Member Spotlight Archive
Get to Know Your Colleagues in Utah!
Each month the Utah OT Association will be spotlighting a member from a different region in the state. If you would like to nominate someone to be spotlighted, please contact your regional representative. To comment and congratulate members on their spotlight, go to the Utah Occupational Therapy Association Facebook page.
February 2024
Dani Kistler, OTR/L, CLT, Region 2 (Salt Lake & Tooele counties)
1. Name and and credentials?
Dani Kistler, OTR/L, CLT
2. What setting do you work in?
Skilled Nursing Facility
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
I have been practicing as an Occupational Therapist and in this setting since November 2019.
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I was inspired to become an OT by my younger cousin Jordan who was born with spastic cerebral palsy. Although he was nonverbal and non-ambulatory, nothing could stop him. He truly lived life to the fullest, was a light in the community and his quality of life was so high. Thanks to his occupational therapist, his strengths were recognized, the environment was adapted to support his abilities, and he lived a happy life full of so much love and a whole lot of fun. He and his therapists taught me that no matter what cards someone is dealt, with the right support, everyone can live a happy life. He has passed away, but his spirit and influence on my life and OT practice live on.
5. What is one thing industry-related you learned in the last month?
I recently took a continuing education course instructed by an incredible orthotist, John Kenny. We learned about Neurostretch manual techniques to facilitate with contracture management, as well as how to choose and modify top of the line orthotics to provide evidence-based, individualized care with improved outcomes. I have since utilized this technique in my practice with excellent results as shown by decreased time required to reduce spasticity, improved range of motion, improved patient compliance with splinting/orthotics, and best of all; reduced patient reports of pain related to contractures.
6. One person who inspires you?
Definitely my mom. She is a school-based occupational therapist in New York and another pillar in my journey to becoming an occupational therapist. The students she served love her so much - and love coming to OT! She always finds creative ways to make non-preferred tasks fun and enjoyable. She inspires me to make sure my interventions are individualized, client-centered and meaningful.
7. What is your favorite place in the world?
On top of a mountain with my skis on.
8. What was the last book that you read?
Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
9. Any hobbies or interests?
Concerts, skiing, yoga, hiking, cycling, camping, reading and hanging with my dog.
10. What is one of your greatest achievements?
I was chosen for the DORiTO (Director of Rehab in Training Opportunity) program where I work. I am passionate about life-long learning, and through this training I had the privilege to learn about the technical, clinical, culture and leadership aspects of the Director of Rehabilitation role. I learned how to lead a successful therapy department, the financial side of Skilled Nursing Facilities, strategies to be an effective leader, and how I can best support my fellow coworkers in their clinical interests and passions.
11. What are you passionate about?
Treating lymphedema. I had the opportunity to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist last year and for that I am so thankful. Before this education and training process, I was undereducated on this chronic, progressive and very undertreated disease. I now understand how this condition affects this population’s overall health, occupational performance and quality of life - and they need more support. This client population often goes underserved and I am very passionate to educate my peers in the medical field, and support these individuals in maximizing self-management of this condition that could be detrimental without proper care.
12. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Backpack through Europe, ski in the Alps, and become a certified yoga instructor (and adaptive yoga instructor).
13. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you?
Thanks to my Dad moving to Japan when he was 3 and living there for 20+ years with his side of the family, my favorite and go-to homemade food is all Japanese and my view on the world is very influenced by Japanese culture.
14. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
New York style pizza.
15. What is the best thing about belonging to UOTA?
I really appreciate the opportunities for networking with this amazing community, as well as continuing education.
January 2024
Ashley Wright, UOTA Student Member
1. Name and current program (e.g., OTA program, OT program)?
Ashley Wright - SLCC's OTA program
2. How long have you been in your school program? Expected graduation date?
I just started this last fall and will graduate in May 2025.
3. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your future profession?
I previously studied business management, and then worked as an analyst and product manager. I enjoyed the work, but I always felt something was missing. I wanted to work with people more one-on-one and make more of an impact.
I also have hypothyroidism and IBS. Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (and a bit still today), I had seasons of chronic fatigue, which led to some depression and anxiety. Luckily, I've been able to find answers and learn to better manage my health. However, these experiences have given me a glimpse of what life might be like for people with more severe and life-long health conditions. I want to help others find meaning and joy, despite their limitations. When I learned about OT, I knew this was a great fit for me.
