In this episode, I have a conversation with Audrey Kao — a registered social worker (RSW) and practicing therapist based in Toronto, Canada.  She also creates content on Youtube where she shares & discusses tools for improving our work lives, relationships, and overall mental health.

***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!

“Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” 

> https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU

(0:52) Who is Audrey Kao? 

(2:18) Navigating the “early days” of figuring out what career or profession you might want to pursue

(9:03) Audrey’s experiences starting out as a new grad social worker in the hospital setting

(10:47) Quick shoutout to occupational therapists out there :)

(11:48) The moment you felt the need to leave and pivot from your role as a hospital social worker | reflecting on meaningful work & burnout 

(17:32) 2 important lessons you learned from your social work experience

(22:46) Self-care & burnout

(26:02) Finally taking the leap : transitioning to being a therapist

(28:35) Why did you decide to focus on “relationships & attachment”   as a therapist?

(32:32) The importance of nourishing our meaningful relationships and connections | navigating friendships as adults 

(35:40) Why did you decide on private practice as a therapist?

(38:51) What is your “typical” day like as a therapist?

(42:43) What are some of your favorite aspects of being a therapist?

(44:10) What are some of the challenging aspects in your current role as a therapist?

(46:21) Any memorable stories with patients in your therapy practice so far?

(47:47) What piece of advice might you give a college student interested in becoming a therapist?

(50:24) Motivation/story behind starting your YouTube channel?

(56:50) Discovering Audrey’s Youtube Video “Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” [ https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU ]

(1:04:08) Final piece of advice for anyone hesitant about leaving their job and pursuing what they truly want to do?

(1:06:58) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Follow us on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/audreykao/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, I welcome Gabriella Timuscuk who is currently practicing as an occupational therapist in Alaska!

Earlier this year, we were able to formally meet and bond during our UNE (University of New England) Alumni gathering during AOTA Conference - which allowed me the opportunity to connect and set up this podcast conversation.

I hope you enjoy the episode :)

Timestamps:

(2:03) Mindset going into Occupational Therapy School - what was your experience like?

(9:27) Fieldwork 2 experiences —  a) Acute Care & Sensory b) Pediatric Outpatient Clinic

(13:28) If a current occupational therapy student is listening right now - having a difficult or challenging time at their placement — what might you share with them?

(19:36) How did you personally prepare for the NBCOT? Any helpful study techniques or methods that worked for you?

(21:12) On entering the field as a new graduate OT - searching for your 1st job?

(23:38) Piece of advice for new grad OT pursuing their first job 

(30:07) Working as an occupational therapist in Alaska | pediatric outpatient setting

(35:24) What are some of the challenges or difficult moments that you face as an OT in your current role?

(37:04) Favorite interventions? How do you approach treatment sessions?

(38:15) Memorable stories?

(39:12) What does it feel like at this stage of your OT career (~4 years experience) ?

(42:15) Long-term goals as an OT?

(43:35) FINAL piece of advice for someone starting their OT program on Monday

(44:36) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Following along the OT journey on insta!

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, we hear from Erica Aborlleile - a pelvic floor OT who shares her OT journey and how she found her way into the field and WHY she decided to further pursue specializing in pelvic floor therapy.

Timestamps:

(4:45) What was your experience like in occupational therapy school?

(8:00) Your clinical fieldwork 2 experience in (1) outpatient hand therapy & (2) hospital 

(11:09) What ADVICE would you give a fieldwork 2 student that is currently struggling or having a difficult time in their clinical rotations?

(14:09) Starting out as a new grad occupational therapist | mindset going into your first job*

(17:34)  WHY Pelvic Floor OT? How can I pivot and transition into pelvic floor OT?

(19:46) Pelvic Floor OT - what is it like? What do you see on a typical day?

(24:23) Memorable moments or stories in your role as a pelvic floor occupational therapist

(25:50) Any thoughts or advice for new grad OTs considering pelvic floor?

(28:18) What are your long-term goals as an occupational therapist? 

(29:36) Your social media presence: (@thepelvicfloor_ot) —  what type of content or resources might we expect?

(30:58) Final piece of advice for someone interested in pelvic floor OT?

(32:25) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND :)

Follow along on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/thepelvicfloor_ot/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

Timestamps

(0:00) WHY OT?

(5:41) What was OT school like for you?

(11:14) Memorable moments as an occupational therapy student?

(13:20) Fieldwork 1 & 2 experiences - what settings were you in?

