The Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center (RKSTC) recently wrapped up its annual art auction, raising more than $5,000 to provide free occupational therapy services for underserved children in the community.

The clinic is still accepting financial donations. Additionally, artists or programs interested in participating next year are encouraged to connect with RKSTC to learn more about how they can get involved.

Local professional or amateur artists, school programs, and museums are welcome to join in the 2026 fundraising effort by contributing art pieces. These donations help the community in multiple ways. They improve access to OT care, provide clinical instruction for students, and give young artists pride in their creative work.

"Every piece has sold each year since the auction began," said Ann Zachry, PhD, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Health Professions, and who also directs the pediatric OT center.

A Powerful Legacy

The clinic honors the memory of former OT student Rachel Kay Stevens, who died early in her training. Stevens possessed a tender heart, patience, and skill that led her to flourishing connections with special needs children. Her passion for serving others and later OT would posthumously dovetail through the clinic, which provides pediatric clinical care to those who may not have had it otherwise while furthering instructional excellence for students.

When Rachel Kay Stevens' family reached out to UT Health Science Center a decade ago with a heartfelt mission to honor their daughter and the impact she would have had in some way, the university discussed the need for a student-run pro bono OT clinic. The family and university then collaborated to bring the vision to life.

Since opening its doors nine years ago, the center has served more than 1,500 clients and trained more than 350 students. RKSTC shares its new space as of 2023 in the 920 Madison Building with the Center on Developmental Disabilities.

"During my time here, I have had the joy and privilege of serving as the chair of RKSTC," said Haley Segich, a second-year OT master's student. "RKSTC is a beautiful example of how something meaningful can come from loss and continue to bring hope to others.

"My favorite part of this clinic is getting to meet the different clients and their families. Each story reminds me why I chose this profession. Serving through RKSTC has better equipped me to become an occupational therapist who leads with empathy, creativity, and community-centered care."

Encouraging Confidence and Community

Dr. Zachry said many of the young patients in the community who are involved in creating art for the online auction, especially those with special needs, experience a deep impact seeing their work displayed, desired, and part of the cause. University students, faculty, staff, and patient families also show unwavering enthusiasm for the annual auction and center.

A variety of health care provider partners add to the auction collection each year by coordinating the donation of patient art. Local artists and community members additionally increase the spread. The array has included Memphis-inspired paintings, fidget quilts, and pottery in some years.

"Helping organize the annual art show has been such a fun and an especially rewarding experience," said Anna St. Clair, a second-year OT master's student and the fundraiser chair on the RKSTC Student Board. "I've loved seeing how artists, students, and families come together to support the center's mission.

"One of my favorite parts this year was creating artwork with students at the same schools I once attended, a true full-circle moment. Returning to those halls, as a future OT, getting to encourage creativity and connection, was so much fun and deeply meaningful. RKSTC has shown me that occupational therapy is about much more than treatment sessions. It's about building relationships and empowering others to find joy and purpose in everyday activities."

Far-Reaching Impact

In its eighth year, the auction supports no-cost OT services for uninsured and underinsured children throughout Memphis and across the Mid-South region. Funds raised go to pay for therapy supplies and the supervising therapist, so the training clinic can continue to operate with oversight during its sessions.

"RKSTC has been one of the most powerful parts of my time during OT school," St. Clair said. "It's a place that has allowed me to see the impact of occupational therapy beyond the classroom by providing hands-on opportunities to dive into what OT truly is."

With its expanded observation room in its new location on campus, students from other health professions including physical therapy, medicine, and nursing, are welcome to observe sessions and learn about pediatric OT as part of their cross-discipline education.