Podcasts about Occupational therapy

Ever feel like you should have language therapy figured out by now, but you're still struggling? Even experienced clinicians can feel that way.In this episode, I'm sharing a case study of a seasoned SLP who, despite years of experience, felt like she was missing a key piece of the puzzle when it came to language therapy. Battling decision fatigue and a lack of a reliable system, she joined my Language Therapy Advance Foundations program and created a reliable system that made her feel confident showing up to sessions.In this episode, we'll discuss:✅ Overcoming the feeling of inadequacy as a veteran clinician and acknowledging the need for a more structured approach to language therapy.✅ How streamlining decision-making allowed for more focused therapy sessions. ✅ Strategies for working on language skills that support executive functioning. ✅ Creating a predictable, efficient system for building language skills that support reading and writing. This case study came from a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program 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

The PSAT/NMSQT may not influence college admissions decisions, but the test matters in more ways than you might think. Amy and Mike invited educator and author Brian Stewart to discuss how and why to perform your best on the PSAT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What role does the PSAT play compared to the SAT or ACT? What are some of the most common mistakes students make with the PSAT and how can they avoid them? What study strategies or prep resources are most effective for the PSAT? What are some ways students can effectively use the embedded Bluebook tools to do well on the PSAT?   What kind of students should focus on the SAT and PSAT at the same time? MEET OUR GUEST At the end of his first year teaching Social Studies at Dublin Jerome High School, company founder Brian Stewart thought it would make sense to do some part-time tutoring work over the summer. After all, he had done quite well on standardized tests when he was in high school and really enjoyed coming up with creative ways to explain challenging concepts to students. Other companies charged a fortune and didn't seem to have a high-quality product. As Brian worked with more students, word spread about the quality of his tutoring services. He started to offer ACT and SAT test prep group classes, and worked with students from all over Central Ohio. In 2011, Brian left his day job to run BWS Education Consulting full time with his wife Caitlin. Applying the expertise from her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Caitlin has ensured that our teaching materials and methods make high-quality test preparation accessible to students of all backgrounds and ability levels. In 2012, Barron's Educational Series contacted Brian about submitting samples of his writing as they conducted a national search for their next ACT book author. Brian was chosen to write Barron's ACT, and has gone on to write several ACT, SAT, and PSAT books with Barron's Educational Series. His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. In 2014, BWS Education expanded to have associate tutors who teach not only the ACT and SAT, but tutor students in math, science, and writing. Brian and Caitlin personally interview and train every tutor on our staff to ensure they are the best in the business. BWS is a team of committed educators who relentlessly look for the best way to deliver educational enrichment to our clients, whether it's test prep, academic help, or college admission counseling. Brian appeared on the podcast in episode #33 to discuss PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship, in episode #383 to discuss Should You Prepare for the PSAT, in episode #507 to discuss The New Digital PSAT, and in episode #590 to discuss How To Prep For The Digital PSAT. Find Brian at https://www.bwseducationconsulting.com. LINKS Brian's PSAT Book: Barron's PSAT/NMSQT 1520 Why take the PSAT? PSAT and Scholarships Colleges that offer Full-Rides for National Merit Information on the New Digital PSAT RELATED EPISODES RESOURCES FOR THE DIGITAL SAT ALL ABOUT DIGITAL SAT READING & WRITING ALL ABOUT DIGITAL SAT MATH THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.  

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss how postpartum women can safely return to strength training while breastfeeding. They explain the hormonal changes after birth and their effects on mood, energy, and physical recovery. The hosts share practical health tips for hydrations, nutrition, and gradual exercise progression, emphasizing core and pelvic floor stability in early postpartum stages. Personal experiences and strategies for accountability are highlighted, along with the importance of patience and individualized approaches. The episode offers encouragement and evidence-based advice to help new moms regain strength and support their health during the postpartum period.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!Needed Discount:Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond! Support men and women's health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!Strong Healthy JointsThis program is a powerhouse in helping build muscle mass and improve your bone density! Come grab our listener bonus discount on Strong Healthy Joints using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout!We think you'll love:Strong Healthy Joints CourseBeWell By Kelly ProteinJen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelWhat You Will Learn:02:15 Hormonal Shifts Postpartum03:17 Calorie Deficit & Mindset Shift05:40 Prolactin and Its Effects06:53 Oxytocin and Maternal Bonding07:50 Estrogen Drop and Bone Health09:19 Progesterone...For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/426

