Support Travel for Doctoral OT Students

Help Us Present at the 2026 AOTA Annual Conference 

We are raising funds to support our travel and participation at the 2026 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, California. This is the largest national OT conference and an incredible opportunity for us as students to present our work, learn from experts, and connect with professionals who are shaping the future of our field. 

As full-time graduate students, the financial costs of attending are a challenge. Conference registration, travel, lodging, and meals all add up, and without support, attending would be difficult to manage. 

By helping fund our trip, you are directly supporting our professional growth and allowing us to proudly represent NAU on a national stage. 

Learn More About Our NAU Conference Presenters

Meet Ariana Jaime

I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a doctoral degree. Currently, I am a third-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at Northern Arizona University in Phoenix. Being accepted to present at the AOTA national conference is not only a huge honor, but also a milestone that represents the hard work and perseverance it took to get here. This opportunity allows me to share my passion for occupational therapy on a national stage while also inspiring others with similar backgrounds to pursue their goals. As a student, balancing the costs of graduate school with opportunities like this is challenging, which is why I am seeking support to help make this achievement possible.  

Meet Janelle Schenk

I am a third-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at NAU looking forward to presenting our research on the lived experience of students with disabilities in our program. We worked really hard to pull this research project off and were ecstatic and honored when we were accepted to present at the national conference held by the American Occupational Therapy Association. We hope that in holding this workshop we will elevate the voices of our peers and help shape the future of inclusivity in graduate school programs.

Your Gift → Our Impact on OT Education 

We humbly ask for your support to make this milestone possible. Every contribution, whether large or small, will help us cover essential costs and ensure that we can focus on presenting our work and learning from this experience. Your donation is not only an investment in us but also in the future of occupational therapy, as the knowledge and skills we gain will be brought back to serve our patients, communities, and profession.

Thank You for Your Generosity!

Thank you so much for supporting our journey to the 2026 AOTA National Conference! Your generosity helps us share our work, represent NAU, and continue growing as future occupational therapists. 

Your support means the world to us, it makes this incredible learning opportunity possible and reminds us that our community believes in our goals.