Caitlyn E. Berry, ’15, M.S., OTR/L, has received both our department’s Jayne Shepherd Making a Difference Alumni Award and the College of Health Professions' 2025 Dean’s Outstanding Service Award.

Berry’s career reflects a powerful blend of service, innovation and advocacy. She began her work at SOAR365, supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities in early intervention and outpatient settings. There, she quickly emerged as a leader – training caregivers in culturally responsive coaching strategies and mentoring fieldwork students every semester.

In 2020, she co-founded Adapt & Grow, a private practice offering strengths-based, family-centered occupational therapy in natural environments. This innovative response to service gaps during the pandemic continues to grow, guided by a commitment to sustainability and community support – including a parent group for caregivers of neurodivergent children.

At Sportable, Berry serves as the health and wellness outcomes manager for Adaptive Sports & Recreation, where she led transformative, state-funded initiatives totaling $1.35 million. Her work includes developing inclusive fitness programs and launching the Athlete Ambassador Program, which empowers athletes with disabilities as leaders and advocates. She was recently promoted to director of government relations as Sportable.

Beyond her professional roles, Berry remains deeply committed to VCU. Since 2016, she has mentored more than a dozen students through fieldwork and capstone experiences, and she frequently returns as a guest lecturer and lab assistant.

Berry exemplifies what it means to make a difference – through clinical excellence, community leadership and tireless support of future practitioners. Please join us in congratulating her on these well-deserved honors.