Once Upon OT

In this episode, I am joined by Bea Fontano BSN, RN - a traveling emergency room (ER) nurse who shares her nursing journey Bea reflects back on the memorable days of nursing school ( Seton Hall University where we briefly crossed paths ) and also on the early days as a new graduate nurse entering & navigating the field _________________________ INSTA:  @bay_uhhh https://www.instagram.com/bay_u...

In this episode, I am joined by Sarah - an occupational therapist with her own private practice in early intervention. She answers my curious questions about her occupational therapy journey and discusses the array of experiences she has garnered over the years. ** whether you are an occupational therapy student or practitioner -- if you have the slightest bit of interest in private practice or OT...

In this episode, I am joined by Joshua - a current travel occupational therapist who shares his occupational therapy journey. He shares his career pivot from working in medical imaging <> to finding purpose and passion for OT Additionally, Victor and I met during AOTA conference in 2026 when I volunteered as a room monitor for his session -- and he presented about test-taking strategies &amp...

In this episode, I am joined by Emily Blackwell - who shares her occupational therapy journey : from the early discovery of occupational therapy to her exciting travels during fieldwork 2 and her present day adventures as a travel pediatric OT in Hawaii **if you are curious about what it's like to have a fieldwork 2 experience abroad or travel occupational therapy as a new grad OT - then this...

In this episode, I am joined by Justin - who shares his occupational therapy journey from past to present day. He shares his occupational therapy school experience as well as a deep dive into his fieldwork 2 clinical experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way - leading to his present day work as a school-based occupational therapist TIMESTAMPS: (1:11) What is your occupational therap...

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...

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 occupat...

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...

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.insid...

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 transitiona...

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...

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 f...

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 Edw...

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 o...

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 exper...

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 therap...

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 - wha...

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 h...

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 occ...

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...

In this special Q&A episode , I meet with a new graduate occupational therapist who asks me all the curious questions she has regarding home health OT, transitioning into the workforce as a new grad, and overall advice entering into the field of occupational therapy. This was definitely an enjoyable conversation and it's nice to be asked the questions for a change :) So if you are looking...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Angeline Mendoza who shares her nursing story and how she followed her passion and intuition which led her to transformational life coaching! ***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you! TIMESTAMPS: (0:38) Who is Angeline? | the early days of nursing (3:38) The fork in the roa...

In this episode, I am joined by Kristina Camille Manapat - a new grad occupational therapist practicing full-time in the hand therapy setting & per diem in a hospital setting She shares her journey through the phases of becoming an OT from early experience as a hand therapy aide > fieldwork 2s > NBCOT study prep > to making that transition as a new grad OT In this conversation, we als...

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...