Podcasts about Occupational therapy

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both physical therapists, dive deep into the world of barefoot shoes and the barefoot lifestyle. They explore how making the switch to barefoot footwear can help address common pain issues, including bunion pain and plantar fasciitis. The hosts discuss essential features of minimalist shoes, share their own barefoot journeys, and emphasize why a gradual, personalized approach is important to avoid injury. You'll hear practical tips, targeted exercises, and assessments to strengthen your feet and improve mobility while going barefoot. Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom also introduce their Barefoot Mini Course and recommend supportive tools like toe socks and spacers for anyone dealing with bunions, plantar fasciitis, or general foot pain. Listeners are encouraged to be patient and consistent—embracing barefoot habits and foot exercise for optimal health and lifelong foot function.VivoBarefoot Discount:Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you're not satisfied!LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It's our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!Barefoot Mini Course:Struggling with plantar fasciitis or bunion pain? Our Barefoot Mini Course helps you self-assess and relieve foot issues. Many have found relief! Use code OPTIMAL10 for a discount. Learn more and sign up now!We think you'll love:Barefoot Mini CourseFree Plantar Fasciitis GuideJen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/422What You'll Learn:2:33 Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes: Listener Questions7:18 Personal Foot Backgrounds8:38 Defining Barefoot Shoes10:35 Research on Barefoot Shoes...

In this powerful and informative episode, we're joined by Dr. Saige Evans, Clinical Director and Pelvic Floor Therapist at Bloom Pelvic Therapy. Dr. Saige brings a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed approach to supporting people navigating vulvovaginal and pelvic pain. We unpack the connection between the pelvic floor and sexual health, bust some persistent myths, and explore how our nervous system plays a central role in both pain and pleasure. Whether you're experiencing pelvic discomfort, want to enhance your sexual wellness, or are simply curious about how the body stores tension and trauma, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and hope.

Students with executive functioning challenges often intend to complete tasks or meet expectations—but struggle to execute consistently. The reason? They aren't mentally envisioning future scenarios, predicting the steps needed to reach a goal, and thinking about what they need to be doing NOW in order to meet that goal. This cognitive skill, called future pacing, allows students to visualize the process and outcome of their actions, building a critical link between planning and follow-through.In the third episode in my “Five Skills to Create Your Executive Functioning Intervention Framework”, I break it down in detail. What I'll uncover in this episode:✅ What future pacing is—and why it's essential for supporting goal-directed behavior and flexible thinking.✅ How future pacing interacts with skills like time perception, self-talk, and episodic memory.✅ Why students with executive functioning deficits often struggle to anticipate obstacles, sequence steps, or understand how present actions impact future outcomes.✅ Practical ways to teach students how to mentally rehearse tasks—bridging the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.✅ How building future pacing into interventions improves self-regulation, motivation, and task persistence.In this episode, I mentioned my upcoming free live virtual training hosted by Parallel Learning that's coming up on August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. It's called “Executive Functioning: Beyond Checklists and Planners”. You'll earn a free CEU, get to learn about a company that offers remote work opportunities, and get to learn some of the concepts I teach in my paid programs. You can sign up for the training here: https://parallellearning-20474008.hs-sites.com/ashakickoffwebinar25?utm_source=partnership&utm_medium=partner_karen_dudek&utm_campaign=webinar_ashadrkaren_8.14.2025&utm_content=blankI also mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this Optimal Body Podcast episode, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, doctors of physical therapy, welcome sleep expert Todd Anderson. Todd shares insights from his athletic and coaching background, emphasizing the foundational role of sleep in performance, pain relief, and optimal health. The conversation covers practical sleep strategies, the impact of mindset, light, temperature, exercise, hormones, and stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. Listeners receive actionable tips for improving sleep quality, with a focus on self-compassion, individualized routines, and addressing underlying life stressors for optimal well-being.VivoBarefoot Discount:Support your foot health with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you're not satisfied!Needed Discount:Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women's health and nutrition with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ healthcare professionals. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We'll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!Todd's Resources:Dream Recovery WebsiteTodd's InstagramDream Recovery InstagramYoutubeFacebookWe think you'll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Jen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/421

What if going to work was as easy as opening up your computer? From your office, home, or even somewhere more exotic? Today's guest is using teletherapy to work from Mexico, and I can't wait for you to hear her story!I'm reintroducing you to Samantha Rothman, an occupational therapist and one of the amazing coaches inside the Grow Your Private Practice Program. Samantha is the owner and founder of her private practice, Play and Purpose, based in Phoenix, Arizona.Switching to teletherapy was key in helping Samantha create a lifestyle practice that fits her wants and dreams. She is able to meet with clients and work poolside in Mexico with her dog! In this episode, Samantha discusses how switching to teletherapy helps her better serve her clients, maintain her mental health, and enjoy more freedom to do what she wants.Samantha Rothman is a licensed and board-certified pediatric occupational therapist and DIR Floortime provider. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Community Health and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University.She enjoys using a "whole child" approach, including all aspects of being human-especially focusing on emotional and mental health. She is passionate about using child-led and non-compliance based techniques to promote engagement and self-advocacy skills.Outside of patient care, Samantha is devoting time to mentoring new therapists and supporting our team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, kayaking, traveling, and weight lifting.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:The types of clients that benefit from teletherapy sessionsHow teletherapy has improved her mental health and given her a sense of balanceWhat it's like running a practice from another countrySamantha's advice for those who want to achieve the same level of freedomSamantha is truly living her dream! We are so lucky to have her as a mentor in our Grow Program. Her story does not have to be the exception; you, too, can achieve the career of your dreams if you simply start taking steps to get there.Want to build your private practice to the point where YOU can work from abroad - just like Samantha has? Learn more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program - where Samantha and our other coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.comWhether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned: Follow Samantha on Instagram: www.instagram.com/playandpurposeaz/Check out her website: www.playandpurposeaz.comLearn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.comWhere We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Connect on Facebook:

In this episode, we will learn from Samia H. Rafeedie, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS, FAOTA. Samia is the Director of the Professional Program in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC), and professor of clinical occupational therapy. She has been on the faculty since 2008 and has primarily taught adult physical rehabilitation, kinesiology, and topics on professional development and association engagement. Samia has been an occupational therapist for 24 years, with additional practice interests in productive aging and geriatrics, pedagogy and higher education, mentorship, and volunteerism. She is the President of the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC), and is invested in strengthening the association by recruiting and maintaining members. Some of her favorite occupations include spending time with my family, taking trips together, and going out to eat for Japanese food (our favorite!). She also LOVES volunteering for our state association. It fills her cup!Contact & Resources:Here is the USC Chan Division website: https://chan.usc.edu/ and here is the OTAC website: otaconline.orgInstagram: @otacofca & @otshrtrojan 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/viewformHappy Listening Friends!Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests' own.

