Congratulations to the 2026 Frieda J. Behlen Scholarship Winners

The NYU Steinhardt Department of Occupational Therapy is pleased to recognize Caroline Chang (EL-OTD '27) and Ashley Callea (EL-OTD '27) as the 2026 recipients of the Frieda J. Behlen Occupational Therapy Scholarship. The award, named to honor the memory of our department’s generous founder and former chair, Frieda J. Behlen, recognizes high-achieving MS students with a demonstrated commitment to contributing to the NYU OT community.

Learn more about Caroline and Ashley below, as they reflect on their studies, professional aspirations, and what this accomplishment means to them.

Which parts of your NYU OT studies are most exciting to you?

Caroline: I have loved the unique and diverse experiences that I have had while studying in NYU’s OT program. Since my first semester I have had the opportunity to participate in exciting experiences all the way from field trips and multidisciplinary classes to cadaver lab and taking electives in my areas of interest. I have loved being taught by professors with so many clinical experiences, hearing about their journeys as occupational therapists and seeing their excitement in sharing their knowledge with future practitioners.

Ashley: Anatomy, Orthopedic Evaluation, and Rehabilitation have been some of my favorite classes throughout my OT education. I especially loved cadaver lab during my first spring semester, where I had the opportunity to explore the muscles, nerves, and structures of the body in a real-life context. It was an incredible experience to connect what we learn in textbooks to the actual anatomy we will work with as clinicians. I’ve also really enjoyed the hands-on clinical skills we’ve learned, such as fabricating splints, applying physical agent modalities, and practicing assessments like manual muscle testing and range of motion. While these skills were challenging at first, mastering them has been extremely rewarding. The pediatrics lab was another highlight for me. Trialing different swings, learning to observe nystagmus, and practicing NDT handling techniques were both fascinating and informative as I prepare for my future. 

What are your professional goals as an aspiring OT?

Caroline: As an aspiring occupational therapist I hope to immerse myself in an emerging practice and be an advocate for the field of occupational therapy. My passions are diversely spread across areas of practice and I am excited to explore where the role of OT can fit into new settings. In addition to my desire to be a clinician, I have always had a passion for education. I hope to become a professor and teach incoming cohorts of OTs, and be a leader in expanding the field.

Ashley: My goal is to work within the pediatric population. Since beginning my capstone experience, I have developed an even stronger interest in working with children who have complex neurological, orthopedic, and medical needs. I am passionate about supporting individuals whose abilities are often underestimated and helping them access meaningful participation in everyday activities. In the future, I hope to work in rehabilitation or specialized school settings where I can support both functional independence and overall quality of life. My goal as an occupational therapist is to advocate for children with complex needs and help them engage in the activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

Caroline: I have been incredibly honored and grateful to be able to study at NYU, learn from such amazing professors, and take advantage of unique opportunities provided by NYU. Being awarded this scholarship feels like a great support and motivation to continue my studies and give back to the NYU community and occupational therapy community in the future.

Ashley: Winning this scholarship means so much to me! Pursuing occupational therapy school has been both incredibly rewarding and challenging, and I feel deeply grateful for the support of my friends, family, and professors who have encouraged me throughout this journey. Being part of the NYU OT community has been such a meaningful experience, and the mentorship I have received continues to inspire me to work hard and grow as a future clinician.