Occupational therapy professor, students honored at state conference

Augusta University’s Stephanie Johnson, PhD, MHS, OTR/L, and two occupational therapy students were recognized at the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference.

Johnson, an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Allied Health Sciences, received the Barbara E. Grant Award of Merit, which is the association’s highest honor for an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant in the state of Georgia. It was created to honor an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who has made an outstanding global contribution to the profession of occupational therapy in the following areas: service, leadership, education and advocacy.

“I am beyond grateful. To even have been nominated for this award, yet also to be selected as the honoree by the committee, is beyond humbling,” Johnson said. “I am so honored to be a part of a long history of honorees who were and are committed to excellence and servant leadership within Georgia and beyond. I am thankful for those around me who help guide and bestow both wisdom and knowledge.”

Brooke Trammel from the Class of 2023 was named Outstanding Occupational Therapy Student of the Year, an award which is presented to an occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant student in Georgia.

Amanda Valentini, also from the Class of 2023, received the Linda Stephens Scholarship Award, which is presented to a student who demonstrates a commitment to serving the profession of occupational therapy.

In all, Augusta University had five faculty and six student presentations at the conference, which took place in late October at Albany State University.