Kristine Haertl (left) with Karen Sames (right) before the AOTF National Awards Ceremony. Photo provided by Kristine Haertl.
Kristine Haertl, PhD, ACE, OTR/L, FAOTA, received a Leadership Commendation at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) Annual Conference. Established in 1999, the award recognizes outstanding service of those contributing time, energy and support to the fulfillment of the AOTF’s mission, goals, and objectives.
AOTF’s mission is to advance the science of occupational therapy to support people’s full participation in meaningful life activities. To qualify for the award, nominees had to have at least three years of active membership on the AOTF Board of Trustees, attend a minimum of 80 percent of board meetings during their term, complete all assigned and voluntary duties and responsibilities, and provide support for the mission of AOTF. Haertl was one of five award recipients.
"It is an honor to receive the AOTF Leadership Commendation Award," said Haertl. "The American Occupational Therapy Foundation does significant work in advancing research in occupational therapy."
Kristine Haertl has been a professor at St. Kate’s since 1997. In the Occupational Therapy department, Haertl teaches masters and doctoral courses related to occupational science foundations, educational methods and practice, sensory-perceptual-cognitive processing, and introductory and advanced mental health practice. Haertl has also taught classes in the psychology and CORE departments.
Haertl has been active in mental health research related to peer-supported mental health housing models and exploration of the efficacy of services at a free-standing psychiatric occupational therapy clinic. Haertl’s research has lead to legislative changes regarding evidence-based mental health practice in Minnesota and has helped secure funding for the development of Fairweather housing units in Pennsylvania. In addition to full time faculty work, Haertl has served as the Chair of a large mental health board in Minnesota, is currently the president of the Tasks Unlimited Training Center board and on the executive board for Tasks Inc., and maintains a private practice serving persons with psychiatric disorders and developmental disabilities.