2021 COTAD Outstanding Faculty Award
The COTAD-ED leadership team was proud to announce that Dr. Amy Burton, OTD, OTR/L received the 2021 COTAD Outstanding Faculty Award. This award recognizes a faculty member at an occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant program who embodies the vision and encourages the mission of COTAD.
Dr. Amy Burton, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Burton is an assistant professor at Western New England University (WNE). Her research interests include interprofessional practice, especially team-based evaluations and collaboration and niche roles for OT practitioners in school settings. During the 2020-21 academic year, Dr. Burton collaborated with WNE COTAD Chapter Co-Chair Jeanne Uwera, OTS to deliver a presentation on “Tips for educating and empowering children who challenge racism.” Given her background in pediatrics, Dr. Burton was also able to advise students and practitioners on how to navigate discussions about race and racism with children. Dr. Burton has also demonstrated excellent responsivity to feedback and willingness to learn, as evidenced by her support and collaboration with WNE COTAD Chapter initiatives. She has demonstrated her dedication to inclusivity and justice by modifying several aspects of the curriculum, including adding pronouns in course syllabi, increasing representation of BIPOC communities in case studies and PowerPoint presentations, and inviting a guest speaker to discuss adolescent ADLs, sleep, and sexuality as informed by her experience helping her son transition. Dr. Burton also provides important resources children related to identity, sexuality, and development for children and adolescents on her classroom pages. Finally, she supports the student body by providing high-quality education on diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility to help facilitate conversation and real change in the OTD program at WNE. Dr. Burton’s constant support in attending almost every COTAD chapter event or meeting does not go unnoticed. As a chapter, we are so grateful for her role in facilitating real change, not only in the OT program, but in the students as well.