In Elite Company

By Elle Wilcox '26, October 20, 2023

Associate Professor Melinda Cozzolino honored by national occupational therapy organization.

Melinda Cozzolino, associate professor and chair of IC’s Department of Occupational Therapy (front row, second from left) was recognized for her contributions to the profession.

(Photo submitted)

During their careers, just 3% of occupational therapists are honored with a Roster of Fellows award from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Melinda Cozzolino, associate professor and chair of IC’s Department of Occupational Therapy, is now part of that exclusive group after being named to AOTA’s 2023 Roster of Fellows.

Established in 1973, the Roster of Fellows recognizes occupational therapists who through their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and/or guidance have made a significant contribution over time to the profession with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the association.

Cozzolino’s award is specifically titled “Leading and mentoring interprofessional education and practice.” Cozzolino most definitely fits the description. Her volunteer work with the AOTA has included serving on the Mental Health Special Interest Section, as the liaison to the School Mental Health Commission of practice, as an editor, and writing items for national boards.

Cozzolino has been a part of the Ithaca College community since 1999, originally hired to start the occupational therapy part of Ithaca College’s Occupational and Physical Therapy (OT/PT) Clinic. She feels a reason for her lasting stay is thanks to the administration’s support of experiential and interprofessional works like hers with the Ithaca College Center for Life Skills.

Cozzolino wrote the grants and helped run the pilot program to start the Center for Life Skills. This center has now served hundreds of clients and accesses teams of faculty and students from various Ithaca College schools to provide rehabilitation services to members of the local community who have experienced a stroke.

“She’s so dynamic and engaging. She’s beloved by our students, of just her ability to connect with everybody. She’s definitely someone who looks to support her students and to support other faculty and staff.”

Julie Dorsey ’01, M.S. ’03, associate dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance

Julie Dorsey ’01, M.S. ’03 is the associate dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance and a former student of Cozzolino’s. Dorsey speaks of Cozzolino as a role model. “She shows what it means to be a lifelong learner and to be engaged with your community and just get out and make a difference.”

Dorsey sees Cozzolino as an embodiment of the occupational therapy profession through her care shown in teaching and interacting with colleagues and students.

“She’s so dynamic and engaging. She’s beloved by our students, of just her ability to connect with everybody. She’s definitely someone who looks to support her students and to support other faculty and staff.”

Since winning the AOTA Roster of Fellows Award, Cozzolino herself has felt a difference. “It’s definitely a shift, a shift to more mentorship. I feel like my voice is amplified and now I can use it to support others.”