ERI is thrilled to announce that Hannah Aita has been selected as the recipient of our 2026 New to Birth-to-3 Practice Scholarship Award.
As an early career therapist working both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for children with a wide range of complexity and diagnoses, Hannah has embraced the challenges this role brings.
Her standout application demonstrated a genuine passion for professional development, enhanced clinical skills and team collaboration. She thoughtfully outlined how several of the upcoming Birth to Three Conference sessions would directly relate to her current caseload, from deepening her understanding of breathing and postural control with Mary Massery to strengthening her ability to examine the underlying purpose of behaviors to best support children and families experiencing medical and developmental challenges.
Beyond her own growth, Hannah is committed to elevating her entire interdisciplinary team. She plans to bring conference knowledge back to her colleagues through in‑services and collaborative training—ensuring that even more children across her inpatient and outpatient programs benefit.
Though early in her career, Hannah has developed an impressive breadth of clinical experience treating infants and young children facing a wide range of challenges—including feeding difficulties, prematurity, HIE, TBI, orthopedic conditions, ASD, and sensory processing differences. She leverages the opportunity to work throughout the continuum of care to clarify and improve clients’ outcomes along each part of their therapy process. This rich perspective fuels her dedication to ensuring children and families experience smooth, supportive transitions—and receive skilled, evidence-based intervention during the most critical early years of development.
Hannah’s colleagues were eager to lift her up with multiple nominations that celebrated her leadership, skill, and deep investment in her work. Here’s a snapshot of what they had to say about working alongside Hannah:
“Hannah works tirelessly to create a fun and supportive environment. Her clients adore her, and families trust her deeply.”
“She arrives early, stays late, and consistently takes the initiative to research her patients’ diagnoses so she can provide thoughtful, evidence-based, and family-centered care.”
“Despite only having 3–4 years of experience, Hannah is sought out by peers for mentorship and is viewed by senior therapists as a valuable and knowledgeable team member.”
“Her clients feel safe, motivated, and eager to participate.”
Outside of work, Hannah keeps space for physically and socially active pursuits to bring balance to her life. She enjoys basketball, half-marathons, and exercising; being with family and friends; and spending time with her dogs and pet bunny.
ERI’s New to Birth-to-3 Practice Scholarship Award is intended to recognize and enthusiastically celebrate clinicians like Hannah. We extend our congratulations on this most deserving award and share our confidence that countless babies, children and families will reap the benefits of Hannah’s leadership, dedication and drive for learning.