OTA students and faculty won leadership awards at state conference
Two students in Cincinnati State’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program received the Sharon K. Ashworth Outstanding OTA Student Award at the 2026 annual conference of the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association, held October 16 and 17, 2026, in Columbus.
Aleesia Black and Anna Fox were recognized for demonstrating exceptional service, advocacy, professionalism, and leadership within their communities.
Harley Boykin, a second year OTA student, gave a presentation at the conference, titled “Celebrating the Inchstones: Small Pivots That Transform Pediatric Practice.” Harley described practical strategies for identifying “inchstones”–small shifts in language and perspective that can advance care for disabled children. She also discussed how to integrate inchstone recognition into documentation and caregiver coaching.
Nine Cincy State OTA students attended the conference along with OTA Program Chair Tara Brock and OTA Professor Toni Durban.
Both of the OTA faculty members received the Outstanding Contributions to Continuing Education Award, which recognizes individuals whose efforts strengthen the knowledge base, skills, and growth of the occupational therapy community by demonstrating expertise, leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning for occupational therapy practitioners.
Harley Boykin said, “It was an honor to have the opportunity to speak to occupational therapy practitioners and students about the importance of a strengths-based perspective for our OTA clients.”
Aleesia Black noted, “The conference felt like an open space to learn, be curious, and stay involved in the conversation with professionals and other students. The professionals were welcoming and encouraging.”
First-year OTA student Jasmine Brown said, “Attending the conference deepened my understanding and expanded my thinking about what I might be able to accomplish as a Cincinnati State OTA student and after I graduate.”
In addition to other conference activities, the OTA students earned nearly $600 to support the Student OTA Club through a fundraising table.
(Reporting and photos provided by Tara Brock)