Excellence, Innovation, and Impact Award Recipients Announced for 2025
Congratulations to this year's winners! We are inspired by your exceptional work.
We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 NBCOT Awards! These dedicated OTR and COTA professionals exemplify excellence in occupational therapy, demonstrating innovative, impactful, and exceptional contributions that advance client care, elevate professional practice, and inspire others.
“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of occupational therapy—innovators, changemakers, and everyday leaders who are making a lasting impact. I’m especially proud to introduce our new Excellence Award, which honors those who have dedicated their careers to uplifting others and advancing our profession. Their work is a testament to the power of OT to transform lives and strengthen communities.”
Angela Macauley, Interim President and CEO of NBCOT
Award recipients will:
- Receive a physical award to display their achievement
- Be featured in NBCOT publications, social media, and a press release
- Have their next certification renewal fee waived
Inspired? We encourage you to consider nominating a deserving OTR or COTA professional for next year’s awards. The next nomination period will open in early 2026.
NBCOT Excellence Award
The Excellence Award honors mid- to late-career OTRs and COTAs who have made sustained and outstanding contributions to occupational therapy practice through leadership, mentorship, scholarship, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or other efforts to support groups, communities, and populations.
Recipient of the 2025 OTR Excellence Award
New York
Spotlight to come
Recipient of the 2025 COTA Excellence Award
West Virginia
Spotlight to come
Honorable Mention for 2025 Excellence Award
The board of directors would like to acknowledge the following exceptional nominee who made it to the final round.
Tennessee
NBCOT Innovation Award
The Innovation Award recognizes OTR and COTA professionals who demonstrate the delivery of an effective, innovative, and evidence-based program or intervention that enhances the quality of life for a person or persons.
Recipient of the 2025 OTR Innovation Award
Massachusetts
Spotlight to come
Honorable Mention for 2025 Innovation Award
The board of directors would like to acknowledge the following exceptional nominee who made it to the final round.
Nebraska
NBCOT Impact Award
The NBCOT Impact Award recognizes OTR and COTA practitioners who have made exceptional, client-centered contributions, demonstrating dedication, hard work, and outstanding occupational therapy skills to improve their clients’ life satisfaction and engagement in meaningful occupations.
Recipients of the 2025 OTR Impact Award
Ohio
Spotlight to come
South Carolina
Spotlight to come
Recipient of the 2025 COTA Impact Award
California
Spotlight to come
Honorable Mentions for 2025 Impact Award
The board of directors would like to acknowledge the following exceptional nominees who made it to the final round.
New Mexico
Minnesota
Learn More
For more information about the Excellence, Innovation, and Impact Awards, please visit www.nbcot.org/awards.