The Uncommon OT Series

In this episode, we will learn from Michelle LeRoy, PhD, OTR/L, BCP & Colton Sayers, OTD, OTR/L, CNS: OT in LGBTQIA+2S Health & Fellowship. Dr. Colton Sayers is a practicing clinical occupational therapist at UC Health and an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati. He works primarily in an outpatient neurological clinic. His doctoral work has consisted of creating learning initiatives that help healthcare workers better understand the lived experience of members of the LGBTQ+ community while accessing healthcare. In his own experience accessing healthcare as a gay man, he has suffered many uncomfortable situations with medical professionals which has led to feelings of shame and guilt. Some of his work has included being on his healthcare institutions diversity, equity, and inclusion council, teaching graduate courses on global and community health, creating the first LGBTQ+ continuing education course for the American Occupational Therapy Association, and pioneering the first Occupational Therapy LGBTQIA+ Fellowship in the world. Through his work, he is hopeful it will decrease barriers to accessing healthcare, improve healthcare workers understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, and help individuals live long and meaningful lives. Dr. Michelle LeRoy is an assistant professor in the occupational therapy department at Colorado State University. Their research area focuses on how occupational therapy can support the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in schools. As an occupational therapist they are board certified in pediatrics and has worked as an occupational therapist serving the transgender community in a primary care clinic focused on serving the LGBTQ+ community. They have provided multiple presentations for free to the transgender community regarding how to bind, tuck and pack safely to maintain body integrity and also currently volunteers with multiple organizations to provide support to the LGBTQ+ community in Fort Collins, Colorado. Their passion stems from being the proud mother of a transgender child and seeing the difficulty their child has had in receiving proper healthcare. Through this fellowship, they are hopeful that there will be more practitioners who can provide quality care to the LGBTQ+ community and help anyone who is part of the community reach the goals that are important to them.Fellowship InstagramInstagram: @Ot_lgbtqia2s_fellowshipDirector emailsColton: Colton.Sayers@uchealth.comMichelle: Michelle.LeRoy@colostate.eduYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qh_FFc2beQAs always, I welcome feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this episode, we will learn from the editors of the first of its kind book, "Occupational Therapy in the Philippines: Theory, Practice, and Stories.” This book aims to provide a more relatable and culturally appropriate understanding of occupational therapy, showcasing the diverse practices and experiences of Filipino occupational therapists.Caroline Fischl, PhD, Reg.OT, OTRP, Assistant Professor, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. Caroline earned her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from the University of the Philippines Manila and her master's degrees in ergonomics and occupational therapy in Sweden. She completed her PhD at Umea University, focusing on older adults' social participation through digital technologies. Caroline has worked in community and home settings, as well as private clinics and a school in the Philippines. She currently serves as an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Jönköping University, managing the Swedish and international master's programs in occupational therapy. She teaches scientific theory, research methods, and ethics. Caroline also serves as President of the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE) and is a member of the executive board of Occupational Therapy Europe. She has co-developed the 2024 European Qualifications and Assessment Reference Frameworks in Occupational Therapy.Michael Palapal Sy, PhD, OTRP, Senior Researcher, Institute of Occupational Therapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland. Michael is a licensed occupational therapist (Philippines) and a health professions educator with a PhD in occupational therapy from the Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan. His PhD focused on translating occupational justice concepts into occupational therapy practice in the drug addiction rehabilitation setting in the Philippines. He worked as a private clinician both in the pediatric and community settings in the Philippines and has held various academic positions in teaching in the Philippines. As a senior researcher at the Institute of Occupational Therapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Michael focuses his research on the return-to-work process of people with long COVID, occupational justice, and occupational science. He also teaches for the European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. Currently, Michael has external appointments as an academic at Dalhousie University (occupational science), Tokyo Metropolitan University (occupational therapy), University of Southern Queensland (occupational therapy) and University of the Philippines Open University (international health).Roi Charles Pineda, PhD, OTRP, Associate Researcher, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Roi has a professional background in occupational therapy with nearly 15 years of experience in various roles. Early in his career, he was a practitioner in hospital- and home-based physical rehabilitation settings and a clinical instructor for occupational therapy students. He later worked as a university instructor and contributed to the development of the only occupational therapy program in Central Luzon, Philippines. Roi received full scholarships to complete his postgraduate degrees in adapted physical activity (MSc) and biomedical sciences (PhD) from KU Leuven. His postgraduate education allowed him to flourish as a researcher with international collaborations. Currently, his research is focused on physical activity, across the spectrum of top-performance sport to leisure-time physical activity, with relevance to policies and practices for facilitating physical activity participation among persons with disabilities and their inclusion in the Paralympics.Order Yours Today!https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/occupational-therapy-in-the-philippines-theory-practice-and-stories/53878899/item/73476316/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_new_condition_books_high_14637440387&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=545822004371&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAiaC-BhBEEiwAjY99qA2z5Etel9xHVTM1qgRkJGwTY4lkv-3pUstP_8MHZby_7Ff98kWmMBoC6WAQAvD_BwE#idiq=73476316&edition=71914116As always, I welcome feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this special OT Month episode, we are doing something a little different — a reunion episode! Just a couple of weeks ago, the four of us were on stage at SXSW, one of the world's most influential festivals for tech, film, music, and culture, sharing our experiences, perspectives, and our passion for role-emerging and non-traditional OT practice. And today, we're bringing the band back together to debrief, reflect, and process what that incredible panel meant to us — and where we go from here. So, I am thrilled to welcome back our three amazing panelists — Francisco Lasta, Dawn Heiderscheidt and Esther Bae— brilliant practitioners, storytellers, and changemakers in the OT design space. If you missed our SXSW panel, don't worry — we'll catch you up, dive deeper, and pull back the curtain on what it really felt like to share our message with such a dynamic and diverse audience.Occupation-Centered Design: Unlocking Inclusive Experienceshttps://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP146632 Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIAInclusive Spaces & DesignLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flastaotr/IG: @spinyfiredragon Esther Bae, OTD, OTR/L, CPACCMake Up, Beauty & Product DesignWebsite: https://www.modifiedindependent.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthersbae/IG: @modifiedindependent Dawn Heiderscheidt, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMPAging In Place SpecialistWebsite: https://www.auroraindependence.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-heiders2024/IG: @auroraindependenceAs always, I welcome feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this special OT Month episode, we will learn from inspiring industry leaders in the OT Design Space. Listen to our SXSW 2025 panel discussion recording as we dive deep into Occupation-Centered Design. Occupational science provides crucial insights into human capabilities, diverse needs, and environmental impacts required for inclusive design. This presentation explores the transformative power of collaboration between Occupational Therapists (OTs) and designers. By leveraging OTs' expertise in occupational science, systems thinking, and diverse client experience, we can create spaces and products that facilitate our meaningful engagement in activities that contribute to our well-being.Occupation-Centered Design: Unlocking Inclusive Experienceshttps://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP146632Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIAInclusive Spaces & DesignLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flastaotr/IG: @spinyfiredragon Esther Bae, OTD, OTR/L, CPACCMake Up, Beauty & Product DesignWebsite: https://www.modifiedindependent.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthersbae/IG: @modifiedindependent Dawn Heiderscheidt, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMPAging In Place SpecialistWebsite: https://www.auroraindependence.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-heiders2024/IG: @auroraindependenceWe will explore how an occupational therapy perspective can reshape design thinking

In this episode, we will learn from, Adeola (Toni) Solaru, MS, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP (they/he). Toni is a community-based mental health occupational therapist and clinical assistant professor working in Chicago, IL. Driven by justice and inclusion, Toni is dedicated to providing equitable services to meet the diverse needs of their students and clients. In addition to their role as a professor and clinician, Toni is the co-founder and chair of Diverse-OT National. Diverse-OT is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to advance the OT profession's cultural climate by increasing student knowledge of culturally responsive practice and works to support underrepresented students of color. Toni received their Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from Ohio State University, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and Occupational Doctorate from Columbia University. Toni is passionate about delivering high-quality and culturally relevant client-centered services, health equity and justice, and assisting clients to achieve their personal goals.Contact & Resources:Instagram: @tonisolaru & @DiverseOT_NationalWebsite: www.diverse-ot.comEmail: info@diverse-ot.comLinkedIn: Diverse-OT National Phoenix's Insta: @Pheenie.The.Weenie Toni Solaru Digital PortfolioDiverse-OT CE Events! March 22: Solidarity & Solutions: Moving OT Education & Practice ForwardMarch 26: Reading for the RevolutionRAYO CO-OP www.rayoco-op.org Mockingbird Incubator website - https://www.mockingbirdincubator.org/SCORE website - https://www.score.org/ Where Are All the Black OTs - Sign up [www.givebutter.com/diverseot] Reading for the Revolution - [www.givebutter.com/readingrevolution] General Fundraising Campaign [www.givebutter.com/diverseot] As always, I welcome feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this episode we will learn from Holly Ross, OTR/L, WSI, LTP, ATRIC. Holly is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor's in science and a masters in occupational therapy. Growing up in the state of Michigan, Holly has been in the field of aquatics for going on 15 years in December 2024 and has taught over 3,000 students. With the relocation to the state of Colorado in 2018, Holly pursued her occupational therapy career in pediatrics & home health care. In February 2020, Holly founded Building Blocks OT, LLC to level up her services and provide the best for her clients. Now rebranded, CANOE services both outpatient occupational therapy needs and aquatic needs for children, teens, families, and young adults. Holly's specialties are aquatics, feeding, and vision therapies. When Holly “clocks out” she loves spending time with her husband, JR. They enjoy going to sporting events & being active. JR and Holly enjoy working out consistently at the swimming laps, going hiking, and spending time with her fur baby Winnie. When she's not working or being active, Holly enjoys watching TV and movies.Contact & Resources:Website: www.canoecommunity.org.Instagram: @canoe.communityFacebook: at Community Aquatics n' Occupational Engagement.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-ross-090b50276/I work with small sponsors and small businesses all the time and we promote each other, so that's another way to get involved with me as well. All the sponsors we work with, we use that money to fund community events, raffles, and help the community as a whole. We're a for-profit with a non-profit heart for sure.Our free blog for parents and clients! You can submit requests for OT related topics you want education on as well, send me an email holly@canoecommunity.org.https://www.canoecommunity.org/blogI've done a few online articles and 1 YouTube as well featuring my business journey and tips/tricks: https://www.youtube.com/live/vPqiEyentSc?si=fKK4CMP1JXAkJPdPAnd then the articles:https://shoutoutcolorado.com/meet-holly-ross-pediatric-occupational-therapist-water-safety-instructor/?fbclid=PAY2xjawGlsiFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpuxulN4G6lXSm1x9hwD7KxzK8FUbwAAOTIex9tOCAE8g_i0BbTgj1iRXVw_aem_7B7uHFu2Z7Hnbw3d2mMUwAhttps://voyagedenver.com/interview/life-work-with-holly-ross-of-denver-area-colorado/?fbclid=PAY2xjawGlsi1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpl_5xmoS98ioG_etuHaaafYm8tBXxRINJzKjKoxdk9M-sTwbV3LfKql82A_aem_QZYoo2R_AAOoJfwFAO1Xwghttps://canvasrebel.com/meet-holly-ross/?fbclid=PAY2xjawGlsjZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABplvpbbEdyP2bvvJ7mfwQLcHGh9j2Rj7fMaQ8mNS2AyDGF99dzDb9PnpdnA_aem_pwswkitGu1CwvkA9Py1lPAhttps://boldjourney.com/meet-holly-ross/?fbclid=PAY2xjawGlskBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpneNhBt6m9PC2My5xNkUPHRzYVxWce7A-1SxorUyjoQudfwaZ6vqu3OkSA_aem_wJG6blc1dtW6On3eZlZBjgI've also presented at my Alma Mater EMU for their conference. I am open to sharing slides for people to read. I presented at OTAC this year, and there is some educational materials for that too. But you'll have to email me for those holly@canoecommunity.orgAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this episode we will learn from Sarah Lyon, OTR/L (she/her). Sarah received her BA from St. Olaf College, then moved to the Big Apple and earned her master's degree in occupational therapy from New York University. Since then, she's worked in numerous facilities, including a critical access hospital, an acute trauma hospital, and a state inpatient psychiatric hospital. In 2011, Sarah launched OT Potential because she realized we needed a reliable source of quality occupational therapy-related content and resources. OT Potential connects occupational therapy professionals with the tools and resources they need to create evidence-based change. In addition to offering AOTA-approved continuing education courses, OT potential provides a variety of free content — including the OT Potential Podcast and OT Near Me Directory. The OT Potential Club is a hub to learn and exchange best practices with a community of evidence-focused OT professionals. Sarah releases a new journal article review or CEU podcast course every week and provides a space to discuss the content. Members can also access journal article reviews, documentation examples, assessment searches, a capstone catalog and most recently, clinical decision support. Sarah loves spreading the word about our wonderful profession and is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with others who share her passion.Contact & Resources:Website: https://otpotential.com/https://otpotential.com/occupational-therapy-directory/sarah-lyonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lyon-otr-l-511b95b2/?trk=public_post_feed-actor-imageAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