I'm often asked if I can create an “executive functioning lesson plan” that a clinician could do within a 20-minute therapy session with a student or group of students. I understand why people ask me for things like this. This traditional “pull-out” model of therapy is what many clinicians have been taught in our preservice training, and it's often what's focused on in professional development for clinicians. This model works well for many skills. It also plays a part in executive functioning intervention. But it's not enough. Doing “executive functioning” lesson plans without some type of support plan in place for other settings would be like a soccer player doing drills and conditioning without ever playing soccer. Does the right isolated work provide support and a foundation? Yes. Is it necessary? Also yes.But is it enough on its own, without direct application in the situation when those skills will be needed? Absolutely not. I know school teams are overwhelmed, and embedding support across a students' day requires systems and collaboration that aren't often in place in many schools (yet). It's a lot to ask, but it's what needs to happen. And with the right plan, it's possible-which is what I show school leaders how to do in the School of Clinical Leadership. That's why in this second episode in my series on “Five Skills to Create Your Executive Functioning Implementation Framework”, I cover the second skill: Self TalkWhat I cover in this episode:✅ The two distinct types of self-talk: Strategy self-talk and Self-belief self-talk✅ How self-talk integrates with other executive functions like time perception, future pacing, and episodic memory✅ The connection between self-talk and principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—and how to embed those principles into daily routines, not just therapy rooms✅ Why explicit instruction and modeling of self-talk helps students shift from reactive to proactive problem-solving✅ How deficits in self-talk can derail time management, task initiation, and flexible thinking—despite external supports✅ How to start working on self-talk with your students right away-even if you haven't built strong team collaboration systems yet.In this episode, I mentioned my upcoming free live virtual training hosted by Parallel Learning that's coming up on August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. It's called “Executive Functioning: Beyond Checklists and Planners”. You'll earn a free CEU, get to learn about a company that offers remote work opportunities, and get to learn some of the concepts I teach in my paid programs. You can sign up for the training here. I also mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here.  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry sits down with Dr. Alex Chan Yoon, founder of EverEx, and Ellen Morello, PT, DPT, U.S. General Manager for EverEx, to discuss how their Remote Therapeutic Monitoring platform is revolutionizing patient engagement and rehabilitation.Alex shares the inspiring story behind EverEx—born from his frustration as an orthopedic surgeon seeing patients struggle with post-surgical rehab compliance. Recognizing the gap in care, he developed EverEx to bridge the divide between clinic-based therapy and at-home recovery, ensuring patients stay engaged and accountable.Ellen dives into the platform's user-friendly features, including personalized exercise programs, real-time feedback, and automated patient-provider communication—all designed to improve adherence and outcomes. She highlights how EverEx empowers clinicians to monitor progress, adjust care plans, and deliver high-value care beyond the clinic walls.Key Takeaways:• Patient-Centered Design: EverEx was built by clinicians, for clinicians, with a focus on improving rehab adherence and outcomes.• Seamless Integration: The platform simplifies workflows—bundling exercises, tracking compliance, and automating check-ins—without adding extra burden to providers.• Data-Driven Results: Research shows that remote monitoring leads to better recovery rates, reduced no-shows, and stronger patient-provider relationships.• Beyond Billing: While RTM codes offer financial benefits, the real value lies in delivering better care—keeping patients motivated and connected throughout their rehab journey.Tune in to learn how EverEx is helping clinics enhance patient outcomes while optimizing business success—because what's best for the patient truly is best for business.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Dr Dom discuss trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis), covering its causes, symptoms, and risk factors—especially in people with diabetes or repetitive hand use. They outline conservative treatments like splinting, corticosteroid injections, and targeted exercises to improve tendon gliding and finger mobility. Surgical options for trigger finger are reviewed for persistent cases. The hosts emphasize starting with therapy and activity modification before invasive treatments, and they share practical exercises for hand and wrist health.LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!Movement Rx Course - Last Call!!We have already gotten started with a group of over 1000 in this program focused on Longevity! Come join us and get the early-bird price (even though it is already gone) using code OPTIMAL at checkout! Join Movement Rx today!We think you'll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Jen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelWhat You'll Learn:02:52 Introduction to Trigger Finger04:17 Causes and Contributing Factors06:32 Conservative Treatment: Finger Splinting & Corticosteroid Injection09:18 Surgical Intervention10:55 Role of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy12:53 Tendon Gliding Exercises15:07 Finger and Wrist Stretching16:43 Active Wrist and Finger Movements17:44 Finger Taps and Control Exercises19:26 Adding Resistance and Rice Bucket Exercises20:03 Importance of Ongoing Exercise and Prevention For full show notes and resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/420

On this episode, we are joined by the 2025 ASHT Pediatric Specialty Day co-chairs, Emily Ho and Meagan Pehnke. They give us all of the inside information on what we can expect at this year's Pediatric Specialty Day. They discuss the layout of the meeting, the educational offerings, and the opportunities for networking with our fellow pediatric upper extremity specialists. Welcome to Hands in Motion, Emily and Meagan.Guest bios:Emily S. Ho, PhD, MEd, OT Reg. (Ont.) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She is a clinician investigator and an advanced practice clinician on the SickKids Upper Limb Pediatric Team (SKULPT) at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.Meagan Pehnke, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT is an occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She serves as a clinical specialist within the OT department and a researcher on the Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopaedics Team, with a focused interest in congenital differences and brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI). Meagan specializes in pediatric hand therapy and plays an integral role in both the Brachial Plexus and Orthopaedics Clinics, providing expert care and contributing to the advancement of clinical research.The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed"

