Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor and director of fieldwork Jaime Smiley, M.S., OTR/L, CAPS, CDP

Two faculty members from the VCU Department of Occupational Therapy were recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching and student learning during the VCU College of Health Professions Awards of Excellence Ceremony on March 27 at the Hippodrome Theater.

Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor and director of fieldwork, was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award, while adjunct instructor Jaime Smiley, M.S., OTR/L, CAPS, CDP, received the Adjunct Excellence Award. Together, these recognitions highlight the department’s commitment to innovative, student-centered education grounded in real-world practice.

The Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success through innovative teaching, mentorship, experiential learning and measurable impact on student outcomes. Andelin was selected for her student-centered approach to education and her leadership in fieldwork education, where she helps prepare future occupational therapists for the complexities of clinical practice.

“Long after they leave my classroom, I hope students remember that lifelong learning is essential to being an evidence-based and client-centered clinician,” Andelin said. “Continue to ask questions, challenge your assumptions and take initiative to find the answers.”

In addition to her teaching and mentoring, Andelin’s scholarly work focuses on sensory integration and processing, assistive technology and pediatric practice. She is board certified in pediatrics, holds advanced certification in Ayres Sensory Integration and serves as chair of the Sensory Integration and Processing Special Interest Section for the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Smiley was honored for ability to translate decades of hands-on clinical work into meaningful learning experiences for students. As a 24-year veteran in occupational therapy and senior services, she helps bridge academic concepts with the practical realities students will face as health care professionals.

“Teaching the next generation of occupational therapists is deeply rewarding because it means helping shape compassionate, skilled professionals who will make a lasting difference in people’s everyday lives,” Smiley said.

In addition to her teaching role, Smiley works with Benchmark Senior Solutions, where she assists older adults across central and eastern Virginia in identifying care options that best meet their needs.

by John Battiston