Esther Bell

Name and Contact

Training and Advanced Certifications

  • University of California Los Angeles 1951 BS Physical Education
  • University of Southern California 1953 Certificate in Occupational Therapy
  • Texas Women’s University 1972 MA Occupational Therapy

Area(s) of Expertise

  • Rehabilitation of Spinal Cord injured and Stroke
  • School Systems
  • Quality improvement
  • Bylaws and policies

Awards and Honors

  • Texas Occupational Therapy Association OTR of the Year 1971
  • Texas Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Merit 1995
  • American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows 1980
  • Warm Springs Foundation Philanthropic Award 1995
  • Warm Springs Foundation President’s award 1996
  • Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership award given by Texas Woman’s University 2009
  • Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Service, American Occupational Therapy Foundation 1996
  • American Occupational Therapy Association service awards, numerous years

Leadership Accomplishments and Passions

  • Council on Basic Professional Education (CBPE) 1966-1972
  • Planning Committee member CBPE
  • Commission on Practice Representative 1968-71, Chair 1983-1986
  • Nominating Committee, Chair 1976
  • Recognitions Committee, Chair 1976-78
  • Representative Assembly 1971-1978
  • Ad hoc committee for Association Priorities 1973
  • Bylaws, Policies and Procedure Committee in various capacities 1979-2004
  • Secretary to AOTA and Voting Member of Executive Board 1978-1982 and 1986-1989
  • Quality Assurance Consultant 1982 -83
  • Parliamentarian for AOTA – 1989 -2004
  • On initial board for AOTPAC 1978-80
  • Served on numerous task forces focusing on strategic planning and professional development
  • Texas Occupational Therapy Association accomplishments
  • Vice Chairman, Alamo South District 1960-62
  • Recognitions Committee Chair 1966 and 1972
  • Council on Practice Representative to AOTA 1968-71
  • Conference Planning 1960
  • Texas Representative to AOTA 1971-1977
  • Chairman Committee on Policy Statements 1975
  • Chairman Long Range Planning Committee
  • Licensure Planning
  • Vice President 1977-79 and 1989-1994
  • President 1994-1998
  • Initiated development of Trialliance (PT, OT, Speech) in Texas 1994-1995
  • Passions : Outcome measurements for quality improvement in patient care; bylaws; policies

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