Fall 2015 Perspectives

COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCES • 17 TAMPA Mariana D’Amico Gets FAOTA Award Mariana D’Amico, Ed.D., OTR/L, associate professor and director of professional development, was named to the American Occupa- tional Therapy Association (AOTA) Roster of Fellows at the association’s 95th Annual Conference and Expo, which was held April 16–19 in Nashville, Tennessee. As a fellow, D’Amico can now use the initials FAOTA after her credentials. The Roster of Fellows recognizes occupational therapists who, through their knowledge and expertise, have made a significant contribution to the continuing education and professional development of AOTA members. n Thomas Decker Embraces Academic Appointment After many years of clinical, business, and fieldwork education experiences, Thomas Decker, O.T.D., OTR/L, accepted an appointment as assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator with the NSU Tampa Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Decker is a cofounder of Advance Therapy Systems Ltd., a private therapy practice in Dundalk and Dublin, Ire- land. He has been a clinician and educator for 20 years. n Faculty Highlights Certification Pins Symbolize Doctoral Transformation Upon completion of their doctoral certification, class of 2015 students received their doctoral certification pins. The pins symbolize that students are well on their way to becoming occupational therapists. The ceremony is a meaningful event that marks the entry of O.T.D. students into the doctoral level of their occu- pational therapy education. Gustavo Reinoso, Ph.D., OTR/L, assistant professor, started the ceremony and emphasized the pin’s significance. “This pin means you are not walking alone, and it memorializes your commitment to the pro- fession of occupational therapy,” he said. “It is a reminder that you will always be a part of your alma mater—Nova Southeastern University.” n