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode: Ever feel like your shop is running you instead of the other way around? You're not alone, and today's guest proves there's a better way. In this inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm welcoming Level Up Mastermind member Megan Macdonald, founder of Sandwick Bay Candles. Megan joins me all the way from a small island in Scotland. She's sharing her journey from making candles at her kitchen table to running a thriving retail and wholesale business with multiple revenue streams, including a coffee bar and subscription boxes. You'll hear how Megan unshackled herself from feeling tied down to her shop, built a strong team culture, and created the freedom to travel while still growing her business. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right systems and mindset, you can build a profitable business that supports your dream life. Key Takeaways from This Conversation:   Building multiple revenue streams to fuel growth Creating freedom with strong systems and team trust Embracing scary but necessary growth decisions Balancing life, travel, and business without burnout Your Next Steps: 1. Reflect: What part of your business feels like it's tying you down? 2. Act: Identify one system or process you can delegate this week. 3. Dream: Ask yourself, “What needs to be true for me to step into my next level?” 4. Join us: Want to hang with like-minded shop owners from all over the world like Megan? The wait-list for the Level Up Mastermind is open! Add your name to the list today. Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 126: 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop Episode 219: Retailer Success Series: Behind the Counter with Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill Episode 239: Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue   About Megan and Sandwick Bay Candles Megan started Sandwick Bay Candles as a side hustle while on leave from her Occupational Therapy career when her youngest child was little. During her leave, her passion for candlemaking grew and so did the business. During the lockdown in 2020, business exploded for Megan, causing her to move her small workshop (which started at the kitchen table!) to a lifestyle shop in Stornoway, Scotland. Today, Sandwick Bay Candles is anticipating the opening of a second store and stocking candles at many other small businesses in the area.    Megan is a member of the Level Up Mastermind and the Retailer's Inner Circle.   You can follow along with Megan here:  Instagram | Facebook | Website About your host, Wendy Batten   In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably, with more confidence and joy. I've had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I've supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.  For more support from Wendy   Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

What if choosing between language and executive functioning for your students wasn't an "either/or" decision? And how can we effectively balance academic content with broader cognitive skills? It's a complex challenge, and the answer isn't always obvious.In this episode, I share commentary and a clip of my conversation with Jill Fahy, where we discuss the impact of executive functioning skills on the college experience. Jill is a licensed speech-language pathologist and professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Illinois University. She is also the co-director of the Autism Center and Director of the Students with Autism Transitional Education Program, where she develops and delivers transitional programming in social skills and executive functions for college students. In this episode, you'll discover:✅ Should we work on language or executive functioning first? The answer isn't straightforward.✅ Balancing academic content areas and broader cognitive skills: Why both parents and professionals need to learn about executive functioning as it relates to their context. ✅ Educating the public on cognition and evidence-based practices, and why it's so easy for vulnerable individuals to grasp on to pseudoscience. ✅ How to use “asset stacking” to address the need to work on multiple interconnected areas at once (e.g., content area skills, language, cognition).You can connect with Jill via email at jkfahy@eiu.edu. You can read her article, Assessment of Executive Functions in School-Aged Children: Challenges and Solutions for the SLP from ASHA Perspectives here: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/sbi15.4.151You can learn more about the Students Transitional Education Program at Eastern Illinois University here: https://www.eiu.edu/step/ and the Autism Center here: https://www.eiu.edu/autismcenter/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program for related service providers who want to take a leadership role in implementing executive functioning support. You can learn more about the program 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

