We are fundraising to purchase a memorial wooden bench / plaque at the Columbus Zoo, to honor Jane Case-Smith, who passed away this summer.  Jane was a professor of occupational therapy at Ohio State University for many years.  She taught pediatric practice and family centered care and she had a direct impact on hundreds of occupational therapy students who have since entered the profession and contributed to the health and wellness of countless other children and families.  Jane  edited one of the most widely used textbooks in our profession, used by over 90% of the programs in the U.S.  Therefore Jane has indirectly educated almost every OT student in the nation for years.  Her research and writing has significantly contributed to the evidence base of pediatric occupational therapy  and her mentoring has encouraged and opened doors for many graduate students and junior faculty, generating new leaders in our field.

Jane loved the zoo, loved nature and animals, and we would love to honor her by contributing to the Columbus Zoo in this way.  The bench will also create a public place in the zoo where students, alumni, friends and family in the Columbus area can visit, remember, and think about Jane's influence on their lives.