The NDTA Member Recognition Awards Program honors outstanding contributions that advance the Neuro‑Developmental Treatment Association’s mission and the practice of NDT across clinical care, education, research, service, and innovation. Each year at the Annual Conference, NDTA celebrates members whose work exemplifies excellence and leadership through five distinct awards: the Emerging and Innovative Practice (Technique) Award, recognizing creative and impactful new treatment ideas and approaches; the Distinguished Educator Award, honoring exceptional leadership in NDT education and mentorship; the Early NDT Career Award, celebrating meaningful engagement and influence within the first five years of certification; the NDTA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Association’s highest honor for a lifetime of service, leadership, and advancement of NDT; and the NDTA Service Award, recognizing dedicated volunteerism and commitment to supporting NDTA’s mission. Together, these awards highlight the diverse ways NDTA members strengthen the field and enrich the community.
NDTA Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award is presented to members who have dedicated a lifetime of service to NDT in various capacities, including volunteerism, education, board service, and mentorship. It honors exceptional leadership, outstanding clinical skills, and significant contributions to the growth and sustainability of NDTA. Recipients are recognized for consistently achieving positive patient outcomes and advancing the field through innovation and collaboration.
2026 Recipient: Robbi Farrow, OT\L, C/NDT
Distinguished Educator
Academia and Instructor Group
This award honors members who have played a significant role in educating and training professionals, students, or caregivers in NDT principles and techniques. It also recognizes the development of innovative educational materials, courses, or programs that positively impact the field. The award highlights mentorship and leadership in education and research aligned with NDTA’s Core Principles.
2026 Recipient: Karen Brunton, PT, CI, C/NDT
NDTA Service Award
NDTA Volunteer Recognition
This award recognizes members who have demonstrated ongoing volunteerism within NDTA committees, actively supporting and promoting the association’s mission and goals. It honors those who advocate for individuals with neuromuscular conditions, bring creative and innovative ideas, and show leadership within the NDTA community.
2026 Recipient: Julie Haggerty, PT, DPT, PCS, ATP, C/NDT
Early NDT Career Award
This award acknowledges members within five years of NDT certification who have demonstrated active involvement in the practice and promotion of NDT. It recognizes those who have contributed to education, committee service, and the development of impactful educational resources. The award is designed to encourage and celebrate early-career professionals making a difference in the field.
2026 Recipient: Maricarmen Romero, OTR/L, C/NDT
Emerging and Innovative Practice (Technique) Award
This award celebrates members who have introduced novel treatment ideas or practices that align with the Core Principles of NDTA, with a special focus on therapeutic handling to enhance outcomes. It recognizes significant contributions through innovative approaches, techniques, or tools that have made a meaningful impact on contemporary NDT practice or research.