Ways to Give

I am truly honored to be the recipient of the Joan C. Rogers Occupational Therapy Award, acknowledging my academic accomplishments and dedication to advancing the occupational therapy profession. I am grateful for the exceptional professors at Pitt OT who serve as a source of inspiration and embody the spirit of positive change within our profession. Additionally, I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Emily Grattan for her invaluable mentorship, which has provided me with opportunities to pursue my passions and cultivate advanced skills in neurorehabilitation research. Her encouragement and guidance have significantly impacted the trajectory of my future career. This award will support me in my academic endeavors as I transition to my doctoral capstone experience where I will further develop skills in caregiver education, trauma-informed care, and neurorehabilitation research. I am grateful for my time at Pitt OT and the instrumental skills in advocacy, leadership, research, and community engagement that I have acquired during my time as a student.

“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the Caroline Robinson Brayley Student Enrichment Award! This award will enable me to continue participating in extracurricular experiences that utilize hippotherapy, allowing me to combine my passion for occupational therapy and horses. I plan to engage in more volunteer work as well as pursue opportunities to shadow occupational therapists nationwide who specialize in this treatment area. These experiences will supplement the remarkable academic education I am receiving at the University of Pittsburgh and allow me to continue to learn about this area of interest which will broaden the scope of my future practice. I especially would like to thank my family, friends, and professors that have supported and challenged me throughout this journey. I also would like to thank the occupational therapists in my life that have inspired me to pursue my interests and seek out enriching opportunities. These opportunities would not be possible without this award and the support of the Pitt Occupational Therapy Department!”

Words cannot express how grateful and humbled I feel to have been selected as the recipient of the Award of Professional Excellence. Throughout my time at the University of Pittsburgh, I have received nothing but support and encouragement from my professors, mentors, and fellow students in my cohort. The amazing community at Pitt OT constantly inspires me to pursue new and exciting opportunities where I can promote the incredible profession of occupational therapy and serve as an emerging leader in this field. I have learned so much from all who surround me over the past few years and cannot thank everyone enough for their encouragement and support in all I do. This award will support me in my final term of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program as I strive to continue to advance my leadership and advocacy skills through different poster presentations and conferences I am planning to attend. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities Pitt OT has provided me with, and I hope that as I embark on my career as an occupational therapist, I am able to give back to this profession as much as it has given me.