Once Upon OT

In this episode, I am joined by Stephanie who is currently practicing school-based OT. In this episode, she shares her occupational therapy journey, lessons learned along the way & future plans as an occupational therapist

follow on insta ~

https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.ceciliab/ (@stephanie.ceiliab)

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ (@once_upon_ot)

TIMESTAMPS:

(3:36) Occupational Therapy Program Experience

(9:29) Fieldwork 2 Experiences - outpatient pediatrics + outpatient ortho/hands

(17:45) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist

(24:44) Any piece of advice you might share with a new grad OT applying for jobs?

(27:29) Diving deeper into School-based OT experience (lifestyle, day-to-day)

(34:08) How do you handle difficult/challenging moments as an OT

(35:19) Memorable stories as an occupational therapist 

(38:33) Recent travels in Asia (non-OT related) — taking time off from OT

(46:10) Any long-term goals as an occupational therapy practitioner?

In this episode, I am joined by Justine - a certified occupational therapy assistant . We dive deep into Justine's clinical rotations, balancing full-time & per diem jobs, memorable stories as a COTA and much much more!

~insta~

https://www.instagram.com/just_tee_cota/

https://www.instagram.com/just_tee_cota/

https://www.instagram.com/just_tee_cota/

Timestamps: 

(3:38) What was your occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program like? 

(7:36) Exploring OTA Fieldwork experiences : SNF & School Settings

(15:59) What is something you might share with an OT/OTA student currently having a difficult time during their fieldwork 2 clinical rotations?

(17:16) Initial mindset as a new grad COTA — the job search?

(21:25) Managing & balancing a full-time position with a per diem position

(27:12) Tips for new grads applying for their 1st occupational therapy job

(29:25) Current Life as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant “COTA” : school-based OTA + business non-traditional OT focused on Handwriting

(40:33)  Diving deeper into OT/OTA dynamic

(45:27) What are some challenging aspects of your current role?

(47:29) Memorable stories as a COTA

(49:47) WHY COTA & not occupational therapist?

(53:47) Long-term goals as a COTA

In this episode, I am joined by Daniella - who shares her occupational therapy journey from the early days of OT discovery, occupational therapy school, entering the field as a new grad OT and lessons learned along the way.

Daniella is currently a pediatric occupational therapist and is certified in Ayer’s Sensory Integration + advanced training in neuro-affirming, trauma-informed care

Tiny Hands & Bright Minds - for more information :

⁠https://www.tinyhandsandbrightminds.com/⁠

Daniella’s insta : @tinyhands_brightminds

Timestamps: 

(3:10) Walk us through your occupational therapy program experience 

(6:06) Unique experiences that enhanced your learning in grad school

(8:18) Memorable moments during your OT program

(10:10) Fieldwork 2 Experiences — navigating COVID times | Home Health & Neuro-outpatient

(14:06) If a CURRENT occupational therapy student is listening & is having a difficult or challenging time with their fieldwork 2 clinical rotation — what might you share with them at this time? 

(15:28) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist — navigating your first job

(18:05) What led you to your current role today as an occupational therapist? | Tiny Hands and Bright Minds

(20:37) Your experience with noticing signs of burnout | what are some signals that it might be time for the next thing as an OT?

(23:53) Transitioning into private practice — Tiny Hands & Bright Minds

(27:22) A typical day in the life in your current role as an occupational therapist

(32:56) Approaching treatment/intervention sessions

(35:15) Reflecting on your experience

(36:52) Memorable stories as an OT

insta: @once_upon_ot

In this episode, we get a brief dive into Jill's occupational therapy journey and memorable moments along the way!

She is also known as @jillwholesome.life on insta! Check out her content for both simple & creative ideas for OT interventions when working with the adults

https://www.instagram.com/jillswholesome.life/

~follow Once Upon OT on insta~

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot

I am joined by Kristen - also known as “@ot.insider” on insta - who is an occupational therapist currently working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF)

In this episode, we dive deeper into Kristen’s occupational therapy story - from early interest in OT, to navigating OT school, & starting out as a new grad occupational therapist and handling the unexpected :o

https://www.instagram.com/ot.insider

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:43) What is your occupational therapy story? 

(3:05) Occupational Therapy school experience - favorite classes, things that stick out

(7:07) Transitioning to Fieldwork 2 experiences — a) Acute care 

(8:21) What helped ease your transition into a hospital-based setting for fieldwork? 

(10:54) Fieldwork 2 experience in pediatrics - school setting

(13:44) If a current occupational therapy student is in the midst of their fieldwork 2 clinical rotation and is having a difficult/challenging time — what might you share with them?

(16:35) Mindset as a new grad occupational therapist

(19:56) Kristen’s pathway of jobs as a new grad OT

(26:18) Life as a SNF occupational therapist (favorite & least fav aspects)

(30:56) A typical day in the life of Kristen as an Occupational Therapist

(33:09) Self-care practices & tackling burnout — during the work day + @home

(35:22) Favorite interventions

(37:04) Memorable moments on your OT journey

(41:43) Motivation behind starting your instagram account —  (@ot.insider) + the new podcast!

(47:58) Any long-term goals as an occupational therapist?

(50:01) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot

In this episode, I am joined by Brenna who I have known since our days as rehab aides at a local outpatient PT/OT clinic

It was refreshing to reconnect with Brenna at present day now that we are both practicing occupational therapists. In this episode, we learn about her occupational therapy journey from OT student to practitioner — and also hear about the highs & lows during this transitional period

TIMESTAMPS:

(3:30) Reflecting back on your first impression of occupational therapy  | what did you like about it?

(7:50) Brenna’s experience in occupational therapy school | weekend program structure, schedule, time management etc. 

(11:50) working while attending your occupational therapy program

(13:02) memorable OT school experiences (good/bad)

(14:31) navigating social life with a weekend OT program structure

(15:51) Transitioning into OT Fieldwork 2  — a) Outpatient Hand Therapy clinic 

(17:57) Transitioning into OT Fieldwork 2 b) School setting - middle/high school

(22:32) What might you share with a current occupational therapy student having a difficult and challenging time during their fieldwork 2 rotation?

(25:05) How did you prepare for the NBCOT exam? | what worked for you?

(28:18) Entering the world of occupational therapy as a new grad OT 

(32:59) Favorite aspects of your current role as an occupational therapist

(35:12) Challenging aspects ?

(36:53) Favorite interventions or things you like to incorporate in your sessions

(39:09) Memorable stories as an occupational therapist

(41:20) Potential long-term goal(s) as an OT

(43:28) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

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