Congratulations to the 2022 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. We are inspired and proud by the high standard of submissions showcasing exceptional examples of innovative and impactful OT practice.
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 waived.
We encourage YOU to consider applying or nominating someone you believe deserves one of these prestigious awards when the submission period reopens in early 2023.
NBCOT 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 2022 OTR Innovation Award
Kate Barlow, OTR
Massachusetts
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Tori Goldhammer, OTR
Washington, DC
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Jill Maglio, OTR
New Jersey
Profile coming soon
Colleen Maher, OTR*
New Jersey
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Rochelle Mendonca, OTR*
New Jersey
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* Colleen Maher and Rochelle Mendonca collaborated together to receive their Innovation Award win.
Recipients of the 2022 COTA Innovation Award
Denise “Denny” Moyer, COTA
Colorado
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Rachel Murphrey, COTA
North Carolina
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Tara Simmons, COTA
Pennsylvania
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The board would like to acknowledge the following exceptional nominees who made it to the final round:
Stephanie Kubiak, OTR
Pennsylvania
Wendy Medeiros, OTR
Hawaii
Elizabeth Morghen Sikes, OTR
Virginia
Amberlynn Slavin, OTR
New Hampshire
NBCOT 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 2022 OTR Impact Award
Margaret Bledsoe, OTR
California
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LaVonne Fox, OTR
North Dakota
Profile coming soon
Christine Hayes Picker, OTR
Missouri
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Melanie Thompson, OTR
Arizona
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Recipients of the 2022 COTA Impact Award
Karin Botti, COTA
Pennsylvania
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Patricia Fantauzzo, COTA
Colorado
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Brenda O’Connell, COTA
Wisconsin
Profile coming soon
The board would like to acknowledge the following exceptional nominees who made it to the final round:
Megan Brennick, OTR
Connecticut
Kira Meskin, OTR*
Illinois
Laura VanPuymbrouck, OTR*
Illinois
Nadine Seback, OTR
Georgia
* Kira Meskin and Laura VanPuymbrouck were co-nominated as a team for consideration for the Impact Award.
For more information about the NBCOT Innovation and Impact Awards, please visit https://www.nbcot.org/awards.
