The George Washington University (GW) Occupational Therapy program recently gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 graduates and honored two alumni who embody the program’s mission of clinical excellence, research innovation, and social advocacy: Carolin Capurro, OTD ’25, OTR/L and Dr. Meredith Norwood, ppOTD ’21, MOT, OTR/L.
“These two individuals represent the very best of GW Occupational Therapy,” said Kellie Sawyer during the presentation. “They have taken the foundation built here and used it to push the boundaries of what our profession can achieve.”
Carolin Capurro: A Champion for Health Equity
Capurro, a 2025 graduate of the Entry-Level OTD program, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to underserved communities. Since entering the field, Dr. Capurro has been a leader in collaborative practice, specifically focusing on those often overlooked by the traditional healthcare system, specifically the postpartum experience of Latina mothers to amplify their voices and develop more culturally responsive, equitable OT services.
Her impact has already gained national recognition. Most recently, she was selected for the American Occupational Therapy Foundation’s (AOTF) STRIDE Award (Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity). This prestigious honor provides mentored research experiences alongside leading experts in the field.
Meredith Norwood: Bridging Research and Practice
Norwood, a 2021 graduate of the Post-Professional OTD program in 2021, was honored for her significant contributions to clinical research and academia. Her journey from student to scholar serves as a roadmap for aspiring researchers. Her doctoral capstone focused on coping strategies for pediatric patients with chronic pain and their caregivers. Dr. Norwood is a published author in the Journal for Healthcare Quality and currently serves as an adjunct professor at GW, teaching the Child and Youth Intervention course.
Following the awards, the honorees addressed the graduating class, reflecting on the "different lens" through which GW teaches students to view the profession. The message was clear: Occupational therapy is as much about advocacy and connection as it is about intervention.
“It’s about advocacy, connection, and finding ways to amplify the voices of others,” Capurro shared. “So many people sit quietly in the background, and it is both our responsibility and privilege to help empower them so they can live meaningful lives.”
The address offered a heartfelt reminder to the new graduates as they transition into full-time practice:
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Remember Your "Why": Let the purpose that brought you to this profession guide you through long hours and the challenges of the healthcare system.
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Don't Let Fear Stop You: Avoid letting exhaustion or self-doubt prevent you from pursuing greatness.
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The GW Family is Forever: The OTD legacy means that mentorship doesn't end at graduation; professors and fellow alumni remain just a text or email away.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was one of profound pride. The Class of 2026 now joins a legacy of clinicians willing to "go the extra mile and do hard things" for the people and communities they serve.
