AWARD OF MERIT: Educator

Allison Ellington, 

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences

Allison is the program director at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, where she has been on faculty since 2013. She has extensive practice experience in adult neurological rehabilitation, both in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings. She has been a member of a research team to develop an occupation-based virtual reality system that is now commercially available. She has published a number of articles on the outcomes of using virtual reality among individuals with stroke. Additionally, she has published and presented nationally on topics including the use of online journal clubs to educate and support fieldwork educators, processes and outcomes of the entry-level OTD doctoral experiential component, and faculty development and support.

She is someone who draws others to her at VOTA social events, school/ student related events and in her scholarly materials. In her role within VOTA’s Adult Communities of Practice group, her expertise and calm demeanor draws others in by helping them feel included, engaged, and supported. In April of 2021, she developed the COP with a clear and organized structure, short- and long-term goals, outside of the box evidence-based topics, and guided discussions. On top of juggling CoP, teaching, managing staff, research to stay abreast of EBP, she still engages in active clinical practice.  This shows her level of dedication to the patients, her own license, professionalism, duty to healthcare, staffing, awareness of what leaders need, and staying abreast of the workforce for leading staff and students into success. Her peers speak about her incredibly highly. In her role at Murphy Deming, she ensures that 100% of Murphy Deming OT students are VOTA members. During VOTA conferences the poster presentations and sessions that are provided by MDCHS are impressive. During conferences, she is often seen surrounded by students who clearly respect and admire her. Her scholarly knowledge, social grace, and humorous engagement is a powerful combination that draws others to her. She is a dedicated, passionate and hard working person who serves the OT profession as a whole!

AWARD OF MERIT: Practitioner

Lindsey Carter

Lindsey is an occupational therapist, Vice President of VOTA, small-business owner, and contractor with Link OT and Consulting. She currently works full time at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and VCU Health. Lindsey excels in not only her role as an OT, but in engaging all disciplines within her acute hospital. She is an active collaborator both within and outside of the organization. She serves on multiple committees within the health system and is outspoken in her advocacy for all of the patients that she comes in contact with. She currently serves as the Vice President for the VOTA, while also providing outpatient group and individual OT therapy, while utilizing a DBT informed lens. She serves as the primary preceptor for all OTD and MOT students at VTCC and has been integral in applying for, planning, and obtaining grants to allow for more sensory input and patient support within the hospital. She is constantly reviewing research to remain culturally and therapeutically competent and informed within her role, while also engaging in her own research to further the efficacy and impact of occupational therapy within its relation to mental health. She is incredibly driven and has received more awards and nominations than any other occupational therapist practicing at VTCC, most notably being recently awarded the coveted Bella Sood Service Award, from which she was chosen and nominated from among 12,000 employees currently employed at VCU Health. She is an incredible asset to her team and is a shining example of what an Occupational Therapist should be. She performs all of her duties to the fullest and with integrity, all while remaining grounded and focused on bettering the treatment and outcome of the patients she works with.