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NBCOT Innovation and Impact Award Recipients Announced for 2023

Congratulations to this year's winners! We are inspired by your exceptional work.

Congratulations to the 2023 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 were inspired and proud to receive 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. The next submission period opens in early 2024.

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 2023 OTR Innovation Award

Susan Bazyk, OTR
Ohio
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Sira Botes, OTR
Florida
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Andrea D. Fairman, OTR
Rhode Island
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Recipient of the 2023 COTA Innovation Award

Lisa Hebert-Meritt, COTA
Virginia
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Honorable Mentions for 2023 Innovation Award

The board would like to acknowledge the following exceptional nominees who made it to the final round. Learn more about their work.

Debbie Bebeau, OTR
Wisconsin
Beth Liesenfeld, OTR
Colorado
Amy Mooney, OTR
Illinois
Beryl J. Olson, OTR
South Dakota
Jamie Lynn Torre, OTR*
New York
Morgan O’Neil, OTR*
New York

*Jamie Torre and Morgan O’Neil were co-nominated as a team for consideration for the Innovation Award.

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 and their engagements in valued occupations.

Recipients of the 2023 OTR Impact Award

Stephanie M. Foster, OTR
California
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Sheela Ivlev, OTR
California
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Mary Beth Lohman, OTR
Nevada
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Stacy Wilson, OTR
North Carolina
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For more information about the NBCOT Innovation and Impact Awards, please visit www.nbcot.org/awards.

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August 17, 2022
Congratulations to this year's winners! We are inspired by your exceptional work.
August 30, 2021
The Innovation and Impact Award winners have demonstrated actions that truly support NBCOT’s mission of serving the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice.
January 26, 2021
NBCOT launched the Innovation and Impact Awards in 2020 to publicly recognize the exceptional work OTR and COTA certificants do in their daily practice.