On this episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For The Business, Jerry dives deep into the critical, often complex world of billing compliance with industry expert Rick Gawenda, PT.Rick, the founder and president of Gawenda Seminars & Consulting, breaks down the high-impact proposals from CMS for the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. They move beyond the headlines to provide a practical, actionable guide for clinic owners and therapists, with a special focus on the new Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) codes and how to leverage them for both improved patient outcomes and practice growth.This is a must-listen for any practice looking to stay ahead of the curve, ensure compliance, and understand how to successfully implement innovative care models like RTM.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Dr Dom, welcome holistic therapist Megan, creator of the Love Alignment Method and author of Choose Yourself. Megan shares her journey from eating disorder recovery to specializing in attachment trauma and relationships. The discussion explores self-discovery, healing attachment wounds, exploring past relationships, and the importance of somatic therapy to heal traumatic pain. Megan offers practical tips for finding the right therapist, cultivating the mind-body connection, and embracing time alone to build self-worth. The episode provides empowering insights and tools for cultivating authentic relationships and prioritizing personal healing and growth.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!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!Megan's Resources:"Choose Yourself" by Megan ShererMegan's InstagramMegan's YoutubeMegan's WebsiteWe think you'll love:Free Week of Jen HealthJen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelWhat You Will Learn:02:00 Megan shares her journey from eating disorder recovery to attachment trauma, and why she wrote her book.04:26 Discussion on societal pressures, especially for women, to follow specific relationship timelines.07:00 Limitations of Traditional Talk...For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/425

Rick is joined by a rising star of the PPA (Pickleball) Tour this week. Meggan William, the top player from the island of St. Lucia. Meggan is a graduate from the University of Charleston (WV) with a degree in Exercise Science, looking to pursue a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy post graduation. The resident of … Continue reading Meggan William, PPA Pro Pickleball Player →

In this timely episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, host Jerry Durham is joined by two powerhouse voices in healthcare: Angela Diaz, PT, VP of Market Development at TailorCare, and Dana Strauss, PT, DPT, a physical therapist turned health policy strategist.Recorded in the wake of CMS's monumental 2025 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, this conversation is a masterclass in translating complex policy into actionable business strategy. Jerry, Angela, and Dana dissect the new regulations and mandatory models, moving beyond the headlines of reimbursement cuts to uncover the significant opportunities hidden within for forward-thinking physical therapy practices.They break down the new ambulatory specialty model for low back pain, the WISER model aimed at reducing wasteful spending, and the TEAM model holding hospitals accountable for 30-day post-discharge care. The discussion provides a clear roadmap for PTs to pivot from being siloed service providers to becoming indispensable, collaborative partners in a value-based care system.Key Takeaways:• Why the conversion factor is only a small piece of the reimbursement puzzle and how PTs/OTs were inadvertently grouped with specialists, leading to a potential negative impact.• How to leverage data to demonstrate your value to physicians and health systems participating in new mandatory models (like the ambulatory specialty model for low back pain), making you a sought-after partner instead of an ancillary service.• The critical difference between capitation and true value-based care, and why attaching your payment to quality outcomes is the only sustainable path forward.• A practical strategy for engaging referring physicians by focusing on their pain points and asking, "What can I do to help you be successful in this new model?"• Why the future of PT isn't about doing less but about providing the right care at the right time—including phone calls, remote monitoring, and self-care guidance—to improve outcomes and reduce the total cost of care for a population.Tune in for an empowering conversation that will change your perspective from one of uncertainty to one of opportunity, proving that by focusing on collaboration and patient outcomes, you can future-proof your practice and thrive in the new landscape of healthcare. 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!

Welcome to Season 5! Your hosts Jen Trzeciak and Dr. Áine O Dea are delighted to introduce the fifth season of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, focusing on innovation, pushing boundaries and global perspectives, within the field of occupational therapy. We have an exciting lineup of guests, including occupational therapists and other professionals from Ireland and abroad. So please tune in every Sunday for the next 8 weeks!

