Show Summary
What happens when you step away from traditional OT work—but never stop seeing the world through the OT mindset? In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by pediatric OT, stay-at-home mom, and soon-to-be children’s book author Gabriella Thalin to talk about how her occupational therapy background continues to shape her life beyond the clinic.

We dive into the emotional transition of leaving the workforce, the decision to become a homeschooling SAHM, and how the OT lens shows up in everyday motherhood, homemaking, and creative projects—including her upcoming children’s book, How to Become a Knight. Gabriella’s story is a reminder that the value of our OT training goes far beyond any one career path.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• Why Gabriella chose OT—and how it aligned with her long-term goals of motherhood

• What it felt like to step away from clinical practice after OT school

• Mindset shifts that helped her embrace life as a SAHM

• The unexpected ways OT shows up in parenting and homemaking

• How her OT background inspired her first children’s book

• Encouragement for OTs exploring non-traditional paths

Guest Bio

Gabriella Thalin is a pediatric occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and the author of the upcoming children’s book How to Become a Knight. She’s passionate about using her OT lens to support her family, church community, and creative work. Gabriella believes OT doesn’t end at the clinic door—it’s a mindset that shapes how we nurture, teach, and build a life we love.

Resources
📲 Connect with Gabriella on Instagram: @hiyagabriella & @meditationsforchildren