Recipient of the 2014

Aaron Palmer

Nominated For: CASE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Aaron Palmer, an Occupational Therapist/Case Manager and owner of Melamed Palmer Inc., Innovative Rehab, has been actively involved in the field of brain injury rehabilitation since 2017. He began his journey as an occupational therapy student at Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc. (BCMA), Innovative Rehab, and after graduating with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York in 2018, he returned to Toronto to join BCMA. In November 2020, Aaron became a partner, leading to the transformation of BCMA into Melamed Palmer Inc., Innovative Rehab. In July 2023, he assumed full ownership and leadership of Melamed Palmer Inc., Innovative Rehab.

In 2014, Aaron experienced the loss of his father to pancreatic cancer at the young age of 44. This personal tragedy served as a powerful reminder that life can be challenging, yet beautiful. Through this and other life experiences, Aaron gained a unique understanding and appreciation for the impact of injuries on individuals’ lives. This ignited his passion for helping clients navigate their journey towards recovery. Just as the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” emphasizes the importance of a supportive community, Aaron believes that a similar concept applies to brain injury rehabilitation. The “village” consists of the client, their family and friends, the medical and rehabilitation team, the individuals working behind the scenes involved in the provision of care or services, and legal and insurer representatives. Aaron feels grateful and privileged to be part of this village and to contribute to the brain injury community.

Driven by his commitment to promoting occupational justice and empowering clients to access the resources they need for their well-being and occupational participation, Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST). Additionally, he actively participates in various committees and working groups, such as the Neurotrauma Care Pathways Stakeholder Engagement Committee, Equity Data Working Group, and TBI Report Card Working Group, which is funded by the Ministry of Health through a grant to the University Health Network (UHN). Aaron also plays a crucial role in the leadership team for the Black Occupational Therapists of Ontario Association (BOTOA) and contributes to the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists’ (OSOT) Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Engagement (JEDE) Task Force.

Aaron expresses his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to OBIA and PIA Law for honoring him with this prestigious recognition. He feels humbled to be acknowledged alongside exceptional case managers and experts in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. Furthermore, he extends his gratitude to his colleagues and team for their unwavering support and mentorship, which have played a significant role in his personal and professional growth as an occupational therapist/case manager.