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OT Knowledge Exchange Connecting Research to Practice and Practice to Research

The 24th OT Knowledge Exchange will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium.

Register January 2026!

2026 Knowledge Exchange Event

The theme for this year’s Knowledge Exchange is Connections: Connecting Research to Practice, and Connecting Practice to Research.

*4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded for those who register and attend.

OT Excellence Recognizing Leaders and Partners

During the annual Knowledge Exchange event we recognize individuals who make extraordinary contributions to our students and the profession. Below are recent honorees.

Friend of OT

  • 2025: Sarah Barrett, CSU College of Health and Human Sciences, Dean’s Office, Human Resources Manager
  • 2024: Barbara Ball, CSU Retired Faculty Member, and Candiss Leathers, Colorado AgrAbility
  • 2023: Legacy Award – Colin Heffern, CSU Alumni (’10)
  • 2022: Jodie Hanzlik, Professor Emerita, Occupational Therapy
  • 2021: Carole Makela, Chair of University Curriculum Committee, and Robert Hudgens, Retired Counselor from CSU Financial Aid
  • 2019: David Greene, CSU Retired Faculty Member
  • 2018: Jan Pollemat and Tamara Merritt, Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, Loveland
  • 2017: Anne Hudgens, CSU Health Network
  • 2016: Karen Rattenborg, CSU Early Childhood Center

Distinguished Alum

  • 2025: Patti Davies
  • 2024: Terri Cassidy
  • 2023: Karen Atler
  • 2022: Teresa Boynton
  • 2021: Amy Darragh
  • 2019: Marla Roll
  • 2018: Jody Werner
  • 2017: Marilyn Schock
  • 2016: Debra Paul

Fieldwork Educators

  • 2025: Susan Eddy, Occupational Therapist, Cheyenne Veterans Affairs
  • 2024: Lisa Fyffe, Occupational Therapy Program Supervisor at the CSU Early Childhood Center
  • 2023: Taneal Behm, Owner, NoCo Pediatric Occupational Therapy
  • 2022: Gayna Jobe, Integrated Services Program Specialist, Cooper Home
  • 2021: City of Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Opportunities Program, Fort Collins
  • 2019: Craig Hospital, Englewood
  • 2018: Denver Health Medical Center
  • 2017: University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora
  • 2016: Children’s Hospital, Denver

Past Events Knowledge Exchange Archive

2025: OT Knowledge Exchange highlights advocacy and collaboration

2024: The 22nd annual Knowledge Exchange exhibited taking risks and amplifying occupational therapy

2023: The Department of Occupational Therapy highlights diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice at 21st annual Knowledge Exchange

2021: OT spotlights mental health and meaningful participation at annual Knowledge Exchange