Welcome to a special Christmas episode of the Uncommon OT Series Podcast!Today, we're celebrating the holiday season by reflecting on what makes our profession truly extraordinary. You'll hear from me and some of my incredible past guests, sharing our favorite parts of being occupational therapy practitioners.For me, it's still the amazing versatility of our field—the fact that we can work across the lifespan, in any setting, and with such diverse populations. I also love these up close conversations, the opportunity to connect, and meeting my inspiring guests who continue to motivate and uplift me. Each interview is a chance to uncover the unique journeys, wisdom, and creativity of these extraordinary individuals. These stories are designed not only to inspire me but also to spark passion and fresh perspectives in you, our listeners. Can you guess which Uncommon OT guests are featured in this episode? Listen closely to find out if any—or all—of our reflections resonate with you!So grab a cup of cocoa, settle in by the fire, and join us for this festive journey through the joys of being an OT. And as we wrap up the year, I want to wish you a joyful holiday season filled with inspiration, connection, peace and warmth. Thank you so much for listening and being part of this wonderful community. Til' 2025, Stay Uncommon and Keep Making a Difference.As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Nikki Latimer, OTD. Nikki is a recent graduate of Boston University and is currently studying for the NBCOT exam. Nikki is a registered yoga teacher and is from Orange County, California. Nikki is an Iowa State University graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and Health with a minor in Psychology. At ISU, she was the President of the College of Human Sciences Council, President of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, involved in the Neurophysiology Lab for undergraduate research, involved in the Sleep, Self & Personality Research Lab for undergraduate research, and taught yoga for Recreation Services. She then pursued my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree at Boston University. Along with the OT curriculum, she continued teaching yoga through BU FitRec, volunteered for Parkinson's outreach, and gained a wide range of clinical experience. All of these experiences she has pursued have taught her a tremendous amount of leadership skills, strong work ethic, decision-making, and communication skills.Contact & Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-latimer/PD Yoga Classes:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjxstc32SQlFBi0hxv_iIP5NshBLXyKAM&si=WyneY-Dyha5d9a5pYoga Manual:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qoDCfa4XH0YfdU3ipMUJsD8GxNr0lINB/view?usp=sharingAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this special episode, we're putting a spotlight on occupational therapy through the voices of those who live it every day. In celebration of World Occupational Therapy Day—a global event that kicked off on October 27, 2010, thanks to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists—we're exploring what this incredible profession truly means and the essential work that occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) do worldwide.This year's theme, “Occupational Therapy for All,” couldn't be a better fit for this episode and the mission of The Uncommon OT Series podcast. This series is all about uncovering the unique and often unexpected ways occupational therapy practitioners support individuals and communities. Whether in hospitals, schools, or the most unconventional settings, these OTPs ensure that meaningful activities are accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Whether it's about building independence, fostering connections, or supporting communities, occupational therapy is all about ensuring everyone can engage in the occupations that make life fulfilling.In this episode, you'll hear from 20 occupational therapists practicing in some pretty uncommon settings. I asked them one big question: “What is occupational therapy?” Each therapist shares their own insights and provides their elevator pitch specifically about occupational therapy, explaining how they empower individuals and communities in unique and impactful ways.So, get ready to gain a deeper understanding of occupational therapy as we celebrate the profession and the powerful idea of “Occupational Therapy for All” through the voices of those who know it best. Uncommon OT Guest Contributors:Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA: OT in Artificial IntelligenceAlyson D. Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP: OT in Artificial IntelligenceFrancisco Lasta, OTR/L: OT in Inclusive DesignRazan Hamed, PhD, OTR/L: OT in Virtual Reality & EducationMike Sy, PhD, MHPEd, OTRP: OT & ResearchLouise Berger, OT: OT in Sleep MedicineKaren Keptner, PhD, OTR/L: OT with Students in Higher EducationJill Maglio, PhD, OTR/L: OT in Holistic Circus TherapyIvory Rose, OTD, OTR/L: OT in Social PrescribingGina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS: OT in HippotherapyDanielle Barbieri, OTR/L: OT in Augmented RealityCarlin Raeume, OTD, OTR/L, DipACLM, PMH-C, PCES: OT in Sarah Good, OT (Reg): OT in Teaching MindfulnessAshley Reina, BSc, OT: OT in Health TechnologyAndrea Cordis, MS, OTA: OT in Provider Training & EducationAlondra Ammon, MS, OTR/L: OT in Housing Stability & RetentionAllie Karagozian, MS, OTR/L: OT in Fertility HealthCarly Weiner, MS, OTR/L: OT in a Health Tech Start-UpAlaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L: OT & Cultural HumilityErica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT: OT & Cultural Humility As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this episode, we will learn from Jill Maglio, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Maglio is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience using circus as an educational, therapeutic, and community-building tool. She has collaborated with service recipients and governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve occupational participation for individuals and communities worldwide. Jill has trained professionals in Australia, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the USA in the methodology she has developed. Jill has collected evidence, tested methods, and created programs for political and environmental refugees underpinned by occupational science and social circus research. Most recently, Jill has been awarded a PhD from Latrobe University for her contribution to the occupational therapy profession, looking at how occupational therapists use circus in their practice areas to create change in the individual, community, and social-political contexts.Contact & Resources:Email: jill@holisticcircustherapy.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jill-maglio-phd-otr-l-4367823b/Instagram: @circusaidOur CircusAid website: https://www.circusaid.com/CEU AOTA Approved Provider courses for professional development training https://www.holisticcircustherapy.com/certified-coursesListeners can receive a 20% discount on our training by sending me a message with the code: transitionsAnd, here are some references on circus, social circus, and OT-informed circus Agans, J. P., Davis, J. L., Vazou, S., & Jarus, T. (2019). Self-determination through circus arts: exploring youth development in a novel activity context. Journal of Youth Development, 14(3), 110.Bolton, Reginald, (2004). Why Circus Works. Phd Thesis for the degree of doctor of philosophy, Murdoch University, Perth.Coulston, F., Cameron, K. L., Sellick, K., Cavallaro, M., Spittle, A., & Toovey, R. (2023). Circus Activities as a Health Intervention for Children, Youth, and Adolescents: A Scoping Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(5), 2046. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12052046Fernandez, Y., Ziviani, J., Cuskelly, M., Colquhoun, R., & Jones, F. (2018). Participation in community leisure programs: experiences and perspectives of children with developmental difficulties and their parents. Leisure Sciences, 40(3), 110-130. Heller, C., & Taglialatela, L. A. (2018). Circus Arts Therapy® fitness and play therapy program shows positive clinical results. International Journal of Play Therapy, 27(2), 69.Loiselle, F., Rochette, A., Tetreault, S., Lafortune, M., Bastien, J. (2019). Social circus program (cirque du soleil) promoting social participation of young people living with physical disabilities in transition to adulthood: a qualitative pilot study. Developmental neurorehabilitation, 22, 250-259. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17518423.2018.1474502Maglio, J., McKinstry, C. (2008). Occupational therapy and circus: potential partners in enhancing the health and well-being of today's youth. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55, 287-90. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00713.xNeave, N., Johnson, A., Whelan, K., & McKenzie, K. (2020). The psychological benefits of circus skills training (CST) in schoolchildren. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 11(4), 488-497.Ratcliff E, Farnworth L, & Lentin P. (2002). Journey to wholeness: the experience of engaging in physical occupation for women survivors of childhood abuse. Journal of Occupational Science, 9(2), 65–71.Spiegel, J. B., Breilh, M.-C., Campan, a, A., Marcuse, J., & Yassi, A. (2015). Social circus and health equity: Exploring the national social circus program in Ecuador. Arts & Health: International Journal for Research, Policy & Practice, 7(1),65–74. https://doi-org.ez.library.latrobe.edu.au/10.1080/17533015.2014.932292Thompson, B. A. D., Broome, K. (2021). Social circus for people with disabilities: a video analysis through the lens of the MOHO. Occupational Therapy International, 2021, 6628482.OTR Combines OT with Circus Arts to Reach Communities Throughout the World*NBCOT Innovation Award 2022Taking OT to Refugees: The Rewards & Challenges*Occupational Therapy News UKAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

In this episode, we will learn from Louise Berger, OT. Louise is a qualified Occupational Therapist, who has been specializing in sleep medicine for over a decade. She established the Insomnia Service at the Royal Surrey County Hospital Sleep Clinic (NHS) in 2012, and under her leadership, it has grown in reputation and size, now treating hundreds of patients every year. The Insomnia Service was honored to receive the hospital's award for Clinical Team of the Year, in 2018. Louise has a background in psychology and coaching and has a passion for seeing lives change for the better. She loves to use her understanding of the science of behavior change and natural inclination for out of the box thinking, to create novel ways of delivering behavioral sleep treatment and enhancing CBT for Insomnia. Alongside her NHS role, Louise provides sleep coaching to clients across the globe and is also working for a TechBio company, contributing to the development of digital therapeutics, which include a sleep product. Louise is committed to raising the profile of sleep treatment and increasing access for those who need it.Contact & ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-berger-12246a155/?originalSubdomain=ukEmail: louiseberger@gmai.comThis is a free 30-minute talk I created, providing powerful insights and science backed techniques for overcoming stress related sleep disturbance or longer term insomnia. https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/saygoodnightAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Amberly Wiese, MOT, R/L, CLT, CATA. Amberly is an occupational therapist and an accessible travel planner. She graduated in 2010 with a master's in occupational therapy and over the years I've worked in just about every setting with clients of all ages. After over a decade of traditional care and private practice, she became a Certified Accessible Travel Agent due to her own experience with multiple chronic conditions causing her to travel differently! The last thing she wants to hear about is someone being left behind because their family doesn't have the necessary supports in place or someone not traveling due to their own conditions. The world is becoming more and more accessible, and Amberly is here to help push that along and advocate for you.Contact & ResourcesTravel Website: www.BacktoLifeTravel.com Email: travelbacktolife@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberly.otInstagram: @Backtolifetravel Tiktok: @BacktolifetravelLinkedIn: Join our new private group "How to Combine Your Skills with the Travel Industry" https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14464642As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA & Alyson D. Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP about Occupational Therapy & Artificial Intelligence.Dr. Karen Jacobs is a distinguished occupational therapist with a career spanning over four decades. She is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, the Program Director of the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy program, and a Clinical Professor of occupational therapy at Boston University's Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She has worked at Boston University for 41 years. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from the University of Massachusetts, a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University and a Bachelor's degree from Washington University. She has expertise in various areas, including ergonomics, artificial intelligence, marketing, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Her passion for enhancing occupational performance has led to extensive research, publications, and presentations worldwide. She is the founding editor-in-chief of the journal WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation since 1990. Dr. Jacobs has played a pivotal role in advancing backpack safety through AOTA's National Backpack Awareness Day and promoting the recognition of occupational therapy through the creation of Occupational Therapy Global Day of Service. Both are held on World Occupational Therapy Day on October 27. As a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA), the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), Dr. Jacobs has been recognized for her outstanding contributions as a scholar, professor, advocate, and mentor, who has inspired countless students and practitioners. Throughout her career, Dr. Jacobs has held leadership positions such as the president and vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association contributing to the growth and development of occupational therapy at both national and international levels. Some of her awards include the 2005 recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in Iceland, the 2011 AOTA Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award, the 2020 AOTA Outstanding Mentor Award and the 2024 AOTA/AOTF Presidents' Commendation in Honor of Wilma L. West.Dr. Alyson Stover is an owner and Occupational Therapist at Capable Kids. She completed her undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Science and her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2008 she returned to school and completed her Juris Doctorate, with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Law, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Alyson has practiced in various settings, including schools, early intervention, outpatient pediatrics and acute care and long-term rehabilitation care at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Children's Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center. She is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Doctor of Occupational Therapy and affiliated health law faculty for the Center for Bioethics and Health Law University of Pittsburgh. Alyson serves as the President of occupational therapy's national board, AOTA. Alyson's expertise includes the holistic approach to pediatric and family evaluation and intervention, trauma-informed occupational therapy and occupation-based approaches to substance use disorder. She is trained and certified in Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, and Mental Health First Aid, as well as splinting and taping protocols. Along with working with children, Alyson provides non-lawyer advocacy for children and families who need assistance accessing resources. As a published author, nationally grant-funded research investigator, and subject-matter expert, Alyson provides continuing education for healthcare practitioners, educators, first responders, and the community. Contact & Resources:Karen Jacobs:Email: kjacobs@bu.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenjacobsot/Here is the link to the BU Sargent College podcast, HealthMatters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthmatters/id1495983952Alyson D. Stover:Email: adstover@pitt.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyson-stover-8a446159/Capable Kids: https://capablekidsrehab.com/teamKorro AI:Enhance your pediatric occupational therapy practice by joining the Korro professional community (ot.korro.ai). Korro innovates occupational therapy through immersive, play-based experiences, combining engagement with efficacy. Our platform leverages personalized data analytics to drive improved outcomes. To learn more about Korro's capabilities, we invite you to:View Korro's informational video: https://vimeo.com/930246779?share=copySchedule a complimentary demonstration: https://outlook.office365.com/book/KorroDemo@korro.ai/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Ivory Rose, OTD, OTR/L Dr. Ivory Rose is an occupational therapist and a poet who promotes Social Prescribing. She holds a master's in occupational therapy from NYU and a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University. Her passion for “prescribed volunteerism” led her to the field of social prescribing. She has volunteered in various capacities for Social Prescribing USA and enjoys raising awareness amongst occupational therapists about the “hot topic” of social prescribing. Some of her favorite occupations include writing, spoken word poetry, walking in nature, and horseback riding. Ivory has been writing since she was 7 years old and credits the development of her imagination as a writer to her greatest childhood complaint: growing up in rural Van Zandt, Washington without a television. Eager to experience the world outside of her hometown, Ivory has lived in Atlanta, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic before settling in the greater Los Angeles area.Contact & Resources:My substack newsletter: https://otsocialprescribing.substack.com/Email address: ivoryhazelrose@gmail.comMy website: www.ivoryhazelrose.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivoryhazelrose To view my poster from the International Social Prescribing Conference: https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d1d2400-aa51-4d86-992a-b25e1a339b24_4494x3179.png?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailTo purchase the book The Connection Cure by Julia Hotz (mentioned above): https://www.socialprescribing.co/connection-cureIf you are interested in supporting the roll out of social prescribing in the U.S., join the community of practice at Social Prescribing USA at https://socialprescribingusa.com/ (Click on “Join the Movement”).As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Dr. Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT & Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L. Co-Authors of Occupational Identity. Dr. Erica Herrera is an occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy as a certified hand therapist. She completed her undergraduate work at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in the field of Biological Sciences. She further went on to pursue her master's degree from Loma Linda University and her occupational therapy doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Promotions. Coming from humble beginnings, she has always had a passion for serving humanity through community service ventures, statewide as well as missionary work abroad. Places she has been honored to serve included an orphanage in Haiti to make adaptive equipment and upper extremity orthotics for children as well as an orphanage in Morocco, to work with the Arab and Italian therapists on proper positioning of children with arthrogryposis, to name a couple. When not abroad, she loves to devise her own volunteer projects for the community such as Turkey trotting to raise money for families during the pandemic as well as gathering donations for Christmas gifts for women and children victimized by domestic violence and substance abuse issues. Being a part of her church family has always been a priority, along with the strong foundation her faith provides. Continuously trying to lead by example, Dr. Herrera believes in a healthy lifestyle that includes active participation in nutrition, mental wellness, and physical health. With her eagerness to learn about and experience new cultures, languages, music, foods, and sports activities, Dr. Herrera can truly say that every day is an exciting gift from God. Through the skills learned as an occupational therapist, Dr. Herrera believes that we are more than a body of parts; but are uniquely and wonderfully made, to share our gifts, talents, and skills with our fellow man. Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab is co-founder of kNOwBiaS, a long-time activist rooted in anti-war, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. He was born and raised in a small town in Ohio by my immigrant Lebanese parents. He received his occupational therapy training in Philadelphia, PA, and later obtained his Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Temple University. He received a Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and his research involved exploring racial bias in the field of occupational therapy. His personal and professional experiences have given him a unique and genuine expertise in the intersections of race, health, culture, and justice. Partnering with Alaa could mean that you are better able to address racism, bias, and oppression in your institution, and facilitate powerful discussions that truly embrace justice for all and can ultimately change and save lives.Contact & ResourcesAlaa - IG: @alaa.abouarab, linked in, website: knowbias.net. email: alaa@knowbias.net.Erica - johnsoerica@gmail.com, facebook: Erica V. HerreraOrder the Book:https://us.jkp.com/products/occupational-identityhttps://myaota.aota.org/shop_aota/product/900599Coalition of Occupational Therapists Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)https://www.cotad.org/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Danielle Barbieri, OTR/L, an Associate Clinical Product Manager at Augment Therapy. As an Occupational Therapist with a background in the NYC public school system, homecare, and pediatric sensory gyms in pediatrics, Danielle possesses a keen understanding of the unique strengths and challenges faced by her young clients, as well as the needs of a therapist practicing under high demands and time constraints. Danielle is currently focused on growing her career, in digital health and health technology. As an OT, Danielle thrives on the challenge of developing creative and engaging activities to enhance the skills that her clients wish to improve. This experience carries over into her work at Augment Therapy, where she provides unique ideas for games, accessibility, and strategies to reach busy therapists. Danielle is an advocate for the voice of the customer, actively crafting ways to get feedback from users to drive product improvement. She harnesses her market experience to identify pain points for therapists, clients, and their families. Working in a collaborative environment, she enjoys seeing how these ideas develop from multiple perspectives into solutions for Augment Therapy customers.Q & A with Danielle:The best place to find me is LinkedIn!My page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-barbieri-otr?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appAugment Therapy: https://www.augmenttherapy.com/arwellpro I should probably ask if it's okay to share these outside links, but these are things that have helped me:https://www.linkedin.com/company/collective-coachinggroup/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-clinician-transition/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-non-clinical-pt/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS, an occupational therapist who specializes in Driver Rehabilitation. Susie is certified driver rehabilitation specialist who has achieved her Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility from the American Occupational Therapy Association and her certification as a driver rehabilitation specialist from the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. Susie offers extensive clinical and professional knowledge with over 20 years of experience as an OT & driver rehabilitation specialist. While she started her career at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she now owns and operates her own private driver rehabilitation practice, Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC. In her practice, she evaluates and treats drivers with medical conditions impacting cognitive, motor, and visual skills. She works closely with her drivers and their families to help determine the highest and safest level of engagement in mobility. Susie also is the leading educator for occupational therapy practitioners entering the field of driver rehabilitation. She is an active volunteer with CarFit, a published author, adjunct professor, lecturer, & mentor. Contact:Please come visit me! Adaptivemobility.thinkific.com - I offer free CE that is approved by AOTA. Who doesn't love free CE! On Facebook - join us on Driving for the OTP.LinkedIn - Susan Touchinsky.https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/ FREE COURSE - OT's Role with Driving - https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/1-2023 Mini Podcast - Quick Q&A - OT Driving with Susie Q https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/drivingotAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from S. Preethi Shanmugapriya, Dr(OT), Msc (psy). Preethi is an occupational therapist based in Tamilnadu, India specializing in adult acute care mental health services (functioning in hybrid mode). As the Founder and Chief Therapist at Inclusive Wellbeing - Holistic Mental Health Clinic, she is dedicated to promoting comprehensive mental well-being. Drawing from her own journey as a survivor of C-PTSD, her primary focus as a holistic mental health and lifestyle coach is to support women navigating emotional trauma. She is also co-partner of Project "Milir," a support group for women from oppressed communities facing caste-based trauma. Additionally, she provides 1:1 student mentorship sessions for OT students aiming to build their capacity as tele-mental health service providers.Contact & Resources:Instagram: @healwithpreethi @inclusivewellbeing_mhcLinkedIn: S Preethi Shanmugapriya,Dr (OT)Email : support@inclusivewellbeing.inMy LinkedIn post on : Occupation centered psychotherapyAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Jacki D'Aries, OTR/L, CBIS. Jacki is an occupational therapist who specializes in working with people recovering from brain injuries and strokes and their caregivers. She has her own private practice where she treats people in their homes or takes them out into their community for therapy. She created her own mighty network named, Holistic Life Skills, which is for people in recovery and their caregivers and does consulting work to create programs for a local brain injury organization in her community.Contact & Resources:Anyone is welcome to join my might network to be part of the community and also learn if you're interested in brain injury and stroke rehab.My community website: Empowered Neuro Community and the link is www.community.empoweredneuro.comMy private practice website: www.hlskills.comAnyone is more than welcome to also email me for any questions or just to chat!Email: jacki@hlskills.comYou can also find me on social media:Instagram: holisticlifeskillsFacebook: Jacqueline D'AriesLinkedIn: Jacqueline D'AriesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/occupational-therapists-for-environmental-action/?viewAsMember=trueWe have a blog post with some information and links to key OT and sustainability documents. It's a great place to start. The post can be found at: https://www.otenvironmentalaction.com/blog/sustainability-and-climate-change-documents-and-module-resources-for-otpsAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & TruelearnUSE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today!Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Alison Bode, MS, OTR/L & Madelyn Yoo, MS, OTR/L, two of the founding members of Occupational Therapists for Environmental Action (OTEA). OTEA is composed of a group of occupational therapy practitioners and students (OTPS) from across the US who are committed to raising awareness about the impact of climate change on human health, wellness, and participation in meaningful occupations. OTEA endeavors to collaborate with like-minded professionals to address the ways in which human occupation can either contribute to or mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis. Special Mention to other members of the OTEA leadership team, Carol Myers, Kelly Carlson, Jill Clancy-Secreto and, Elizabeth Richardson. Contact & Resources:OTEA website: https://www.otenvironmentalaction.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081841489525 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otenvironmentalaction/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/occupational-therapists-for-environmental-action/?viewAsMember=trueWe have a blog post with some information and links to key OT and sustainability documents. It's a great place to start. The post can be found at: https://www.otenvironmentalaction.com/blog/sustainability-and-climate-change-documents-and-module-resources-for-otps As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In the episode, we will learn from Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS. Gina is a dedicated occupational therapist who specializes in Hippotherapy. She has extensive experiencesin clinical practice, education, and leadership. Holding a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Philadelphia University, Gina is a licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey, bringing a rich skill set to her roles. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her teaching experience as an Adjunct Instructor at Raritan Valley Community College and her role as Coordinating Faculty for the American Hippotherapy Association, where she contributes to curriculum development and ensures learner outcomes. With clinical expertise in pediatric and psychosocial interventions, Gina holds certifications in Sensory Integration, DIR/Floortime intervention, and is a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist. As the owner of Epona Therapy Services, LLC, Gina operates a private practice, delivering direct occupational therapy services and providing career coaching. Her leadership roles have included Director of Operations at Mane Stream, showcase effective staff management and oversight of therapy services. Gina's impact extends to addressing mental health in diverse populations, exemplifying her holistic approach and commitment to the transformative potential of occupational therapy. Contact & Resources:For listeners who have an OT.com account this course is a good starting place: https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/introduction-to-hippotherapy-for-occupational-4036 For the American Hippotherapy Association: https://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/ My free online community at Epona Academy: https://eponaacademy.xperiencify.io/ Animals & Aquatics in OT podcast: https://animalsandaquatics.buzzsprout.comAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Andrea Cordis, MS, OTA (she/her/hers). Andrea has been a COTA since 2004. She has practiced in a variety of settings including skilled nursing, home health, inpatient psych, community-based mental health, and inpatient rehab. Andrea also worked as a lab instructor and fieldwork assistant in a masters of OT program. In addition to her OT education, Andrea also holds a BS in health science and an MS in higher education administration. She recently made the move to Massachusetts Councils on Aging as the training and education manager, using her OT skills in an uncommon way! Andrea is also a trauma-informed yoga instructor. When she is not working at MCOA, teaching yoga or working per diem in inpatient rehab, you can find her baking, hiking, or traveling!Contact & Resources:Here is a link to Conversations with an OT podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3QtawOTioXdwC0Ofk1OyS0?si=83444bdca79148f7MCOA Website - Massachusetts Council on AgingNCOA Website - National Councils on AgingI am also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-cordis-7391b528a/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Francisco Lasta, OTR/L (he/him). Francisco is a licensed Occupational Therapist who specializes in Inclusive Design. With over a decade of working with people with a variety of disabilities of all ages and socio-economic statuses, his expertise in human-centered design, task analysis, and accessibility gives him a uniquely empathetic and functional perspective when it comes to architecture and design. Combined with his solid knowledge of UX, he is passionate about helping designers create spaces that are accessible and usable by all people. As M2's Marketing Strategist, Francisco closely collaborates with M2's talented architects and designers to develop and execute marketing campaigns and helps with business development to explore, establish, and strengthen strategic partnerships. He is passionate about how M2 can uniquely position and differentiate itself during project pursuits as he leads the firm's strategic planning meetings. He reinforces this role with his tech savviness and keeping himself updated on emerging industry trends.Contact & Resources:Our website www.muller2.com and My linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flastaotr/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Carlin Reaume, OTD, OTR/L, DipACLM, PMH-C, PCES. Dr. Reaume has more than 15 years of experience as both a therapist and educator. After completing both her Master's and Doctorate at the University of Southern California, she created a career weaving together her background in Lifestyle Redesign, mental health, and movement in order to forge her own path in a variety of non-traditional OT settings. She launched her private practice, Supported Mama, in 2020 with the goal of helping women reconnect to their bodies after pregnancy in a way that supports both physical and mental well-being. She holds advanced certifications in lifestyle medicine, perinatal mental health, postpartum corrective exercise, and ergonomics. She has presented her work both nationally and internationally, as well as held several leadership positions for the Occupational Therapy Association of California. Her work has also been featured on the Amazon Halo fitness app and Pilates.com. Dr. Reaume currently serves as Assistant Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, California, and as the Advocacy & Government Affairs Committee Chair for the Occupational Therapy Association of California.Contact & Resources:IG: @supportedmama Website: www.supportedmama.com Email: carlin@supportedmama.comOccupational Therapists in Maternal Health https://www.otsinmaternalhealth.com/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, In this post, we will learn from Carly Weiner, MS, OTR/L (they/them). Carly is a Registered Occupational Therapist who currently works in a healthcare technology start-up. She holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. Carly started planning a non-clinical career while still in graduate school. Carly offered to work for free for anybody she could while in grad school to gain a broad range of experiences. This included a start-up called Rosarium Health, which focuses on home modifications, where Carly is now the Director of Clinical Partnerships as a freelancer. In this role, she uses the power of networking to connect interested clinicians with the company to create partnerships.*Many Thanks to Episode #66 podcast co-contributor, Emily A. who wishes to stay anonymous and was generous enough to share her journey & perspective.. As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this special Christmas episode, you will hear me & some of my past uncommon OT guests talk about our favorite parts about being an occupational therapy practitioner. Have a listen to see if any or all of them resonate with you. Can you guess the names of these featured Uncommon OT guests? As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Frances Gee, MS, OTR/L (she/her/hers). Frances is a Registered Occupational Therapist who specializes in teaching mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. Frances has 36 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist and her areas of expertise include mental health, long-term acute care, psychiatric and physical disabilities home health, and academia. Frances has been a faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Stanbridge University, Irvine, and Alhambra, California campuses, since July 2013 and has transitioned to serving as an adjunct faculty member as of August 2023.Contact & ResourcesFeel free to e-mail me at fgee@stanbridge.edu anytime!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-gee-71235b35/Stanbridge Universityhttps://www.stanbridge.edu/program/msot As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Sarah Good, OT Reg. (Ont.) (she/her/hers). Sarah is a Registered Occupational Therapist and Mindfulness Teacher in Ottawa, Ontario with more than 20 years of experience working in hospitals, schools, and community settings. Since 2007, she has worked with clients in their homes and communities. Both in her personal and professional life, she uses nature and mindfulness meditation to bring calm and joy to each day and has been practicing mindfulness meditation regularly since she became an OT. Sarah strives to offer ways for OTs from around the world to connect and learn about mindfulness together! Contact & Resources:My website for professional development: https://sarahgoodot.ca/p/ot-pdMy site for resources: https://sarahgoodot.ca/p/free-resourcesMindful OT FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulotsBusiness FB page: https://www.facebook.com/sarahgoodOTLinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-good-76a59aa3/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Consuela Marshall, OTR/L, CAPS. Consuela is a Caregiver Coach and Aging-In-Place Consultant, and an Occupational Therapist with 27 years of experience providing care to individuals with disabilities and disorders or who have sustained injuries that negatively affect their level of independence with self-care, mobility, and ADL (Activities of Daily Living) tasks. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University Medical Center, and has worked on Skilled Nursing Units, Inpatient Rehab Units, and in the home health setting. Consuela is a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist, a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, and a former board member of the Louisiana Assisted Living Association. Contact & Resources:You can email me at c.marshall@findingafoothold.com. Social Media Linkshttps://www.findingafoothold.comhttps://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRe8NvCR/www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-3a136a1b9https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/Website: www.findingafoothold.com Group Coaching: UN-Losing You In Caregiving Group CoachingGroup Coaching: Staying Safe In Your Home Group CoachingCourse: Hospital to Home…Get Your Duck In A RowAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Michael Sy, PhD, MHPEd, OTRP (He/Him/His). Michael is a Filipino occupational therapist, a health professions specialist, and an occupational scientist. A previous Associate Professor of health professions education from the University of the Philippines in Manila, his current post as a senior researcher is with the Institute of Occupational Therapy at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland. His Ph.D. work and practice revolve around occupational therapy in substance addiction and rehabilitation, social and justice determinants of health, and inter-professional education and collaborative practice in diverse health/social care settings. Contact & Resources:Research Portfolio: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0003-0849-2874Personal website and socials: https://www.drmikesyot.com/The paper I shared "Unraveling the “Greener Pastures” Concept: The Phenomenology of Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists" https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15394492231205885As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Dr. Razan Hamed, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Hamed is an occupational therapist who uses Virtual Reality in OT Education. Dr. Hamed is an associate professor and associate director of the Columbia University programs in occupational therapy at Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. She is also the director of the research curriculum for the entry-level MOT program and the mentor of a number of OT Doctorate students. She has been recently elected to the AOTA board of directors, is the founder of the Arab American Occupational Therapy Group, and is a member of the World Federation for Occupational Therapists. She has been a member of the AOTA DEI task force 2020-2021 and an AOTA DEI committee member 2021-2023. She is also the faculty advisor of the Columbia University OT COTAD chapter (Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity). Her interests are in advocacy for DEI issues in OT education and practice and has published a number of articles on cultural humility and culturally responsive care. Dr. Hamed has been an invited guest speaker to numerous academic institutions to address bias, microaggressions, and cultural humility for OT students and educators.Contact & Resources:People can reach out to me by email at rh2955@columbia.edu. They can also visit my website at dr.razanhamed.com. or follow me on my social media pages such as Instagram @dr.razan_hamedWe are currently trying this VR project again with a new software called Body Swap so we are expanding the project. I am presenting on VR and bias at the AOTA Education Summit in November. Stop by if you're interested to learn more. I am also presenting on cultural humility in OT education at the AOTA Ed Summit in November. Articles on cultural humility: An upcoming article in OT Practice's November issue called Diversity of Grief: How Culture Affects Coping with Loss (stay on the lookout)The Invisible Diversity of Arab Identity: Implications for OT https://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2023/dei-the-invisible-diversity-of-arab-identity#:~:text=Arabs%20come%20from%20more%20than,extremely%2C%20but%20invisibly%2C%20diverse.As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Patrice Maynard, OTD, MOT, BSHS, OTR/L. She is the founder and owner of Maynard Milestones, LLC, a mobile pediatric private practice. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree, Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, and Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. During Patrice's post-professional OTD program, she created the Occupational Therapy Entrepreneurs of Color (OTEC) community which is an online educational platform for OTPs of color who are entrepreneurs or who desire to be one to provide networking opportunities and a shared aligned space for OTP business owners. She started its private Facebook group, which spawned into hosting and curating her first OTEC online conference in the midst of finishing her first year of her PP-OTD program. It consisted of 35+ panelists who are OTP entrepreneurs of color sharing their experiences of running their own clinical and non-clinical businesses. Her doctoral capstone was a qualitative phenomenological study on female OTPs of color who transitioned from employees to entrepreneurs. Upon graduation, she received the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Achievement Award from her program.Contact & Resources:Instagram: @otentrepreneursofcolor @maynardmilestones: Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/otentrepreneursofcolor/ Email maynardmilestones@gmail.com: Website www.maynardmilestones.comLinkedIn: Patrice Maynard: The Occupational Therapy Entrepreneurs of Color (OTEC) Online Conference takes place on Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th, 2023 from 11 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. Tickets are on sale until Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to OTPs, students, and other healthcare providers. https://patrice-maynard.mykajabi.com/otec-offer-landing-pagePodcasts: OTs Get Paid Podcast; Mind Your OT Business; The OTPreneur Podcast, Dr. Reina Olivera Taking OTs Online (Facebook); Ready, Set, Treat! Book As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this episode, we will learn from Karen Keptner, Ph.D., OTR/L. She is an Associate Professor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Cleveland State University. She frequently works with individuals who are at risk of dropping out of post-secondary studies. In the last few years, she has developed a credit-bearing skill-building course for students returning to campus following a medical withdrawal, introduced occupational therapy as a service on campus, and provided direct occupational therapy services to undergraduate and graduate students referred by the Office of Disability Services. She also works with aged-out foster youth, addressing ‘exposure gaps' they experience as they transition from adolescents to adults. As a faculty member, she advocates for inclusive teaching practices and addressing systematic barriers that hinder student success. In her free time, she likes to travel, read books, and spend time with her family. Contact & Resources: My business name is "The College OT". I have a website - you can find me at keptnerot.com or collegeot.com. I am also mostly on LinkedIn (just cannot get the time to do others at the moment) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-keptner-phd-otrl/ I am always happy to connect through email at kkeptner@gmail.com (and never be offended to send me a reminder email - it is something I just cannot keep up with sometimes!) I just came out with a book "Primer for OT Professionals in Higher Education". It explores the basic structure of higher education campuses and ways OTPs can find a unique gap in a campus near them. It is only $20 and I am promising anyone who purchases by August 31, 2023, a free copy of the next version (already in process). I put this book out to get an idea of what OTPs are looking for in the practice area -and see if there is interest. So, using the book as a way to design other things down the road as well. I am also finishing up a practical workbook to use with students - it can be used by OTs, school and transition counselors, etc. I do a blog at collegeot.com (I am not great at posting but there are some helpful blog posts in there - for people working with adolescents/young adults as well). I am just listing a bibliography of my professional journal articles here - I am happy to give people access to the pre-print version of most of these if they contact me. Eichler, J. & Keptner, K.M. (online, May 2023). Defining Occupational Therapy practice with higher education populations: A census of practitioners in an emerging space. British Journal of Occupational Therapy https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226231168008 Heath, M. & Keptner, K.M. (accepted January 2023). The impact of belonging and discrimination on psychological well-being among transitioning adults: A study using the Panel Survey for Income Dynamics Transition Supplement. Current Psychology Keptner, K. M. (2017). Long-term follow-up of an occupation-based group addressing occupational performance and satisfaction in university freshmen. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 33(4), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2017.1331150 Keptner, K. M. (2019). Relationship between occupational performance measures and adjustment in a sample of university students. Journal of Occupational Science, 26(1), 6-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2018.1539409 Keptner, K.M., Fitzgibbon, C., & O'Sullivan, J. (2021). Effectiveness of anxiety reduction interventions on state anxiety: A comparison of four techniques incorporating sensory modulation. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 84(5), 289-297. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022620935061 Keptner, K. M., Harris,A., Mellyn,J., Neff,N., Rassie,N., & Thompson,K. (2016). Occupational therapy services to promote occupational performance, performance satisfaction, and quality of life in university freshmen: A pilot study. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 32(2), 185-202. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2015.1135094 Keptner, K.M., Lambdin-Pattavina, C., Jalaba, T., Nawotniak, S., & Cozzolino, M. (accepted March,2023). Preparing and responding to the current mental health “Tsunami”: Embracing Mary Reilly's call to action. American Journal of Occupational Therapy Keptner, K. M. & Rogers, R. (2019). Competence and satisfaction in occupational performance among a sample of university students: An exploratory study. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research: Occupation, Participation, and Health, 39(4). 204-212. https://doi.org/10.1177/1539449218813702 Keptner, K.M., & McCarthy, K. (2020). Mapping occupational therapy with post-secondary students: A scoping review. Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 8(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1617 Keptner, K.M. & McCarthy, K. (2020). Disruption of academic occupations during COVID-19: impact on mental health and the role of occupational therapy in tertiary education. World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 76(2),78-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/14473828.2020.1822575 Book chapter Eichler, J. & Keptner, K.M. (May 2023). Transitions and their implications across the lifespan for the OT in Primary Care in Primary Care Occupational Therapy. Day, M., Smith, K., Dahl Popolizio, S., Muir, S., & Manaard, W. (eds.) Springer, Inc. As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform BIG THANKS to our sponsors Picmonic & Truelearn USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your Membership Today! Happy Listening Friends! Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

In this special episode, we will learn from Naomi Mattanick, MS, OTR/L & Brooke Tubbs, OTD, OTR/L, two occupational therapists practicing in Surf Therapy.Naomi Mattanick, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy, surf therapy, and childhood and infant development. “Kids are amazing and dynamic individuals. Yet, they have a lot to conquer. In my years of experience, I have served infants to early adolescents in a variety of areas including sensory processing, physical and emotional regulation, organization of behavior and attention, acquisition of vital motor milestones, motor coordination development, and oral-motor therapy for feeding. My mission is for each caregiver and child to feel understood and empowered as they are equipped with life-long tools. My passion is to see children feel joy as they playfully develop a strong identity and sense of self through the skills and knowledge they have obtained.”Brooke Tubbs, OTD, OTR/L is a recent graduate from Northern Arizona's Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program. She now lives and practices as an acute care OT in a community hospital and as a surf therapist in Rhode Island. Brooke graduated from Alma College in Michigan with a B.S. in Integrative Physiology and Health Science and a Minor in Spanish. After graduation, Brooke was a U.S Fulbright Scholar in the Philippines, performing research on Filipino teachers' perceptions of inclusive education practices. During her OTD program, Brooke participated in a research residency in the Philippines, working with an interdisciplinary team to create an immersive research project surrounding multi-modal perceptions of aging. She also completed a graduate research certificate through the University of South Florida, in partnership with NAU, in Translational Research Education in Adolescent Behavioral Health. With this project Brooke worked with peers to develop a life skills curriculum and assessments for youth aging out of foster care; she is passionate about this work and continues to be involved in projects related to it. She is involved with additional research projects relating to CRPS and sensory processing and practice scholarship for OTs. Brooke will complete an additional graduate research certificate in the spring of 2023 on the topic of Culturally Competent Addictions Research Training. Brooke's intentional drive for the unknown led her to become a surf therapist in Rhode Island. She has a recently published article in the OT Practice Magazine titled “Riding the Wave: Occupational Therapy's Role in Surf Therapy”. Brooke has large aspirations for promoting OT's work in uncommon settings, practicing at the full scope of her license, and transitioning to a role in academia down the line. Contact & Resources:Naomi:The number one place to find me and see my current work is on my Instagram: @hang_ten_therapeutics which directs you to my website and shares all of my offerings. This has my contact information.Brooke:You can email me (bmt263@nau.edu) or follow me on Instagram (@brooketubbs), Facebook (Brooke Tubbs) or on Twitter (@brooketubbs). You can also follow Gnome Surf (@GnomeSurf) or ISTO (@intlsurftherapyorg). You can reach out to me with ideas, partnerships, questings, really anything! https://intlsurftherapy.org/https://www.gnomesurf.com/https://tedx.ucla.edu/project/carly_rogers_surfing_infinite_possibilities_to_heal/“Blue Mind: The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Makes You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do” by Wallace Nichols. Rogers, C. M., Mallinson, T., & Peppers, D. (2014). High-intensity sports for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression: Feasibility study of ocean therapy with veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 395–404. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011221Moore, A. M., Clapham, E. D., & Deeney, T. A. (2017). Parents' perspectives on surf therapy for children with disabilities. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2017.1400660FBenninger, E., Curtis, C., Sarkisian, G. V., Rogers, C. M., Bender, K., & Comer, M. (2020). Surf therapy: A scoping review of the qualitative and quantitative research evidence. Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice, 11(2), 1–26. https://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2023/riding-the-wave-ots-role-in-surf-therapy NAU Foster Youth Programhttps://crowdfund.foundationnau.org/project/21729 Listen - Foster Youth Storieshttps://www.amazon.com/Listen-Stories-We-Carry-House-ebook/dp/B09YYTLB2V?asin=B09YYTLB2V&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1Another inspiring episode, as always, I welcome any feedback from you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 30% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership in the month of August! picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this special episode, we will learn from Quinn Tyminski, OTD, OTR/L, BCMH & Serena Blank, MOT, OTR/L, two occupational therapists working with Individuals experiencing homelessness. Quinn Tyminski, OTD, OTR/L, BCMH currently serves as an instructor in the Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Tyminski earned her master's degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in 2012 and her Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy in 2017 from Saint Louis University. Her clinical practice experience is in the area of community-based mental health practice, where she served as the occupational therapist for a transitional housing program for men experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and homelessness and spent a year as the clinical director coordinating occupational therapy services and students. As part of her doctoral work, Dr. Tyminski introduced occupational therapy services to a local homeless shelter through the use of Level II fieldwork students. Following the success of the program, Dr. Tyminski opened an outpatient student experiential learning clinic in collaboration with St. Patrick Center in downtown St. Louis in 2018. The Community Independence Occupational Therapy Clinic continues to provide occupational therapy services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Dr. Tyminski's research focuses on improving occupational participation and quality of life for populations experiencing marginalization through providing occupation-based services targeted at improving life skills and community reintegration. She collaborates with local community agencies to provide programming to address concerns of occupational justice related to increased participation in survival occupations among those experiencing mental illness, homelessness, or recent return to the community from incarceration. She is also currently in the process of obtaining her PhD in Education at Washington University in St. Louis.Serena Blank, MOT, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist at the St. Patrick Center, an organization that works to increase access to sustainable housing, employment, and healthcare in the St. Louis region. In prior roles, she completed a Fellowship in psychosocial rehabilitation at the VA in Durham, NC. The program assisted Veterans experiencing serious mental illness. Upon returning to St. Louis, she worked for Saint Louis University's Transformative Justice Initiative. She provided occupational therapy services to people incarcerated and supported their reentry back into the community. Her unique lens of occupations in marginalized populations helps her advocate for change in health and human service systems. She holds two degrees from Saint Louis University including a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy.Contact & Resources:Email: Quinn at tyminskiq@wustl.eduSerena at blank.serena@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/serena-blank-a33183156 https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-tyminski-574621254/ Occupational Therapy for the Homelesshttps://www.ted.com/talks/quinn_tyminski_occupational_therapy_for_the_homeless Quinn's Medbridge course on working with individuals experiencing homelessness https://www.medbridge.com/course-catalog/details/homelessness-health-care-practitioners-quinn-tyminski/The Development of a Role-Emerging Fieldwork Placement in a Homeless Shelterhttps://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol2/iss2/7/Occupational Therapy Student-Run Free Clinic: Mutual Benefits in Expanded Homeless and Health Services and Clinical Skills Development”, Journal of Student-Run Clinics, 7(1). doi: 10.59586/jsrc.v7i1.248. Drummond, R., Koziol, C., Yeats, H. and Tyminski, Q. (2021) https://journalsrc.org/index.php/jsrc/article/view/248 St. Patrick Centerhttps://www.stpatrickcenter.org/Washington University, St Louis – Program in Occupational Therapyhttps://www.ot.wustl.edu/education/directed-scholarship/community-independence-occupational-therapy-program-569Another inspiring episode, as always, I welcome any feedback from you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 30% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership in the month of August! picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this fun mini-episode, we will kick off my 2nd Year Podcast Anniversary celebration. Get to know me and some of my uncommon OT guests just a little bit more through a series of bonus questions. You will hear about some of our favorite occupations, our OT Elevator speeches, our favorite parts about being an Occupational Therapist, and the individuals who inspire us. Can you guess the names of these featured guests? To continue the celebration throughout the month of August I look forward to presenting you with 2 inspiring episodes, each episode with 2 rockstar occupational therapy practitioner guests who are currently practicing in the same non-traditional, emerging practice and uncommon setting. Resources:Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA Episode #30https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series/inspiration-m56ww-b4d6e-k2jgx-ebldc-9eh3t-lyr8d-hazhm-y2ldg-k3j9h-wfgjr-9b79a-r36h9-z3fca-8ay2w-azmnp-jl3wr-cha3w-9325f-w83sd-se5zj-lhapg-74ljk-b8rbj-td3fk-mppa4-7xk54-t97nwCarlyn Neek, OT Link Episode #24https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series/inspiration-m56ww-b4d6e-k2jgx-ebldc-9eh3t-lyr8d-hazhm-y2ldg-k3j9h-wfgjr-9b79a-r36h9-z3fca-8ay2w-azmnp-jl3wr-cha3w-9325f-w83sd-se5zj-lhapg-74ljkLauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L Episode #15https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series/inspiration-m56ww-b4d6e-k2jgx-ebldc-9eh3t-lyr8d-hazhm-y2ldg-k3j9h-wfgjr-9b79a-r36h9-z3fca Mental Health Task Force Episode #43https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series/w5cccznfxllnw9f-g7zzj-4n58b-elpep-la2a4-msd2r-nbpr4-rfbrlNew York State Occupational Therapy Association – Mental Health Task Forcehttps://www.nysota.org/page/MHTFAnniversary Contest Details:Name the 7 Uncommon OT guests featured in this episode. Submit Your Answers on Instagram @transitionsOTWin Uncommon OT Stickers & Swag if you are one of the First 3 to Answer Correctly, Best of Luck friends!Another inspiring episode, as always, I welcome any feedback from you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Hiral Khatri, OTD, OTR/L. Hiral is a highly respected and accomplished occupational therapist with over 13 years of experience in the field who holds a variety of leadership roles. She is known for her integrity, innovative approach to therapy, and her unwavering commitment to supporting and advocating for her patients and her profession. Throughout her career, Dr. Khatri has consistently demonstrated her dedication to improving the lives of individuals of all ages through occupational therapy. She is highly skilled at developing customized treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs and goals of her patients and is always seeking out new and innovative methods to enhance their progress. One of Dr. Khatri's greatest achievements is the founding of OT Park, a pediatric occupational therapy practice that provides vital services to children in need. Under Dr. Khatri's leadership, OT Park has grown into a respected and successful practice and has helped countless children improve their quality of life through occupational therapy. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Khatri is also deeply committed to advancing the field of occupational therapy through education and advocacy. She currently serves as a lecturer at San Jose State University, where she teaches pediatric occupational therapy, and is also the Region 3 Director for the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC). Dr. Khatri is also an AOTPAC Ambassador and holds the position of Membership Chair for the Association for Asian Pacific Islanders in Occupational Therapy. She is also a respected mentor in the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD). Dr. Khatri's contributions to the healthcare industry have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. She has been named one of the top 100 visionaries in the field, received an entrepreneur of the year award from OTAC and most recently received the Force for Good Award 2023 by University of St Augustine, Florida. Outside of work, Dr. Khatri is passionate about giving back to her community and making a positive impact in the world. She is an avid supporter of various causes and charities and is always looking for new ways to make a difference.Show Key Points:· Hiral shares a little about herself and some of her favorite occupations· She describes her current uncommon OT roles and responsibilities· She describes her path and what inspired her to do lead· She shares challenges and successes in her current roles· She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides resources and contact information Contact & Resources:Instagram: @otparkbox Facebook: hiral.khatri or facebook.com/otparkbox Twitter: @otparkbox Linked in: OT Park or Hiral Khatri Email: Hiral@otpark.Website: https://otpark.com/blog/Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC)https://www.otaconline.org/ Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)https://www.cotad.org/ Asian Pacific Heritage Occupational Therapy Association (APHOTA)https://asianot.org/Another inspiring episode, as always, I welcome any feedback from you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Alondra Ammon, MOT, OTR/L. Alondra is an occupational therapist who works in community-based mental health and specializes in housing stability & retention. She is a 1st-generation Salvadorean/Haitian American from Maryland. Alondra learned to overcome adversity and strive despite the challenges of being raised alongside her seven siblings by her single parent, her mother, who immigrated from El Salvador. After high school, Alondra enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, working as a dental assistant and hygienist. During her time in the military, she discovered a passion for helping others in the healthcare field. She graduated with her B.S. in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University and her Master's in occupational therapy from Samuel Merritt University. During graduate school, Alondra served as the co-president for S.O.T.A. and helped raise over $3,000 for local community outreach and AOTPAC. Upon graduation, she was awarded the Outstanding Student Award and was selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Development Program through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Currently, Alondra is pursuing her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman's University and was recently awarded a graduate fellowship called WoMentoring, designed to support women in leadership and research. Her dissertation topic is centered around exploring how learning is influenced by racial/ethnic bias towards students of color during Level II fieldwork. With an increased demand to diversify the profession, Alondra hopes to create equitable and inclusive resources to support the recruitment and retention of graduate students of color and bring more awareness to help mitigate health disparities. Show Key Points:· Alondra shares a little about herself and some of her favorite occupations· She describes her current uncommon OT work and whom she serves· She describes her path and what inspired her to do this type of work· She shares challenges and successes in her current role· She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides her resources and contact information Contact & Resources:My social media handles: IG & FB @AlondraLaOT, Ways to keep up with my "doings": https://linktr.ee/AlondraLaOTSuggested readings/Articles:- A systematic review of occupational therapy interventions in the transition from homelessness- Occupational experiences of homelessness: A systematic review and meta-aggregationBooks: The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog (Dr. Bruce Perry)- https://a.co/d/aSqG8BB Dopamine - (Dr. Anna Lembke)- https://a.co/d/dTUFQHg Websites: AOTA - https://www.aota.org/practice/clinical-topics/mental-health California Supportive Housing- https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/docs/housing-first-fact-sheet.pdfThe Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition (POTAC) https://www.potac.org/Telemundo https://www.telemundoareadelabahia.com/ott-videos-local/t48-al-momento-esta-manana-aterrizo-el-avion-con-la-vicepresidenta-kamala-harris/2314398/Another inspiring episode, as always, I welcome any feedback from you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Allie Karagozian, MS, OTR/L. Allie is an occupational therapist who specializes in Fertility Health. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Michael, and their two sons. Allie earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and her Master's degree in occupational therapy from Grand Valley State University in West Michigan. She has worked for the past seven years as an occupational therapist in Chicago. She began her career at a community hospital on the South Side of the city working in a behavioral health unit and an inpatient rehabilitation unit. For the past six years, she has worked in a large academic medical center in the in-patient rehabilitation and acute care settings. Her passion within her field has been in promoting health literacy. Allie is the founder of Holding Both, a business created to support women experiencing secondary infertility through 1:1 support, group sessions, and community building. Allie has experienced infertility during motherhood herself. She sees a great opportunity to be of support by helping women identify the unique barriers that they may face during this process. Allie knows that there is complexity in holding both the joys of parenting and the pain of infertility at the same time. She plans to launch her podcast in June of this year. Show Key Points:· Allie describes her current uncommon OT work and whom she serves· She describes her path and what inspired her to do this type of work· She describes how she applies her OT lens· She shares her challenges and successes as an OT Entrepreneur· She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides her resources and contact information Contact & Resources:To directly reach me: allie@holdingbothllc.com my Instagram page @holdingboth (www.instagram.com/holdingboth) My website www.holdingbothllc.comMy podcast will actually be launching in September, Stay Tuned!Another inspiring episode, as always, I welcome any feedback from you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L an Occupational Therapist who is a speaker and producer of TEDx Events. Bill has been practicing occupational therapy for 10 years. His primary setting is in skilled nursing facility settings. He also is an adjunct instructor and thesis advisor for Stanbridge University's MSOT program as well as an active member of AOTA. He has served in the Representative Assembly in 2017-2020, Volunteer Leadership Development Committee in 2020-2022, and currently is a co-facilitator for the Autism community of practice group. Bill is also an OT conference junkie, as he has attended 50 OT conferences inside and outside of the United States thus far in his career. Finally, aside from having 3 TEDx talks under his name as a speaker, Bill has been an active TEDx event licensee since 2018. He has produced 23 TEDx talks as of this recording and is planning to produce more in the coming years.Show Key Points:· Bill tells us about some of his favorite occupations· He describes his current uncommon OT work and whom he serves· He describes his path and vision for occupational therapy· He provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· He provides resources and his contact information Resources & Contact:TEDxHub- TED's version of CommunOT. https://tedxhub.ted.com/loginSolving for x podcast- podcast on tips and tricks on organizing TEDx events. https://on.soundcloud.com/kvusdTEDxCommunity Hangout recordings (you can access them once you are able to get into TEDxHub)- more tips and tricks on organizing TEDx eventsTwitter: @BillWongOTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-wong-24492a18As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Joy Doll, OTD, OTR/L. Dr. Doll is an occupational therapist who specializes in Informatics. In 2023, she launched her own consulting firm to support organizations to bridge health care and social care, Hello Better Healthcare, LLC. She is Associate Professor and Program Director of Health Informatics at Creighton University. Prior to launching Hello Better Healthcare, Dr. Doll was the Vice President of Community Programs for CyncHealth. In this role, Joy supported cross-sector partnerships to build a social determinants of health ecosystem that includes community-based organizations, health information technology, 211 and health care organizations. She led the first EHR integration of health care and social care in the state of Nebraska. She is a passionate advocate for health equity supporting programs like the Health and Dwelling, a Medical Respite for the Homeless and the Greater Omaha Pathways Hub. Prior to joining CyncHealth, Joy served as the Inaugural Executive Director for establishing the Center for Interprofessional Education and Research (CIPER) where she was engaged with CHI Health to develop, establish, and study an interprofessional clinical learning environment. She was the Vice Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University. During her time at the CU, she was also the director of a Post Professional OTD Program where she was responsible for recruitment and retention of students, managing student issues, and maintaining program excellence. Joy is author of the textbook Grant Writing and Program Development for Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Making the Connection and over 50 book chapters or peer reviewed journal publications. She is a sought after pocaster and speaker including the 2018 TEDx Talk entitled Cultivating Collaboration in Health Care: The Journey of an Accidental Expert. Joy earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree in 2003 from Creighton University. In May 2022, she completed a miniMBA from University of Arizona as a recipient of the Common Spirit Equity Impact Scholarship.Show Key Points: • Joy shares about her background and some of her favorite occupations • She describes what inspires her to do this work • She describes her current uncommon OT work • She describes her path and vision • She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice • She provides valuable resources and her contact information Resources & Contact:Twitter: @joyot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-doll-80581876Website www.hellobetterhealthcare.com Email me joy@hellobetterhealthcare.comAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic & Truelearn. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Ashley Reina, BSc. OT. Ashley is an Occupational Therapist in Health Technology who builds practice management and electronic medical record software. She is a graduate of Univ of Alberta in 2005. She has worked in pediatrics most of her career with a love for private practice. She is a visionary and lifelong learner with superpowers including awareness and vulnerability, which makes room for lots of self-reflections and growth opportunities in life. She is a mom to 3 littles, 2 boys 11, 8 and 1 girl - 8 months old. Throughout her day, she loves to build in moments of yoga, meditation, walking, and swimming. She loves the water and being by the water, swimming, paddle boarding and just watching.Show Key Points:· Ashley tells us about her background and some of her favorite occupations· She describes what inspired her to do this work · She describes her current uncommon OT work and whom he serves· She describes her path and vision · She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides valuable resources and her contact information As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Dr. Sakshi Tickoo (she/her). Sakshi is a brown, queer Occupational Therapist and Sexuality counselor from Mumbai, India working in the areas of sexuality, relationships, and mental health across the lifespan. She is the founder of Sex, Love, And OT—an inclusive, educational telehealth platform that focuses on sexual rights and liberation through education, centering pleasure, and facilitating freedom of occupational engagement in sexuality for people globally. She is also the author of SexCare—a self-help guide designed for solo and partnered pleasure through the use of sensations and self-care routine. Other aspects of her work include collaborating with other allies, advocates, educators, and NGOs around the world to advance sexuality education and research, sex worker and assault/abuse survivor healthcare, and advocating for sexuality in Occupational Therapy & Sciences across various practice areas and settings. In her spare time, she combines her love for technology, art, and sexuality through content creation, writing, and curating resources on Instagram. Show Key Points:· Sakshi tells us about her background and favorite occupations· She describes what inspired her to do this work · She describes her current uncommon OT work and whom he serves· She describes her path and vision · She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides valuable resources and her contact information Resources and Contact:The best way to connect with me is via my email: sex.love.andot@gmail.com. Other ways to stay in touch or follow my work include: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sex.love.andot/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SexLoveAndOT/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sexloveandotWebsite: https://www.sexloveandot.com/Email: sex.love.andot@gmail.comSexCare Book: https://www.amazon.com/SexCare-Dr-Sakshi-Tickoo/dp/9393809909Horn OT Please (Podcast): https://anchor.fm/hornotpleaseAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this post, we will learn from David Merlo, MS, COTA/L, CPRP, ROH. He is an OTP and is managing director of