Supporting Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Students in Tennessee
The Tennessee Occupational Therapy Foundation (TNOTF) is TNOTA’s non-profit affiliate. TNOTF was established by the former TNOTA President, David McGuire. His vision was to create an organization dedicated to community service and engagement. TNOTF received its non profit status in 2020.
TNOTF works with TNOTA to provide financial assistance, support, and encouragement to individuals and entities involved with the provision and receipt of occupational therapy services.
Each year, TNOTF recognizes individuals from OT/OTA programs in Tennessee with two different awards/recognitions:
- The TNOTF Student Scholarship, which supports future OT practitioners while they are still in school
- The Excellent Educator Award, which is a student-nominated award that goes to a full-time, part-time, or adjunct instructor at an academic OT/OTA program in Tennessee
Since 2023, TNOTF has contributed $8,350 towards the occupational therapy education of 9 students enrolled in OT/OTA programs in Tennessee.
Read about our past recipients for the TNOTF recognitions/awards below!
TNOTF Student Scholarship
2025
Hannah Dougherty – East Tennessee State University OTD Class of 2026
- Served as SOTA secretary
- Selected for the 2025 AOTA Institute for Future Scientists in OT
- Served as a graduate research assistant Recipient of the ETSU OTD Class of 2026 Academic Excellence Award
- Research poster presentation at 2025 TNOTA conference
- Certifications/special trainings including: first aid, BLS, ETSU HIPAA and OSHA training, and Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program
Brittany Ford – University of Tennessee – Chattanooga OTD Class of 2026
- Served as the TNOTA student representative
- Work experience as a rehab tech and graduate assistant
- Research poster presentation at 2025 TNOTA conference
- Certifications including: first aid, BLS, Biomedical, Research Investigator, TCPS FERPA & Confidentiality, SSRS & QPR Suicide Prevention, BINGOcize Facilitator
Clara McLemore –
University of Tennessee Health Science Center MOT Class of 2026
- Serving as SOTA social activities/public
relations chairperson - Member of the UTHSC COTAD Chapter
- Member of the Rachel K. Stevens Pro Bono Student Clinic
- Awards: Harvey M. Craft Award, Dorothy Burdeshaw Scholarship Recipient, Presidential Award and List
2024
Rachel Shanks – Tennessee State University Class of 2025
Rachel is a member of AOTA, TNOTA, TSU SOTA, and Pi Theta Epsilon. She currently serves as the AOTA ASD Vice Chair. Rachel has an undergrad degree in Communications and serves as the marketing chair for the TSU Tiger Clinic. She anticipates graduating in December 2025.
Sierra Sturken – University of Tennessee – Chattanooga Class of 2025
Sierra is a member of AOTA, TNOTA, UTC SOTA, and Phi Beta Kappa. She currently serves as the AOTA ASD for UTC.. She has an undergrad degree in Kinesiology and has work experience as a rehab tech, personal care aide, and graduate assistant. She plans to graduate in May 2025.
2023
Taylor Webb – South College Class of 2024
Ryan Lemp – Tennessee State University Class of 2024
TNOTF Excellent Educator Award
2025
Stephanie Lancaster EdD, OTR/L
With over 35 years of experience in the field, Stephanie currently serves as the President of the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association and has extensive experience both in the field as a clinician and an an OT educator. She has been recognized for her innovative teaching with several honors, including the 2025 TNOTF Excellent OT Educator Award and the Innovation in Teaching and Inclusive Educator Awards from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, she is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and has authored numerous publications and presentations on ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and emerging technologies in OT.
2024
David Eades, PPOTD, OTR/L
David Eades is an Assistant Professor in the occupational therapy program at Tennessee State University. He earned his post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy with an emphasis in pedagogy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2015, in addition to a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and a Bachelor or Business Administration from Belmont University. Dr. Eades has held multiple leadership and clinical positions in adult rehabilitation. His interests include student simulation experiences and program development.