SUNY Downstate School of Health Professions

The School of Health Professions was proud to participate in this year's ManKave event, joining faculty, staff, volunteers, and community partners from across numerous organizations committed to supporting and empowering young men in our communities.

A special thank you to Dr. Efekona Nuwere from SOHP, who led an energizing morning activation session and facilitated an Occupational Therapy station that engaged participants in learning about health professions, wellness, and career pathways.

SOHP was well represented throughout the day, with faculty, staff, and volunteers providing outreach and information about our programs in the atrium. Events like ManKave help inspire future healthcare professionals while strengthening our commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and service.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and energy to make this event a success!

📸 View the full event album on our Flickr page — link available in our Linktree!

Talk about coming full circle! 🔄 As we celebrate 60 years of the SUNY Downstate Occupational Therapy Program, we are thrilled to kick off our Alumni Excellence Awards by honoring a truly special group of trailblazers.

Introducing the recipients of the "Doubling Down at Downstate" Award! 🎓✨

This group award recognizes 5 incredible individuals who loved their time at Downstate so much that they chose to return! After earning their Master of Science (MS) degrees here, these standout alumni and current students came right back to Downstate to pursue their Post-Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD).

They aren't just shaping the future of OT—they are living proof of the enduring strength, leadership, and excellence of our Downstate community.

Join us in celebrating their dedication, passion, and double-dose of Downstate pride! 💙

🏆 Next up for our 60th Anniversary Alumni Excellence Awards, we are proud to honor educator and scholar Leon Kirschner (OT Class of '00)!

Leon is a dedicated educator who is known for his innovative approach to assistive technology and participation-focused care. He inspires future occupational therapists to think critically, engage creatively, and advocate for inclusive healthcare practices. His leadership in higher education beautifully reflects Downstate’s mission of scholarship and excellence, shaping how future clinicians approach client-centered, evidence-informed care.

🌟We are thrilled to recognize Eileen LaMourie (OT Class of '08) with a 60th Anniversary Alumni Excellence Award!

Blending her previous experience in theater, production design, and arts administration with clinical expertise, Eileen has built an admirable career centered on holistic, relationship-based care. From co-developing a 12-week mental health walking program as a student to running a well-respected private practice utilizing the Floortime model, she continuously innovates to help children overcome barriers to learning.

🏆 We are thrilled to honor Zahava Friedman (OT Class of '06) with a 60th Anniversary Alumni Excellence Award!

An innovative problem-solver, Zahava created "Raising Families," a groundbreaking, grant-funded program that provides interdisciplinary, cost-free support to underserved families while training OT, PT, SLP, and Community Health students. Her exceptional work in inter-professional collaboration earned her the national "Creativity in Practice and Education Award" from the National Academies of Practice in 2025.

🏆 We are thrilled to recognize Mallory Marder (OT Class of '14) with a 60th Anniversary Alumni Excellence Award!

Through exceptional clinical care, mentorship, and leadership, Mallory has advanced rehabilitation practice and improved outcomes for countless patients. Known for her dedication to supporting colleagues, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork, and leading initiatives in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and quality improvement, she exemplifies the compassion, expertise, and service that define the Downstate OT legacy.

🌟 Alumni Excellence Award Honoree: Patricia Gentile (OT Class of '82)

Educator. Administrator. Scholar. Advocate. Throughout a career spanning more than four decades, Patricia has advanced occupational therapy through visionary leadership, academic excellence, professional service, and mentorship. From healthcare administration and trauma systems leadership to shaping future practitioners in higher education, her impact continues to strengthen our profession and inspire the next generation of occupational therapists.

Congratulations, Patricia, on this well-deserved recognition! 💙💛

🌟 Alumni Excellence Award Honoree: Jeffrey Tomlinson (OT Class of '80)

For nearly four decades, Jeff Tomlinson has been one of occupational therapy's most influential advocates in New York State. Through his leadership as NYSOTA's Legislative & Governmental Relations Chair, he has helped shape legislation, advance professional recognition, and protect access to occupational therapy services for countless New Yorkers. A dedicated clinician, educator, mentor, and champion for the profession, Jeff's unwavering commitment to advocacy has left an enduring mark on occupational therapy and exemplifies the power of service-driven leadership.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 💙💛

🌟Meet our next 60th Anniversary honoree, Leah Rubino (OT Class of '05), a dedicated Downstate alumna who seamlessly blends advanced clinical expertise with deep-seated community advocacy!

As a Certified Hand Therapist, specialized lymphedema therapist, and university adjunct professor, Leah has consistently led the field with compassion. Her profound commitment to helping others shines through her personal volunteer work, where she raises awareness for genetic screening with the Cure Canavan Fund and leads peer support groups for the Peak Living Network. Her peer-mental health advocacy truly reflect Downstate’s mission of improving communities and transforming lives.

🚀 Meet our next Alumni Excellence Award honoree, Evan Leung (OT Class of '15), a powerhouse leader and independent clinician transforming Medical/Surgical rehabilitation and pediatric trauma OT!

Evan successfully expanded the rehabilitation team at Bellevue Hospital, guiding occupational therapy staff through the complexities of care delivery with immense patience and empowering mentorship. Highly regarded for his emotional intelligence and constant drive to innovate clinical approaches, Evan sets an admirable example for the future of acute care occupational therapy.