4. What is one OT-related thing you learned in the last month?
In class we recently learned strategies to improve motor performance and learning. I'm a geek and secretly practiced some of the techniques while helping my nephew build his Spiderman lego set, including using visual, tactile and verbal cues, and discovery/errorful learning.
5. One person who inspires you?
My mom - she's has an extremely positive and "can-do" attitude to life.
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
Jerusalem. I had the opportunity to do a study abroad there 12 years ago.
7. What was the last book that you read?
"The Gift" by Edith Eger - I HIGHLY recommend it.
8. Any hobbies or interests?
Soccer, audiobooks, baking, hiking, singing, tennis, listening to Christian pop/rock, and being an aunt.
9. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Learning and choosing to be more happy.
10. What are you passionate about?
That everyone is seen and loved.
11. What are some goals you have on your bucket list?
Hike the Wave; Do a triathlon; Be in a band.
12. What is a fun fact people may not know about you?
I'm the youngest of 5 girls and have had many nicknames. My current nickname for the last 15 year is "Pooka."
13. What is the best thing about being a student member of the UOTA?
I get to interact with wonderful OT professionals and learn from them.
December 2023
Caroline Bass, OTL
Region 6 (Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Piute, and Washington counties)
I have been blessed to be an Occupational Therapist for 43 years! In high School, I did a lot of research regarding various professions and whe
n I learned about OccupationalTherapy, I knew that this vocation was my life’s calling because it involved connecting actively and creatively with people to provide them tools to overcome challenges, whether they be motor, perceptual, cognitive, or psychosocial in nature.
San Jose State University in California is where I attended college, graduating in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, followed by my clinical affiliations. My California employment included California Children’s Services and Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. While my 2 daughters were babies and toddlers, I held various contract positions including home health and having the wonderful opportunity to work for our past AOTA President, the esteemed Mary Foto, performing documentation review with Blue Cross. Mary taught me the value of reaching out of my comfort zone, so that the positive effect of our profession could be wide-reaching.
We moved to St. George, Utah in 1991 where my focus was pediatrics while working with the Washington County School district. In 1993, the State of Utah put out a Request for Proposal for starting a new Birth to Three Early Intervention Program in our county. I had the honor of co-founding The Learning Center for Families (now known as Root for Kids) and was humbled to work with Babies and Toddlers (and their families) to enhance the motor, cognitive and social-emotional aspects of children facing developmental issues. During this time, I was appointed by Mike Leavitt, then the governor of Utah, to participate in an Interagency Coordinating Council working with birth to three stakeholders throughout Utah and was chairperson for this group from 1994-2003. Also, during this time frame, I was honored to be involved as the Utah Representative to the American Occupational Therapy Association for 7 years. In 2003, an amazing opportunity came to be involved in the start-up of the Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit at Dixie Regional Medical Center (now known as St. George Regional Hospital), as I was hired to be the Program Manager (acting in that capacity until 2009) for this extraordinary unit which celebrated its 20-year anniversary this December. Since I have a love of working directly with patients and their families, I transitioned back to patient care where I am now working part time as I move toward retirement.
I have been married to my husband for 46 years. We love to work in our yard, go camping in our trailer, hiking and exploring beautiful Utah, on our side-by side. I have two married daughters and 4 granddaughters and savor being their grandma. Recently I have been learning how to do machine embroidery and quilting. I am a voracious reader, like to sing, cook and I adore my 3 dachshunds. This life journey as an Occupational Therapist has been a marvelous ride with the opportunity to change lives for the better! I encourage my peers to reach beyond what you think you can do in this profession and to consider serving at a State or National level to fortify what we do, so that we continue to benefit the functional capacity and occupational performance of those we serve.
November 2023
Kim Pauga, UOTA Student Member
Q & A:
1. Name and type of school program?
Joyce University, OTA program
2. How long have you been in your school program? Expected graduation date?
I have been in this program for 18 months and will graduate this December (2023)!
3. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your future profession?
I always knew I wanted to do something in health care, and when doing my own research I came across the OT world and fell in love! Throughout my program I have found more and more things about occupational therapy that I enjoyed but it wasn’t until I had my first level 2 rotation in a school district to where I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.
4. What is one OT-related thing you learned in the last month?
One thing that I learned and continue to learn this month when it comes to oOT is there are A LOT of people who don’t understand what occupational therapy actually is and/or what I am doing with my past few fieldworks. Even if you have explained it multiple times, the chances are they still don’t get it.
