTA updates. Her deep community impact spans clinical volunteerism and advocacy, including supporting dementia patients at the Giving Voice Foundation, facilitating sensory-friendly play at Highland Elementary, and volunteering for the Miracle League. Additionally, she serves as a Harts for Hope board member, advocates for families at autism IEP meetings, and connects community members with vital disability resources. She is also a Resource Coordinator: Connected families to specialized disability resources, summer programs, and support services.

2. As the Cincinnati State Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Chair, it is my sincere honor to recommend Anna Fox for the Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award for 2026. Anna exceeds the GPA requirements for this award and is an excellent student. Additionally she is an OOTA member. Anna actively engages in her learning, is an excellent teammate, she is positive, encouraging and diligent in her studies. She has demonstrated leadership in her cohort as the ASD representative for the Cincinnati State SOTA Club and attends the AOTA ASD meetings throughout the year reporting back to the SOTA Club. She consistently demonstrates excellent professionalism. Anna actively attends and participates in SOTA meetings and activities. Anna has represented the Cincinnati State OTA Program by serving as a program representative at the campus Health Fair, educating students on safe backpack use aligned with AOTA’s National School Backpack Awareness Day and promoting the role of occupational therapy in student wellness. She has volunteered at Giving Voice Foundation by supporting individuals with dementia during a therapeutic music group while caregivers attended a support group; provided engagement, emotional support, and activity participation in a nonprofit community setting. Also, she has participated in the OT process at Highland Elementary School Community Group for Families of students on IEP’s created by her Pediatric Fieldwork supervising OTR — She returned to her Level I Fieldwork site to provide childcare in an open-gym environment for students with IEPs while parents attended an OT-led educational session on sensory strategies; supported inclusive play and safety for children with diverse sensory needs and engaged with them and their families during a community meal. Anna has volunteered at Community Disability Advocacy at Miracle League by attending Joe Nuxhall Miracle League baseball games to support families of children with disabilities; engaged with players and families to promote inclusive recreation and community belonging. Additionally she has volunteered through AAC & Neurodiversity Awareness Engagement, while attending Miracle League baseball games, she was able to connect with a family whose non-speaking son uses spelling to communicate, learning about alternative communication methods and advocating for neurodiversity-affirming participation in sports. He was able to use the spelling to communicate method to communicate his interest in sports. Anna is a Board Member for Harts for Hope. She serves on the board of a nonprofit providing joy, resources, and support to families in need, lead games and social activities for children at community birthday parties; assist families in selecting pajamas and gifts during holiday events, support community outreach and resource distribution. Anna provides IEP Advocacy for Families by attending IEP meetings as an advocate for a family of a child with autism, helping the parent understand services, accommodations, and educational rights. Additionally, she has provided Community Resource Support by assisting families at school and nonprofit events in accessing disability-related resources, summer programs, and supportive services. I highly recommend Anna Fox for this 2026 award.

3. It is my honor to recommend Anna Fox for the 2026 Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award. Anna exceeds the GPA requirements for this award and has shown herself to be an exceptional OTA student. She is actively engages in her learning, consistently demonstrates professionalism, and is a positive, encouraging, and dependable member of her cohort. She approaches every learning opportunity with enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong work ethic, making her a role model among her peers. Anna has shown strong leadership through her service as the ASD Representative for the SOTA club. In this role, she attends the AOTA ASD meetings throughout the year and shares important information and resources with her classmates and the SOTA organization. She is an active participant in SOTA meetings and events and is always willing to contribute to the success of the program. Anna has also represented the Cincinnati State OTA Program through numerous community service and advocacy opportunities. She served as a program representative at the campus Health Fair, educating students on proper backpack safety in support of AOTA’s National School Backpack Awareness Day while promoting the role of occupational therapy in student wellness. Her commitment to serving others extends well beyond the classroom. Anna volunteered with the Giving Voice Foundation, where she supported individuals living with dementia during therapeutic music groups while caregivers attended support sessions. She provided engagement, encouragement, and meaningful participation for clients in a nonprofit community setting. Following her pediatric Level I fieldwork experience, Anna returned to Highland Elementary School to volunteer during a family OT education program. She supervised children with IEPs in an open-gym environment while parents participated in an occupational therapy-led session focused on sensory strategies. During this event, she promoted safe, inclusive play and interacted with children and families during the community meal. Anna showed her strong commitment to disability advocacy through her volunteer work with the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League. She supports children with disabilities and their families during baseball games, promoting inclusive recreation and meaningful community participation. While volunteering, she connected with the family of a nonspeaking child who communicates through spelling. This experience expanded her understanding of augmentative and alternative communication and reinforced her commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices that support meaningful participation in community activities. Beyond her occupational therapy experiences, Anna serves as a Board Member for Harts for Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, support, and joy to families in need. In this role, she leads games and social activities for children during community birthday celebrations, assists families in selecting pajamas and gifts during holiday events, and supports community outreach and resource distribution. Anna also advocates for families of children with disabilities by attending IEP meetings as a parent advocate, helping families better understand educational services, accommodations, and their rights within the school system. She further supports families by connecting them with disability-related resources, summer programs, and community services through school and nonprofit events. What sets Anna apart is not only her academic success, but also her unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, leadership, and inclusion. She consistently seeks opportunities to improve the lives of others and truly shows others the values and spirit of the occupational therapy profession. I have no doubt that she will continue to make meaningful contributions to our profession throughout her career. It is without reservation that I recommend Anna Fox for the 2026 Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award. She is highly deserving of this recognition and shows the qualities of an outstanding OTA student and future practitioner.

