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Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Each academic year, Shenandoah University’s Division of Occupational Therapy honors graduating students for their exemplary work. During 2024-25, the division presented awards to students in its Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) programs at Shenandoah University Loudoun and in Winchester (weekend program), as well as its entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program in Winchester and its Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD), which is offered online for practicing occupational therapists who have earned a master’s degree in the field. The division also recognizes outstanding fieldwork instructors annually.

OTD 2025 Award Winners

Sarah Morrison ’25, OTD, received the OTD Dean’s Award, for embodying the ideals of the profession by demonstrating academic excellence, professionalism, and potential for future contributions to the profession. Dr. Morrison, who is now employed as a pediatric occupational therapist in Fairfax, Virginia, said she enjoyed working with a variety of populations and within a number of different settings, including inpatient, early intervention, and acute care while at Shenandoah. “I completed my capstone experience with Continuum Care Strategies providing education to caregivers to those with dementia to improve their occupational well-being and satisfaction with caregiving,” Morrison said. “I was able to present this research at the Shenandoah University Research Expo to a wide audience of people to disseminate my findings and continue to advocate for my profession in various areas of practice. I hope to take what I have learned through this program and continue to make a difference in the lives of those I work with in the future.”

The Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate Award for the OTD program went to Jasmin Seaberry ’25, OTD, for showing genuine interest in Shenandoah and being involved in public, community or school service. Recipients also exhibit follow-through, leadership and concern. “I was honored to become an ambassador for Black in Rehab, an organization dedicated to creating a supportive space for African American rehabilitation professionals to uplift one another, share experiences, and strengthen our community,” Dr. Seaberry said. “In addition, I launched Inner Circle, a health management pilot program implemented at a local domestic violence shelter for women, where I engaged directly with residents to provide education and support around managing their health. I will continue this partnership by offering ongoing training and services to raise awareness and promote self-efficacy among women in the shelter.” Seaberry is employed in inpatient rehab at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Avery Kirby ’25, OTD, received the OTD Professional Writing and Communication Award, which goes to a graduate who has gone above and beyond to disseminate the work of their final research or capstone project. This may be in the form of a poster or platform presentation at a state, regional, or national professional conference; a manuscript submission to a peer-reviewed journal, or other scholarly venues. Dr. Kirby, who is now a pediatric occupational therapist at Soar Autism Center in Denver, Colorado, co-authored an article with Crystal Barchacky, OTD, titled “Voice Assistants: Transformative Technology for Individuals with Disabilities,” soon to be published in Home Healthcare Now. Kirby said the piece “explores how voice-activated tools like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri promote greater independence through hands-free interaction.” Her capstone, “What Is the Impact of Music-Based Interventions on the Social Skills of Children with Neuropsychological Disabilities,” examined how structured music activities can support social participation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. “I had the opportunity to present my capstone research to a multidisciplinary audience, including a large team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists, as well as the faculty and students of Shenandoah University’s OTD program,” she noted.

Olivia James, a certified lymphedema therapist employed by Novant Health in Wilmington, North Carolina, received the division’s OTD/MSOT Weekend Fieldwork Educator of the Year Award.

This award is given to a Level II fieldwork clinical instructor who demonstrates excellence in their teaching abilities, interpersonal relations, communication skills, and professional skills.

James received a master’s in occupational therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016.

Post Professional OTD 2025 Award Winners

Molly Elizabeth Codd-Gaskell ’25, OTD, was the recipient of the PP-OTD program’s Dean’s Award. Dr. Codd-Gaskell is an OT program lecturer at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, as well as a practicing occupational therapist of 14 years.

Codd-Gaskell is CarFit certified, SAIL certified, a member of interdisciplinary team to initiate “ABCDEF bundle” for early mobilization in critical care, co-presenter for acute care lecture series for PTs/OTs on SCI and treatment progression, wife, and mom to 8-year-old son.

She graduated with her Master of Occupational Science from the University of Washington in 2011. 

Dr. Yanick is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, certified lymphedema specialist, certified in physical agent modalities, ASHT mentoring program chair and the mother of two girls.

Yanick earned a bachelor’s in occupational therapy in 2003 and a master’s in healthcare administration in 2009. 

Mai Moua ’25, OTD, was honored with the James R. and Mary B. Wilkins Occupational Therapy Award, given to a student in the occupational therapy program who has demonstrated significant academic achievement and plans for a career in occupational therapy. Dr. Moua, who graduated from the PP-OTD program in July 2025, is employed at Nokomis Montessori North, Saint Paul Public Schools, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Moua is a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society and has been a practicing pediatric occupational therapist for nine years. Moua has traveled to 34 countries and six continents, and Moua’s capstone project was “Bridging Spiritual Healing with Occupational Identity: Insights into Hmong Shamans.” Moua earned a bachelor’s in occupational science and a master’s in occupational therapy from St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

MSOT Loudoun 2024 Award Winners

December 2024 graduate Sophia Loukopoulos, who works at Cherrydale Health & Rehabilitation Center in Arlington, Virginia, received the Community Service Award.

The winner of this award is recognized for going beyond expectations in working with community partners and demonstrating a strong commitment to the therapeutic use of self and selflessness in engaging with clients and helping them obtain their goals.

Taylor Williams, a December 2024 graduate employed with inpatient rehab at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, Louisiana, received the Extra Mile Award.

This recognizes a student who has gone the extra mile as a classmate by being proactive, reliable, and courteous of their fellow classmates.

Put simply, this is a classmate that you are happy to be in a group with, and whom you know you can ask a question of, without being made to feel bad.

Isabel Moncada, who also graduated in December 2024, and works at Lake Manassas Health & Rehab Center in Gainesville, Virginia, was recognized with the Innovative Thinker Award. This award is given to someone who thinks outside the box, has a curious and creative mind, and demonstrates a collaborative, forward-thinking spirit.

Emmie Content, a December 2024 graduate, received the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes a student who has a vision that focuses on expanding and changing the profession while maintaining its principles of altruism, equality, freedom, justice, dignity, truth, and prudence.

Content is employed at St. Elizabeth Rehab and Nursing Center in Baltimore, Maryland. 

The MSOT Loudoun Dean’s Award went to December 2024 graduate Lindsey Eller for academic excellence, professionalism, and potential for future contributions to the profession. Eller is employed in inpatient rehabilitation at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. 

December 2024 graduate Sarabel Comtois received the Faculty Award for showing a strong commitment to and excitement for occupational therapy through fieldwork and coursework. Comtois is now employed at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.

The MSOT Loudoun Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award went to December 2024 graduate Anna Shenk, who is now a pediatric occupational therapist. Those who receive this award show a genuine interest in Shenandoah and involvement in public, community or school service. 

For the MSOT program, the division also awarded the MSOT Fieldwork Educator of the Year Award to Amanda Goodrich, OTR/L, BCG, of Loudoun Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Goodrich, who holds an American Occupational Therapy Association certification in gerontology, is a Winchester native and graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The honor is awarded to educators who demonstrate excellence in their teaching abilities, interpersonal relations, communication skills, and professional skills. Goodrich says she loves supporting Shenandoah’s occupational therapy programs. 

MSOT Weekend 2025 Award Winner

Dennis McGlothlin ’25, received the Dean’s Award for the MSOT Weekend Program for demonstrating academic excellence, professionalism, and potential for future contributions to the profession. McGlothlin earned his degree after working for more than 18 years as an occupational therapy assistant and pastor.

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