University of Florida Department of Occupational Therapy students, faculty and preceptors took home several awards at this year’s Florida Occupational Therapy Association annual conference held November 1 and 2 at Florida International University in Miami.
The department and the College of Public Health and Health Professions were represented by six faculty members and 26 Doctor of Occupational Therapy students who gave multiple oral and poster presentations. The following individuals received special recognition during the conference.
- Jessica Goldman, O.T.D., OTR/L, a 2024 graduate of the UF O.T.D. program, received the Florida Occupational Therapy Association Student Poster Award for Rigor for her student capstone poster, “Overcoming Pediatric Dental Anxiety & Healthcare-Related Fears: An Occupational Therapy Approach.” (site mentor: Nancy Marin, OTR/L, C-NDT, IYT; faculty mentor: Heidi Horwitz, O.T.D., OTR/L)
- Sherry-Lynne Bredy, M.H.S., OTR/L, an occupational therapist at UF Health Rehab – Magnolia Parke, received the UF Fieldwork Educator Award of Excellence given by the Florida Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium.
- Jessica Martin, M.S., OTR/L, CLT, CLC, a pediatric occupational therapist at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, received the UF Capstone Mentor Award of Excellence presented by the Florida Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium.
- Heidi Horwitz, O.T.D., MAOT, OTR/L, a clinical assistant professor in the department and academic fieldwork coordinator, received the association’s 2025 David D. Clark OT Award of Excellence. Named for a 1965 UF OT graduate, the award recognizes longstanding and significant contributions to the advancement of occupational therapy in Florida and to the Florida Occupational Therapy Association. Honorees exemplify the highest level of skills and knowledge benefitting the profession.