Joanne Foss, Ph.D., O.T.R., FAOTA, a professor emerita of the college’s department of occupational therapy, has received a Retired Educator’s Commendation from the American Occupational Therapy Association.
This commendation acknowledges exceptional leadership by retired occupational therapy educators who have demonstrated commitment to the advancement of occupational therapy education.
Before her retirement from UF in 2017, Foss taught undergraduate and graduate courses in adult and child development, pediatric assessment and intervention, and professional development for 28 years. She received several teaching awards at the department, college and academic health center levels, and has mentored hundreds of current and former students as they pursue careers in patient care, academia or research.
With support from a grant from the Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, she led an interdisciplinary team in the development of training modules focused on infant mental health in occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology. These modules are now available online for all health care providers and consumers.
She currently serves on the board of directors of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, a non-profit organization that provides certification for occupational therapy professionals.
“Dr. Foss’ role in developing the occupational therapy program at UF cannot be overstated,” said award nominator Christine T. Myers, Ph.D., O.T.R./L., a clinical associate professor and program director of UF’s Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs. “She has always been committed to high-quality teaching and mentoring of students, while also being viewed as a valuable contributor to the profession on a national level.”