For more than two decades, Dr. Thomas Mernar has dedicated his career to helping people regain independence and find meaning in their daily lives. Now, that commitment has earned him one of occupational therapy’s most prestigious honors.
Mernar, the founding director of Gwynedd Mercy University’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy programs, has been named to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s 2026 Roster of Fellows.
The distinction recognizes occupational therapists whose leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on the profession. The award is widely regarded as a career-defining achievement and is often considered a lifetime honor among occupational therapy leaders.
Mernar received the recognition during AOTA’s annual conference in April, joining an elite group of professionals honored for advancing the field through innovation and leadership. He was specifically recognized for his contributions to occupation-centered education, leadership, and research.
“I am deeply humbled to achieve this milestone distinction,” Mernar said.
Mernar has been an occupational therapist since 2000, having worked clinically in acute and sub-acute traumatic brain injury units, sub-acute skilled nursing, long-term care, and assisted living facilities. His research and publications span the fields of occupational science, neuroscience, gerontology, and education.
“Occupations are the everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families, and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life,” Mernar said.
“Students from our programs are prepared to think differently about problem situations that occur in practice, so that their clients can be understood and enabled through an occupational lens.”
Mernar also currently serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA.
“On a national stage, my involvement with the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA for the past five years has positioned me to lead a paradigm shift in this research society to have a newfound focus on occupation-centered education,” he said.
“For the past two years, the Society has assembled some of the top occupational science educators around the nation; together, we are creating supports for faculty around the nation to increase their skills to deliver more occupation-centered education within their programs.”
Inspired by Dr. Mernar’s Story?
Explore Gwynedd Mercy University’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy programs, and learn how you can train alongside nationally recognized faculty in a profession dedicated to helping others live fuller, more independent lives.
