MONMOUTH, Ore. – Brianne Salvati, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Oregon University, has been awarded The Sybil Hedrick Park Award of Merit during the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon Annual Conference held in Seaside last month. This prestigious recognition honors an occupational therapy practitioner with over four years of experience who has actively contributed to the national, state, and local OT community through various initiatives, including legislation, program development, management, and public advocacy.
“This recognition is incredibly humbling,” said Salvati. “Those in our community describe working alongside Sybil as an honor, as she exuded compassion and a profound commitment to advancing our profession for colleagues and advocating for its services to community members. I hope current and future practitioners are inspired to serve and continue Sybil’s important work.”
As an advocate for professional and community service, Salvati emphasizes the importance of engagement in advancing the field of occupational therapy. She encourages her students to find their passions and collaborate with others. “Go find your people and lean into each other’s strengths and passions. We will accomplish so much more for our community. Look beyond engagement in the OT organizations. Get a seat at the table for something you’re passionate about and bring your expertise—and bring that energy.”
With 15 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Salvati has primarily worked with older adults across the post-acute care continuum. She is currently in her second year at Western as an assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. Previously, she served as an adjunct lab instructor for seven years in Linn-Benton’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program and has recently rejoined them to teach their geriatrics course, fostering intra-professional collaboration between both programs.
A native Oregonian from Keizer, Salvati completed her bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Oregon State University, her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Loma Linda University, and her post-professional doctorate at Creighton University.
Learn more about the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Western.
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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. Where YOU belong.