Executive function is often defined as “having good time management skills”. While this isn't completely off-base, it's a vast oversimplification.The REASON people are good at time management is because they have the ability to estimate and sense the passage of time. Most “textbook” definitions of executive functioning don't fully call this out, and as a result many educators and clinicians have a difficult time figuring out how to design instruction and intervention that supports executive functioning. Instead of embedding support across the day, interventions get siloed in special education, or lumped into long lists of cookie cutter classroom accommodations that overwhelm general education teachers. Kids don't generalize skills from one setting to another, even though people think they're working on “time management”, and well-meaning adults find themselves giving constant “five minute warnings” as they try to help their students keep up with the pace of classroom activities or even basic functional tasks (e.g., getting things together, making transitions). Let's be honest: If “five minute warnings” were an effective method of teaching executive functioning and “time management”, we wouldn't have to be doing them constantly. What if there was a way to help kids develop these skills, so we could fade all the prompting? The good news is, there is. The first step is recognizing that the core skill we're teaching is TIME PERCEPTION. When you google a definition of executive functioning, you'll likely get a list of 8 or 9 skills. Things like attention, working memory, shifting, ideational fluency, and self-regulation. It's important for educators, clinicians, and school leaders to understand these terms and what they are, but then they need to organize these abstract cognitive skills into concrete skills that can be both taught explicitly and layered across a students' day. That's why the framework I teach organizes executive functioning into 5 areas: 1. Time perception2. Self-talk3. Future pacing4. Episodic memory5. Encoding. In this first episode of a 5-part podcast series, I discuss the first one: Time perception. In this episode, I'll reveal:✅ What “time perception” means in the context of executive functioning (beyond simply knowing how to tell time).✅ How time perception deficits interfere with task initiation, sustained attention, and task completion.✅ Why students may appear "defiant" or "unmotivated" when the real issue is inaccurate time estimation/perception.✅ How poor time perception creates barriers for following schedules, meeting deadlines, or pacing tasks appropriately.✅ Intervention principles to help build a student's internal sense of time as part of a larger EF support plan.In this episode, I mentioned my upcoming free live virtual training hosted by Parallel Learning that's coming up on August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. It's called “Executive Functioning: Beyond Checklists and Planners”. You'll earn a free CEU, get to learn about a company that offers remote work opportunities, and get to learn some of the concepts I teach in my paid programs. You can sign up for the training here. I also mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here.  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry sits down with Patrick Tarnowski, PT, MBA, Chief Commercial Officer of OneStep, a groundbreaking mobile app that measures key mobility data to help identify fall risks and improve patient outcomes.Patrick shares his extensive background in physical therapy, healthcare administration, and payer-side insights, emphasizing the critical role of objective mobility data in improving patient care and business success. He dives into how OneStep leverages smartphone sensors to analyze gait and movement, providing real-time insights that enhance clinical decision-making, reduce fall risks, and even optimize post-surgical recovery.Key Takeaways:• Gait as a Vital Sign: Mobility data is a powerful predictor of health risks—slower gait speed correlates with higher fall risk, mortality, and cognitive decline.• Seamless Workflow Integration: OneStep fits naturally into existing care models, using devices patients already own (smartphones) to capture actionable data without extra burden.• Remote Monitoring & Value-Based Care: The app enables providers to track patients remotely, bill for remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), and justify extended care with insurers using objective metrics.• Proving Impact: With tools like OneStep, clinics can demonstrate reduced hospital readmissions, shorter skilled nursing stays, and improved outcomes—key for payer negotiations and value-based contracts.• Expanding Opportunities: From senior living communities to orthotics/prosthetics and cancer rehab, mobility analytics is transforming care delivery across healthcare.Tune in to learn how leveraging technology doesn't mean more work—it means better care, stronger data, and smarter business growth.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Dr. Courtney Conley and Dr. Jen Perez, co-founders of Gait Happens, for an insightful discussion on health optimization through foot health. They explore how foot health impacts overall well-being, exercise performance, and movement longevity, with a special focus on plantar fasciitis and other common issues that impact foot health. The conversation dispels myths about orthotics and highlights the importance of functional foot strength. Listeners receive practical health tips and learn how exercise and a holistic approach can optimize health and prevent pain.Movement Rx Program:Looking to make sure you are moving well at all stages of life?! That is why Doc Jen teamed up with Dr Courtney from Gait Happens and created the Movement Rx program with movement longevity in mind. It is never too late, or too early, to start focusing on this! We will all be starting as a community on August 1st! Also, as our special podcast listeners, you can still get the early-bird pricing using code OPTIMAL at checkout!LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!Gait Happens Resources:Gait Happens WebsiteGait Happens InstagramGait Happens YoutubeGait Happens FacebookWe think you'll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Jen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/419

Ep. 94: Figuring out how to support your child and yourself through emotional ups and downsWhat even is co-regulation—and how do we do it without becoming the default regulator for everyone in our lives?Tracy Adams is a seasoned occupational therapist and mama who helps working parents better understand their children's sensory and emotional needs. In this heartfelt and strategy-packed episode, Tracy opens up about her own identity shift in motherhood and how sensory tools, mental load management, and community can help us navigate parenthood without losing ourselves. Whether you're fielding daycare calls or just trying to get through the dinner hour chaos, this one's for you.FULL SHOW NOTES & TAKEAWAYSWhat you'll hear in this episode:Why co-regulation doesn't mean regulating everyone in your lifeWhat occupational therapy is—and how it can help you even without a diagnosisTools for navigating daycare challenges, sensory overload, and “problem behaviours”How to advocate for your child and yourself without burnoutThe difference between empathy and emotional labourWhy a “plan” can make all the difference in hard parenting seasonsRelated episodes:Ep. 88: Finding your flock in motherhood with Gemma Van Slyke of The Motherflock – Spotify or AppleEp. 81: How to raise emotionally strong, self-aware boys with Kathy Imabayashi, veteran educator and founder of sonhood coachingEp. 57: Coping with shame and guilt as a parent with Kyira Wacket  – Spotify or AppleAbout Tracy Adams:Tracy Adams is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health, leadership, and family support. She is also a Clinical Faculty member at UBC's School of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.After becoming a mother, Tracy merged her professional expertise with her lived experience to support families navigating emotional development, sensory challenges, and the pressures of modern parenting.Book with Tracy (virtually!) at Woodlands Collective here. About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea Barr is a certified career and life coach who helps ambitious parents take charge of their careers and lives with strategy, intention, and freedom. She rejects the idea that success requires sacrifice—showing parents how to create more time, flexibility, and fulfillment without burnout. Through her coaching, workshops, and podcast, All Figured Out, Andrea shares the strategies and mindset shifts parents need to design careers that fit their lives—so they can thrive at work and at home.Connect with Andrea via Instagram ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or her website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Need a new resume?Shop beautiful, customizable, plug-and-play templates: The Resume Shop