(17:39) If a current OT student is listening right now and having a difficult time during their fieldwork rotation, what might be something you tell them??

(19:55) What was it like as a new grad occupational therapist? | mindset & headspace

(21:30) How do you balance full-time & per diem roles as an OT practitioner?

(24:49) Is there something you wish you knew or did more of in OT school?

(28:33) What advice might you have for a new grad OT?

(31:20) How did you approach negotiating salary/rate as a new grad occupational therapist? | Financial aspect of being an OT

(37:36) Life as an occupational therapist | what is a typical day like?

(40:05) Typical caseload per day

(41:41) Favorite aspects of being a SNF OT

(43:09) The “not so favorite” parts of the job

(44:10) Anderson asks me about home health OT

(49:27) Life as a male occupational therapist

(55:30) Long-term goals as you move forward in your occupational therapy journey?

(57:41) *BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND*

In this episode, I am joined by Mandy who is an occupational therapist with many years of experience in a variety of settings working with older adults. She shares her journey from the days in occupational therapy school to starting out in home health OT as a new grad.

She also elaborates on "OT Accelerator" and the "OT Flourish" Podcast which are valuable resources for occupational therapy students and new grad occupational therapists looking for more ideas & insightful perspectives when working with the geriatric population.

For any students or current OT practitioners, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:

(1:39) Discovering occupational therapy | WHY OT

(4:35) Mandy reflects on occupational therapy school experience 

(9:12) Level 2 Fieldwork  Experience

(11:26) Your experience transitioning from classroom to fieldwork 

(18:33) If a current OT student is having a difficult/challenging time during their fieldwork 2 — what might you share with them?

(20:05) Entering the field | finally starting as a new grad occupational therapist

(25:02) What is a critical access hospital? What is that experience like?

(26:45) The advantage of trying different OT settings

(30:24) Starting in Home Health as a new grad occupational therapist?

(32:47) What is “OT Accelerator” & why did you create it?

(37:05) Activity analysis is KEY + documentation + the importance of goals for our clients

(42:55) WHY the OT Flourish Podcast?

(49:26) Present day: what work are you doing today as an occupational therapist? | Future plans  as an OT?

(53:27) One final piece of advice

(55:42) *BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND*

For more information on Mandy + resources:

https://learn.otflourish.com/join/ (OT ACCELERATOR)

https://open.spotify.com/show/1kCa4frHNqaDuZ50V88c9J (OT FLOURISH PODCAST)

https://www.instagram.com/ot.flourish/ (@ot.flourish)

In this honest conversation, Erle shares his occupational therapy journey highlighting how he first learned about OT from his dad. He discusses the personal & professional challenges along the way, and how he navigates difficult situations in the workplace.

If you are a current occupational therapy student or new graduate, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:

(4:08) 3+3 Dual Degree Program for OT ?

(5:50) memorable moments in occupational therapy school 

(5:40) What OT setting(s) were you exposed to early on? What setting did you want to get into as a student?

(9:07) Tell us more about your  Fieldwork 2 clinical rotations - Assisted-Living Facility (ALF) and Adult Day Care 

(11:02) What was the transition like from classroom to hands-on experience during fieldwork?

(13:30) If a current occupational therapy student is listening right now and having a challenging time with their fieldwork 2 … what might you tell them? 

(14:40) Applying to jobs as a new grad occupational therapist

(18:40) Favorite interventions or “go-to” materials?

(19:58) Deeper dive into home health life as an occupational therapist - what was your experience like?

(23:22) Facing & handling a tricky situation in the workplace

(28:03) Erle in the present day - sharing his personal story & intent to specialize in neuro OT

(31:34) Challenging moments for you personally during your OT journey through different workplace settings

(35:17) Memorable or meaningful experiences as an OT

(38:10) Any long term goals as an OT? | struggles with insurance and productivity

BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Follow us on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/erlealberto/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, I welcome Alina Lieu who shares in-depth about her occupational therapy journey through the years, lessons learned and memorable experiences along the way. 

For any occupational therapy students or new grad OTs, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:

(4:56) Why Occupational Therapy?

(8:13) Tell us more about your OT program experience — getting accepted to school, favorite classes, memorable moments

(18:22) Fieldwork 2 experiences

(27:24) If a current OT student is listening, and is having a difficult or challenging time — what might be something you tell them? 

(29:35) How did you prepare for the NBCOT exam? Any helpful tips, tricks, strategies and materials used?

(33:00) How did you adjust your approach to pass the NBCOT on your 2nd attempt?

