WVU OT Alumni Recognized as Outstanding Service Provider

Recently, the Washington County Public School system in Hagerstown, Maryland, awarded Amanda Himmelwright, OTR/L as Service Provider of the Year.

Special education staff members who provided excellence in special education during school year 2019-2020 were nominated in five categories including teachers, paraprofessionals, case managers, service providers, and friends of special education. Himmelwright, pictured here, was the winner in the "Service Provider" category.

Himmelwright has been an occupational therapist for 17 years, 15 of those years as a full-time employee with WCPS. Her areas of clinical specialties include school-based occupational therapy and pediatrics. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, "school-based occupational therapy practitioners support academic achievement and social participation by promoting occupation within all school routines, including recess, classroom, and cafeteria time. They help children fulfill their role as students and prepare them for college, career, and community integration. They utilize prevention, promotion, and intervention strategies for mental and physical health and well-being."

When asked about Himmelwright's award, colleague Cheryl Morris, OTR/L, shared the following:  "Amanda is an excellent therapist who advocates well for her students. She is a great representation of OT in our special education world. She routinely volunteers to do presentations to groups of teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents. Whenever a person gets busy, Amanda is the first to volunteer to help. She maintains great relationships with staff, students, and parents, and is a true asset to our team. I am thrilled that Amanda was recognized by our SECAC in this way to shine a light on OT in our county schools."

Himmelwright graduated from West Virginia University Division of Occupational Therapy in 2004 with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy.  She currently resides with her family (Adam - spouse, Grace - 15-year-old daughter, Evelyn - 12-year-old daughter, and Riley - 13-year-old pup) on the Pennsylvania/Maryland border.   In addition to her experience as a pediatric school-based OT, Himmelwright has experience providing occupational therapy services across the lifespan while providing PRN services at multiple hospitals, inpatient rehabitation facilties, and long-term care settings in the locations of PA, MD, and WV.