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In Memoriam: Susan S. McDonald, EdD, OTR/L

The occupational therapy community and TNOTA mourns the loss of Susan S. McDonald, a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate, who passed away last week. Susan’s influence on the profession, her commitment to service, and her passion for advancing occupational therapy will be deeply missed.

Susan served as the Chair of the TNOTA Legislative Committee, a role that underscored her lifelong dedication to advocating for occupational therapy professionals and their clients. Before retiring in 2023, she was an Associate Professor and the Founding Chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where she shaped the careers of countless students, occupational therapists, and others and set high standards for academic excellence. Her educational journey included a doctorate from UTC and both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Throughout her career, Susan held numerous leadership roles in state OT associations, including President, President-Elect, and District Chairperson, and served as both a member and Chairperson of the State Regulatory Board. Known for her commitment to ethics and jurisprudence in the profession, she provided training to hundreds of occupational therapy practitioners and students across the state, ensuring a high standard of professionalism within the field. Additionally, her service extended to several boards focused on supporting children and families, further reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

Susan’s contributions to occupational therapy will be remembered for their depth, compassion, and vision. Her work has enriched the field, inspired her peers, and left a legacy that will continue to shape future generations of occupational therapists. We are grateful for her contributions and celebrate her life, her work, and her unwavering dedication to our profession.

TNOTA members and others are invited to donate to the charity designated by Susan’s family in her memory, United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley via this link: https://www.ucphuntsville.org/ways-to-give/.

 

Officer Voting open through December 15!

 
Cast your vote for the TNOTA Board Elections here! 

 Philanthropy Partner Voting open through December 15!

 

Vote for TNOTA's 2025 Philanthropy Partner Here!

 

Thank you to our 2024 Annual Conference Sponsors!

 

 

 
  
 
 

 

TNOTA & Aspire OT

TNOTA is pleased to host our online course library with our partners at Aspire OT, an online continuing education platform created by OT practitioners, for OT practitioners. 

TNOTA Member Aspire OT Access
Non-member Aspire OT Access

Discounted CEU Benefits

As an additional member benefit, we have partnered with occupationaltherapy.com to offer discounted CEUs! Please click the link below to take advantage of this great deal. 

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TNOTA Research Opportunities

TNOTA has created a page to support ongoing efforts to further our profession by students, educators, and clinicians.  You can visit the page by clicking here.  Please support your colleagues in their attempts to provide evidence based practice for all OTs and OTAs.