2021 Awards & Recognitions 99 her time to attending and hosting cultivation events, leading various discussions during AOTF events at AOTA’s Annual Conference, and building partnerships with friends and stakeholders of the Foundation. Dr. Lawlor led the establishment of the new AOTF standing committee STRIDE (Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity). Her commitment to the Foundation is valued and greatly appreciated. AOTF Fred Sammons Volunteer Recognition Award Patricia Booth, MAT Chicago, Illinois Patricia (Pat) Booth received her BA from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and her MAT from Radcliffe College/Harvard Graduate School of Educa- tion, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) for 20 years in progressive areas of administrative responsibility and retired as Assistant Administrator of the hospital. During her time there she worked with many OTs, which is how she came to learn and love the practice. She is a strong advocate for both OT and evidence-based practice. Ms. Booth has served with distinction as a public Board Member of AOTF from 2007 to 2011 and Secretary of the AOTF Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2015. Ms. Booth was the Founding Chair of the AOTF Development Council and continued to serve as its Chair from 2010 to 2015. In 2017, she became the Chair of the AOTF Audit Committee and continues in that role. Her insightful perspective as a public member contributed greatly to Board deliberations, Board development, governance, strategic planning, and decision-making. Her knowledge and experience added greatly to discussions of 21st century health care possibilities involving occupational therapy. Ms. Booth has donated to AOTF since 2007 to sup- port research grants, the Kielhofner fund, and areas of greatest need. She is very happy to support AOTF given the limited resources for OT research and has been excited to see AOTF grow to support three important research grants: the Intervention Research Grant, the Health Services Research Grant, and the Implementation Research Grant. Ms. Booth has given generously of her time and other personal resources to advance the aims of the Foundation. AOTF A. Jean Ayres Award Leah Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L University of Southern California Los Angeles, California Dr. Leah Stein Duker’s work capitalizes on occupational therapy’s unique ability to integrate providers’ and clients’ needs. She seeks to understand environmental barriers and facilitators in order to develop tailored modifications to enhance clients’ participation in needed and desired activities. Her research focuses on identifying sensory, social, and physical factors and developing strategies to reduce stress and anxiety. Dr. Duker’s research has improved health encounters for clinical and typical populations in dentistry, primary care, oncology, and emergency care, expanding the role of occupa- tional therapy. Dr. Duker is the leading researcher to describe sensory issues related to oral care in children with autism. Scott D. Tomchek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky Dr. Scott Tomchek is Professor, Assistant Director, and Chief Occupational Therapist in the Weisskopf Center in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His research has included highly cited studies in sensory processing, AOTA-sponsored practice guidelines, and numerous book chapters. Addi- tionally, he was one of the first to link sensory processing to behaviors associated with autism. He frequently speaks at both OT and interdisciplinary national conferences and is a recognized expert in sensory processing and autism research. Dr. Tomchek is a state-wide and national leader in OT and autism research communities. AOTF Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP Piller Child Development, LLC Phoenix, Arizona Dr. Aimee Piller has made significant contributions to the field of occupational therapy in the areas of sensory integra- tion and evidence-based practice. She owns and operates continued