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Lane, founder of Data-Informed Impact, to unpack the critical role of data in K-12 education—and how to use it responsibly, effectively, and equitably. Jessica shares her expertise on building a strong data culture in schools, improving data literacy, and creating clear, ethical data visualizations that empower—not overwhelm—educators and leaders.We explore the often-overlooked human side of data: how to build trust around data use, avoid duplicative processes that drain educators' time, and leverage data to evaluate systems. Jessica also offers insights into how different stakeholders—teachers, administrators, district leaders—use data from both micro and macro lenses, and how EdTech plays a role in the broader data landscape.Whether you're a classroom teacher, building leader, or part of a district team, this conversation will help you think critically about using data as a tool for improvement—not just compliance.Key Topics Covered:✔️ Building a positive and ethical data culture in schools✔️ Improving data literacy for educators and leaders✔️ How to design accessible, meaningful data visualizations✔️ Strategies to streamline administrative processes and reduce redundancy✔️ Student data use and privacy✔️ Understanding the micro vs. macro data needs across K-12 stakeholdersAbout Our Guest:As the founder of Data-Informed Impact, Jessica Lane is known for turning webs of data into easy-to-leverage visual dashboards, systems, and training for K-12 schools – fully equipping leaders and teachers to close the student success gap together. Having created custom solutions for 160 schools across the United States and Canada since 2020, she's an educational data expert. With 10+ years of experience from all angles of the classroom, Jessica's a former data coach, instructional coach, certified math teacher, and holds a Master of Education in learning and technology. Proudly data-informed and people-driven, she believes that data can tell great student success stories, if we let it guide, not decide, how to lead education forward.Jessica currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she can often be found excitedly exploring spreadsheets, brain studies, Brené Brown books, and puzzles. And when she's not partnering with schools, she's caring for her darling daughter, Emmy, or one of her 50 houseplants.You can connect with Jessican on her website at: https://www.data-informedimpact.com/Learn about her Data Culture Framework here: https://www.data-informedimpact.com/3-domains-of-diiLearn about her Re-Teaching Cycle Template and other Templates here: https://www.data-informedimpact.com/templatesConnect with Jessica on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/informedimpact/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Get unlimited CE credits for this podcast and any learning experience here: SapienCE Reflecting Learning | Unleash Your Inner SageIn this podcast episode, we introduce Amanda Luper, an experienced occupational therapist with over 13 years in acute care ICU. Amanda shares her journey, starting from her field placement at Vanderbilt, which shaped her career path, to her current focus on early mobility and cognitive care in the ICU. She discusses the innovative approaches she has championed, including mobilizing patients early, even building protocols for cognitive assessments. Amanda also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the ICU and highlights the critical role OTs play in patient care. The episode touches on her experiences advocating for better OT training and competency in ICUs and her work in post-ICU support groups. Through detailed examples and heartfelt patient stories, Amanda illustrates the significant impact occupational therapists can have on patient recovery and outcomes.www.DaytonICUConsulting.com

Dafna Barhad is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of expertise specializing in sensory-informed approaches to child development . Throughout her career, she has practiced in developmental centers and ran her own private practice, supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families while collaborating closely with educational teams and healthcare professionals. She has extensive experience developing individualized interventions and family education programs . Currently pursuing her Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) at Boston University, her doctoral research focuses on amplifying children's voices in their own care, reflecting her commitment to advancing evidence-based practice in pediatric occupational therapy. With a background in Art History, Dafna brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to therapeutic intervention. Her work focuses on creating inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive.

Guest: Karen McWaters MOT, OTR/LEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/the-importance-of-motor-and-language-learning-for-effective-Originally Aired: September 2023As SLPs, we can often look at speech and language development in isolation, as our formal assessments encourage us to do; however, it is imperative that we learn from our occupational and physical therapy colleagues regarding motor learning principles and how they parallel those of language development. When we get out of our box, we can further understand the children we work with and their capacities. Erin and Karen will discuss their journey of collaborating within this context and how they learned from each other to help the children they worked with reach further potential.About the guest: Karen is an Occupational Therapist living and working in Greenville, South Carolina. She received her BS in Public Health from Clemson University and her Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Her professional interests include sensory processing and praxis, neurodevelopment, DIR/Floortime, functional vision, and (most recently) trauma informed care. Karen loves that this job enables partnerships with families to meet each child's unique needs and harnesses the power of relationships to impact each kid's life using their motivations and interests.

Today, we have Doctor of Occupational Therapy specializing in pelvic health, Courtney Trocinski on the podcast. Courtney is also a birth doula, and founder of OWN Your Pelvic Health, a women's pelvic health clinic in Denver, Colorado. She works with women throughout the lifespan, with an emphasis on care during fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum years. In addition to clinical work, Courtney has created a collaborative women's wellness space, bringing together pelvic floor therapists, doulas, lactation, and integrative providers to support women and their families in every season of life.Find out more about Courtney:IG: @ownyourpelvichealthWebsite: www.ownyourpelvichealth.comWant More?Join our Newsletter Online Nutrition Coaching Join our Facebook Group1:1 Fitness Coaching Get 3 Weeks of Nutrition Support for FreeFree Knee Pain Training GuideGet Hundreds of Movement Demos on Our Youtube Channel

In this episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry is joined by executive coach Steve Allred for a thought-provoking discussion on why understanding your healthcare practice's current operations is the key to navigating—and thriving in—a rapidly changing industry.Six months after their last conversation, Jerry and Steve revisit the critical need for practice owners to optimize their businesses before adding new revenue streams, technology, or expansion strategies. From financial literacy to efficient systems and leadership delegation, they break down the foundational elements that allow clinic owners to adapt to industry shifts—whether it's value-based care, direct-to-employer models, or AI integration.Key Takeaways:• Master Your Metrics: If you don't understand your financials, workflows, and key performance indicators, you're unprepared for change—and risk being left behind.• Systems Over Hustle: You can't scale or innovate if you're bogged down by day-to-day operations. Build systems that free up your time to lead and strategize.• Adapt or Get Replaced: Complaining about insurers, regulations, or competitors won't move the needle. The future belongs to those who leverage technology, data, and new care models proactively.• Opportunity in Disruption: From hybrid care to primary care PT, those who embrace change (instead of resisting it) will find untapped revenue and impact.Steve also shares a free financial tool to help practice owners model the true cost and ROI of hiring a new clinician—because decisions should be driven by data, not fear.Whether you're a solo practitioner or a multi-clinic owner, this episode is a wake-up call: Get your house in order now, or risk being outpaced by those who do.Check out Steve's customizable financial model at this link: https://subscribepage.io/9jHCI8Website: practicefreedomu.comEmail: steve@practicefreedomu.com If you'd like to learn more about Strata EMR & RCM and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT, or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and book a demo with their team!

