The Meryl Barns Ziglia Most Inspirational Occupational Therapy Student Award pays tribute to the extraordinary life of Meryl Barns Ziglia, who battled rare head and neck cancer with unwavering strength and dedication. Meryl, a certified music therapist and Occupational Therapy graduate student, inspired many with her commitment to healing others even as she confronted her own illness. Her lifelong love for music, especially the violin, fueled her pursuit of a career in music therapy.

Meryl’s journey led her from Virginia to San Diego and finally to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida, where she flourished both personally and professionally. Her zest for life extended to her marriage to Brett Zigila, and together, they embraced outdoor adventures and adopted a wounded dog named Modus.

Although cancer claimed her life in 2019, Meryl’s legacy lives on through the award established by her parents, Bill and Joan Barns. The award supports future Occupational Therapy students at Barry University, embodying Meryl’s compassionate spirit and her dedication to helping others. The award’s inaugural presentation in December 2020 celebrated Meryl’s enduring impact on the fields of music therapy, occupational therapy, and the lives she touched.

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