In this episode, I am joined by Kawtar (aka Kat) who recently completed their OTD program — reflecting on meaningful learning experiences in the inpatient rehab and outpatient neuro settings

***Whether you are a prospective OT student, a current OT student or recent new grad occupational therapist - then this episode is for you!

insta: @theotkatt

https://www.instagram.com/theotkatt/

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:02) What is your occupational therapy story?

(6:43) navigating occupational therapy school | reflecting on OTD program

(11:01) Favorite OT classes? Least favorite class?

(16:25) Memorable moments in your OT program — TBI & Assistive Tech Workshop

(24:29) Fieldwork 2 clinical experiences — inpatient rehab (brain injury unit) // outpatient neuro rehabilitation 

(32:05) Reflecting on inpatient rehab setting (fieldwork 2)

(36:50) Reflecting on outpatient neuro setting (fieldwork 2)

(43:54) If an occupational therapy student is listening right now and is facing a difficult or challenging time during their fieldwork 2 — what might you share with them?

(48:23) What phase of the OT journey are you currently in at this time?

(49:46) Thoughts or ideas on where you might like to start your OT career as a new grad?

(51:55) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND 

Thank you for listening! :)

In this episode, episode I am joined by Leahmay Castillo — a COTA deciding to pursue her OTD and currently working in a lymphedema clinic! She shares her occupational journey from the early days leading up to her current role. 

Whether you are a student/practitioner curious about the transition from COTA to OTD | or curious about an occupational therapist role in lymphedema… then this episode is for you! 

https://www.instagram.com/lymphavilla_leah/

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:52) WHY OT?

(4:20) What led to your decision to pursue OTA vs. OT school at first?

(5:27) pathway from OTA school to new grad COTA

(6:14) Decision to pursue OTD

(8:08) Reflecting on your OTA program vs OTD program experience | similarities or differences?

(11:33) Fieldwork 2A - Hand Therapy Clinic 

(13:16) Fieldwork 2B - Lymphedema Clinic

(15:47) Life as an OT in the Lymphedema Clinic

(19:32) The impact of occupational therapists working in lymphedema 

(22:01) Leahmay’s favorite and least favorite aspects of working in this role

(25:39)  What might you share with a current COTA or OTD student going through a challenging or difficult time in their fieldwork 2?

(29:41) What are some of your current certifications | breakdown for those unfamiliar ~ 

(36:41) Curious questions about self-care and burnout, imposter syndrome

(39:56) Memorable Moments 

(43:50) Long-term goals as an OT

(45:23) FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE

(46:46) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

In this episode to kick off the new year , I compile snippets & highlights from my podcast conversations in 2025 from occupational therapists and the interprofessional team.

These insights primarily focus on students and new grad practitioners facing a challenging or difficult time with navigating the transitions from student to practitioner

Timestamps:

(1:14) Rhiannon Crispe 

(5:19) Amber Edwards

(6:21) Yeda Dayao 

(7:07) Erle Alberto

(8:04) Anderson Chumpitaz

(9:59) Travel OTs - Chris & Abby 

(13:56) Megan Shockey 

(15:45) Alina Lieu

(17:46) Gabriella Timuscuk

(18:58) Anjelika Bautista

(21:05) Erica Aborlleile

(23:02) Zack Box

(24:09) Kristina Camille Manapat

(27:01) Isabella Quattrucci 

(30:03) Danielle Cicala-Guillen

(32:10) Christine Martirez

(33:51) Nikki Dimapilis

(36:12) Calvin Orallo

(36:59) Angeline Mendoza

(40:05) Audrey Kao

(42:36) Alvin Pineda

(44:01) Mandy Chamberlain 

In this fun episode, I am joined by Alvin - also known as "OT.outside.the.box" on insta!

He shares his 10+ year journey so far as an occupational therapist - reflecting on the occupational therapy school days, advice for new grad practitioners, numerous workplace settings explored and MOST importantly ... his love for occupational therapy in pediatric settings

**If you are currently an occupational therapy student interested in pediatrics or a current OT - curious and looking to switch settings to peds... then this episode is for you!

~Follow along on insta ~

https://www.instagram.com/ot.outside.the.box/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:35) Alvin, what is your occupational therapy story?

(4:02) Experience in your occupational therapy program | weekend program & time management

(7:47) Fieldwork 2 Experiences

(11:03) What piece of advice might you share with someone listening — perhaps going through a difficult or challenging time in their fieldwork 2 rotation?

(12:44) Building confidence and taking confident steps | how do I become more confident as an occupational therapist?