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, doctors of physical therapy, dive deep into the connection between menopause and women's health, focusing on how estrogen affects muscle health, strength, and recovery. They break down the ways menopause and the surrounding hormonal shifts—peri-menopause, post-menopause, and postpartum—can impact muscle repair, strength loss, and injury risk. You'll get actionable tips on exercise, health optimization for women navigating these hormonal changes. The hosts highlight the importance of self-compassion, rest, and adapting workouts for long-term health and functional strength, empowering women to thrive throughout every stage of life. VivoBarefoot Discount:We cannot talk about back issues without talking about restrictions in feet and ankles. Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There's one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠!**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund. Needed Discount:Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men's multivitamins. While women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 6000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Strong Healthy Joints Course Discount:Looking to build strength and muscle but need a plan to follow?! That is why we created Strong Healthy Joints! A 30 Day program with strength workouts that will have you in and out of the gym quick while still getting you the strength training you need! Come join now and grab a special discount with code OPTIMAL20at checkout! Movement Rx Course:Want a program focused more on longevity. Movement Rx is a program built in collaboration between Doc Jen and Dr Courtney Conley, DC, focused on improving your mobility, balance, stability, strength, and power with your movement longevity in mind! Wanting to move well at every stage in life, come join and get the early bird pricing while it lasts! We think you'll love:Jen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube Channel Find all the show notes and resources at https://jen.health/podcast/418 What You'll Learn:2:09 Episode Focus & Estrogen Overview5:14 Estrogen's Role in Muscle Health7:57 Menopause, Postpartum, and Muscle Loss10:04 Multifactorial Causes of Muscle Loss Postpartum13:24 Strength Training Recommendations16:01 Rest, Recovery, and Nutrition18:39 Rest as Progress & Social Support19:48 Body Acceptance During Hormonal Changes20:56 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

In this episode, we're joined by literacy expert Dr. Molly Ness, author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind orthographic mapping and what truly effective spelling instruction looks like. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether “irregular” words really exist—or how to teach spelling in a way that actually transfers to reading and writing—this episode is for you.Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She is also the host of the End Book Deserts podcast. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.

In this solo episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry recaps his experience at the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit 2025, hosted by the APTA. This episode is a deep dive into Jerry's key takeaways from the event, where thought leaders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of rehab therapy.Jerry shares his biggest insights, including the undeniable impact of AI on the healthcare industry—emphasizing that AI will replace those who don't understand their role's value in the broader workflow. He challenges listeners to become "AI management agents," mastering their workflows to stay ahead of automation. Another critical takeaway? The need to shift focus beyond just providers and embrace the entire care team—including patients, front desk staff, and billing specialists—to drive meaningful change in the industry.From discussions on AI-powered billing and patient engagement to the importance of preventing problems before they arise (rather than just managing them), Jerry leaves no stone unturned. He also reflects on the inspiring conversations he had with industry leaders like Michael Silva, Alex Bendersky, and even the legendary Stanley Paris.Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that will push you to rethink your role, leverage AI strategically, and prioritize the patient journey in every aspect of your business.Key Takeaways:• AI is here to stay—and it will replace those who don't understand their workflow's value.• Become an "AI management agent" by mastering your role and integrating AI where it enhances efficiency.• Focus on the entire care team, not just providers, to unlock untapped potential in patient care.• Prevent problems upstream—don't just react to them—to save time and improve outcomes.• Adapt quickly—the future belongs to those who embrace change and learn from mistakes early.Don't miss this energizing recap packed with actionable insights for rehab therapy professionals and healthcare leaders alike! If you'd like to learn more about Strata EMR & RCM and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT, or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and book a demo with their team!

In this episode, we will learn from Corrin Campbell, BS, COTA/L. Corrin, a COTA for 25 years, has practiced Occupational Therapy in areas from home health, subacute rehab, long term care, outpatient, Geri-psych and more. In every setting, she zeroes in on maximizing each client's level of function. After nearly a decade in the clinical settings, she took on higher education, supporting many students as an instructor, Fieldwork Coordinator, and Program Director. Though she continues to support former students, her true passion is working with persons experiencing changes in cognition. Her desire to stay current with treatment and policy trends has driven her to attend state and local conferences and she is immediate past president of the Connecticut OT Association. She has presented to the Alzheimer's Association and other medical groups on identifying and treating changes in cognition as early as possible. She has also enjoys traveling the state educating those interested in learning how to age and live well!Contact & Resources:To connect with me on a personal level social IG @RinnyOTProfessional/employer socials IG and FB @livewellctlivewell.orgLiveWell - Redefining Dementia Care - LiveWellDementia Friendly, Dementia Capable, and Dementia Positive: Concepts to Prepare for the Futureacademic.oup.comdementiafriendsusa.orgAs 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.

Welcome back to Dr. M's Women and Children First podcast where we look at the world of Women and Children's Health through an anthropological lens with the humble understanding that we have a lot to learn. Today, we're honored to welcome Kristin Jones, a seasoned occupational therapist from Mooresville, North Carolina, whose career reflects both deep compassion and bold innovation in the service of neurodivergent children. Kristin brings 24 years of clinical and educational experience, including the past 14 spent working in a K-12 public charter school. Recently, she shifted gears in the most personal of ways—taking time away from school-based therapy to homeschool her daughter, who has Down Syndrome. Kristin earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in 2000 and has spent her career supporting children and families across a broad spectrum of settings from early intervention and outpatient sensory clinics to schools and feeding therapy. Her passion lies in translating complex concepts from brain development and the Autistic lived experience into practical, accessible strategies for educators. In addition to her clinical work, Kristin is committed to the education of future therapists. She serves as adjunct faculty at Misericordia University and teaches with Education Resources Inc. Her presentations with the Therapist Neurodiversity Collective reflect her ongoing mission to uplift neurodivergent voices and move beyond outdated therapeutic norms. Kristin's voice is one of clarity and respect for children, for families, and for the evolving science of how we learn, communicate, and thrive. Let's dive in, Dr. M

Occupational therapy can help people with mental illness resume meaningful activities in their lives and create strategies that will improve their overall health. A San Antonio OT has developed a program she hopes will help people with a mental illness and type 2 diabetes achieve better control over their disease.

Ever feel like your school is trying all the “right” strategies—social skills groups, planners, behavior charts—but students still struggle with time management, motivation, and peer relationships?You're not alone—and there's a reason why.This episode is a clip from my free training, “Create a Research-Based Implementation Plan for your School Team.”It's designed for school leaders who want to guide their teams in embedding executive functioning support across both general and special education settings—without burning out staff.This episode is for you if you're ready to: ✔️ Help students truly benefit from academic instruction ✔️ Support social-emotional growth alongside learning ✔️ Avoid overwhelming your team with another “initiative”In the training, I'll reveal:✅Why social skills groups fall flat—and how to really boost students' emotional regulation and peer connections.✅The truth about planners, lists, and behavior charts—and why they're not improving student's time management or motivation.✅The 3 key elements school teams need to support executive functioning across gen ed and special ed—without burning out your staff (in this episode, I share element #1).This episode is the first half of the training in audio format, but to view the whole training with the video, you can go to drkarendudekbrannan.com/efteams. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Brock and Jess chat and explore her firsthand experiences attending the 2025 Occupational Therapy Australia National Conference.

