Spring 2024 Covey College of Allied Health Professions Honors Ceremony

Danielle Morris Peters 

Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame

Dr. Susan Gordon Hickey, dean of the Covey College of Allied Health Professions, and Dr. Donna Wooster, chair and associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, presented this year’s Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame Award to Danielle Peters ’08. Individuals are nominated for this honor because of their outstanding contributions to their field. Peters completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Alabama.

Peters currently co-owns Bluebird Therapy, a multi-disciplinary clinic, with her husband, John, and serves pediatric clients in Mobile County. She also serves as the board president for United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile and is a board member for United Cerebral Palsy of Alabama.

Since completing her degree, Peters has remained close to USA’s occupational therapy program by taking students for clinical rotations, allowing students opportunities to shadow her and by coming back to teach as an adjunct faculty. 

Dr. Robin Mockett 

Excellence in Teaching

The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to a faculty member who ensures that students receive an excellent foundation in science and practice of their profession. Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey presented the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award to Dr. Robin Mockett, associate professor of biomedical sciences.

He has earned the Top Prof award every year for the past five years, and his courses are known for being challenging. However, students appreciate the critical thinking aspects of his courses and the time he spends reviewing and clarifying material with students inside and outside of class.

Dr. Ashley Flagge

Excellence in Scholarship

The Excellence in Scholarship Award is presented to a faculty member who is a leader in informing evidence-based research and clinical practice. The 2024 Excellence in Scholarship Award recipient is Dr. Ashley Flagge, assistant professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is currently mentoring three Ph.D. students and is sought out by Ph.D. applicants from across the nation. 

In 2023, Flagge earned four publications of her work, bringing her total number of publications to 12 during her six-year appointment at USA. In 2023, she also completed four national presentations, three invited presentations and one peer-reviewed. She was also awarded an intramural grant for her project related to mindfulness training as part of a vestibular rehab program for patients with vestibular migraine.

Dr. Blair Saale 

Excellence in Service

The Excellence in Service Award is centered around a faculty member’s commitment to the institution, community and to allied health professions. The 2024 Excellence in Service Award recipient is Dr. Blair Saale, assistant professor of physical therapy. Saale is described by her colleagues as a servant leader, and she gives selflessly to her students, her profession and the University. 

Saale works closely with the Alabama Head Injury Foundation Clinic and Victory Health Partners, and she also serves as president to the Mobile Area Physical Therapy Association. She has served as the Department of Physical Therapy’s admissions committee chair spending countless hours evaluating applications and scheduling interviews for program candidates. Students and alumni recognize her as someone who is compassionate, strives for excellence and mentors students to become leaders in their profession.

Marla Snell 

Excellence in Administrative Support

The Excellence in Administrative Support Award is presented each year to an outstanding member of the college’s administrative staff. The 2024 Excellence in Administrative Support Award recipient is Marla Snell, secretary in the Department of Emergency Medical Services. She is the department’s go-to person for help navigating the University’s administrative processes.

Faculty in the department refer to her as one of the hardest workers they know. She began her career at USA as a student records specialist, ensuring that all student records were current before students began their clinical internships. In 2022, her duties expanded, and she has become an expert on everything in the department.