The TNOTA Hall of Fame: Celebrating Leaders Who Have Helped Shape Occupational Therapy in Tennessee
At the 2026 TNOTA Conference, three occupational therapy leaders were recognized as the inaugural inductees into the TNOTA Hall of Fame. These individuals whose dedication, service, mentorship, and impact have strengthened our profession and our association in lasting ways are as are follow:
Gwen Foxx – Distinguished OTA Practitioner Award
For 30 years, Gwen has demonstrated the many ways an OTA can lead, educate, serve, and create meaningful change. Her work has touched clients, students, educators, families, and professionals across practice settings. Through her work in TNOTA, including her role in establishing the OTA Connect Committee, Gwen has also helped strengthen the voice and connection of OTAs across Tennessee.
Barb Meussner – Lift As You Climb Award
With 36 years as an OT, Barb has built her career around helping others grow. From mentoring students and emerging clinicians to serving 16 years as TNOTA’s Rural West Chair, she has consistently created opportunities for others to find their confidence, discover their potential, and step into leadership. As Barb says, “I lift them, and they lift me.”
Cindy Blackwell – Lifetime Impact Award
Cindy’s more than a decade of service to TNOTA includes leadership as Middle District Chair, President from 2019–2023, and her continued service as Legislative Chair. Her impact extends throughout OT in Tennessee through advocacy, pediatric practice, mentorship, education, leadership development, and the founding of TNOTA’s Pediatric Community of Practice.
These three have each made an extraordinary difference in the lives of others and in the occupational therapy profession. Their contributions represent the spirit of service, leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact that the TNOTA Hall of Fame was created to celebrate.
Learn more about the TNOTA Hall of Fame here.