(17:18) Navigating jobs as a new grad OT| mindset & approach 

(20:13) subsequent jobs and deciding what’s next for you on the OT journey

(26:05) Any advice for new grad occupational therapists starting their career

(28:20) How to go about looking for mentorship 

(31:24) Your current role & lifestyle as a pediatric occupational therapist

(35:05) on handling challenging days, tackling burnout, and filling your cup

(40:12) Favorite and least favorite parts of your current occupational therapy role

(43:57) Most common conditions you see in general  + favorite interventions

(47:08) Memorable moments in your day to day work as an OT

(49:20) Any advice on sustaining and managing your energy levels in an OT role that requires plenty of play

(53:23) Long-term goals as an occupational therapist 

(55:30) your social media handle — “OT.outside.the.box” — tell us more about your intent and impact you hope to make with the account

(58:10) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

In this episode, I am joined by one of my good friends Calvin -a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) - and he shares his journey to becoming an Athletic Trainer

He shares numerous nuggets of wisdom pertaining to the job search as a new grad, the importance of trust when working with clients, and also the impact of a holistic approach in healthcare

He also highlights his unique clinical and work experiences in performing arts and in the high school setting

**Whether you are a student OR a healthcare worker OR simply curious about a different career pathway and vantage point — then this episode is for you!

follow along on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/socalwhatsnew/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:28) What is your Athletic Training story?

(5:48) Curious — WHY athletic training (AT) over physical therapy (PT)?

(8:16) Athletic Training School Experience— what was it like?

(18:19) Tell us more about your clinical experiences as part of your AT program

(21:58) Any piece of advice you’d like to share to a potential athletic training student listening?

(26:08) What are some ways you are able to build trust with a client/patient/student?

(30:10) What exam do Athletic trainers take to get certified? | how did you prepare?

(37:44) Calvin’s mentality as a new grad AT & navigating his first job | personal pillars & important considerations 

(44:08) Subsequent athletic training jobs/opportunities that opened up for you

(48:08) Transitioning to your current role as an Athletic Trainer

(49:40) What are common things you see as an athletic trainer working in a high school setting? 

(52:18) Importance of a holistic approach in healthcare | the human element

(57:13) Time management & general workflow ~

(58:37) What are some things you do as an Athletic Trainer?

(1:00:06) A typical day in the life as an AT

(1:03:30) What are some LEAST favorite aspects of the job?

(1:07:18) Long-term goals as an athletic trainer

(1:08:21) Calvin’s FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE

In this episode, I am joined by Danielle who shares her occupational therapy journey from the early discovery of OT —  leading to her current work with Fox Rehab.

In this honest conversation, she shares her personal reflections and perspectives along the way; as well as the challenges of working in Senior Living Communities (SLCs) and house calls/home health OT. 

*Curious about occupational therapy in the home health setting?

**Curious about Danielle’s experience with Fox Rehab?

***Then this episode is for you!

https://www.instagram.com/daniellecicala/

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:51) Danielle’s Occupational Therapy Story

(3:18) Occupational Therapy School Experience

(8:12) Danielle’s Fieldwork 2 Experiences 

(14:22) Starting out as a new grad OT — leading to your current day work 

(19:07) Transitioning to Fox Rehabilitation & your favorite aspects

(25:45) The “not so favorite” aspects of being an OT in this setting | challenges to expect for someone who might be interested in home health/house calls

(29:53) Danielle’s current lifestyle & routine as an Occupational Therapist

(35:28) Favorite or “go-to” interventions that you like to do?

(40:29) Danielle’s Memorable moments with clients/patients

(43:05) Any advice or perspective for a new grad occupational therapist that might be interested in starting out in home health?

(45:12) Diving deeper into FOX’s Mentorship | what does it look like in your experience?

(49:03) Long term goals as an occupational therapist?

In this episode, I am joined by Zack Box - an occupational therapist currently working in a specialized school setting. He shares his journey from the early days of discovering occupational therapy, his occupational therapy school experience (including fieldwork 2s) and lessons learned along the way ->> leading to his current role as an OT

TIMESTAMPS:

(4:58) Occupational Therapy School - what was that experience like?

(8:31) Memorable moments from OT school

(9:44) Fieldwork 2 clinical experiences : school-based OT

(12:40) Fieldwork 2 in Inpatient rehab - Yay or nay?

(18:54) If a current OT student is having a challenging time with their fieldwork 2 clinical placement — what might be something you tell/share with them?