Nominee 4: Alessia Black

Comments from the nomination form:

1. Aleesia Black is highly recommended for the 2026 Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award. Aleesia serves as SOTA Club Secretary, exceeds the program’s GPA requirements, and demonstrates exceptional professionalism, mentorship, and advocacy through extensive volunteerism. She actively participates in SOTA meetings and within our OTA program. Aleesia is a strong student and has a positive influence in her cohort. She actively engages in learning experiences and demonstrates strong professionalism. Key Qualifications: Leadership & Advocacy: Serves as SOTA Club Secretary, actively mentors peers at Scrub Camp, Health Fair, and Club Day; Volunteerism: Volunteers with the Giving Voice Foundation and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati; Fundraising: Key contributor to fundraising events, including the Holiday Market and FWE Workshop.

2. Aleesia is an outstanding student who exceeds the GPA requirement for this award and consistently demonstrates the professionalism, leadership, and service to the occupational therapy profession. She is an active member of the Cincinnati State Student SOTA club and currently serves as the Secretary, where she has been a dependable leader and an engaged representative of our program. Aleesia has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and advocacy by representing the Cincinnati State OTA Program at the Fall 2025 Health Fair, Spring 2026 Club Day, and Summer 2026 Scrub Camp, where she promoted the OTA program and profession by sharing her experiences with prospective and current students. She is always willing to step up, volunteer, and assist wherever she is needed. Whether supporting program events, helping classmates, or volunteering her time, Aleesia consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a willingness to serve. She has also demonstrated a commitment to serving individuals who may benefit from occupational therapy through volunteer experiences with the Giving Voice Foundation and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, where she supported participation and community engagement for individuals and families. Aleesia has been instrumental in supporting the Cincinnati State SOTA club through fundraising efforts, volunteering at the Fall 2025 Holiday Market and assisting with our Fieldwork Educator Workshop. During our most recent workshop, she worked alongside me throughout the entire day, helping with registration, setup, organization, participant support, and any task that needed to be completed to ensure the event ran smoothly. Her reliability, initiative, and willingness to help in any capacity made her an invaluable part of the day’s success. Aleesia has all the qualities we hope to see in future occupational therapy practitioners. She is dependable, compassionate, service-oriented, and always willing to go above and beyond for her classmates, faculty, and the communities she serves. I am confident she will continue to represent the occupational therapy profession with integrity and excellence throughout her career. It is with great enthusiasm and without reservation that I recommend Aleesia Black for the 2026 Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award. She is truly deserving of this recognition.

3. As the Cincinnati State Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Chair, it is my honor to recommend Aleesia Black for the Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award for 2026. Aleesia is a member of the Cincinnati State SOTA Club and holds the leadership role of Secretary. Aleesia has actively demonstrated mentorship to other Cincinnati State students through advocacy of the occupational therapy assistant program at the Fall 2025 Health Fair, Spring 2026 Club Day, and Summer 2026 Scrub Camp. She has demonstrated volunteerism and advocacy for individuals who might receive OT services at Fall 2025 Giving Voice Foundation and Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. She has been pivotal in fundraising for SOTA at the Fall 2025 Holiday Market, and FWE Workshop. She actively participates in SOTA meetings and within our OTA program. Aleesia is a strong student and exceeds the GPA requirement for this award. Additionally, she is a positive influence in her cohort. She actively engages in learning experiences and demonstrates strong professionalism. I highly recommend Aleesia for this award.