Waiting until you feel ready to make your next move? Convinced you need more training before you can call yourself an expert? Think entrepreneurs are just naturally fearless? Join me as I talk with traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Dr. Lorne Brown, about the mindset shifts we need to make to move through fear and think like an entrepreneur. Lorne shares how he built a thriving practice by flipping conventional wisdom on its head, committing first to a meaningful challenge, then finding courage, building capability, and finally gaining confidence. You'll hear his adaptation of Dan Sullivan's "Four Cs" framework for tackling scary ventures, how he persisted in building trust with referral partners, even when the doors kept closing, and the real story behind building something meaningful when you have no idea what you're doing. We explore how to reframe rejection as valuable feedback, why your niche might need to choose you, and the inner work (cognitive, emotional and spiritual) required to become a clear vessel for inspired action. This conversation is for any practitioner who's been playing it safe, overthinking their next move, or struggling with the gap between wanting to grow and actually taking action. If you've ever felt paralyzed by not knowing enough or not being ready enough, this episode will shift how you think about courage, competence, and what it really takes to build something that matters. Links mentioned: The 4 Cs Challenge, a book by Dan Sullivan Dr. Lorne Brown's website www.lornebrown.com where you'll find his: Clinic - Acubalance Wellness Center Book - "Missing the Point: Why Acupuncturists Fail and What They Need to Know to Succeed"  Educational Platform - Healthy Seminars     Join us in The BRAVE OT Facebook group to keep the conversation going!   Work with Me: If the gap between you and sustainable action in making your business look like your dream job, reach out. The ACTivate Vitality program is taking new participants in September and we are really good at creating the safe space and accountability you need to implement just what Lorne and I talk about in this podcast.  Questions OTs are asking: How do I overcome fear of starting my own practice? What mindset do I need to be a successful healthcare entrepreneur? How do I build confidence in my business abilities? What's the difference between successful and struggling practitioners? How do I know when I'm ready to take the leap? Meet Jane Jane is an EMR with heart and also the sponsor of The BRAVE OT Podcast. I recently wrote a blog article on how I customized Jane's AI Scribe feature to write chart notes that are better quality and more occupationally focused than my notes have every been before. Read the blog here and, if you decide to sign up, be sure to use the code VITALITY for a one month grace period as listender of this podcast.      

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon interviews Kori, an occupational therapist with a focus on maternal health. They discuss the role of occupational therapy in supporting mothers, the importance of community and connection, and the launch of Kori's program, Let's Retreat, which aims to provide support and resources for new moms. The conversation emphasizes the need for postpartum support, the significance of mental health, and the importance of taking ownership of one's postpartum journey.00:00Introduction to Occupational Therapy in Maternal Health04:14Understanding Occupational Therapy09:30The Role of Occupational Therapy in Maternal Health13:28Postpartum Support and Resources18:34Differences Between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy21:40Let's Retreat: A Program for Moms27:39Conclusion and Future InsightsSupport the showWant to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth CommunityInstagram: Aligned Birth Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com Find us online:Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness North Atlanta Birth Services Editing: Godfrey SoundMusic: "Freedom” by RoaDisclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Occupational therapist Heather Billiot joins me to talk about how OT supports children with autism. From sensory integration to daily living skills, Heather shares practical strategies that help kids build independence and confidence. Parents, educators, and professionals will come away with simple, effective tools they can use to support autistic children at home and in the classroom.About HeatherHeather Billiot, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist with over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families. Known for her creative, play-based approach, Heather blends evidence-based practice with a deep respect for each child's individuality. She is also a Reiki Master Teacher and shares sensory-friendly ideas and therapeutic insights through her Instagram account @squishy_explores. Whether in clinics, homes, or on the road with her traveling family, Heather is passionate about empowering kids and parents through connection, curiosity, and joy.About TheresaA wife and a mother to two children and grandmother, Theresa Alexander Inman is a Parenting Coach, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Infant Toddler Development Specialist, Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Introduced to behavior analysis in 2007 after years in the juvenile justice system.Her goal is to improve the lives of children and families by helping them strategize child develop skills to prevent or reduce the effects of possible delays while having fun! She also served as a panelist on the first annual Autism World Summit.Theresa is also an author, having published ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“Pathways to Early Communication”⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in 2022.Connect with Theresa today!• Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theresa Inman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theresa Inman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• BabyBoomer.org | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theresa Inman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• YouTube | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parenting with Confidence⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Tiktok | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@parentcoachtheresa• Spotify via Anchor.fm | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parenting with Confidence ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: https://www.theresaalexanderinman.com/About Parenting on the SpectrumRaising autistic children comes with unique joys, challenges, and learning moments. Join host Theresa as she explores the diverse experiences of parenting kids on the spectrum. Each episode features expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies to help you navigate this journey with understanding, compassion, and strength. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or ally, this podcast is your go-to resource for fostering connection and celebrating neurodiversity. Please share, comment, rate, and download! Be blissful! Theresa