(20:20) Applying to jobs as a new grad OT - your headspace & approach to the job search 

(23:45) Working as an occupational therapist in a specialized school = how does it feel as of right now?

(25:41) Life as Occupational Therapist in the specialized school setting

(30:59) Favorite interventions or memorable moments for you?

(33:10) Real talk — what are some challenges and difficult aspects for you in this role?

(36:26) Your perspective and experience as a “brOT” or male occupational therapist

(41:20) Long-term goals as an occupational therapist ?

In this episode, I am joined by Isabella Quattrucci - who shares her honest experiences during her occupational therapy journey - from Fieldwork 2 placements in Lymphedema/Outpatient Ortho & Inpatient Mental Health to navigating new grad jobs in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and an Assisted Living Facility (ALF). 

She shares the numerous les sons learned along the way — eventually leading her back to her true passion and best-fit work setting : Inpatient Mental Health

***Curious about OT in the inpatient mental health setting? Struggling to navigate new grad life? Then this episode is for you!

Follow on insta <> https://www.instagram.com/isabella.quattrucci/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

(5:22) Occupational Therapy School Experience 

(11:22) Fieldwork 2 Clinical Placements — Outpatient Lymphedema/Ortho + Inpatient Mental Health

(23:31) What might you tell a current OT student on their fieldwork 2 rotations - and having a challenging or difficult time?

(27:13) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist | headspace & approach to the job market

(35:37) Early signs of burnout | how did you personally handle it? | experience transitioning OUT of the job

(41:48) Transitioning to your next job : Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | better or worse?

(47:47) Returning to Inpatient Mental Health : A Day in the Life as an occupational therapist in this setting 

(1:00:30) In your experience so far —  what are some common conditions, circumstances, diagnoses that you encounter in your day-to-day practice as an OT in this setting?

(1:01:41) Favorite aspects of being an inpatient mental health occupational therapist?

(1:05:09) The “not-so-fun” or least favorite aspects of the job | how you personally handle the challenging days

(1:10:37) Your personal favorite interventions/treatments

(1:17:45) Meaningful moments or stories that stick out to you as an occupational therapist

(1:22:15) What do you think deters occupational therapists from pursuing work in mental health settings?

(1:28:26) Long-Term goals as an occupational therapist?

(1:32:50) Why mental health OT?

In this episode, I am joined by Anjelika Bautista — a new grad occupational therapist currently working in the Acute Care setting

***If you are curious about life as an acute care occupational therapist, then this episode is for you!

Follow along on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/anjelikabautista/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:56) first and early encounter with the occupational therapy profession

(2:49) Memorable Moments from Occupational Therapy School

(5:20) Fieldwork 2 Experiences - a) Outpatient Pediatrics b) Acute Care

(12:05) If a current OT student is having a difficult or challenging time during their fieldwork 2 rotation, what is something you might tell them?

(14:12) How did you prepare for the NBCOT exam?

(15:55) Entering the workforce as a new grad occupational therapist (mindset & approach)

(17:59) How is your experience so far & at this moment as a new grad OT? | Level 1 Trauma Center 

(19:04) Life as an occupational therapist in Acute Care — what does your day-to-day look like?

(25:02) The “not-so-fun” & challenging aspects of your current role — what are they?

(26:29) Final piece of advice for someone interested in acute care OT

Thank you for tuning in to this episode! Truly appreciate your time <3

In this episode, I have a conversation with Nikki, who shares her nursing journey and how it led her to pursuing aesthetic medicine in the present day

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

https://www.instagram.com/daniellenicole.aesthetics/

https://www.instagram.com/ndimaps/

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:47) WHY NURSING?

(3:21) Early Experiences as a New Grad Nurse (COVID, travel nursing, burnout)

(5:14) Transitioning to Aesthetic Medicine

(10:36) Navigating the pivot — from bedside nursing to wellness and aesthetic medicine

(17:03) How did your Nursing Experience prepare you for Aesthetic medicine? | translatable skills

(19:00) What is your current role and what does it entail? | A Day in the Life

 (24:55) Do you see any men as clients in your practice? What are some reasons they might come in to see you?

(26:17) Do you have to be a nurse to enter the “aesthetic medicine” field?

(27:02) What are some challenging or difficult aspects in the field?

(30:01) Investing in this venture $ - a hobby vs something you truly want to do for work

(31:20) ~Balancing~ Aesthetic Medicine with per diem Nursing

(32:15) Nikki’s Long-term goals

(36:20) FINAL PIECE(S) OF ADVICE