Shenandoah University’s Division of Occupational Therapy is home to four programs, designed to serve students learning on a variety of schedules and with differing goals in the field:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – This hybrid, 75-credit, 2.5-year program delivers more than 50% of content online, requiring students to attend in-person classes once a week at Shenandoah University Loudoun in Leesburg, Virginia.
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Weekend Program – Also a hybrid 75-credit program, but with the in-person component consisting of face-to-face classes for an average of two weekends a month at Shenandoah University’s Health Professions Building on the campus of Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia. This program can be completed in two years.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Entry-Level) – This 107-credit hybrid program (this is shifting to 100 credits as of the fall of 2027) meets once a week in person at the Health Professions Building. This program allows students to focus on a specialization area through fieldwork, and provides a foundation for pursuing positions in academia, leadership, or program development.
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate – A fully online program designed for practicing occupational therapists interested in gaining advanced skills in scholarly inquiry and a foundation for a career as an academic faculty member.
It also celebrates the accomplishments of students in each of its programs with a number of honors awarded annually in December, May and August. Meet this year’s award honorees:
MSOT Weekend – August 2026 Graduate Award Winners
Priscila Costa Lucas: Dean’s Award
The Dean’s Award recognizes an outstanding graduate. The recipient of this award must have demonstrated academic excellence, professionalism, and potential for future contributions to their chosen profession, ie, they embody the ideals of their profession.
During my time in the MSOT program, I actively sought opportunities to enhance my overall knowledge while focusing on upper extremity rehabilitation. I acquired the MoCA cognition certification, attended an international congress on hand therapy, and completed an orthotics and splinting course at Johns Hopkins. Additionally, I contributed to the professional community by presenting my research project at the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (VOTA) conference and, in collaboration with peers, presenting at the Capital Hand Therapy Association’s September Journal Club. Each of these experiences has been pivotal in expanding my clinical knowledge and preparing me to pursue my passion for hand therapy.”
Priscila Costa Lucas ’26
Following graduation, Lucas plans to pursue a career in hand therapy with the ultimate goal of obtaining her Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. She said she looks forward to specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation and helping patients regain their independence and function.
Abigail Gillispie: Professional Writing and Communication Award
The Professional Writing and Communication Award is given to a graduate that 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.
Gillispie is working as a home health registered nurse as she studies for her MSOT. Her accomplishments include presenting a poster at the 2025 Virginia Occupational Therapy Association Conference on Redefining Occupational Balance and an article at the Capitol Hand Therapy Association’s monthly journal club meeting, both in the fall of 2025; executive board membership in Shenandoah University’s Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) student group; participation in an interdisciplinary Global Experiential Learning trip to Fundación A LA PAR in Madrid, Spain in the fall of 2024. She also volunteered with Shenandoah University at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s INSPIRE conference in spring 2025.
Ashley McCullough: Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate Award
Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate Award winners show a genuine interest in Shenandoah and involvement in public, community or school service. They also have the ability to be a good spokesperson for the university and exhibit follow-through, leadership and concern.
During my time at SU, I’ve gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide holistic, client-centered care in my own practice. I’ve also had the opportunity to co-present research examining the representation of activities of daily living within occupational balance and its implications for OT theory and practice.”
Ashley McCullough
She said she plans to work in a pediatric setting with a focus on early intervention, following graduation.
OTD Entry-Level – May 2026 Graduate Award Winners
Rachel Taylor: James R. and Mary B. Wilkins Occupational Therapy Award
This award is given to a student in the Occupational Therapy program who has demonstrated significant academic achievement and plans for a career in occupational therapy.
I developed and implemented a sleep hygiene program that educated individuals experiencing houselessness on strategies to address sleep-related barriers and improve sleep quality. In addition to facilitating the program, I presented the program design and study outcomes at the Shenandoah University Research Expo (SURE). During my time at SU, I served as the secretary for the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates of Diversity (COTAD), was a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), and completed an international fieldwork experience in Ecuador. I also obtained my MoCA Cognition Certification.”
Rachel Taylor
Taylor is working on publishing her capstone project, “Sleep Hygiene Program for Individuals Experiencing Houselessness.” And she hopes to continue this capstone project to support community-based organizations in promoting sleep wellness for all populations.
Lola Oickle Jarvis, OTD: Dean’s Award
Dr. Oickle Jarvis’ doctoral capstone, “Occupational Therapy in Acute Postpartum Care,” synthesized research evidence to create and implement an 11-week postpartum recovery education program while collecting qualitative data from healthcare professionals, promoting smooth postpartum transitions to improve health outcomes, and advocacy of OT’s role in this setting. She presented her program and study outcomes at the Shenandoah University Research Expo (SURE). Dr. Oickle Jarvis will continue to advocate for OT’s value in perinatal care throughout her professional career.
During her time at SU, she served as treasurer for the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates of Diversity (COTAD), was a member of the Gala Student Planning Committee, and designed OT SU gear for student organization fundraisers. She also received her certification in Early Intervention, preparing her for a future career of promoting early childhood development and supporting family relational health.
Diana Bozzay, OTD: Professional Writing and Communication Award
Dr. Bozzay is employed by Coconut & Palm Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as a full-time occupational therapist; as a PRN OT at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, and a contractor at Ride-On-Ranch in Lovettsville, Virginia.
