MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — Donna Frazier, M.A., OTR/L, CAPS, chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at SUNY Orange, was recently honored as an Alumna of Distinction by Dominican University.

A 1993 graduate of SUNY Orange, Frazier was recognized not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her deep-rooted commitment to service and education. After completing her associate degree, she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1998 from Dominican University’s weekend program. She went on to serve as rehabilitation director at Fishkill Health Center and later advanced to regional rehabilitation director for the Elant system, overseeing occupational, physical and speech therapy services across five subacute and long-term care facilities, as well as outpatient and home care programs.

She began teaching as an adjunct in SUNY Orange’s OTA program in 2004. In 2018, she was named department chair. That same year, she completed a master’s degree in public policy and earned an advanced certificate in healthcare management from SUNY Empire.

A leader in her field, Frazier, has been an active member of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association for more than 30 years. She has held numerous leadership roles, presented at professional conferences and participated in international occupational therapy delegations to China and India. In 2015, she received the Orange County Women of Achievement Award.

Beyond her professional milestones, Frazier is known at SUNY Orange for her positive energy and personal investment in the college community. Whether mentoring students, encouraging colleagues or volunteering at campus events, she brings enthusiasm and care to everything she does. She played a key volunteer role in SUNY Orange’s 75th anniversary celebrations and is often seen supporting activities across campus, regardless of whether they fall under her official responsibilities.

While addressing students and guests at the Dominican University pinning ceremony, Frazier shared she was humbled and honored to receive the incredible honor of Alumna of Distinction and reminded the future graduates of the heart behind their work.

“Never forget, you are the calm in the chaos, the glue in the rehab team, and the champions of the small wins that change lives in big ways,” she said.

Before wishing the occupational therapy pinned students well, Frazier shared her favorite quote attributed to George Washington Carver, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in your life, you will have been all of these.”