The coveted national recognition is only awarded to one individual per year and acknowledges Underwood's efforts as a mentor, advocate and ground breaker for innovative practices in her profession.

"During the last nine years, in my role as an educator, I've had the honor of being able to have some influence on future practice," Underwood, a resident of Chamblee, Ga., said.
"What I enjoy the most is sharing the values of the profession. I've been able to especially experience the extreme joy and fulfillment as former students focus their practices on working with people who traditionally don't receive occupational therapy services."

Underwood was nominated for the award by colleague and former student Dee Stanfield, MS, OTR/L. She has served as a member of Brenau Occupational Therapy Department since 1996. Underwood is a mentor to students, Brenau alums and therapists in the clinical and academic settings; has mentored multiple therapists regarding work with different populations of clients, entrepreneurship, organizational development and ethical dilemmas. She is an advocate for persons with barriers to independence, advocating not only for them those in need to receive occupational therapy services, but also psychological, vocational, community and school services.