Dr. Shira Yalon-Chamovitz, Dean of Students at Ono Academic College in Israel, joins us to talk about her personal journey managing symptoms of "long-covid." As an occupational therapist with a focus on service and cognitive accessibility, Dr. Yalon-Chamovitz discusses how she is able to use OT practices to manage symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.

Adrienne re-joins the podcast to talk about her latest book, “Six Angry Girls,” a story of mock trial, feminism, and the inherent power found in a pair of knitting needles.

She also shares about upcoming projects that she is working on and shares more about her process and inspiration as a writer. You can view all of Adrienne’s books on amazon in the link shared in the episode description and also here more from her on her previous appearances on Lifestyle By Design.

https://www.amazon.com/Adrienne-Kisner/e/B074PJZFBG%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Quinn Tyminski joins us to talk about her experiences as an OT working in community mental health. In the discussion we explore concepts around Occupational Justice. Quinn’s writing on this topic also featured in a chapter she wrote for “Illuminating the Dark Side of Occupation,” a book that was covered in a previous episode.

Mathias Thorpe is a graduate student at the Boston University School of Social Work. Mathias shares about his background prior to Boston University and the path that ultimately led him towards pursuing his Masters in Macro social work and the possible career paths open to him when he graduates.

Dr. Ariana Gonzalez joins us to share about her work as an Occupational Therapist working with justice involved individuals through her company, Life After Incarceration: Transition and Reentry, also known as LAITR LLC. To learn more, visit lifeafterincarceration.com.

Daniel Osborn joins us to share about his new pdocast, “Joy and Conversation” launching April 11. 

Joy and Conversation is a podcast about Jewish history and culture. It is propelled by curiosity and a passion for teaching and learning. Eclectic but accessible, it is like looking into a kaleidoscope and seeing the vibrant colors, complex shapes, and rich dimensions of Jewish life and identity–but for your ears. It illuminates Jewish diversity by focusing on under-told stories. It emphasizes vitality and dynamism by showcasing humanity and creativity. Centered on asking questions and dedicated to sharing knowledge, Joy and Conversation breaks silences, crosses borders, cultivates understanding, and encourages compassion. Finding joy in conversation is a mitzvah. Learn more at https://joyandconversationpodcast.com/ and join us in subscribing.

Gerald Oler shares how he is bringing Occupational Therapy to Botswana and the challenges and opportunities with doing so.

In this episode, we hear from Lisa Davis regarding her role as a CASA. A CASA  is a volunteer advocate who helps ensure a child is in a safe environment through monthly meetings with the child and regular contact with important people in his or her life. The CASA works with a team of people to help secure necessary services for the child’s well-being”. To find out more, contact Lisa [email protected] or www.casanh.org

Karen interviews four occupational therapy students from Alvernia University, Antonia Trupio, Dana Richard, Marlena Metri, and Jenna Norris who are at Alvernia University in the  Master of Occupational Therapy '21program. They share their experience in starting their own COTAD Chapter at Alvernia. COTAD, The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity, is an organization whose mission is to empower occupational therapy leaders to engage in practices that increase justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for a more transformative occupational therapy profession.

Learn more at https://www.cotad.org/ and connect with the Alvernia students on this interview by emailing [email protected].

Gabriella is a pediatric OT in Queens, NY, a BU alum, and an advocate for greater awareness and inclusion of culturally responsive approaches in OT education programs. She shares her experiences working with Spanish speaking populations in school environments and shines a light on the lack of access Spanish speaking populations face. She shares practical advice on how practitioners can close this gap, and how they can cultivate a culturally responsive approach in their work, as well as other ways OTs (or anyone receiving healthcare services) can advocate for greater diversity in and representation in health services fields.

You can learn more about Gabriella’s work in justice, equity and diversity on her Instagram account: @thelatinaot