The King’s College Occupational Therapy Program proudly celebrated the accomplishments of three members of the King’s OTD community who received distinguished honors at the 2026 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) Conference. Dr. Jennifer Dessoye, Dr. Lori Aldrich, and OTD student Alexa Kovaly were each recognized for their unique contributions to occupational therapy through innovation, leadership, education, service, and professional engagement. These awards highlight the commitment of King’s faculty and students to advancing the profession and making a meaningful impact within occupational therapy.
Dr. Jennifer Dessoye was presented with the Dr. Stephen L. Heater Award of Outstanding Achievement in recognition of her longstanding and significant contributions to the occupational therapy profession. This distinguished award recognizes a POTA member who has demonstrated exceptional contributions in areas such as clinical practice, research, education, administration, communication, and service to the association. Dr. Dessoye’s dedication to occupational therapy education, professional leadership, and service exemplifies a continued commitment to advancing the profession and supporting the growth of occupational therapy throughout Pennsylvania.
Dr. Lori Aldrich was presented with the inaugural Innovative Doctoral Capstone Award for her capstone project focused on developing a clinical pathway for the translation of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) using the Vivistim® System into occupational therapy practice for individuals recovering from stroke. The pathway was designed to help guide occupational therapists in integrating this innovative technology with rehabilitation interventions to address upper-extremity motor function and support meaningful occupational participation. As part of her clinical work, she was the first clinician in the area to implement Vivistim therapy in a clinical setting, collaborating with patients, rehabilitation professionals, technology developers, and other stakeholders to facilitate the translation of emerging evidence into everyday clinical practice. Her recognition from POTA highlights the important connection between clinical innovation, evidence-based practice, and occupational therapy education, while demonstrating the impact that innovative doctoral capstone experiences can have on advancing the profession and improving clinical practice.
 King’s College OTD student Alexa Kovaly was presented with the OT Student Award of Recognition. This award honors an occupational therapy student who demonstrates outstanding leadership, excellence in academic or clinical performance, and a commitment to promoting the profession through meaningful involvement and service. Alexa’s dedication and contributions exemplify the important role students can play in advancing occupational therapy and making an impact on the profession from the very beginning of their professional journey.