What does it really mean to hustle—and still lead with heart? This week, I'm joined by Dr. Julie Whitbeck-Lewinski, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Certified Senior Advisor, and co-owner of multiple Care Patrol offices, to talk about her journey from clinician to senior care entrepreneur.Julie shares how she and her husband took the leap to open their business just one week before COVID hit New York, the challenges they faced, and how those moments tested—and strengthened—their commitment to serving older adults and their families.We dig into:✅ Why “hustle” doesn't have to mean burnout, and how to align your work with your values.✅ The lessons she's learned building a mission-driven business in the senior care space.✅ The realities of pivoting quickly when the world shuts down—and why having a heart-centered mission can keep you moving forward.✅ Why it's never too late to redefine your path, especially in midlife.✅ Her advice for families and professionals navigating the aging journey.Julie's story is one of grit, purpose, and the power of showing up for the people who need you most—without losing yourself in the process.If you care about senior living, entrepreneurship, or finding purpose in your work, this episode will leave you inspired (and maybe challenge how you think about “hustle”).

In this solo episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry dives into Part 2 of the Front Desk Selling Series, focusing on the power of permission-based questions during initial patient phone calls. This episode is all about sharing his expert insights on refining front desk communication to improve patient engagement and conversion.Building on the foundational concept of acknowledgment (covered in Part 1), Jerry explains how permission-based questions help control the conversation while making the caller feel heard and valued. He breaks down real-world examples, demonstrating how to steer discussions away from premature cost inquiries and toward understanding the patient's needs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the patient and the business.Key Takeaways:• Control the conversation by asking the most questions—the person guiding the dialogue shapes the process and results.• Permission-based questions build trust by signaling active listening and putting the patient's input at the center.• Defer cost discussions strategically by acknowledging the question, then redirecting to the patient's goals first.• Practical scripts for front desk staff to seamlessly integrate acknowledgment and permission-based questioning into calls.Whether you're a clinic owner, front desk staffer, or just looking to improve patient interactions, this episode is packed with actionable techniques to turn phone inquiries into scheduled appointments. Tune in, take notes, and start implementing these strategies today! If you'd like to learn more about Strata EMR & RCM and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT, or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and book a demo with their team!

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. A. Jordan Wright, psychologist who brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation—having been diagnosed with ADHD in college. Together, we explore the often-overlooked stories of kids who manage to compensate for ADHD symptoms well into adolescence or adulthood, only to receive a diagnosis later in life.We also dive into why early educational settings are crucial for embedding executive functioning supports and how these skills can be proactively taught rather than reactively addressed. Our guest offers a compelling argument for why executive functioning should be considered the new social-emotional learning—essential, foundational, and deeply tied to lifelong success.We also spend a good portion of the episode discussing best practices for assessing executive functioning in a way that is robust and sensitive to diverse learning needs—moving to deeper understanding.Topics Covered:✅ Being diagnosed with ADHD in college and why high-performing kids with ADHD are often missed✅ The case for embedding executive functioning support into early education✅ Executive functioning as the new SEL: What educators need to know✅ Best practices for executive functioning assessment, including surveys, non-standardized methods, and optimal functioning measures. Dr. A. Jordan Wright is the Chief Clinical Officer at Parallel Learning and leading clinical psychologist who specializes in psychological assessment (including learning disabilities and ADHD) and therapy. Dr. Jordan received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He is on faculty at New York University, where he leads the Clinical/Counseling Psychology PhD program, training doctoral students in psychological assessment and counseling, and he founded and runs the Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing, the low-fee community mental health training clinic at NYU.Dr. Jordan has authored multiple widely-used books on psychological assessment, including Conducting Psychological Assessment: A Guide for Practitioners (2nd ed.; Wiley, 2020); Essentials of Psychological Tele-Assessment (with Susie Raiford; Wiley, 2021); Essentials of Psychological Assessment Supervision (Wiley, 2019); and, with Gary Groth-Marnat, the sixth edition of the Handbook of Psychological Assessment (Wiley, 2016), the most widely used text in graduate training on assessment. His most recent book is Essentials of Culture in Psychological Assessment (Wiley, 2024), which focuses on areas of diversity, culture, privilege, and oppression in how we evaluate and understand individuals.You can learn more about Parallel Learning's comprehensive services for providers on their website here: https://www.parallellearning.com/You can find Dr. Jordan's free White Papers from Parallel Learning on executive functioning assessment, self-care for clinicians, telehealth best practices, plus much more here: https://www.parallellearning.com/white-papersIf you're a clinician looking for new career opportunities, you can take a look at Parallel Learning's “Careers” page here: https://www.parallellearning.com/careersIn this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here : https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Director of D.O.T.S. Occupational Therapy for Children Company, which has been listed on the Government Website as a workplace of the alleged offender, Hannah Dunn explained to Jacqui Felgate their situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry dives into the critical first step of front desk sales—acknowledgement—during initial patient phone calls. As Part 1 of his Front Desk Sales Series, Jerry shares invaluable insights from his 15 years of experience, emphasizing how early interactions shape a patient's entire journey.Key Takeaways:• The Golden Moment: When a potential patient reaches out, the first 30 seconds of the call set the tone for trust, expectations, and long-term retention.• Power of Acknowledgement: Simply repeating back what the caller says (e.g., "Hi Jerry, I'm sorry to hear about your back pain—we help a lot of people with that!") signals that your practice is different and builds immediate rapport.• Control the Conversation: Proper acknowledgement prevents callers from derailing the discussion and guides them toward scheduling—without feeling rushed or ignored.• Prevent Problems Early: Many cancellations and no-shows can be avoided by mastering this initial step, as it aligns patient expectations from the start.Jerry breaks down real-world examples, revealing common pitfalls and actionable scripts to transform your front desk's phone game. Whether you're a clinic owner or a front desk team member, this episode is packed with strategies to turn inquiries into loyal patients.Tune in and learn why this simple skill—listening and acknowledging—can be your most powerful sales tool.Listen now and stay tuned for Part 2! If you'd like to learn more about Strata EMR & RCM and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT, or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and book a demo with their team!

