Western New England University is proud to announce that two esteemed faculty members in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, Dr. Debra A. Latour, OTD, MEd, OTR/L, and Dr. Alexis Morin, OT, OTD, MOT, OTR, have been awarded national and state honors for their exceptional contributions to the field of occupational therapy. Dr. Latour was one of only 34 named to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) Roster of Fellows as an “Innovator and Leader in Education and Practice,” while Dr. Morin received the 2024 Linda Duncombe Memorial Award for Mental Health from the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy (MAOT).
Dr. Debra Latour: Innovator and Leader in Education and Practice
Dr. Latour’s award acknowledges her groundbreaking contributions to OT education, practice, and prosthetic rehabilitation. With over 45 years in the field, Dr. Latour has built a global reputation as an expert in upper limb prosthetic technology. As the founder of Single-Handed Solutions, she has developed patented prosthetic innovations that promote independence and quality of life for individuals with limb differences. She is also the creator of Unlimbited Wellness, a telehealth program supporting clients with upper limb loss.
In 2021, Dr. Latour was appointed WNE’s Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and has transformed the capstone process for OTD students, enabling them to apply their projects in real-world contexts. Through her mentorship, a record number of WNE students have published and presented at conferences, showcasing the impact of OT in new areas. Her leadership extends to numerous national boards, including the Association of Children’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinics and the Amputee Coalition’s Upper Limb Advisory Council.
Dr. Alexis Morin: Linda Duncombe Memorial Award for Mental Health
Dr. Morin’s recognition with the Linda Duncombe Memorial Award for Mental Health highlights her commitment to advancing OT in mental health education and practice. As the primary instructor for mental health in WNE’s OTD program, Dr. Morin has significantly enhanced the curriculum, making mental health a core focus across various practice settings. Her efforts include implementing mental health screenings at the WNE pro bono OT clinic, ensuring that every client’s mental well-being is assessed as part of their care.
Additionally, Dr. Morin has founded “cOnnecTed Minds,” a support group for stroke survivors and caregivers, and introduced the “Brain Color” program, which teaches students to tailor feedback based on individual learning styles. As a mentor, Dr. Morin empowers students to explore mental health OT in nontraditional settings, with many of her mentees presenting at state and national conferences and pursuing careers in mental health OT.
A Commitment to Mentorship and Professional Growth
Both Dr. Latour and Dr. Morin embody WNE’s values of mentorship, innovation, and excellence in teaching. Dr. Latour’s mentorship has fostered a new generation of OT professionals, while Dr. Morin’s influence has ignited students’ passion for mental health OT. Their ongoing clinical work, leadership roles, and professional development underscore their dedication to advancing the field of occupational therapy.
Celebrating Excellence in Occupational Therapy
Western New England University congratulates Dr. Debra Latour and Dr. Alexis Morin on these well-deserved honors, recognizing their significant impact on the OT profession and their students. Their achievements highlight the outstanding contributions of WNE faculty to the field of occupational therapy and their commitment to preparing the next generation of OT leaders.
