Convention-Speakers

Dr. Moira Bushell

Dr. Moira P. Bushell is a nationally recognized occupational therapy leader, clinician, educator, and advocate grounded in a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Her work centers on advancing equitable systems and empowering students, families, and professionals through evidence-based, student-centered practice. She is known for translating complex concepts into practical strategies that drive meaningful change across educational settings.

With more than a decade of leadership in the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, she has advanced inclusive governance, strengthened professional communities, and elevated best practices. Her leadership has contributed to expanded member engagement, increased diversity in leadership pathways, and strengthened organizational impact. A published author and frequent national presenter, Dr. Bushell is a leading voice in school-based practice and education policy and is regularly sought for her expertise in policy development, continuing education, and advanced practice. Her contributions have earned prestigious honors, including AOTA’s Roster of Fellows and Recognition of Achievement.

Dr. Bushell’s lived experience as an advocate, educator, clinician, mentor, and champion of accessibility and inclusion informs her leadership across all organizations she serves, bringing compassion, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to service. She continues to work full time as an occupational therapist, serving our youngest learners as they first start school.

A 2005 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, Dr. Bushell proudly celebrates her time in the Theta Chapter, which began with a Sugar Bowl appearance and ended with a Final Four run. She married a fellow Illini, and together they are raising their daughter, Molly, who already knows more about Illini sports than most.

Sarah Milgrim (posthumous award)

Sarah Lynn Milgrim was born December 29, 1998, in Kansas City, Missouri. From an early age, Sarah felt compelled to take care of animals and the earth. She encouraged her family and friends to reduce, reuse, recycle and started a recycling program at her sorority house, Sigma Kappa. She was a member of the Xi chapter at the University of Kansas. She served as historian in 2018 and as a panhellenic representative from 2018 - 2020.

Sarah graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School (2017) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from The University of Kansas (2021). She earned Master’s degrees in International Affairs from American University and Resource Development and Sustainability from the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica (2023). Most recently, Sarah participated in the Sachs Mimouna Fellowship through the American Jewish Committee, whereby, she traveled to Morocco to forge alliances from the Abraham Accords between government ministers and Jewish and Muslim participants.

Sarah began working as the Director of Civil Society Affairs at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2023. She was responsible for outreach to progressive communities in the U.S. connecting with young adults, LGBTQ+, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Ingenious communities to address gender equality, sexual violence against women, and climate degradation. Sarah was able to transform her deep concern for antisemitism and anti-Zionism into courageous action. She faced these adversities not with fear but with strength and grace.

At the Embassy, she met the love of her life, Yaron Lischinsky. Sarah and Yaron were planning to travel to Israel four days after their tragic deaths to meet his family and become engaged. Their love for each other was like no other – it radiated from their hearts and permeated the room whenever they were together, which was nearly all the time.

Sarah had an unforgettable giggle that was the embodiment of her joyful spirit. She made others laugh as frequently as she laughed herself. Sarah’s flaming red hair signified the fire in her belly that led her to stand up for social causes, speak for those who don’t have a voice, and develop relationships with people of different cultures. Sarah was not only steadfast in creating a brighter future, she believed it could be done. She loved fiercely and deeply. In her Master’s research with Tech2Peace, an Israeli peacebuilding organization, Sarah concluded, “The most impactful peacebuilding happens outside political institutions. It happens in shared rooms, over common projects, in the eyes of strangers who become friends.” Sarah lived by her favorite Jewish principle, Tikun Olam, repair the world.