"Full Circle: Interview with Markeyah Lewis on Life, Lupus, and the Gift of a Kidney"   Markeyah Lewis was diagnosed with Lupus, leading to early kidney failure. When her mother wasn't a direct transplant match, they turned to Advanced Kidney Donation—a life-changing decision that helped Markeyah receive her transplant in 2022. Now a mother and soon-to-be Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Markeyah shares her powerful story of resilience, motherhood, and the miracle of second chances.   ✨ Episode Highlights Andi introduces Markeyah Lewis and invites her to reflect on how they first met four years ago, during her battle with lupus. Markeyah shares her inspiring story of resilience and hope amid life-altering circumstances. She describes undergoing hemodialysis during her senior year of college. Her mother, although not a direct donor match, was determined to help. Markeyah explains how Advanced Kidney Donation allowed her mother to donate to another person—making Markeyah a priority on the transplant list. In 2022, her mother donated a kidney to a stranger named Charlie, with whom they still keep in touch. Andi and Markeyah discuss the importance of honoring the gift of life after a transplant. Markeyah offers heartfelt advice for those battling chronic illness, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system. They explore the role of faith in navigating health struggles and finding purpose. Markeyah shares her deep gratitude for her mother's selfless act. She opens up about her pregnancy journey, which was unexpectedly smooth despite the risks associated with lupus and kidney disease. Markeyah also details her mother's donation journey and her current health. She expresses thanks to their medical team and looks forward to becoming an occupational therapist. The episode concludes with Markeyah reflecting on her first Mother's Day.

In this episode of What's Best for the Patient Is Best for Business, Jerry welcomes back Angela Diaz, PT, VP of Market Development at TailorCare, to move from the “why” to the “how” of value-based musculoskeletal care.They dive deep into the operational engine of TailorCare, a risk-based care navigation company that partners directly with payers to manage the entire MSK journey. Angela breaks down exactly how patients enter their system—through both inbound referrals from network providers and outbound, predictive data analytics that identify members at high risk for surgery months in advance.Jerry and Angela explore the crucial performance metrics that define a "high-value" physical therapy partner in this new landscape, from risk-adjusted cost per episode and patient outcomes to timely access and reducing low-value care. This episode is a masterclass in future-proofing your practice, emphasizing that the transition to value-based care isn't a distant threat—it's an opportunity happening now.Key Takeaways:• The Payer-Partnered Model: Learn how TailorCare operates "at the top of the funnel" by taking on risk from payers and why collaboration is grouped by payer network (e.g., Humana) rather than by individual provider relationships.• Data is the New Currency: Discover how performance data—like risk-adjusted visit counts, patient outcomes, and avoidance of low-value care—is used to identify and partner with top-tier physical therapy practices and orthopedic groups.• Inbound vs. Outbound Patient Engagement: Understand the two primary pathways: inbound referrals from PCPs and orthopedists, and outbound predictive outreach to high-risk members to guide them to the right care before they need costly interventions. 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, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome pelvic floor Doctor of Physical Therapy Dr. Sarah Reardon to discuss her new book, "Flawed: A Women's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage." They explore the importance of pelvic health education, debunk common myths, address certain pelvic floor pain and conditions, and address the stigma surrounding women's pelvic health. Dr. Reardon shares practical tips and exercise for daily habits, highlights the need for early education, and emphasizes that pelvic health is a lifelong journey. The conversation empowers listeners to make informed, compassionate choices about their bodies. Dr. Sarah Reardon is truly a pioneer in women's health advocacy.Needed Discount:Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women's health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!Pelvic Floor Foundations:Want a stronger pelvic floor but don't know where to start? Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!Dr Sarah's Resources:Dr Sarah's Book: "Floored"Dr Sarah's InstagramThe V-Hive MembershipWe think you'll love:Pelvic Floor Founations CourseJen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelWhat You'll Learn from Sarah:03:33 Making Pelvic Health Approachable07:55 Gaps in Pelvic Health Awareness & Treatment09:54 Pelvic Health Across Life Stages12:49 Hormones, Menstruation, and Pelvic Floor Symptoms15:34 Early Education & Product Choices18:46 Pelvic Health Products: What Works & What Doesn't21:20 Marketing, Quick Fixes, and Long-Term...For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/423