Do you wish to abstain from voting on the Sharon K. Ashworth OTA Student Award?(Required)

Yes, I abstain

Please rank the individuals nominated for the Sharon K. Ashworth OTA Student Award from your first choice recipient to your last choice recipient.

Harley Bokin
Araianna Smith
Anna Fox
Alessia Black

OT Entry Level Achievement Award

About: Recognizes an early-career occupational therapist (within the first 5 years of practice) who demonstrates clinical competence, client-centered evidence-based practice, initiative in the workplace, advocacy, leadership, and potential for future impact.

Selection Criteria: Clinical Competence & Professional Growth, Client-Centered Evidence-Based Practice, Initiative & Contribution to the Workplace, Advocacy, Leadership & Professional Engagement, and Potential for Future Impact.

Nominee 1: Nathan Grizenko

Comments from the nomination form: Nathan Grizenko exemplifies the promise of an emerging occupational therapy leader through his clinical excellence, commitment to professional growth, and active engagement with OOTA. As a pediatric occupational therapist, he provides compassionate, evidence-based care while continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Nathan has already made meaningful contributions to the profession through his service on the OOTA Board, where he works to amplify member voices, strengthen engagement, and increase the association’s visibility. His passion for advocacy, collaboration, and supporting fellow practitioners reflects exceptional leadership potential and a bright future for occupational therapy in Ohio.

Nominee 2: Megan Mitchell

Comments from the nomination form: I have had the privilege of watching Megan Mitchell grow from my capstone student into an exceptional OT Fellow, and she has exceeded expectations every step of the way. She consistently demonstrates strong clinical reasoning, professionalism, and an eagerness to learn that is uncommon in a new clinician. Through the fellowship program, Megan has developed into a well-rounded therapist with experience across outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation, and aquatic therapy, allowing her to provide thoughtful, individualized care across a variety of settings. What sets Megan apart is her commitment to evidence-based practice. She has embraced opportunities to contribute to evidence-based practice initiatives, helping translate current evidence into meaningful clinical practice while leading journal clubs and engaging colleagues in thoughtful discussion. She actively seeks feedback, reflects on her practice, and is always looking for ways to improve. Megan’s curiosity, initiative, and dedication to both her patients and the profession make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.

Nominee 3: Olivia Cooper

Comments from the nomination form: I am thrilled to nominate Olivia Cooper, OTD, for the OOTA Entry-Level Achievement Award. Since graduating from Xavier University in December 2023, Olivia has grown into an exceptional occupational therapist and leader. She has developed clinical expertise across specialty areas at Cincinnati Children’s while making a meaningful impact conceptualizing and leading groups through the THRIVE Transition Program, helping adolescents with developmental disabilities build the skills needed for adulthood. Olivia has already contributed to the profession through multiple peer-reviewed publications, national presentations at AOTA, guest lectures and teaching courses as an adjunct faculty member, and mentoring doctoral students in their capstone, supervising fieldwork students, and supporting new clinicians. Her compassion, initiative, and unwavering commitment to both her clients and our profession make her an outstanding emerging leader and deserving of this award.

Nominee 4: Hallie Foy

Comments from the nomination form: Hallie began at Queen City Clubhouse as an occupational therapy student volunteer and joined our team full-time after graduation. Watching her growth has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. She has earned the trust of individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness through authenticity, consistency, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Hallie recognizes members’ strengths even when they cannot, holding hope while maintaining expectations that foster dignity, participation, and recovery. She is deeply reflective, embraces feedback, improves systems, and advocates with courage for members and colleagues alike—even when doing so requires difficult conversations. Her humility, integrity, and commitment to justice distinguish her as an exceptional early-career occupational therapist and future leader. Hallie’s commitment to her practice has been evident since she first joined us at Queen City Clubhouse as an occupational therapy student volunteer. After graduating, she was eager to continue serving our community and joined our team full-time. Throughout each stage of her journey, I have had the privilege of watching her grow into an exceptional occupational therapist and emerging leader. One of the greatest privileges of supervising Hallie has been watching her become someone our members genuinely trust. Building meaningful relationships with individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness is no small accomplishment, particularly for those who have experienced repeated disappointments within helping systems. I believe Hallie’s ability to build such strong relationships comes from her exceptional ability to recognize members’ strengths, even when they are unable to see those strengths in themselves. She understands that recovery is not simply about providing support—it is about holding hope, maintaining expectations, and communicating that people are capable of more than they may believe. She skillfully balances compassion with accountability, helping members experience the dignity that comes from meaningful participation and contribution. Hallie is also deeply reflective in her practice. She actively seeks feedback, considers how she can continue to grow, and is willing to try new approaches to better serve members and strengthen her relationships with colleagues. She consistently demonstrates initiative

Do you wish to abstain from voting on the OT Entry Level Achievement Award?(Required)

Yes, I abstain

Please rank the individuals nominated for the OT Entry Level Achievement Award from your first choice recipient to your last choice recipient.

