Twelve Trojans receive OTAC annual awards
November 11, 2024

Twelve Trojans have been named recipients of annual awards presented by the Occupational Therapy Association of California, a non-profit professional society that represents the interests of the more than 15,000 occupational therapy practitioners working in California.

Professor Emeritus Sharon Cermak received the OTAC Award of Excellence.

Alum Kiley Hanish MA ’02, OTD ’11 received the OTAC Media Award.

Alum Joseph Juse ’90 received the Janice Matsutsuyu Outstanding Service Award, named in honor of late alum and Clinical Instructor of Occupational Therapy Janice Matsutsuyu MA ’68.

Alum and former faculty member Erin McIntyre ’08, MA ’09, OTD ’10 received the OTAC Award of Appreciation.

Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy Deborah Pitts PhD ’12 received the OTAC President’s Award for advocacy related to California-licensed occupational therapists receiving official classifications as Licensed Mental Health Professionals and Licensed Practitioners of the Healing Arts.

Alums Julie Bissell MA ’79, OTD ’12; Bryant Edwards MA ’05, OTD ’06; Lisa Test MA ’89, OTD ’09; Carlin Daley Reaume MA ’06, OTD ’07; Lauren Lopez MA ’17, OTD ’18; Rena Katrikh MA ’09; and Cherylin Lew ’09, MA ’00, OTD ’08 were co-recipients of the OTAC President’s Award for advocacy related to California State Assembly Bill 2725 to allow OTs and PTs to pursue an administrative credential for leadership positions within California’s public school systems.

The winners were formally recognized at the OTAC awards ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8, during the association’s annual conference in Pasadena, California. More than 70 USC alumni, faculty members and students were slated to speak or present posters during the conference.

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