Congratulations to our Kielhofner Research Scholarship Awardee, Rachelle Brick, MSOT, OTR/L, PhD Candidate, University of Pittsburgh, Developing a Stakeholder-Driven Cancer Rehabilitation Intervention for Older Adults with Breast Cancer.

“This study is innovative as it unites perspectives of key stakeholders to create more accessible, effective, and valued interventions. This work would not be possible without the strong mentorship of Drs. Elizabeth Skidmore, Natalie Leland, Catherine Bender, Pamela Toto, and Kathleen Doyle-Lyons.”

Dr. Gary Kielhofner, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA, was one of the most influential and transformational figures in occupational therapy. Central to Gary's devotion to the science of OT was the development of new research talent. Please make a gift to help us support the future of OT, strengthen evidence-based practice and improve the quality of care. Your generosity will secure this scholarship for generations of OTs. 

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) sadly reports the passing of Jane Davis Rourk, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA. Mrs. Rourk was a national President of AOTF for two terms from 1998 to 2003. She continued to serve as a Trustee through 2007. In addition, she was a past Chair and member of the AOTF Scholarship Selection Committee, Chair of the Nominating Committee, Chair of the Executive Search Committee, and member of the Investment Advisory Committee. Mrs. Rourk’s considerable professional leadership ability and experience strengthened the Board of AOTF and its ability to make progress toward its vision and mission for which she was honored by the rare distinction of becoming a Lifetime Member of the Board of Trustees. 

“She was a consummate professional and a dedicated leader in both the AOTA and AOTF,” - Charles Christiansen, R/L, FAOTA, former AOTF CEO and current member of the Volunteer Development and Nomination Committee.

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The Board of Directors of The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) appointed Mary Jane (MJ) Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, as the new Board Chair effective January 2021.

Dr. Mulcahey is a Professor of Occupational Therapy and Director of the Center for Outcomes and Measurement in Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences (JCRS) at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. She has over 30 years of experience as a practitioner, educator and researcher, and is a certified health coach, competent coach and life care planner. Her primary area of research is on the development, validation and utilization of new and existing outcome measures of impairment, physical function, activity, and participation for children, youth and adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), and other chronic conditions. Read full bio.

“It is my privilege to serve AOTF and its constituents in this capacity. I am excited to work together as one to advance the science of occupational therapy.”- Mary Jane (MJ) Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, AOTF Board Chair

Also joining our board this month: Dagny Fidler, PhD; Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS; Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L; and Stephen Shore, Ed.D.

A huge thank you to Mary Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, who completed her three-year tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Tara Alexander, OTR/L, and Roger Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA, for their service as Trustees. 

Learn more about AOTF Leadership.

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Mary Will McKenzie, MSEd, BS, FAOTA, OTR, December 11, 2020. With over forty years as an Occupational Therapist, she taught and trained many OTs and thus greatly advanced the practice of occupational therapy in rehabilitation.

At Mary’s request, donations may be made in memoriam to:
American Occupational Therapy Foundation (scholarship fund)
12300 Twinbrook Pkwy., Suite 520, Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: 1-240-292-1050