Restoration Society, Inc, a peer-operated community mental health agency Buffalo, NY founded upon the recovery vision that all individuals can lead active lives filled with hope and satisfaction and make valuable contributions to our community. For 8 years prior he was the founding director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Bryant and Stratton College in Rochester, NY. Prior to that he was professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for over 18 years at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY. Trained through Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, David is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) in addition to being a licensed COTA. He completed graduate studies in assistive and rehabilitation technology at University at Buffalo OT Department and Center for Assistive Technology (CAT). He earned an MS degree at Buffalo State College, focusing on adult education with emphasis on technology and supporting students with disabilities. David has presented at numerous conferences and co-authored articles on psychiatric rehabilitation, mental health recovery, assistive technology, and the role of occupational therapy assistants in clinical and community practice. He currently services on the board of Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation, an organization that supports the first and only school in Haiti with four-year degree programs in both OT and PT. He serves in a leadership capacity with the Consortium of PsychiatricRehabilitation Educators, an interprofessional community of practice. He is past director of AOTA Board of Directors, and past representative of the AOTA Representative Assembly. He has served in numerous leadership and volunteer capacities within New York State Occupational Therapy Association.Q & A with Dave:Please tell us a little about yourself and some of your favorite occupations:I recently retired from academia to take on a position in community mental health practice. Favorite leisure occupations: Patio and indoor gardening, listening to jazz, traveling, and watching independent, international, and documentary films. What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?I was invited by fellow members of the NY Mental Health Task ForcePlease describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve, and the needs that you address.I recently retired as founding director of an OTA academic program to assume a director position at a Restoration Society, Inc, a community-based mental health recovery organization in Buffalo, NY (www.RSIWNY.org). I previously served on their board of directors for nearly 30 years and was recently invited to join their administration. The agency is peer-operated (majority of staff, administration, and board are people who identify as recovering from mental illness or addictions). The agency addresses non-clinical recovery needs, and social determinants of health among people with severe mental illness. We operate through a mental health recovery model lens, focusing on building a person's strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values to support their success, satisfaction, and well-being. The agency addresses the "4 dimensions of recovery" as defined by SAMHSA: HEALTH (symptom/wellness self-management and making healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being), HOME (having a stable and safe place to live), PURPOSE (meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and independence/income/resources to participate in society), and COMMUNITY (having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope). What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?A prior education in horticulture (I was passionate about gardening, landscape design, and our human interactions with our environments) led me to OT. I was intrigued by our local state psychiatric center, discovering that the grounds of the institution were designed by famous landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted (he designed Central Park in NYC). His landscape design of the psychiatric center was built around engaging patients in purposeful and meaningful occupations. Orchards, gardens, vineyards were all intended to be "therapeutic" (at least in his original vision). My volunteer work there (described below) led to my discovery of OT.How did you get there? Can you describe your path?I discovered OT over 37 years ago volunteering at Buffalo Psychiatric Center. I had a degree in horticulture so I used that background to engage inpatients in operating a greenhouse and garden on the hospital grounds. While there, I stumbled on OT and recognized my calling. My first job out of OTA school was at a "Clubhouse Model" community mental health agency. The Clubhouse Model is rooted in engage people meaningful roles, occupations, and contexts as a way to focus on personal recovery. I was later included in a training grant to become trained in a new model "Psychiatric Rehabilitation" through Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. As a trained trainer of psych rehab, I realized an interest and joy in teaching. For 27 tears I taught (and eventually directed) OTA programs. I am thrilled to now return to practice; actually returning to the very agency where I began my career in OT (Restoration Society, Inc.)!Please describe a typical day or OT session at your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?As an administrator, I oversee operations, program development, employee training and support, quality assurance, and strategic planning. My focus is on supporting our employees and programs in maintaining fidelity with our mission, values, and vision. I conduct and participate in meetings, conduct staff training, participate in writing program proposals. I am still new (only about a month in). Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?RECENT HIGH: Any and all situations involving talking to our employees and clients (we call them customers) about hope, possibility, empowerment, and well-being. A recent conversation with an OT Level II student stands out. She shared with me her interaction with a customer. As we often do, she expressed "Thank God its Friday" to the customer. The customer responded by saying "I hate weekends". Asked why, the customer stated that she has no access to friends or a place to engage in socialization and leisure over the weekend. This OT student suddenly realized how poverty, stigma, inaccessibility, and "social determinants of health" impact quality and access to meaningful human occupation. What a profound realization for this student (and an impactful reminder for me)! This was a huge learning success for this OT student that she will never forget. No lecture could have made such impact. RECENT LOW: Staff turnover in non-profit organizations is a serious issue. Salaries are low and we compete with Aldi's, Home Depot, DoorDash, etc. We operate primarily on funding from our state office of mental health, state vocational rehabilitation agency, HUD, and other government agencies. We cannot afford to employ OTs or even OTAs. We would if we could! We are grateful that we can afford my position and our COO is an OTA. And we are blessed to have an amazing OTR on our board of directors (and hopefully one more OTR joining our board soon)!How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?I continually attend AOTA offerings. So many SIS forums and other meetings are free with membership. I attend AOTA and NYSOTA conferences, as well as interprofessional conferences offered by Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) and New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS). And I am now engaging in numerous workshops offered by our state office of mental health, SAMHSA, and other entities. I am very involved in advocacy, and I participate on committees that focus supporting OTAs in practice and education. I also engage in scholarship by presenting at conferences and co-authoring articles. Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting? How do OT or the services you provide get funded?Because administrative positions are often agreed upon through negotiation, it would not be appropriate to disclose my specific salary. I will say, however, that a position like mine is within the salary requirements of OTs with several years of experience. Funding is through New York State Office of Mental Health, ACCESS-VR (our state vocational rehabilitation agency), HUD, Medicaid. We are increasingly receiving funding from health insurance companies to address social determinants of health.Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?Network, join boards, volunteer, and show your passion! I attribute my success to these things. A career is more than at job. It is essential to get past the idea of only working for pay. I view networking, board work, and other volunteer activities as part of my socialization and leisure occupations. Those occupations as energizing and inspiring for me. Attending conferences are more fun than vacations. Maybe I'm odd, but I believe that my passion has brought me great joy and success in life.What's a common myth or misconception about your job/role you'd like to call out or demystify?I have never worked a day in my life in an OT clinical setting. Yet, I have "done OT" throughout my entire career. OT is way more than addressing diseases in injuries. OT is prevention, OT is wellness, OT is engagement. I love our AOTA Vision 2025: "As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living." That statement says nothing about sickness, injury, or treatment. It says so much more than that! How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you and promote your unique work?My website (containing my CV and more) is located at http://www.davidmerlo.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidmmerlo Please list any resources you would like me to include with your Show Notes (courses, articles, assessments, tools, etc.)http://www.davidmerlo.com/ (my personal website)https://www.haitirehab.org/ (I'm on the board of Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation) Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation (HRF) is a non-profit, 501c3 organization founded with the mission of educating Haitians in the art and science of Physical and Occupational Therapy.https://cpr.bu.edu/ Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College: Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. This center has led much of the research and development of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Model https://helpinghandsandbeyond.org/ A nonprofit humanitarian organization established and dedicated to educate and promote wellness, by encouraging and stimulating healing and recovery. The organization's primary project is Clinic Du Nazareen which provides general health care services, rehabilitation, community development, and mobile clinics throughout Miragoane, Haiti, and the surrounding villages. My friend Bergson Louis Jacques, OTR, is the director. I've traveled with him several times to Haiti to help with their clinic. https://rsiwny.org/ Restoration Society, Inc. (where I serve as Managing Director). Restoration Society, Inc. programs are peer-empowered rehabilitation communities founded upon the recovery vision that all individuals can lead active lives filled with hope and satisfaction and make valuable contributions to our communityAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Amber Edwards, OTR/L, RKC (she/her) an occupational therapist specializing in Fitness & Kettlebell Training. Amber graduated from Ithaca College from the BS/MS Occupational Therapy program in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Currently, she is a Travel Occupational Therapist in NYC working with the geriatric population in SNFs. In addition to being an OT, Amber is also passionate about fitness. At Ithaca College, Amber was a 2x All-American hurdler and captain on the Women's Track and Field team and currently enjoys strength training with kettlebells as a Certified Russian Kettlebell Coach (RKC) and Dynamic Sports Performance Certified Coach (DSPCC). Amber is also a podcaster as she created her own podcast in 2020 called “Reaching your pOTential”. The initial mission of the podcast was to present her individual experiences as a new grad OT, but has transitioned now to empower and highlight other people of color (POC) in OT and beyond. Overall, the vision of the podcast is to engage and inspire all OTPs and others to reach their fullest potential in life.Show Key Points:· Amber tells us about her background and favorite occupations· She describes what inspired her to do this work and her path· She describes her uncommon OT work and whom she serves· She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides direction, resources and contact information CONTACT & RESOURCES:IG: @thick.amb.fit Email: a.edwards.otrl@gmail.com Website: www.thickambfit.comTurkish Get Up Manual: https://www.thickambfit.com/shop/p/turkish-get-up-manual Training Consultation: https://www.thickambfit.com/shop/p/training-consultationAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Cheryl Albright, OTR/L an occupational therapist who specializes in Yoga Therapy. Cheryl grew up with an older brother with autism and an aunt with down syndrome. She began working with the disability community when she was 14 at Rotary Camp Onsewaya. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and has been an occupational therapist for 20 years. She began using yoga in clinical practice 13 years ago when she discovered Yoga for the Special Child ®. She is her brother's legal guardian and advocate. Cheryl currently resides in Bradenton Florida and owns a yoga-based private practice, Soul To Soul Yoga.Show Key Points:· Cheryl tells us about her background and favorite occupations· She describes what inspired her to do this work · She describes her uncommon OT work and the individuals she serves· She describes a typical day in her non-traditional setting· She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides direction, resources, and contact information RESOURCES:https://www.wpspublish.com/qnst-3r-quick-neurological-screening-test-third-edition-revisedwww.specialyoga.com (where I was trained) https://soultosoulyogasrq.com/ceus/Www.specialsib.com As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformBIG THANKS to our sponsor Picmonic. Follow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Hannah Pugh, OTR/L an occupational therapist who specializes in Digital Health. Hannah has been a practicing occupational therapist for 5 years. She studied kinesiology at Michigan State University and then received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. She has traditional OT experience working in an outpatient setting, acute, and inpatient care but through that time she realized she was interested in helping people through a different lens. Early in her career, she realized she could have a greater impact on people's lives by leveraging technology to reach more people. She took a course in UX design and now works as the Head of Clinical Experience at Reactiv, a health tech startup that uses augmented reality to treat people with joint pain. Show Key Points:· Hannah tells us about her background and her path to her Uncommon OT work· She describes what inspired her to do this work · She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides direction, resources and his contact information As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformFollow the link below and USE DISCOUNT CODE “TransitionsOT” to Score 20% OFF Your PICMONIC Membership today! https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/TRANSITIONSOTLBL23Happy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from some of the founders and members of the Mental Health Task Force (MHTF). Anne Hiller Scott, OTR/L, PhD, FAOTA, Joan