At the Department of Occupational Therapy’s Pinning and Hooding Ceremony, Deanna Dambrose, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP-A received the Jayne T. Shepherd “Making a Difference” Alumni Award in recognition of her service to the field and the department.

Deanna is a 2019 graduate of VCU Occupational Therapy inaugural entry-level occupational therapy doctorate program.  From the outset, it was evident that she possessed a rare blend of passion, dedication, and intellect. Her 2019 capstone project, titled "From Student to Teacher: Adding Value to the Psychosocial Fieldwork Course," offered a glimpse into the contributions she would soon make to our program.

Upon graduation, Deanna’s goal was to raise awareness of the role of occupational therapy in mental health, joining Gateway Homes as an occupational therapist. Yet, her commitment didn't stop there. Recognizing the importance of education in shaping future practitioners, she became an adjunct instructor, returning to the very course she completed her capstone in. Year after year, Dr. Dambrose has dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of occupational therapists, guiding them through both level I and level II placements with unwavering support and expertise.

Most recently, Deanna has been a driving force in our curriculum, collaborating with our department to develop a new Psychosocial course set to launch this fall. Her tireless efforts have not only enriched our program but have made an impact on occupational therapy in mental health.

It is with great pride and admiration that Dr. Deanna Dambrose was this year's Jayne Shepherd "Making a Difference" Alumni Award recipient. Her dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our program embody the very essence of this prestigious alumni honor.