Bozzay’s dissertation, “Exploring Current School Professionals’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Needs Related to Implementing Financial Literacy Curriculums: A Qualitative Study,” examined the perspectives of school professionals regarding financial literacy implementation and identified opportunities for occupational therapy advocacy and collaboration within school systems. She presented her emerging research outcomes at the Shenandoah University Research Expo (SURE) and plans to disseminate her research through future professional presentations and publication submission to the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference and OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health.
She also developed and implemented a mentorship program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to support workforce readiness through occupational therapy strategies promoting independence and functional skill development. In addition, she created a specialized amputee progression functional checklist, and a sleep hygiene guide for parents of children with ASD, developmental and sensory deficits, and visual hyperactivity.
She served as vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) from 2024-2025. She also earned certifications as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), MoCA Cognition Certification, and specialized myoelectric amputee COAPT training through Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Bozzay plans to continue advocating for the role of occupational therapy in financial literacy education, workforce readiness, and specialized rehabilitation services throughout her professional career.
OTD-Post Professional – May 2026 Graduate Award Winners
Dorothy Amanda Huffman, OTD: Dean’s Award
Dr. Huffman is a full-time school-based occupational therapist for Chesapeake Public Schools in Chesapeake, Virginia, as well as a part-time outpatient pediatric therapist.
Her doctoral evidence-based research project focused on creating an evidence-based curriculum to support teachers’ integration of visual perceptual activities in kindergarten and first grade classrooms. Huffman also earned an MSOT from Shenandoah in 2019. She also has received professional training and certifications in the SOS approach to feeding and DIR Floortime.
Heather Compton, OTD: Professional Writing and Communication Award
Dr. Compton is a pediatric occupational therapist who is passionate about the promotion of developmentally appropriate practices to support all areas of children’s development. She works as a school-based occupational therapist in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Her capstone project was “Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives of Developmental Trends: A Qualitative Study.”
Kala Doss: Fieldwork Educator of the Year Award
The Occupational Therapy Division awards a certificate of recognition to one occupational therapy Level 2 fieldwork clinical instructor. Educators demonstrate excellence in their teaching abilities, interpersonal relations, communication skills, and professional skills.
Dr. Doss is the senior lead occupational therapist at Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia. She is also the 2024 Fieldwork Educator of the Year for Shenandoah’s MSOT program, as well as the 2024 Community Partner of the Year from James Madison University’s Department of Health Professions.
She has been an adjunct faculty member at several universities, and will serve as an adjunct faculty instructor in Shenandoah’s MSOT weekend program in the fall of 2026. She is also a 2023 graduate of Shenandoah’s Post-Professional OTD program.
MSOT Loudoun – December 2025 Graduate Award Winners
Courtney Schlund & Lila Shipley: Compassion in Action Award
This award recognizes those who go beyond expectations when it comes to our community partners, and demonstrates a commitment to utilizing therapeutic use of self and selflessness in engaging with clients and helping them attain their goals.
Courtney Schlund is a full-time occupational therapist at Small Talk Pediatric Therapy Center in Ruckersville, Virginia, and PRN OT at Mary Washington Adult Rehabilitation Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Lila Shipley is a contractor at Ride-on-Ranch in Lovettsville, Virginia. She intends to work in an acute pediatric setting while also continuing to work in hippotherapy.
Tamara Neiderer & Mary Ruppert: Innovative Thinker Award
This award recognizes a student or students who consistently brings fresh ideas and creative solutions to challenges in occupational therapy. They demonstrate curiosity, persistence, and a forward-thinking mindset while collaborating with others to achieve meaningful outcomes. Their ability to think outside the box inspires those around them and reflects the evolving spirit of the profession.
Tamara Neiderer works at First Priority Occupational Therapy, LLC: Pediatric Occupational Therapy in the greater Richmond, Virginia area with focus on pediatric pelvic health and feeding. She also holds a Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention.
Mary Ruppert served as 2024/25 co-president of SU’s chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity.
Stephanie Der: Dean’s Award
The Dean’s Award recognizes an outstanding graduate. The recipient of this award must have demonstrated academic excellence, professionalism, and potential for future contributions to their chosen profession, ie, they embody the ideals of their profession.
Madison Dougaree: Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate Award Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate Award winners show a genuine interest in Shenandoah and involvement in public, community or school service. They also have the ability to be a good spokesperson for the university and exhibit follow-through, leadership and concern.
Megan Shockey: Extra Mile Award
This award recognizes a student who consistently goes above and beyond as a classmate. They are proactive, reliable, and supportive, stepping up as a leader when needed, yet respecting and valuing the contributions of others. Known for their willingness to help without judgment, they create an encouraging environment where peers feel comfortable learning and working together. Simply put, this is the classmate everyone is grateful to have on their team.
Shockey is a full-time, school-based occupational therapist in Pennsylvania. She is also a PRN at a pediatric outpatient clinic.
Abigail Comeau: Fieldwork Educator of the Year Award
The Occupational Therapy Division awards a certificate of recognition to one occupational therapy Level 2 fieldwork clinical instructor. Educators demonstrate excellence in their teaching abilities, interpersonal relations, communication skills, and professional skills. Comeau works at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also has specialized experience in pediatric pelvic floor therapy and strong clinic skills in evaluation and treatment planning for children with complex bowel/bladder dysfunction, emotional regulation, and developmental needs. She holds a PAMS certification and has additional advanced training in burn care management, spleen fabrication, casting, and positioning techniques. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with three Tulip Awards honoring excellence in teamwork, accountability, leadership, compassion, and patience in patient care. In addition, she received a Safety Award for her role in assisting during a pediatric mental health crisis and de-escalation in which she demonstrated strong crisis response and commitment to patient safety.
