DCSD’s Dr. Bryant earns AOTA award

Dr. Kimberly “Angel” Bryant, an occupational therapist for the Darlington County School District (DCSD), has earned a 2025 Roster of Fellows Award from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

The Roster of Fellows is one of the most prestigious awards given by the AOTA. According to the organization, the award recognizes members who, through their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and guidance, have made a significant contribution over time to the profession with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the AOTA.

Bryant joined DCSD in 2019, and she now serves as the district’s lead occupational therapist. She travels districtwide to supervise and support DCSD’s occupational therapy and physical therapy team. She also works closely with students at Bay Road Elementary, Hartsville Middle, Hartsville High, Rosenwald Elementary and DCSD Digital 360.

Sarah Tew, DCSD’s director of Exceptional Education, praised Bryant’s dedication to the students of Darlington County.

“The Office of Exceptional Education is proud to have Dr. Bryant as a member of our team in Darlington County School District,” Tew said. “Dr. Bryant consistently goes above and beyond to serve our students. She engages in continuing education to inform her practice, and she shares her expertise with other professionals both in the district and throughout the state. This award is well-deserved recognition for the skill and enthusiasm she applies to her work on a daily basis.”

School-based occupational therapists “use meaningful activities to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being,” according to the AOTA. These healthcare professionals address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory components of student performance with the goal of reducing barriers to participation.

The AOTA represents more than 244,500 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy students in the United States and other countries.

The Roster of Fellows award was established in 1973, and 62 Fellows joined the distinguished society in 2025.

Bryant became an occupational therapist in 2003. She holds three undergraduate degrees from the College of Charleston in Biology, Psychology and Allied Health Sciences. She holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Science for Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a master’s degree in Health Administration from Webster University. She also holds a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.