Highlighting HUAZ OTD Faculty and Student Involvement with ArizOTA’s National Recognition and Leadership Impact
Heidi Carpenter, assistant professor in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program at Huntington University Arizona (HUAZ) and current President of the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association (ArizOTA), accepted the Leadership Development Award on behalf of ArizOTA at the 2025 Affiliated State Association Presidents (ASAP) meeting during the AOTA Inspire Conference in Philadelphia this past March 2025.
ArizOTA received national recognition in the Leadership Development category for its Student Intern Program, a longstanding initiative launched in 2016-2017 that cultivates future OT leaders across Arizona. The program engages OT and OTA students in meaningful leadership activities such as advocacy, continuing education, and conference planning. Additionally, one of the inaugural HUAZ OTA/PTA-to-OTD Bridge Program Students is currently serving as an ArizOTA student intern, demonstrating the spirit of service and leadership of Huntington University.
This year’s ASAP awards celebrated leadership, advocacy, and service across multiple State OT Associations, including Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Nevada, Iowa, Maine, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Michigan, and West Virginia.
Posted By: Heidi Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L