TOTA Awards and Recognition

The 2026 Awards & Recognition Ceremony and 90th Anniversary Celebration 
Date:  Friday, November 13, 2026 
Time: 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM 
Location:  Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center 
                     1001 E. McCarty Lane. San Marcos, Texas, 78666
                      Veramendi Salon E
 

The Annual Awards Ceremony is a special time when we can recognize our colleagues for their contributions to our profession. Recognitions are an important part of our professional duty and are worth the time and effort it takes to honor each other.

TOTA proudly recognizes the individuals who continue to advance our association, the occupational therapy profession, and the clients we serve. Their dedication strengthens our community and elevates the impact of OT across Texas. We invite you to join us in celebrating these outstanding practitioners and students and honoring their meaningful contributions to the Texas OT community.

2026 TOTA 2026 Award Recipients

Occupational Therapist of the Year Laurie Stelter, OTR, PhD
Roster of Merit Kira Elizabeth Beal, OTR, Ed.D., OTD, CPAM, CLT
Roster of Merit Dahlia Castillo, OTR, OTD, FAOTA
Roster of Merit Evelyn Harness, OTR
Honorary Life Member Dwain “Bubba” Klostermann, OT, CEAS II
Honorary Life Member Judith Joseph, OTR, MA, FAOTA
Academic Educator of the Year Justine Faghihifar, OTR, OTD, LSVT
Award for Clinical Excellence Chris Lasek, OTR, MOT
Clinical Fieldwork Educator of the Year Dana Maass, OTR, BSOT
Distinguished Service  Angela Renee Shepherd, COTA, Ed.D
Distinguished Service  Dickson Rodriguez, OTR, PhD, MA-VRT
Distinguished Service  Donna Walls, OTR, OTD, CHT
Horizon  Natalie Pravinkumar, OTR, OTD
Interdisciplinary Team

Laura Novak, OTR, OTD, BCG
The Central Texas Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Arts Academy
OT Student Leadership Award Maya Landgrebe
   


2026 Awards and Recognition Committee 
Carol Regli, OTR, OTD - Chair 
Leslye Morris, OTR, OTD
Jennifer Parpacen-Smith, OTR, MOT
Claudia Yagel, OTR, OTD
Carol Zaricor, OTR, Ed.D., OTD, c/NDT

 


View Award Categories and submit a nomination today.

You can view past award winners by clicking here and download the history from 1991 - 2022.  
TOTA 2025 Award Recipients
TOTA 2024 Award Recipients   
TOTA 2023 Award Recipients

Honorary Life Members