The Department of Occupational Therapy at NYU Steinhardt proudly congratulates Jamie Friedman, the winner of the second Annual Jim Hinojosa Doctoral Award. Friedman lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her husband, Larry, and their two children, Blake (11) and Audrey (8). After 20 years as an occupational therapist, she decided to change the focus of her practice from adult rehab to pediatrics, and came to NYU to complete her clinical doctoral degree.
Friedman fondly remembers her experiences of working with Dr. Hinojosa at NYU:
Being the recipient of the Jim Hinojosa Doctoral Award is a tremendously meaningful recognition. Although I had known of Jim Hinojosa from the time I was in my master’s program, I had not met Jim until the summer of 2018. I could easily have been intimidated by such a prominent name, but meeting Jim (virtually) assuaged any worry or unease that might have been. Conversations with Jim were always fun and insightful, and left me feeling simultaneously smarter, inspired, and motivated to continue exploring. Certainly, I feel fortunate to have studied under one of the brightest thinkers and advocates of our profession, but I feel equally fortunate to have learned from someone so generous with his time and knowledge. I will always treasure and be grateful for this experience and will try to emulate his encouraging nature as I move forward. I am truly thankful for the consideration and award.
Friedman's recently defended ePortfolio, The Handwriting is on the Wall, examines handwriting development for beginning writers and investigates the impact of occupational therapy on handwriting acquisition. At the culmination of the project, Friedman presents the Letter-Perfect Handwriting Instruction (L-Phi). L-Phi is a handwriting initiative grounded in motor learning theory and evidence-based research. Along with an instructional student workbook geared for use with teachers, parents, and occupational therapy practitioners, L-Phi also provides coaching, consultation, and occupational therapy services.