5. One person who inspires you?
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
My bed! It never lets me down and is always there for me! lol!
7. What was the last book that you read?
Unfortunately the last book I read was the Therapy Ed - National OTA Certification Exam, Review & Study Guide.
8. Any hobbies or interests?
9. What is one of your greatest achievements?
I would have to say going through my first level 2 rotation was a huge achievement! That was the first time I truly got to see what it was like to work in a pediatric setting and also got to jump right into such an amazing atmosphere with the best team and educator! Although my overall journey is not over, I am very proud of that experience and would not change it at all!
10. What are you passionate about?
My family. They are the most important thing to me!
11. What are some goals you have on your bucket list?
(1) Graduate and become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (2) Travel to as many National Parks as I can! (This year I'd love to go to Yellowstone and/or Glacier National Park.)
12. What is a fun fact people may not know about you?
Before I quit my job to be a fulltime fieldwork student I was a baby swim teacher! I would teach ages from 6 months-5 years old how to swim but also how to be comfortable and safe in the water! It was such an amazing job and I miss it alot!
13. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
The community! There are so many amazing people involved with UOTA, and so many resources it offers so that others can use it to be the best practitioners they can be.
October 2023
Colby Groneman, OTR/L, Region 4 (Juab, Millard, Sanpete, and Utah counties)
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
Colby Groneman, OTR/L
2. What setting do you work in?
Acute Care at Utah Valley Hospital for Intermountain Health
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
Currently going into my 6th year at Utah Valley Hospital and 7th year as a therapist
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I was planning on applying for PT school since I was an aide in the hospital. During that time, I transferred to rehab due to shortages. It was at that time, I was introduced to speech and OT. I really loved how OT encompassed the entire recovery process. During my observation and shadowing experience, OT particularly caught my eye. I ended up applying for both OT and PT schools and was accepted to both. I made the decision to pursue a career in OT.
5. One person who inspires you?
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
Fresh mountain air and the golf course. I spend so much time outdoors elk hunting and fishing. I enjoy the fresh air and how getting away from everything just makes life complete. At the golf course, hitting links is a great way to loosen up my body after a day of OT. Doesn’t hurt that I work a side gig at Gladstan Golf Course.
7. What was the last book that you read?
The Body Keeps the Score (hard to find time with little kids)
8. Any hobbies or interests?
9. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Honestly, passing the NBCOT exam and having my masters degree is up there. I struggled taking the exam and had to take it a couple times. Test taking anxiety is real. Harvesting an elk in 2020 with a muzzleloader was unbelievably awesome. Being married and becoming a father has been remarkable, and I love it.
10. What are you passionate about?
Life’s lessons. Finding ways to be a good person and live life by the golden rule. Treating others kindly and finding ways to appreciate relationships/friendships.
11. What are some goals you have on your bucket list?
I'd love to be able to attend The Masters in Augusta, Georgia at sometime in life. As some might say, “A tradition unlike any other.” Catching a huge fish would be on that list too.
12. What is a fun fact people may not know about you?
I designed my entire backyard from scratch. My wife would say I have good taste with organizing and designing.
13. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
French toast. Funny story is, my daughter loves that I make it all the time, so she loves to help and it’s now one of her favorites.
14. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
Feeling connected to the world of OT. It amazes me to this day when I cross paths with others how small our world truly is. I appreciate the updates to what’s going on throughout the state and ways to serve those around us; including, clients, patients, family and friends.
July 2023
Braxten Tauiliili, MSOT, OTR/L, Region 1
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
Braxten Tauiliili, MSOT, OTR/L
2. What setting do you work in?
Early Intervention
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
1.5 years as OT, 2 months in EI
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I always knew I wanted to do something in healthcare. When I served a mission for my church I realized how much I love building personal relationships with people and learning about their unique stories. Once I heard about OT I felt like it was the perfect combination of the two!
5. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I’ve been learning as much as I possibly can about infant feeding.
6. One person who inspires you?
My little sister. No matter how many curveballs life has thrown at her she keeps trying and succeeding!
7. What is your favorite place in the world?
Lake Powell
8. What was the last book that you read?
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
9. Any hobbies or interests?
10. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Graduating OT school with my 5 week old daughter.
