Two members of SUNY Orange’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program were honored by the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) during its annual conference on Saturday, Oct. 25 held in Glens Falls, N.Y. Faculty member Tarah Miller received the NYSOTA Merit for Practice Award in the category of Service in Academia, while student Laura Kahle was named Student of the Year. Both were recognized for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and contributions to the field of occupational therapy.

Miller, who has been with SUNY Orange since 2016, was previously honored by NYSOTA in 2022 for Teaching. Her latest award acknowledges her statewide advocacy for Occupational Therapy Assistants and her long-standing commitment to OTA-level education.

Her nomination highlighted Miller’s work with the College’s BRIDGES program, where she helped develop the peer mentoring initiative that continues to connect OTA students with students in the BRIDGES program. These partnerships foster social skills development and provide vital peer support on campus.

“Receiving this award has allowed me to reflect on the past nine years at the College and feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the work I’ve done and the goals I’ve accomplished,” Miller said. “It is never lost on me that my work directly impacts students every day, and my biggest goal is to make that impact meaningful and positive.”

Miller, who currently serves as Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor for the OTA program, shared a quote from author and activist bell hooks that resonates with her approach to teaching and mentorship: “When we choose to love, we choose to move against fear, against alienation and separation. The choice to love is a choice to connect, to find ourselves in the other.”

SUNY Orange student Laura Kahle, the NYSOTA Student of the Year, has demonstrated those same values of connection and compassion throughout her academic journey.

A 2017 graduate of Pine Bush High School, Kahle earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University at Buffalo in 2021. She is currently in her third academic semester in SUNY Orange’s OTA program and is on track to complete her final semester in 2026, which consists of two eight-week fieldwork placements.

Kahle was nominated by Professor and Academic Advisor Donna Frazier for her merit, leadership, and passion for occupational therapy. “This award came as a surprise, although I feel immense pride and honor in receiving it,” Kahle said. “It’s a reminder to keep growing, learning, connecting, and helping those around me, both in the classroom and in practice.”

As president of the OTA program’s student club, Changing Outlooks Through Activity (COTA), Kahle has built strong relationships with her peers and faculty. But her path to occupational therapy wasn’t a straight line.

“After graduating from UB, I felt a disconnect in the corporate world. I missed human connection and problem solving,” she said. “When I discovered that so many roles I was drawn to involve an element of therapy—like nature therapy or hippotherapy—I realized occupational therapy was what I was looking for. Luckily, one of the highest-rated OTA programs in the state was just 20 minutes from my hometown.”

That decision led to experiences that reaffirmed her calling, particularly through her Summer work at The Center for Discovery, where she worked with medically fragile children. “I remember helping a student take his very first steps using adaptive equipment,” Kahle recalled. “Seeing his face light up was a defining moment. It brought tears to my eyes and made me realize that anything is possible through hard work and human connection.”

Kahle says the recognition from NYSOTA has strengthened her commitment to continue her education in occupational therapy and to one day be among the voices shaping the future of the field. “I’m surrounded by a cohort of hardworking, intelligent individuals who push me to be a good leader and friend. I hope they recognize the power of altruism and how devoting your time to help others empowers you to advocate and push for better outcomes.”

OTA Professor Donna Frazier expressed deep pride in both honorees. “I am incredibly proud of Tarah and Laura for their outstanding recognition at the NYSOTA Conference,” she said. “Their dedication and commitment to advancing the field of occupational therapy are an inspiration. Tarah is always present for our students, and her recognition was well deserved.”

To learn more about the Occupational Therapy Assistant and other health care related programs at SUNY Orange, call (845) 341-4030 or email apply@sunyorange.edu and speak with an admissions professional.