(39:07)  What was your experience like applying for jobs?

(44:22) What is your current role? 

(46:03) What is it like to work per diem? | plans to go full-time work?

(49:18) Advice for the new grad OT applying for jobs

(51:47) Life as an occupational therapist in a skilled-nursing facility (SNF)

(56:58) Treatment ideas?

(58:49) the “not so favorite” parts of being an OT

(1:01:42) Your future as an occupational therapist

(1:04:32) **BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND**

Follow along the occupational therapy journey on instagram :)

https://www.instagram.com/mycupofotea/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, Amber shares her story from the early days of discovering occupational therapy and her present day work as an occupational therapist working in fitness - plus everything in between - from fieldwork 2 > to SNF > home health OT > travel occupational therapy > and navigating the pivot to fitness.

Timestamps:

(4:24) What was your occupational therapy program like?

(8:23) Please share more about your fieldwork 2 clinical rotations

(14:38) How did you get through a fieldwork 2 rotation that you don’t necessarily like or prefer?

(17:27) How did you handle any difficult moments, imposter syndrome and overall challenges as a new grad occupational therapist?

(19:51) Navigating your first job | home health or skilled nursing facility for new grads? 

(22:52) 6 months at your first job(s) — good or bad? | red flags & mentorship

(27:00) Travel therapy era?

(32:37) What is a typical day like for an occupational therapist working in a skilled nursing facility? (“SNF”)

(38:27)  Pivoting to Fitness

(55:05) Where do you see yourself in the future in terms of OT (or not OT)?

**BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND**

Follow along on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/thick.amb.fit/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

We are kicking off Occupational Therapy Month with a special guest!

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to meet and chat with Rhiannon Crispe — the founder of the OT Lifestyle Movement.

Rhiannon reflects on her early days on her discovery of occupational therapy, her experience as a student, and navigating her first few years as a new graduate occupational therapist. Additionally, she shares about her current work with 1-on-1 mobile pediatric therapy, parent coaching, and the reason why she started the “OT Lifestyle Movement”

Timestamps:

(3:22) What was occupational therapy school like for you in Australia? | reflecting on uni days

(8:42) OT settings you were interested in early on?

(11:01) If an OT student is currently struggling with fieldwork 2 or occupational therapy school overall —  what might be something you share with them?

(19:25) Navigating your first job as an occupational therapist | subsequent jobs afterwards

(23:24) Currently — 1-on-1 mobile pediatric therapy and parent coaching | what is this experience like?

(29:48) What do you like about your current OT role versus previous jobs you’ve held?

(30:58) What might you tell someone interested in pursuing a route  similar to yours or thinking about starting their own OT business?

(33:07) What is the OT Lifestyle Movement? | what was the motivation behind this pivot

(37:59) Looking for occupational therapy inspiration? | Consider checking out Rhiannon’s free resources — including an OT e-book, OT movie, OT podcast.. & more!

https://otlifestylemovement.com/

*BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND*

• What are some of your personal/meaningful occupations?
• What do you believe makes a successful occupational therapy session?
• If occupational therapy did not exist as a profession, what other career/job might you pursue instead?
• What is your occupational therapy pitch?

Curious about pelvic floor therapy and what it's all about?

In this episode, I am joined by Christine also known as "Dr.Steez" on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/drsteez.dpt/

She is a physical therapist who recently followed her interests and decided to pivot into pelvic floor therapy. In this conversation, we cover the basics of what pelvic floor therapy might entail, how a current physical therapist or occupational therapist might pivot into this specific role, and how pelvic floor therapy can also be beneficial to men/male clients despite initial misconceptions.

Timestamps:

(8:32) What would you tell a current physical therapy student having a difficult time during their clinical rotation?

(10:56) Navigating your first job as a physical therapist?

(12:15) Transitioning from student to practitioner

(14:33) What motivated you to pursue Pelvic Floor PT?

(18:04) What are some cases you see as a pelvic floor therapist?

(19:18) Tell us about your current role?

(20:54) How did you pivot into pelvic floor therapy?

(22:10) Walk us through a typical day as a pelvic floor PT

(23:25) What might treatment sessions look like in this role/setting?

(26:43) Advice for anyone thinking about pivoting to pelvic health PT/OT?

(28:05) Pelvic Floor Therapy for men? | initial perceptions

(31:50) Motivation behind social media account (Drsteez.DPT)

BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND:

(35:37) What is your OT pitch? (From a PT perspective!)

Follow Once Upon OT :)

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/