In this episode, I  interview Connie, a student from the Language Therapy Advance Foundations program. She shares her practical experiences and results achieved with her students. Key highlights include:✅ Engaging a Disengaged Student: Connie discusses her strategies for working with a high school student who was bored with therapy, emphasizing the use of engaging books to enhance vocabulary learning.✅ Time Efficiency: Learn how Connie cut her preparation time in half by implementing the frameworks taught in our program, allowing for more focused and effective sessions.✅ Achieving Generalization: Connie reports significant progress in several of her students who had previously plateaued, particularly in their ability to generalize syntax skills.This episode offers actionable insights for language therapists looking to improve engagement and outcomes in their practice.Ready to elevate your language therapy skills? Join Language Therapy Advance Foundations and start transforming your therapy approach today.  Learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Join host Joe Ogden, DPT, on the latest episode of Freedom Talks as we explore the often-overlooked role of the thoracic spine in overall health and performance. We'll dive into: What Makes the Thoracic Spine Unique: Understanding its structure and function as the foundation for movement and stability.The Power of Thoracic Mobility: How maintaining proper mobility in the mid-back improves posture, prevents injuries, and enhances athletic performance.Benefits Beyond the Gym: Discover how a flexible and strong thoracic spine contributes to pain relief, better breathing mechanics, and longevity in your favorite activities, from hunting to everyday tasks.Benefits Beyond the Gym: Discover how a flexible and strong thoracic spine contributes to pain relief, better breathing mechanics, and longevity in your favorite activities, from hunting to everyday tasks.This episode is packed with practical insights and actionable tips to help you unlock your body's full potential. Don't miss it!

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, hosts Angie Kiger and Hawken Miller welcome David Miller, a regional clinical education manager for Permobil. David has diverse experience as an occupational therapist, ranging from a school therapist in the New York City public school system to a seating mobility specialist at Helen Hayes Hospital to an educator of complex rehabilitation technology in his current role. He explains how he discovered his passion for seating, mobility, and complex rehabilitation technology and gave specific examples in his career where it changed lives. The conversation also delves into the evolution of wheelchair technology, the innovative solutions that have transformed the industry over the years, and the impact of manual tilt-in-space chairs.

Many clinicians, educators, and school leaders know they should be working collaboratively, but don't know how to find time to do it. If you have a friend or colleague who seems to have magical productivity powers, I promise there's a method to the madness. Most likely, they've just gotten really good at a concept I call “asset stacking”. It starts with asking yourself the question, “What can I create now that can save me time or effort later?”  In this third episode in the 3-part clinical leadership, I share how the concept of “asset stacking” can be used by both current and aspiring clinical and educational leaders to make an impact on the systems they're working in. Key Points:✅ Creating a long-term strategic vision for your professional growth✅ The concept of asset stacking and how to use it to impact systems✅ Multiple service delivery models that position you as a leader✅ Developing a master plan that aligns your expertise with system needsTakeaways:✅ Asset stacking compounds your influence over time✅ Your unique combination of skills creates distinctive value✅ Service delivery innovation positions you as a thought leaderAction Step: Begin your leadership master plan by identifying your unique "stack" of professional assets and one system-level challenge they could address.In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Today, Dr. Holmes talks with Occupational Therapist, Kelly Mahler. The topic is interoception! Every neurotype can struggle with it but we find neurodivergent folks can have a few more challenges with interoception.Defined by Kelly's website: Many people notice these feelings in their body with the help of an important sense… a sense called (drum roll please)… interoception.Don't let the name fool you. The word interoception might not sound very sexy or important. But this sense is a really big deal. Interoception has a huge influence on many areas of our lives like self-regulation, mental health and social connection.About our Guest:Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years, serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is the winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom's Choice Gold Medal. She is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA as well as at Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. Kelly is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism.www.kelly-mahler.com

Dr. Andrew Nish is joined by Maren Sand-Peck, DPT, PT, who is a part of the oncology rehabilitation team, to talk about the important role therapists play in patient's cancer journey. 

Join us for an interesting conversation with Dr. Tami Atkins to hear about how the integration of responsible artificial intelligence into occupational therapy curricula can remove barriers to evidence-based practice and equip students with essential skills for today's technology-driven healthcare landscape.

Nature Nurtures: Mind, Body & SpiritExplore the profound connection between nature, play, and therapy and their impact on our development from infancy to adulthood. In this episode, we delve into how natural environments and therapeutic practices support and enhance our emotional, mental, and physical well-being at every stage of life.Through insightful interviews with experts, personal stories, and research-backed discussions, we explore the powerful role that nature-informed education and therapeutic play have on our growth and resilience. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or lifelong learner, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and practical tools to foster holistic development in ourselves and the communities around us.From playful interactions in childhood to therapeutic practices in later years, join us as we celebrate the transformative power of nature, play, and healing, empowering humans of all ages to thrive and grow.Objectives:- Define nature-informed education, play, and therapy. - Describe evidence of the benefits of nature for health and well-being across the lifespan. - Identify ways to promote health and well-being utilizing outdoor spacesAngela Rekers-Power, PhDAngela is an Associate Professor at St. Ambrose University, teaching in the School of Education teacher preparation program. She holds a BA in English and teaching licensure in secondary Language Arts.  However, after teaching in a breeze-block high school in the late 1980s, she decided she needed to be outside more often than not! She completed her MSc in Environmental Education for Sustainability and spent the next 20 years working for a UK non-profit as a Forest School leader facilitating outdoor learning and play for learners of all ages and abilities. She also trained teaching staff to become Forest School and outdoor learning and play facilitators, and consulted in developing school grounds for learning. In 2020, Angela completed her PhD study of young children's participation in the classroom and in the woodlands, using ecological and developmental psychology theories for analysis.  Angela McCombs, OTDAngie is the program director and senior lecturer at St. Ambrose University's Occupational Therapy program. Angie has been an occupational therapist for 17 years, primarily working with pediatrics across various settings.  Her interest is in promoting social participation for children and youth within the community setting.   Angie has completed trainings in outdoor learning environments from North Carolina State University and Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy. Her bachelor's degree is in Health Sciences from Purdue University, and her clinical doctorate is from Washington University in St. Louis.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode, Amy sits down with Nicole Fitch, a yoga therapist-in-training and future occupational therapist from Brisbane, Australia. Nicole shares her inspiring story of transformation—from losing her father in a tragic accident at age 15, through years of shutdown, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, to a life of purpose, connection, and embodied healing.Nicole's story is not just one of overcoming trauma—it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of integrative practices. We explore how her early experiences shaped her nervous system, her years of navigating mental health systems, and how yoga became her refuge, offering her hope, empowerment, and the tools to reclaim joy.From teaching yoga in community centers and mental health hospitals to stepping away from teaching to focus on self-care and finishing her degree in occupational therapy, Nicole's journey is a rich example of conscious healing, radical self-compassion, and the winding, non-linear path to wholeness. Topics Covered:The moment that changed her life: a tragic loss at age 15Trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and dorsal vagal shutdownThe dark period of numbing, partying, and intrusive thoughtsOCD diagnosis and navigating the biomedical mental health systemThe turning point: a dream, a move to Queensland, and discovering yogaThe power of japa, prāṇāyāma, and meditation in finding peaceYoga as a tool and a potential bypass—why integration mattersTeaching yoga in non-traditional spaces and building communityBalancing being a mother and maintaining a personal identityWhy she's taking a pause—and how she's preparing for what's nextThe connection between OT and Yoga Therapy in mental health care Key Takeaway Quote from Nicole:"You can't rush your healing. Even if you are in complete darkness, there's always that glimmer of light through the clouds." Connect with Nicole: Nicole's offerings are currently on pause while she finishes her Occupational Therapy degree, but you can follow her journey and future updates via  Embodied Wisdom Therapies-https://www.embodiedwisdomtherapies.com.au/

