Why did you decide to become a pediatric OT?
I knew I wanted to work in healthcare since I was a young child. When I was in middle school and high school, my grandma and grandpa both had significant medical events which required extensive rehab services. During this time, I observed them working with OTs and realized this is the profession for me. I have always had a passion for working with children and providing OT services to them is fun and rewarding.
What’s one health habit you wish everyone would start today?
I wish everyone would prioritize spending time outside, especially children. There are so many benefits to getting outdoors every day. For children in particular, outdoor play provides valuable sensory input, supports emotional regulation, and gives them an opportunity to move, explore, and reset. I’ve found that even a little time outside can make the rest of the day feel smoother and more manageable for both children and parents.
If you weren’t a provider, what would you be doing?
If I was not an OT, I’d be a veterinarian.
How do you recommend patients prepare for a doctor’s appointment to get the most out of it?
One of the most helpful ways to prepare for an appointment is to come prepared. In the weeks or days leading up to it, write a note of things you want to mention or questions you have. It is so easy to forget all the things you want to discuss when you’re in an appointment, so having everything written down can help you make sure everything you want to discuss is addressed.
What’s the most memorable patient interaction you’ve ever had (without revealing identities)?
One of the most memorable patient interactions I’ve had was with a child with severe cerebral palsy. He had very limited mobility and was nonverbal, but he was also one of the happiest people I have ever met. On his birthday I decorated my office and I will never forget how excited he was about this. That moment has stayed with me because it reminded me how meaningful the smallest moments can be for a patient. He had a profound impact on me and shaped the kind of occupational therapist I strive to be.
What’s the most challenging part of your job — and most rewarding?
One of the challenging parts of my job is creating activities that are truly meaningful to each patient. Every patient has different interests, routines, and things that motivate them, so an activity that is meaningful to one person may not be meaningful to another. As an OT, one of the most important things I do is incorporate what is meaningful to the patient while still addressing their specific goals.
The most rewarding part of my job is getting to see all of the progress my patients
make. For some kids it is slow progress and others it is fast, but regardless of the speed, I get to watch each child grow in many ways and become more successful and independent in life.
What’s the funniest excuse you’ve ever heard from a patient for not following medical advice?
I had a clients mom call and tell us they would not be able to make it to their OT appointment because their goat was “down in the living room.”
If you could prescribe one thing to make everyone happier, what would it be?
I would prescribe a pet. I am an animal lover, and I feel that pets genuinely bring so much joy to my life, and I know they add joy to others too.