Congratulations to the 2021 recipients of the Innovation and Impact Awards! These individuals have demonstrated actions that truly support NBCOT’s mission of serving the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice. To learn more about each award recipient, read the spotlights as they are released over the upcoming weeks.

We launched this award program in 2020 to publicly recognize the exceptional work OTR and COTA certificants do in their daily practice. We have been absolutely blown away by the high standard of submissions showcasing exceptional examples of innovative and impactful OT practice. We encourage YOU to consider applying when the submission period reopens in early 2022. In 2022, we will issue separate OTR and COTA certificant awards, so submissions are reviewed and rated against like certifications.

“Our goal with these awards in the future is to prove they live up to our JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) principles. We want all certificants to feel empowered to apply and by having distinct awards for OTR and COTA certificants, we create additional opportunities for recognition,” said Paul Grace, president and CEO of NBCOT.

Award recipients will receive their respective award, 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.

NBCOT Innovation Award

The 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 2021 Innovation Award:

Rebecca Hammad headshot

Rebecca Hammad, OTR
Georgia
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Kelly Parmet headshot

Kelly Parmet, COTA
Texas
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Sally Wasmuth headshot

Sally Wasmuth, OTR
Indiana
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Jamie Wilcox headshot
Jamie Wilcox, OTR
California
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NBCOT Impact Award

The 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 2021 Impact Award:

Vanessa Dazio headshot
Vanessa Dazio, OTR
Florida
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Jennifer Dodson headshot
Jennifer Dodson, OTR
North Carolina
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Panagiotis Rekoutis headshot
Panagiotis (Panos) Rekoutis, OTR
New York
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Krysta Rives headshot
Krysta Rives, COTA
New York
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Natalie Rolle headshot

Natalie Rolle, OTR
Colorado
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Deborah Voydetich headshot

Deborah Voydetich, OTR
Minnesota
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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 early 2022.