Awards
UOTA Eunice Chen Mentorship Award
Purpose: To provide recognition to an occupational therapy professional who has demonstrated excellence in mentorship related to the profession of Occupational Therapy in the state of Utah.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Beth Cardell PhD, OTR/L – University of Utah
Beth provided extensive mentorship and staff education on cognitive impairments, intervention strategies, and documentation best practices. She demonstrated elevated clinical knowledge and practice standards across the OT team through strong leadership and teaching. She has shaped hundreds of OT practitioners through client-centered, evidence-based mentorship and education and demonstrates exceptional professionalism, long-term dedication, and commitment to advancing the OT profession.
She is recognized as a phenomenal teacher, mentor, and program director whose leadership supported a flawless program review, and has received numerous nominations from practitioners across Utah, reflecting her broad impact on mentoring and advancing occupational therapy statewide.
UOTA Excellence in Practice Award
Purpose: To give recognition to an Occupational Therapy professional that has demonstrated excellence in- practice, research, education and/or collaboration, and who has contributed to the enhancement of the profession of Occupational Therapy in the state of Utah.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Aarone Cefalo, OTD, OTR/L – Ability Innovations
As a Regional Director, Aarone balances high-level oversight with a deeply approachable, 'people-first' personality. His commitment to excellence is best evidenced by his proactive nature; he is the first to research complex clinical questions to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. Furthermore, Aarone is a true innovator, having recently developed proprietary technology currently being piloted to streamline parent communication and bolster staff morale. His blend of clinical dedication and forward-thinking leadership makes him an ideal candidate for this honor.
UOTA Bonnie Held Award of Service
Purpose: To give recognition to an Occupational Therapy professional that has demonstrated excellence in service to- OT practice, the UOTA organization and the community.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Meena Iyer, PhD, OTR/L – University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Meena has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing the OT profession in Utah through leadership and service. Her current service includes:
- Bylaws, Policies, & Procedures Committee (2025–Present)
- Annual Conference Committee (2022–Present)
- Membership Services Committee (2024–Present)
- Represents Utah OTPs as a Representative Assembly (RA) Representative.
- Serves on the AOTA Agenda Committee and as Co-Chair of the Education Task Force reviewing member proposals and submissions.
She previously served as Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Chair (2022–2024).
UOTA OT/OTA Partnership Award
Purpose: To give recognition to an occupational therapist and an occupational therapy assistant residing and working in the state of Utah, who exemplify the professional partnership through collaborative efforts that promote the occupational therapy profession, and to provide motivation for OT/OTA partnerships throughout the state to contribute to the innovative progression of occupational therapy through OT/OTA partnerships.
2026 Recipients: Nick Sidwell, OTR/L & Shauni Snow, COTA/L – Ability Innovations
Nick and Shauni demonstrate a strong partnership built on “mutual mentorship”, professionalism, and genuine care for their clinic, clients, and the Utah OT community. Shauni’s creativity, including custom-sewn and crocheted therapeutic toys, enhances innovative and engaging pediatric interventions. Nick brings seasoned clinical expertise and mentorship that strengthens team collaboration and quality of care. Together, they exemplify the heart of occupational therapy by elevating one another and providing exceptional care for Utah children and families.
UOTA Lifetime Membership Award
Purpose: To give recognition to a retired UOTA member who has been dedicated to the OT profession and UOTA over the years.
2025 Recipient: JoAnne Wright
JoAnne was not only instrumental in the approval of the first OT program in Utah at the University of Utah but then designed, built, and chaired the department for the first 14 years. As a native resident of Utah, JoAnne saw the need and had a vision for what OT in Utah could look like. Her leadership has directly shaped how OT is practiced in our state. She has influenced practice by serving our profession in a variety of capacities and by educating excellent OTs who are prepared to incorporate our profession’s tenets, promote occupation, and emphasize OTs unique contribution to health services. Prior to retiring, JoAnne held the position of Dean of Health Science at the Salt Lake Community College where she again influenced many OT professionals and students. After retirement, she continued to serve as a board member of the State of Utah, Division of Professional Licensing, until just a few years ago. Along the way JoAnne has mentored many people through their careers, helping them reach both professional and personal goals. One of her gifts is seeing the potential in everyone. I was lucky enough to benefit from her mentoring and ended up taking a career path I never imagined for myself, nor dreamed I would ever achieve.