Every time I give a session on executive functioning, I have clinicians and teachers ask me the same thing:“How can I motivate students who don't seem to care or don't want to try new things?”Or something like “How can I convince students why this (insert task) is going to be important to them in the future?”The short answer is that you don't “convince” them of anything. At least not in the moment. Instead, you create the experiences and opportunities that are going to help the student acquire the skills, experience the consequences, and develop the confidence to deal with uncertainty/unfamiliar situations. When students appear resistant to try things, or seem to “not learn from past mistakes”, this can often be tied to weak episodic memory. Episodic memory—the ability to see a mental picture of a past event, allows students to think back on past experiences and use them to prepare for the future. When you struggle to do this, it's difficult to recall past mistakes or feedback in the moment. It's also difficult to think back on past experiences when you might have done something well, which may make you feel less prepared for tasks that are challenging or less familiar. This may cause nervousness or resistance toward difficult tasks if you can't “see” back into the past (episode memory) or think into the future to know what you should be doing now (future pacing). Unfortunately, on the surface, this may look like defiance, apathy, or lack of motivation. That's why in fourth episode in my “Five Skills to Create Your Executive Functioning Intervention Framework”, I discuss the fourth skill: Episodic Memory What I'll uncover in this episode:✅ The critical role episodic memory plays in executive functioning: applying prior knowledge, anticipating consequences, and adjusting behavior.✅ How difficulties with episodic memory impact a student's confidence and willingness to try new things, or their persistence with challenging tasks. ✅ Why episodic memory interacts with other executive functioning skills, including future pacing, time perception, and self-talk.In this episode, I 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 episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry sits down with Dr. Todd Norwood, Senior Director of Clinical Services at Omada Health, a virtual care platform specializing in chronic disease management. With a background as a board-certified orthopedic and sports physical therapist, Todd shares his journey from traditional clinical practice to the forefront of digital health innovation—including his role in co-founding Physera, a telehealth startup later acquired by Omada.Jerry and Todd dive deep into the critical role of patient engagement in modern healthcare, exploring how technology can enhance outcomes while maintaining high-quality care. Todd breaks down key insights from his research, revealing how simple actions—like regular messaging between visits—can compound into significant improvements in patient adherence and clinical results. They also discuss the importance of data in proving value, the evolving landscape of telehealth, and why physical therapists must embrace digital tools to stay ahead.Key Takeaways:• Patient engagement drives outcomes: Each additional weekly message from a PT increases patient compliance with home exercises by 11%—and these effects multiply over time.• Early intervention matters: Starting care within 24 hours of sign-up boosts long-term engagement and success.• Tech is just a tool: The real skill lies in knowing when and how to use digital platforms to enhance—not replace—clinical expertise.• Data is non-negotiable: Accreditation and payer trust require proof of impact. PTs must measure outcomes rigorously to demonstrate their value.• The patient's core needs: Clear diagnosis, prognosis, and defined roles (patient + provider) are the foundation of trust and retention.Todd's research underscores a powerful truth: what's best for patients is best for business. Whether you're a clinician, practice owner, or healthcare innovator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate care delivery in the digital age.

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 thought-provoking episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Dr. Wendy Stav to explore the heart of our profession – occupation. We discuss: Connect with Wendy Stav: Website The Dynamic Model of Occupation-Based Practice

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

Prince Edward Island is boosting financial aid for students and expanding eligibility to more healthcare programs!

In this insightful episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry sits down with Dr. Monique Caruth—home health physical therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of Caruth Staffing Agency. Dr. Caruth shares her inspiring journey from starting as a solo clinician to building a thriving home health business rooted in quality care, strong relationships, and intentional leadership.Key Takeaways:• The Power of Trust & Letting Go – Dr. Caruth discusses the challenges of transitioning from clinician to CEO, learning to delegate, and trusting her team to uphold her business's mission.• Culture Over Scale – Why prioritizing emotional intelligence and soft skills in hiring leads to better patient care and team longevity—even if it means saying no to rapid growth.• Resilience in Business – From losing major contracts to overcoming health setbacks, Dr. Caruth reveals how adversity refined her focus on what truly differentiates her agency.• The Value of Authentic Connections – Why saying "yes" to mentoring others and staying open to learning from every interaction can be pivotal to a person's success.Tune in for a masterclass in building a purpose-driven business that balances compassion with strategy—and discover why Dr. Caruth believes your struggles could be someone else's survival guide. 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 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 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

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 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 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.

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