An OTR Who Represents Excellence and Inspires Others
Dr. Clover Hutchinson, an OTR from New York, embodies excellence in occupational therapy through her leadership, tireless mentorship, and global outreach.
Clover Hutchinson, PP-OTD, MA, OTR/L, ACUE, FAOTA
Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, York College, CUNY
Location: New York
Certified in 1992
Dr. Clover Hutchinson is being recognized with the NBCOT Excellence Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to occupational therapy practice. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives—expanding access to occupational therapy services, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. With more than three decades in the field, Dr. Hutchinson has distinguished herself as a visionary, a scholar, and an advocate, and she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and humility.
Leading with Purpose
During Dr. Hutchinson’s 22 years as chief occupational therapist at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, she built a thriving OT department from the ground up, starting with a two-person staff that grew into a team of 10 OT practitioners. In her role, she expanded OT services across multiple clinical settings, played a pivotal role in designing the hospital’s stroke rehabilitation unit, and developed training protocols that enhanced client safety and practitioner competency. These accomplishments highlight her belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Today, as an assistant professor at York College, CUNY, Dr. Hutchinson continues to lead by elevating the next generation of practitioners. She goes above and beyond to support students by serving on committees to drive curriculum development, securing funding for students to attend state OT conferences and meet with state legislators, and leading mental health initiatives. She has mentored countless students as the faculty advisor of York College’s Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) Chapter. Her guidance has ensured that students from diverse backgrounds feel supported and encouraged to take active roles in advocacy, community service, and leadership, empowering them to recognize the importance of their voices in shaping the future of OT.
“Her influence has led countless occupational therapy practitioners to become active members of local, state, national, and international OT organizations, contributing to the advancement of the occupational therapy profession in ways they may have never imagined without her encouragement. Through her passion, persuasion, and sheer dedication, she has left an indelible mark on the field of occupational therapy.”
Paula Stewart, PP-OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor, York College, CUNY
Award Nominator
Driving Impact Locally and Globally
Dr. Hutchinson is a true changemaker. Her work inspires clients, communities, and current and future practitioners. Focused on health equity, her research aims to improve the health outcomes of underserved populations. She is a co-principal investigator on a $1 million federally funded project studying the healthcare disparities among Black, Hispanic, and Asian immigrant communities. Beyond the research, she is committed to developing sustainable solutions that empower communities to advocate for their health and well-being.
As president of the New York State Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NYSBOTC), she has spearheaded initiatives that increase access to scholarships, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities for underrepresented OT students and practitioners. Her work with the NYSBOTC Mentorship Colloquium has connected OT practitioners in Kenya with experienced mentors. As a board trustee of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA), she has contributed to policy and program development that benefits and strengthens the OT community across New York.
Mental health is an important part of Dr. Hutchinson’s work, and she believes that OT should be part of mental health discussions and services. She serves on the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Central Suffolk Long Island NY (NAMI CSLI NY) where she co-chairs the Education Committee. In that role, she has facilitated partnerships between NAMI and York College’s psychosocial instructors and Center of Students with Disabilities, fostering OT’s role in supporting the mental health of students.
Dr. Hutchinson’s influence extends beyond the United States. She contributed to the development of Jamaica’s first Master of Occupational Therapy program, lectured at Haiti’s only OT/PT school program, and supported scholarships for OT students in Haiti through the Dr. Yves Roseus Memorial Lectureship and Practicum Committee. Her contributions locally and abroad demonstrate her commitment to expanding OT’s reach and empowering others, whether students, practitioners, or communities.
“Because of [Dr. Hutchinson’s] unwavering belief in me, I gained the confidence to pursue leadership roles in multiple professional organizations, stepping into spaces I never thought I belonged in. [She] didn’t just help me become a better OT—she helped me become an entrepreneur. With her support and encouragement, I had the courage to open the first and only occupational therapy facility in my community, creating access to services that were desperately needed.”
Paula Stewart, PP-OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor, York College, CUNY
Award Nominator
A Lasting Legacy
Over the years, Dr. Hutchinson has received numerous awards for her work, including the AOTA Roster of Fellows, the Dr. Jim Hinojosa Memorial Lectureship from the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, and Distinguished Alumni honors from York College. Her influence spans generations, communities, and borders.
Despite her achievements, Dr. Hutchinson remains deeply grounded. Students and colleagues often describe her as someone who introduces herself simply as “Clover, like the flower.” Her warmth, accessibility, and commitment to service are as impactful as her professional accomplishments.
NBCOT is proud to honor Dr. Clover Hutchinson with the 2025 Excellence Award, celebrating her visionary leadership and tireless dedication to occupational therapy practice.