Nathan Grizenko
Megan Mitchell
Oliva Cooper
Hallie Foy

Lifetime Achievement Award

About: Recognizes an OOTA member who has demonstrated a long-standing record of high-quality, ethical, client-centered practice and has made significant, lasting contributions to the occupational therapy profession in Ohio through practice, education, research, administration, or policy.

Selection Criteria: Sustained Professional Excellence, Significant Contributions to the OT Profession, Service to OOTA and the OT Community, Advocacy & Leadership, and Lasting Impact & Legacy.

Nominee 1: Dr. Beth Ann Hatkevich

Comments from the nomination form:

1. Beth Ann has been a clinician and OT educator for many years. She started as an OTA and then advanced her skills getting a Ph.D so she could educate OT’s and the Doctoral level. She was the Program Chair at Owens Community College, educating OTA’s and the community on the important and impactful role that assistants provide to the profession of OT and those they serve. She then transitioned to a professor at the University of Toledo and has been instrumental in the success of that educational program, their Capstone Program, and the many non-traditional settings she helped develop to broaden the scope of OT practice. This included a Kick Boxing Program for those with Parkinson’s and other neuro challenges, and Bittersweet Farms and her role in broadening the scope of possibilities to those with developmental challenges. She led the T2 Program at the University of Toledo, allowing those with intellectual disabilities to participate in the college experience. She worked on ACOTE for many years, tirelessly giving her time to assure the competency of OT programs across the country. She has been the Chair for numerous OOTA conferences over the course of her career and has volunteered countless hours to AOTA, OOTA, and the SOTA program at UT. She is retiring this July, and I am nominating her for the countless contributions she has done to advance OT.

2. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award than Beth Ann Hatkevich, who will be retiring this year. Beth Ann has been a part of the OT world in the state for 44 years. She had the privilege to work as an OTA and an OTR during that time. Beth Ann has been an instrumental part of this profession nationally and in the state of Ohio. She has served on ACOTE, helped develop the OTA program at Owens Community College, been part of OOTA — including district chair and organizing several state conferences, she has been an advocate for the autism and IDD communities — including running the Toledo Transition program at UToledo, she has spent years educating OTA and OT students, has completed several presentations and publications expanding the knowledge of OTPs, developed several community programs, and was vital in developing the Capstone experience for the profession and mentoring many of the current (or past) Capstone coordinators throughout the state. This is just a small portion of the many contributions Beth Ann has made to our profession. And anyone who knows her knows that she did all of this with a smile, a laugh, and an infectiously positive attitude. She is the epitome of what it means to be an occupational therapy practitioner. She has poured her heart and soul into this profession and helping others. She is truly an inspiration, and I could only hope to leave the lasting legacy she has in our profession.”

Nominee 2: Dr. Becky Finni

Comments from the nomination form: Dr. Becky Finni has dedicated 20+ years to advancing occupational therapy through clinical excellence, leadership, education, and advocacy. Her expertise in skilled nursing regulation, reimbursement, and compliance has improved practice nationwide while strengthening care in Ohio. She has served multiple terms on the Ohio OTPTAT Licensure Board, has lead OOTA as President, and mentors future practitioners as an Assistant Professor at Muskingum University. She generously mentors practitioners (including myself) as well as students, encouraging professional growth, leadership, and lifelong learning while inspiring others to strengthen the profession!

Nominee 3: Bonnie Boenig

Comments from the nomination form: Bonnie has a vast history in both the pediatric and adult arenas of Occupational Therapy practice. She not only has made advancements in her own career by certifying in NDT and Sensory Integration; but by opening of her own practice the really puts the patient and family of children at the center of their care in their own communities. She has spent many years working to advance the profession by mentoring, teaching, lecturing, and as a fixture of OOTA over her 40 years of experience. Despite her busy schedule, she is putting on ~7 hours worth of skills training at this years (2026) OOTA Conference as her passion for educating others and support OTP’s shines.

Do you wish to abstain from voting on the Lifetime Achievement Award?(Required)

Yes, I abstain

Please rank the individuals nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award from your first choice recipient to your last choice recipient.

Dr. Beth Ann Hatkevich
Dr. Becky Finni
Bonnie Boenig