Hazel L. Breland, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Trustee

Hazel L. Breland, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, distinguished herself as a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA, 2016) through her commitment to excellence in OT service and innovations in interprofessional leadership, advocacy, and diversity. The focus of Dr. Breland’s scholarship during her 16-year academic career included interprofessional education and practice, health disparities, community engagement, health promotion, and secondary prevention for persons aging with chronic conditions and underserved populations. Further, she dedicates her time to professional service that prioritizes health equity, mentoring diverse leaders, and addressing societal needs to positively impact and promote independence, equity, justice, and wellness for unrepresented and underserved groups. Dr. Breland’s professional engagement and service include membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA; 1998 – present), the Association of Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR; 2015 – present), the Association of Rheumatology Professions (ARP; 2004 – present; 2019 APR President), the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC; 1998 – present; 2014-2019 NBOTC Vice President), and the South Carolina Association (SCOTA; 2006 – present).