Pictured starting from left: Halley Read, Ph.D., OTR/L, Katie O’Day President, OTAO

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Halley Read Ph.D., OTR/L, doctoral capstone coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, was recently the recipient of the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon (OTAO) President’s Award.

This award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the occupational therapy profession through their formal roles within the association or through other efforts. Read’s recognition stems from her exceptional advocacy and legislative policy support work, as well as her direct collaboration with and mentorship of OTAO’s current president.

Read also served as an ambassador for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), playing a pivotal role in promoting OT in Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers. Additionally, she served as the Oregon Representative for AOTA’s Representative Assembly, effectively addressing the concerns and interests of OT professionals at both the state and federal levels. These combined efforts have been instrumental in advocating for OT professionals.

“It’s important for people to know that the OTD program isn’t just a new program to Western. It’s a team filled with remarkable people who are ready to support future OTD students and their profession,” says Read. “We value using our OT clinical training to create better access and pathways for our students and not limiting it to just clinical experience, but also the role of OT professionals in legislative change to shape the future of the profession.” 

Learn more about the new OTD program starting this fall.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.