The Uncommon OT Series

This special episode kicks off a series of episodes to celebrate our one-year anniversary. The Uncommon OT Series podcast is one-year-old everyone. Can you believe that? I'm just gonna let that sink in for a moment. While I'm still so amazed by how far we've come and by where we are today. And, am really just so grateful for your support throughout this entire year, a year full of collaborating, c...

In this 1st ever friendpisode, you’ll be learning from the personal and professional life of Maegan Blau, a friend to us OTPs. We talk about interior design, accessibility, the ADA, how it all relates to OTPs and so much more.  Now based in sunny Arizona, her interior design career started with a personal journey to renovate and adapt her first home to fit accessibility needs while having a h...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapist who specializes in Reiki & Holistic Healing.  Lisa Kern, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, RYT is a Holistic Therapist, Wellness Coach and Reiki practitioner.  Lisa has a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a bachelor’s in science from American International College.  After working for 10+ years as an occupational thera...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in Pediatric Nature-Based Entrepreneurship. Laura Park Figueroa, MS, OTR/L is an uncommon OT whose work revolves around her 2 favorite things: Nature & Business! She’s the founder and CEO of Outdoor Kids OT, a nature-based pediatric OT practice, and creator of the ConTiGO Approach- an evidence-based therapy model t...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in Sustainability through Caregiver Training. Elizabeth DeBlasi, MS, OTR/L grew up in New York City and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and dance from Adelphi University. She later received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University and has worked as an OT in school an...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in group coaching. Carlyn Neek, is an OT in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the owner of Balance Works OT. She is passionate about empowering other OTs to rise and live fully in all they do through her ACTivate Vitality online group coaching program for OTs. Carlyn loves to travel with her husband and two teen sons, muck...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in podcasting and more. Sarah Zera, OTD, OTR/L has been practicing occupational therapy since 2002. She created the Moxie OT Podcast as a place for OTPs, consumers of occupational therapy, and friends of OT to talk about the best evidence in occupational therapy. She seeks to provide evidence-based resources such as re...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in home & life organization. Sarah Larsen, MOTR/L is the CEO of Balanced Home Organization. She graduated with her master’s degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Sarah has been working in traditional and non-traditional OT settings for over 19 years, serving children and adults in a variety of set...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in nature and adaptive sports. Michael Dezmin, MA, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist in Boston, Massachusetts, and the founder of Your True Self LLC. Mike grew up serving communities via lifeguarding, camp counseling, swim instructing, and other jobs with a child development focus. He graduated with a bachelor’s...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in vision therapy. Normanie McKenzie Ricks, MS, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist who has a passion for helping individuals with neurological and vision deficits, particularly those with learning-related vision problems. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham and UCLA. As a proud veteran and Offi...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in oncology. Vanessa Monique Yanez, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a specialization in oncology. She is a cancer survivor and an advocate for rehabilitative services across the continuum of cancer care, from prevention to survivorship. She holds a faculty position at the University of St. Augustine and r...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in perinatal mental health. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of La'Shandra "Elle" Holmes-Russell, MSOT, OTR/L, CEIM, CYT. Elle is a board-certified and licensed Occupational Therapist practicing in the state of Virginia. She received her Masters of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in copywriting. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Krista Frahm, MOT/L. Krista is an occupational therapist who’s worked in acute, rehab, home health, and outpatient settings for over 10 years. She is passionate about adult rehab, geriatrics, and aging-in-place. Krista has loved writing and...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in entrepreneurship. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Rhiannon Crispe, OT. Rhiannon has been an occupational therapist for 13 years in Australia. She has her own mobile paediatric practice and is an online course creator providing professional development for inspired OTs. Rhiannon is fie...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in technology. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L. Lauren is the current Director of Product with Neurolutions, Inc. and has been in industry roles for the last four years. Lauren has held clinical roles in outpatient neuro-rehabilitation for over a decade...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working with justice-involved individuals. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Ariana Gonzalez, OTD, OTR/L, CTP. Ariana is the occupational therapist, executive director, and founder of LAITR, LLC (Life After Incarceration: Transition and Reentry). She works solely with justice-involved indi...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in executive coaching. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Amy J. Lamb, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. Dr. Lamb is the founder of Meraki &Me, owner of AJLamb Consulting, LLC and an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University. She is the immediate Past-President of the...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in school-based & community dance programs. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Arnel Calvario, OTD, OTR/L. Believing in using his talents & resources to promote community outreach, “respect for all people,” artistic expression, and education, Dr. Arnel Calvario has dedicated...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in ergonomics. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Kirsten Beshay, OTD, MA, OTR/L, CIEE, CEAS I & III.  Kirsten is an OT with 5 years of experience as a contractor for the Global Google Ergonomics Team. She loves introducing OT practitioners to the best-kept secret of the th...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in maternal health and fitness. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Maria Banks, OTD, OTR/L. Maria is the owner of The Health Mamas; a company she started to help pregnant and postnatal women safely meet their health and fitness goals. Maria is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with o...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in an emerging practice fieldwork placement. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Kate Burke, OTR/L. Kate graduated with a BS in Occupational Therapy from Worcester State University and a Certificate of Gerontology Studies from the Colleges of the Worcester Consortium in 1998. She has...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in Policy & Advocacy.  You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L. Clarice is the founder of Amplify OT and an occupational therapist with experience in acute care, outpatient, lymphedema, and home health. Clarice has served as the Missouri Occupational The...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner who works in Academia and So Much More. You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Naomi Aaronson, MA OTR/L CET. Naomi has been an occupational therapist for over 31 years. Presently, she teaches in an OTA program and writes continuing education courses. Previously, she worked in many different set...

In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner working in Maternal Health.  You will hear from the personal and professional experiences of Lisa Westhorpe, MSc, OTR/L, PCES. Lisa is a masters-level qualified occupational therapist and mum of two who has a passion for supporting women during their transition to motherhood. Originally from the UK, she moved to C...