Feder MA, OTR/L, Diane Tewfik, MA, OT (Retired), Mabel Martinez-Almonte, OTR/L. The MHTF is a NYSOTA (New York State Occupational Therapy Association) community of practice that identifies, promotes, and supports occupational therapy practitioners in addressing the psychosocial aspects of occupational engagement in all practice settings through education, advocacy, and community. Show Key Points:· Members and founders briefly introduce themselves and tell us about their backgrounds and OT work· The discuss their motivation to do the Podcast and the MHTF beginnings and summary of its history and goals· They describe their Uncommon OT roles, projects and initiatives· They describe some of MHTF's recent highs and lows· They provide OT practitioners with valuable career advice· They provide resources, community and their contact information Anne Hiller Scott, OTR/L, PhD, FAOTAIn 1969 Dr. Scott began her career at St. Vincent's during the community mental health movement. With the local NYSOTA MH Task Force (MHTF), she led initiatives in continuing education, resource development and publications on evaluation, practice, supervision, quality assurance and wellness. This pioneering service and advocacy were recognized with honors: FAOTA, NYSOTA Practice Award and the Abreu Award. An OTMH issue “New Frontiers in Psychosocial Occupational Therapy” which she edited, showcased innovations by MHTF members, therapists' nationwide and included consumer and OTS perspectives. After teaching at Downstate for fifteen years, she launched the LIU OT Program in 1997 with a mission emphasizing wellness, health promotion and community service learning.Diane Tewfik, MA, OT (Retired)As one of the founding members of the MHOT Taskforce, Diane has had a career In Mental Health OT for over 30 years. Her practice has included outpatient programs, addiction, private practice as well as adult rehabilitation. She was also Associate Professor and Field Coordinator at York College of CUNY's OT Program. She received NYSOTA's Merit of Practice Award in 1997 and AOTA's Recognition of Achievement in 2003 for Preserving Occupational Therapy's Role in Mental Health. Joan Feder MA, OTR/LJoan has dedicated her 40 year career to peer-centered treatment, working in a wide range of settings from acute psychiatric in-patient settings to outpatient psychosocial rehabilitation programs. She received an advanced mental health OT degree from NYU and worked in designing and implementing programming at New York-Presbyterian Hospital –Cornell Medical Center. She had the unique opportunity of designing outpatient services for the SPMI population while overseeing a multidisciplinary team. Her programs were driven by the Recovery Model, with a focus on fostering function and independence, while responding to the ever-changing demands of external regulators. She collaborated over the years on CBT for Psychosis research and lectured at multiple OT schools in NY. She has published in AOTA SIS journals and has a chapter in APA – Textbook of Hospital Psychiatry. Most importantly she was one of the founders of the MNYD mental health task force and has played a key role in the group, over the last 26 years, while benefiting from the amazing professional support provided by all its members. Mabel Martinez-Almonte, OTR/LMabel is a graduate from SUNY Downstate College of Health Related Professions, from the class of 1992. She has worked in mental health for 25 years, on the inpatient psychiatric unit NS-52 in which she supervised Occupational Therapy (OT) students for the past 21 years. She was nominated by her students for the "Supervisor of the Year" in 2000, 2007, 2010, and in 2009 was the recipient of this prestigious award. In addition, she was actively involved with educating the staff in the inpatient psychiatry unit (NS-52), on treatment modalities to decrease restraint and seclusion. She has served as an adjunct professor for the SUNY Downstate CHRP OT program since 1994. These experiences served as a springboard for other teaching opportunities. This spearheaded the initiative to give back to SUNY Downstate and work with professors who served as mentors in her profession as an Occupational Therapist, including getting involved with community service in the mental health arena. Since 1999, she has served in various capacities with NAMI East Flatbush (an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) consumer and family support group held monthly at SUNY Downstate. She continued to do community service in a broad spectrum, which included conducting lectures and conference presentations to students at various schools (i.e., Long Island University, Columbia University, and Public School 274), and participated as a panelist for mental health Special Interest Group, and co-presented with psychiatry residents from DMC department of psychiatry at the Institute on Psychiatric Services in 2010 on the topic: "Discuss updates working with patients affected by mental illness at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) towards mental health consumer empowerment and advocacy and the Metabolic Syndrome Screening Booth at the yearly NAMI Walks event." She has also worked closely with CHRP Occupational Therapy Program and the Department of Psychiatry to organize a yearly NAMI Walk event from 2008-2018, which included the involvement of SUNY Downstate trainees: occupational therapy and medical students, along with psychiatry residents; together with NAMI East Flatbush chapter members and their families, to set up a walk team (SUNY Downstate at NAMI East Flatbush) and provide a Metabolic Syndrome Screening Booth. She has co-presented the work that she does with NAMI and the yearly NAMI Walk events at the Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds. She is an active Advisory Board Member since 2006, for the State University of New York/Health Science Center of Brooklyn - College of Health Related Professions -Occupational Therapy Program, now renamed State University of New York - School of Health Professions (SOHP). Mabel went on to complete graduate studies at Nyack Alliance Graduate School of Counseling and graduated with a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is currently employed at the Special Treatment and Research (STAR) Health Center at SUNY Downstate Medical Center as a mental health counselor since December 2014. She currently provides both individual and group mental health, substance abuse, and supportive counseling for patients receiving care at the STAR Health Center. Her love for educating the community at large on mental health literacy has taken her to pursue training and certification in Mental Health First Aid for adults, youth curriculums since 2012. She has continued to enrich her love for knowledge and service and became certified as a National Certified Counselor and an Evergreen Certified Dementia Care Specialist (ECDCS).RESOURCES & IMPORTANT WORKS BY MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS: Social Profile by Mary Donohue, AOTA Presshttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/000841740507200304?journalCode=cjocOT's Walk with Nami (Initiative and Protocol)Let's Get Organized AssessmentSensory Modulation for pediatric inpatientSuzanne White, MA, OTR/L, FAOTAhttps://www.suzannewhiteotr.com/namiPhotography for those with mental illness- Joan Feder, MA, OTR/Lhttps://healthmatters.nyp.org./photography-program-mental-illnessArticle Testimony: Advocacy in Action. OT Practice, Nov 8,2004 by Diane B. Tewfik, MA, OT and Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP -2-Article published in September, 2022 issue in OT Practice: Highlighting OT's Role in Mental Health , An Innovative Fieldwork Program for Community- Based Mental Health by Diane B. Tewfik, MA, OT and Anne Hiller Scott, OTR/L, PhD, FAOTAhttps://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2022/community-based-mental-healthDream Home Assessment (free download) by Emily Raphael-Greenfield https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/programs-occupational-therapy/about-programs/faculty-innovations/dream-home-assessment Bucket Drumming Group Article -Hard –Wired for Groups: Students and Clients in the Classroom and Clinic-Mental Health special Interest Section Quarterly, Volume 34, No. 3, September 2011.SMART program (Supporting Many to Achieve Residential Transition, Gutman, S.A. and Raphael-Greenfield EI(2018).https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/programs-occupational-therapy/faculty-innovations/smart-program.Scott, A., (Ed.) (1998). New Frontiers in Psychosocial Occupational Therapy (Ed). Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press. Scott, A. (1999). Wellness works: Community service health promotion groups led by occupational therapy students. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, (53) 6, 566-574. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.53.6.566Salem, Y., & Scott, A. (2011). A community-based aquatic program for individuals with systemic lupus erythematous: A community-based study. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy,19:30-31. DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.507855Salem, Y., Scott, A., Karpatkin, H., Concert, G., Haller, L., Kaminsky, E., Weisbrot, R, & Spatz, E. (2011). Community-based group aquatic program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 33:720-728. DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.507855 Scott, A., Scott, R., & Cole, M. (2016). Narrative reasoning in disability-themed films (pp. 117-143). In M. Cole & J. Creek (Eds.), Global Perspectives in Professional Reasoning. Thorofare, NJ: Slack.Scott, A., Scott, R., & Cole, M. (2018/4/19-22). From reel to real: Illness narratives in disability-themed films. [Poster Presentation]. AOTA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. Brooklyn International Disability Film Festival and Wellness Expohttps://www.brooklynpaper.com › superwomanJul 22, 2005 — Brooke Ellison, who at age 11 was hit by a car and left paralyzed ... The free screening is part of the Brooklyn International Disability Film Festival… How to Contact The MHTF: Website: https://www.nysota.org/page/MHTFhttps://www.nysota.org/page/MHTFBios Mental Health Taskforce Listserv: OTmentalhealthtaskforce@gmail.comAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and the guests' own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, we will learn from Whitney Pendergrass, COTA/L. Whitney is a certified occupational therapy assistant whose role is titled, Clinical Education Assistant for The School of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University. Essentially, her job is to assist the fieldwork educators in the OTD and MSOT programs with all things fieldwork related. This also includes creating more fieldwork placement options for when our OTD program increases to a cohort of 60 students. An increase in students means an increased need for fieldwork placement options.Show Key Points:· Whitney gives us a glimpse of her background and interests· She describes her Uncommon OT role and her path· She talks about what inspired her to contribute to the Uncommon OT Series Podcast · She explains how her role and skill set benefits others· She provides OT practitioners with valuable career advice· She provides resources and her contact information RESOURCES: Belmont UniversityI would like to give a formal shout-out to my friend Cindy and list her official title for recognition. Cindy Hickman OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, CLT, LANA OTD Fieldwork Coordinator for The School Of Occupational Therapy at Belmont UniversityAll the forward-thinkers and amazing program directors from Belmont as well as Nashville State Community college (where I went to school) so they can all be recognized for their awesomeness!- Camille Turner, MSOT, OTR/LMSOT Fieldwork Coordinator at Belmont University- Allison Koch, EdD, OTD, OTR/LMSOT Program Director at Belmont University- Tamara Lemmonds, EdD, MSOT, OTR/LOTD Program Director, Department Chair at Belmont UniversityNashville State Community College OTA Programhttps://catalog.nscc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=156&returnto=601- Piper Sesnan, OTD, OTROTA Program Director at Nashville State Community College- Donna Whitehouse, MHA, OTRInterim Dean of Healthcare Professions at Nashville State Community CollegeAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and the guests' own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.

In this episode, you will learn about My Uncommon OT Year. I take a month-to-month account and highlight all of the non-traditional OT opportunities & collaborations I've been fortunate enough to be a part of in 2022. What an incredible year it has been! MANY THANKS to EACH of YOU for YOUR LOVE & SUPPORT throughout the year. January Great start to the year! I had the privilege of releasing my inspiring conversation with Amy Lamb, enough said! https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series/inspiration-m56ww-b4d6e-k2jgx-ebldc-9eh3t-lyr8d-hazhm-y2ldg-k3j9h-wfgjr-9b79a Amy J. Lamb, OTD, OT/L, FAOTA: OT in Executing Coaching — Wholistic Transitions February Started my virtual individual and group mentorship program. I had to honor of being interviewed by my friend Sara Zera, OTR/L, OTD the host of @moxieotpodcast Moxie OT Podcast (@moxieotpodcast) • Instagram photos and ... https://www.instagram.com › moxieotpodcast March I had to honor of being interviewed by my friend Sara Lyon, OTR/L the host of The OT Potential Podcast IG: @otpotential https://www.audible.com/pd/27-Mindfulness-Chronic-Pain-and-OT-with-Patricia-Motus-Podcast/B09TZKTFT3?ref=a_pd_item-n_c1_lAsin_2_4 #27: Mindfulness, Chronic Pain, and OT with Patricia Motus | OT Potential Podcast | Occupational Therapy CEUs | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com April WAS HUGE, to say the least!!! First, I was invited to speak at the 2022 AOTA Conference in San Antonio, Tx on a Panel on Nurturing Resilience Speakers | AOTA INSPIRE 2023 https://inspire.aota.org/inspire-sessions-types/inspire-speakers/I loved being amongst my people at the conference IG: @kateburke @amplifyot I was awarded COTAD's 20220 Excellence in Mentorship award https://www.cotad.org/ COTAD National May I was a speaker at the OT Entrepreneurs of Color Online Conference hosted by the lovely Patrice Maynard OTR/L IG: @tricem_96 June & July Invited to speak with various SOTAs and COTAD chapters across the country August I celebrated my 1 year podcast anniversary and Interviewed OT rockstars like Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA @drArameh https://transitionsot.squarespace.com/config/pages/60da8d598829b90f5cd01ff4 Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA: OT in Grassroot Organization — Wholistic Transitions September Named Therapist Beyond Borders Ambassador https://therapistsbeyondborders.org/ Home - Therapists Beyond Borders October Invited to speak with various SOTAs Exploring a variety of Non-Traditional Job Openings in Los Angeles November Great News!! I accepted a full-time position in a non-traditional community-based setting. Super excited to share this journey with you this new year. Woot Woot!! Take a Sneak Peak at this fantastic new facility where OT Services will be offered. https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/inside-the-issues/2022/11/04/la-county-opens-interim-housing-site-with-24-7-access December Ending the Year with a Bang! Named @otpotential podcast's Top 5 most listened to episodes in 2022! Joined the Exodus Recovery team. Onboarding and training began for my new non-traditional OT gig! Thanks for being an important part of my non-traditional 2022, on to my new and exciting uncommon OT role in 2023! As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and the guests' own.Be a Patron to support The Uncommon OT Series Podcast project via Patreon.