In this second episode in the 3-part clinical leadership series, I explore the 'lesson planning trap'—a common situation where clinicians focus so much on perfecting individual sessions and miss broader opportunities for impact.I experienced this myself, spending years creating detailed therapy plans while seeing little change at the systems level. Then I realized the importance of distinguishing between planning for individual therapy and planning for effective service delivery. This insight transformed my practice and leadership approach.Today, I'll share how you can take your intervention skills and scale them for lasting change in your school or organization. Key Points:✅ Applying effective intervention principles to enhance service delivery.✅ Understanding the difference between therapy planning and service delivery planning.✅ Introducing scalable protocols that maximize your impact.✅ Evaluating your current strategies for scalability.✅ Utilizing intervention principles in team leadership situations.In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

On this episode of Freedom Talks, host Dr. Joe Ogden welcomes Dr. Jacob Boucher, the newest addition to Freedom Physical Therapy! We're thrilled to have him on board and dive into his journey—how he became interested in physical therapy, what led him to Freedom, and his unique treatment philosophy. This is a great conversation, and we couldn't be more excited to introduce him to our community. If you're interested in working with Jacob, reach out today!

In this episode, we address the common experience of being overlooked in crucial conversations about the students we serve. Whether you're a clinician or educator who feels unheard while trying to contribute, aspiring to be in a leadership role, or currently in leadership and experiencing impostor syndrome, this discussion challenges you to embrace your role as a leader—regardless of your job title.We'll start this 3-part clinical leadership series by clarifying some misconceptions about leadership and explore how to change your approach.Key Points:✅ Why are important team members excluded from key team decisions about services and programs in schools and other organizations?✅ How to stay relevant and visible to colleagues so they see you as an asset.✅ Overcoming three core limiting beliefs:        

In this episode, we dive deep with educational consultant and innovator Dr. Kate Anderson Foley, who challenges conventional wisdom about student support systems and offers a fresh perspective on educational leadership. Dr. Anderson Foley's  shares revolutionary ideas about restructuring intervention frameworks and explains why some traditional approaches may be limiting student potential.Episode Highlights:✅ The Double Helix Model - Dr. Anderson Foley introduces her groundbreaking concept comparing educational support systems to DNA's double helix structure, demonstrating how interwoven approaches create stronger outcomes than linear interventions, and why we shouldn't label students according to tiers. ✅ Restructuring RtI Tiers - We explore Dr. Anderson Foley's compelling case for removing the traditional tiered structure of Response to Intervention, discussing how these artificial divisions can create barriers to providing students with appropriate support at critical moments.✅ Cross-Pollination of Services - Dr. Anderson Foley flips conventional thinking by arguing that what's often labeled as "duplication of services" actually represents valuable cross-pollination of educational approaches, creating richer learning environments and multiple pathways for student growth.✅ High-Quality vs. Traditional Tutoring - We distinguish between standard tutoring and "high-quality tutoring," examining the specific elements that transform supplemental instruction into transformative educational experiences.✅ Agile vs. Waterfall Leadership - Dr. Anderson Foley contrasts traditional "waterfall" leadership models with agile approaches, explaining how educational leaders can create more responsive, adaptive systems by implementing initiatives in shorter releases and using data to make adjustments sooner, rather than later. Our conversation challenges listeners to reconsider fundamental assumptions about educational interventions and offers practical strategies for transforming support systems to better serve all students. Dr. Anderson Foley's innovative perspectives provide valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policy makers seeking to create more effective and equitable educational environments.Dr. Anderson Foley is Founder & CEO of the Education Policy & Practice Group, an international keynote speaker, and Harvard Medical School Institute of Coaching Fellow. A transformational leader, she has guided school districts and states toward equitable services for all learners, with a focus on breaking barriers for marginalized children.Beginning as a special education teacher pioneering inclusive practices, Dr. Kate advanced to administration where she advocated for reform at local, state, and federal levels. As a senior educational leader for Illinois, she helped create preventative systems addressing opportunity gaps for all learners regardless of background or circumstance, and contributed to equity-based school funding reform.Dr. Kate partners with organizations worldwide, providing expertise in improvement processes, professional learning communities, and asset-based education policies. She teaches Special Education Law to aspiring educational leaders and authors books including "Ida Finds Her Voice," "Fearless Coaching," and "Radically Excellent School Improvement," which offers a blueprint for comprehensive school improvement that ensures every student thrives.

This week I'm sitting down to talk with Jasmin Stephens, the founder of LymphWoRx, a lymphatic therapy boutique in Winter Park, FL.Lymphatic therapy has long been used to help people recover from surgeries and in a clinical setting, but regularly treating the lymph can also help maintain overall health.In this episode we talk:+ The major lymph centers of the body+ How lymph treatments help+ Can pregnant women get lymphatic therapy?+ How often to go to see results+ The tightening effect of lymphatic treatments+ How to dry brush at home to stimulate the lymph system...and more.Connect with Jasmin here!More about Jasmin:LymphWoRx was founded by Jasmin S. An Occupational Therapist who specializes in the Lymphatic system. Jasmin graduated with her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Florida A&M University and received her Complete Decongestive Therapy certification (CLT) from Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy.  Jasmin is also certified in the Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Technique.As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, she is highly trained in the assessment and treatment of the lymphatic system through CDT which includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage, multi layer compression/bandaging garment fitting/selections and skin assessments. With the passion to merge aesthetics and medical LymphWoRx was created with EVERY woman in mind.