NBCOT launched the Innovation and Impact Awards in 2020 to publicly recognize the exceptional work OTR and COTA certificants do in their daily practice. We were overwhelmed by not only the number of submissions we received but also the creative and unique ways certificants are delivering OT services. These actions truly support NBCOT’s mission of serving the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice.
“During this unprecedented time, while OTRs and COTAs have been living and working through a pandemic and dealing with increasing productivity requirements, it has been truly remarkable and incredibly moving to learn how our award recipients continue to strive for more,” said Dee Berline, chairperson of the NBCOT board of directors.
Award recipients will receive their respective awards and certificates in the mail, a featured spotlight in NBCOT publications and social media, and a press release to share the news with others. Additionally, their next certification renewal fee will be free of charge.
To learn more about each award recipient, we encourage you to read the spotlights as they are released in the upcoming weeks. Congratulations to all the 2020 recipients of the NBCOT Innovation and Impact Awards!
Innovation Award
The NBCOT Innovation Award recognizes OTRs or COTAs who demonstrate the delivery of an evidence-based, effective, and innovative program or intervention that enhances the quality of life for a person or persons.
Recipients of the 2020 Innovation Award:

Katie Blahnik, COTA
Colorado
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Teresa Boynton, OTR
Colorado
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Amy Mason, OTR
Wisconsin
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Bobbi Pineda, OTR
California
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Pat Precin, OTR
New York
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Deborah Schwind, OTR
Virginia
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Impact Award
The NBCOT Impact Award recognizes practitioners who demonstrate exceptional professional commitment through dedication, hard work, and outstanding OT skills to improve their clients’ overall life satisfaction.
Recipients of the 2020 Impact Award:

Michael Ang, OTR
California
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Jana Cason, OTR
Kentucky
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Carol Garner-Houston, OTR
Florida
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Bobbi Pineda, OTR
California
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Kelsey Watters, OTR
Illinois
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For more information about the Innovation and Impact Awards, please visit https://www.nbcot.org/awards.
The next submission period opens March 15, 2021.