15 AOTA/AOTF Presidents’ Commendation in Honor of Wilma L. West Wendy Coster, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA Department of Occupational Therapy, Sargent College Boston University Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Wendy J. Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA received her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Boston University and has a PhD in psychology from Harvard and clinical preparation in occupational therapy. She is currently a Professor and Chair in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Sargent College, Boston University. Dr. Coster’s volunteer service to the Foundation spans over 35 years. She has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Council since 2012 and became the Chair in 2018. She joined the AOTF Board of Directors in 2011, serving as Vice Chair from 2011–2015, and as Chair in 2016–2017. Dr. Coster is also an AOTF Academy of Research member and served as Chair of the Academy from 2014–2016. She has extensive expertise in the development of assessments and functional outcome measures, including the application of Rasch methodology and computer adaptive testing (CAT). She is co‑author of two internationally recognized standardized functional assessments (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory–PEDI School Function Assessment–SFA) that are widely used in outcome research. She has been involved in several projects to develop computer-adaptive functional assessments. Dr. Coster has an established record of successful grant funding and research project management including: project director in the current NIDLRR RRTC on Measuring Rehabilitation Outcomes project director under an NIDLRR RRTC on Rehabilitation and Childhood Trauma PI for an NIDLRR project to develop the School Function Assessment a NIDLRR Switzer Fellowship and grants from AOTF and the March of Dimes Foundation. She has published widely on the application of function and disablement frameworks, including the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, in child and adult rehabilitation and measure- ment issues in pediatric and adult rehabilitation. As a dedicated occupational therapy professional, Dr. Coster is regarded as an enthusiastic collaborative partner and friend as evidenced by her intentional contributions to mentor colleagues through professional development and career transitions, her exemplary scholarship related to the study and establishment of performance and outcome measures, and her leadership in AOTA/AOTF efforts to advance the profession. Dr. Coster’s participation in the International Conference on Evidence-Based Practice: a collaborative effort between AOTA, AOTF and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2004–2005) highlighted her commitment to our profession’s global partners with shared objectives to support access, dissemination, and trans- lation of knowledge in response to demands for evidence in practice decisions. Dr. Coster’s research career focus on children and families has advanced the development and use of standardized assessments, while her 2008 Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture eloquently reminded us that “Embracing Ambiguity: Facing the Challenge of Measurement” is part of making authentic, relevant, and evidence-based contributions as a profession. As program faculty and catalyst mentor in the AOTA/AOTF Academic Leadership Mentoring Program (2007–2010), Dr. Coster’s “storytelling” and group-mentor- ship provided the space for future academic leaders to visualize and shape their path for professional growth and leadership journeys. Whether modeling the way for aspiring scholars, holding peer colleagues accountable to best practices in research, or guiding entry-level occupational therapy students in their pro- fessional development, Dr. Coster elevates the credibility of our profession and seeks to secure recognition of the distinct contributions of occupational therapy. Most important, her humility and kindness provide an example for all of us to be good human beings.

16 AOTF Leadership Service Commendation Julie Kalahar, MSOT, OTR/L, FAOTA Lake Area Technical Institute Watertown, South Dakota Ms. Julie Kalahar has served on the AOTF Scholarship Selection Committee since 2013 and became the Chair in 2017. She is highly respected and an experienced colleague from clinical practice. She has devoted hundreds of hours to reviewing applications and recommending candidates to receive scholarships through AOTF and its scholarship program partners. During her tenure, she has assisted in fine-tuning the overall scholarship review process and program. She has given generously of her time and personal resources. Ms. Kalahar’s keen understanding and commitment to the scholarship process has been unwavering throughout her service to the Scholarship Selection Committee. AOTF Meritorious Service Award Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, PhD, OTR, FAOTA University of St. Joseph West Hartford, Connecticut Dr. Elizabeth Francis-Connolly has served with distinction as Vice Chair and Trustee of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation since 2016. She has served as Chair of the Volunteer Development and Nominations Committee, fostering the identification, vetting, and cultivation of the Foundation’s Board Members. Her judgment, intellect, professional demeanor, and leadership have contributed greatly to Board deliberations. Dr. Francis-Connolly’s experience as a longstanding volunteer in various capacities over an extended period have given her an extraordinary understanding of the Foundation’s history and challenges. Susan L. Garber, MA, OTR, FAOTA, FACRM Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas Ms. Susan L. Garber has served with distinction as a Trustee of the American Oc- cupational Therapy Foundation since 2017. She served as a member of the Awards and Recognition Committee and the Governance Committee, helped develop a new research excellence award and refined processes of the Foundation. Her intellect and leadership have contributed greatly to Board development, governance, strate- gic planning and decision-making. Ms. Garber’s commitment to the role of occupa- tional therapy in adding value to the health care system has been unwavering.