11. What are you passionate about?
I can talk for hours about creating a healthy relationship with food and your body!
12. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
When I was a kid I insisted that everybody call me Ashley. My parents bought a dog at the same time and named her Ashley so that I would stop calling myself Ashley!
13. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Tacos!
14. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
I love knowing that I have a community of OT’s that I can learn from and that help me be a better therapist.
June 2023
Philip Lamoreaux, OTD, OTR/L, CLCP, LCP-C
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
Philip Lamoreaux, OTD, OTR/L, CLCP, LCP-C
2. What setting do you work in?
Academia, Neuro-Inpatient Rehab
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
I have been an OT for 8 years. I started working in school district for the first two years, then transitioned to inpatient rehab before just starting a job in academia this January.
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I originally started out interested in being a physician. It wasn’t until I shadowed a physician that I realized I needed to be more involved in the recovery process. I decided to go physical therapy and began assisting the anatomy lab at Utah Valley University where the teacher was an occupational therapist. As soon as he described what OT was about, I was hooked. Every time I looked into OT I was convinced this was the profession I needed to be a part of. So, I committed and attended the University of Utah’s MOT program.
5. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
Technology continues to advance, but due to the expensive nature of medical equipment many individual’s can’t afford the much needed equipment. There is a really neat goniometer that can accurately tell you the degree of flexion or extension, but it costs 300.00 for one device. Where the plastic basic goniometer costs much less.
6. One person who inspires you?
Steve Wallenfels, OTR/L
7. What is your favorite place in the world?
Lake Powell
8. What was the last book that you read?
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
9. Any hobbies or interests?
10. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Getting accepted to speak at the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) and the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) to discuss the value of implementation of High Intensity within occupational therapy.
11. What are you passionate about?
High Intensity, Pickleball, Family, and of course Occupational Therapy.
12. What are some goals you have on your bucket list?
Speak at AOTA, Complete a research study, create my own podcast, and work with the Institute for Knowledge Translation group to promote the evidence of high intensity.
13. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I have won a professional pickleball match and have been playing pickleball for 7.5 years.
14. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Homemade greek yogurt with love crunch (dark chocolate/peanut butter) and frozen raspberries.
15. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
I was able to present at the last UOTA conference and that connected me with more OTs who were interested in progressing their own skills. The connection that happens at conferences is new to me and something I will continue to take advantage of.
April 2023
Sean David Speckart, COTA/L CKTP
Member Spotlight from Region 4 (Juab, Millard, Sanpete, and Utah counties)
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
Sean David Speckart, COTA/L CKTP
2. What setting do you work in?
SNF / Stonehenge, Springville
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
13 yrs in the profession and almost 7 yrs at Stonehenge.
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I was an Elementary School Teacher in CA. Things didn't work out so well there. So I took an aptitude test, and it recommended me to try a career in OT.
5. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I learned that weighted blankets provide deep tissue calming and stress reduction for practitioners and patients.
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
Bryce Canyon, Utah
7. What was the last book that you read?
Unexpected by Chris Thomas; The Backstory of Finding Elizabeth Smart and Growing Up in the Culture of an American Religion.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
My 2 daughters and my marriage to my best friend and companion.
9. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
When I was younger I was in a resource class that explored gravitational insecurity and abstract movements. (Sensory Integration Disorder)
November 2022
Steven Duke, MOTR/L
Member Spotlight from Region 5 (Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, Sevier, and Wayne counties)
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
My name is Steven Duke, MOTR/L
2. What setting do you work in?
I work for San Juan School District serving children Pre-k through age 22.
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
I have been an OT for over 23 years and have worked in every setting from early intervention, home health, outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing facilities. I’ve been in my current position for just over 20 years.
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I began my undergraduate work at the University of Utah pursuing an MSW degree and a good friend and mentor suggested that I look at OT. I didn’t even know what it was at the time.
5. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I am in a post-professional doctorate program and am learning a lot about interoception and research and interventions addressing it. Pretty intriguing.
6. Who inspires you?
Honestly I am inspired by passionate paraeducators who do miraculous things with students and are grossly underappreciated and underpaid.
7. What is your favorite place in the world?
The quiet woods.
8. What was the last book that you read?
Just finished 2 Old Women. Must read. Quick read.
9. Any hobbies or interests?
I do lots of hiking, hunting, fishing, and exploring.
10. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Keeping myself motivated, trained, and inspired in the same setting for over 20 years.
11. What are you passionate about?
Client centered therapy; strength based interventions
12. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Finish my doctorate; work in a completely different setting; I want to practice OT in a different country.
13. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I’m pretty boring, but I love to travel. I have visited over 20 countries- went to Ecuador last June.
14. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
That's a tough one. I live in a small town with no restaurants. 🙂 Maybe a Bon mi sandwich or ceviche, or lamb ribs, or melon gelato, or seafood paella. If Diet Mountain Dew counts as a meal, that's the one.
15. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
Connection to other therapists. There is strength in numbers.
October 2022
Member Spotlight from Region 4 ( Juab, Millard, Sanpete, and Utah counties)
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
Keith Coon, OTR/L Acute Care Therapy Manager
2. What setting do you work in?
Hospital based acute care
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
23 years
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I had a significant injury and during this time of healing, reflection, I met an OT and he became a close friend and mentor. He took time to walk me though the role of OT.
5. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
As I was taking a CEU recently, I was reminded of the diversity of OT services reaching all levels of the human person from NICU to Geriatrics, physical aspects to psychosocial aspects of care and much more. I have learned that every OT should pursue continued learning.
6. Who inspires you?
My mentor was Corwin Sutherin who continues to work in Idaho in the Peds and NICU settings. Most recently, the patients that I work with inspire me to be creative, improve my skills and lean into providing the best possible care possible.
7. What is your favorite place in the world?
I try to find joy and peace wherever I am in the world.
8. What was the last book that you read?
Extreme Ownership
9. Any hobbies or interests?
One of the most recent things I have been doing is woodworking. This has brought out some creativity in me and has been a lot of fun. I enjoy photography and look forward to photographing the Northern Lights one day!
10. What is one of your greatest achievements?
This may sound cliché; however, one of my most cherished accomplishments has been to be married to my spouse for over 30 years. She inspires me to be the best person, leader, and therapist.
11. What are you passionate about?
My family, being a great leader, seeing others excel in the profession, providing excellent care, and my pursuit of woodworking.
12. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
To photograph the Northern Lights, build a dining room table, visit the Louvre Museum
13. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
A colleague and I started an OT program in an acute care behavioral health care facility! This was terrifying and yet rewarding as we were both just out of school and trying to find our ways.
14. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Tender smoked pork ribs.
15. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
I enjoy being kept up to date on current events, CEU’s and being able to associate with the UOTA Region 4 rep on a regular basis!
September 2022
Member Spotlight from Region 6 (Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Piute, and Washington counties)
Q & A:
1. Name and credentials?
Heidi Hanley, MS, OTR/L
2. What setting do you work in?
Recently retired (2021), but I have worked in the hospital, schools, home care, and private practice
3. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
My first job was at a county hospital in southern California. There, I had opportunities to learn about a variety of diagnoses, conditions and interventions. As there was a large Hispanic population at the hospital, the most beneficial education I received was being immersed in Spanish. At the time, I had no idea how helpful being fluent in Spanish would be. Since moving to Utah, I have worked as an independent contractor in schools, home care, and private practice.
4. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I was attending USC when I began the process that would end with a BS degree in OT and a scholarship offer for graduate school. I was looking for a degree that would provide a job when I graduated college. Working with children with disabilities had been something I had done since I was 13 and enjoyed it. The balance of social sciences and physical sciences that the OT education offered was appealing. Finally, after looking at other degree options, e.g., medicine, PT, Speech, and SPED, I settled on OT. My professors included- Mary Reilly, Florence Clark, Joan Rogers, Gary Kielhofner, Janice Burke who all greatly influenced my thinking as well as the profession of Occupational Therapy. I have never regretted my decision.
5. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
One thing I learned about the profession last month is that COVID is not over and ZOOM therapy is here to stay.
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
Regarding my favorite place in the world, for the most part it is wherever I land. One son has a non-profit that supports children in Nepal. I have traveled there several times. Another son is an international freestyle coach. When he accepted a position in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to visit his family there.
7. What was the last book that you read?
CS Lewis, The Problem of Pain, Amy Hollingsworth,The Simple Faith of Mr Rogers and Johann Hari, Lost Connections.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Another “thing” that happened when I moved to Utah. I became a single mother. I had 4 sons ages 3, 10, 12 and 14. That’s when the goals on my bucket list were initiated. Fortunately, friends, church members, coaches, teachers and the “village” of Park City helped support my family and check those goals off the list. I’m proud to say my sons have all graduated from college, are gainfully employed, married and have children. I am the proud grandmother of 10.
9. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
Little known facts- I was part of the UOTA contingency that went to the legislature to gain approval for the first OT program in Utah at the U. I was also one of the original pediatric faculty members. A more known fact is my belief as an OT professional, one should be active in the state and national OT organizations as well as the “fraternity” of OT professionals locally.
July 2022
Gina McDonald MS, OTR/L, Region 1
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Schools
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I have been working in this setting for 5 ½ years. I have always wanted to work in a profession that uplifts, supports, and motivates people. I really considered becoming a psychologist. However, my love for biology and human anatomy led me to occupational therapy.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I learned that all Joint Commission accredited hospitals must provide a non-pharmacological option to reduce pain. This is a great way for occupational therapists to increase our role in pain management. I am so excited that I signed up for a Reiki Level I Training.
4. Who inspires you?
My dad inspires me in many ways. He has always motivated me to pursue my dreams. He passed away many years ago, but his love and wisdom lives in me as I raise my kids, work with students on my caseload, and live a meaningful life.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Hawaii. There is nothing better than sand between your toes, the sound of ocean waves, a great book, and a gentle breeze.
6. What was the last book that you read?
I am currently re-reading the Harry Potter Series. I just finished Order of the Phoenix.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I love cooking, gardening, reading, home decorating, hiking, and exercising.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
My greatest achievement is being a mom to three great young men. Jordan, Nate, and Brendan are the highlight of my and my husband’s life.
9. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about many things, but my main passions rally around helping others.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
My goals for next year include going to Europe, remodeling my bathroom, becoming Reiki Level I certified, and xeroscaping part of my yard.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I am the oldest of 8 children.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
I think I would skip meals and go straight for Hawaiian ice. Mmmmm. Yummy.
13. What is the best thing about being a member of the UOTA?
I enjoy the educational classes offered through UOTA.
June 2022
Alina Wilson, COTA, CLT
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
SNF Rehabs and Home Health
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
5+ years. In 2010 after years of spinal problems I needed to have a 7 level fusion in my lumbar and thoracic area, the rehab was even more challenging than I imagined it would be; in those first few difficult days my OT was a lifesaver! She was so kind and encouraging, and helped to teach me to use all sorts of adaptive equipment. When I fully recovered I decided that was what I wanted to do, help others as they recover and adapt.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I recently completed some training on “How to be a better Ally for the LGBT+ Community” I now understand on a deeper level how vastly different the experience may be for a member of this community in their later years of life versus a member of this community in their 20s or 30s and how to be more sensitive and inclusive to all as I strive to treat with a client centered approach.
4. Who inspires you?
My older sister Corinna. She has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember; from teaching me to walk as a toddler to teaching me what it means to persevere, she is remarkable. When she was in her early teenage years she was diagnosed with “Stargarts Disease” and began to loose her vision, despite the challenges this impairment brought her, she raised 3 children while going through nursing school and a 4th little caboose baby while going through graduate school getting her Doctorate in Nursing. She is currently teaching in the school of nursing at BYU. Corinna has accomplished all this while taking the time to serve and help others around her in so many ways. She’s the first to volunteer a meal for a sick neighbor and regularly provides care packages to homeless youth during the holidays.
I recently had the opportunity to collaborate and offer ideas and techniques to be used in training videos and curriculum she created for her students to improve nursing care of older adults residing in Long-term care facilities with visual and hearing impairments.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere with my family, especially if it involves sand, sunshine and water. I feel so fortunate to be a “boy mom” with 5 boys. Whether we are hanging out in the evening talking about our day together or traveling I love my tribe of boys.
6. What was the last book that you read?
“Jesus the Christ” by James E Talmage; turning to Christ through my challenges has been an anchor in my life.
And at the recommendation of my sweet grandmother; “The Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
Does sleeping in on Saturday’s count?
One of my favorite hobbies is flower arranging, from the time I was arranging dandelions in Dixie cups as a preschooler I knew that flowers are my love language. And have especially enjoyed teaching my boys and their friends how to make corsages and boutonnières for school dances.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Completing my Occupational Therapy Assistant degree and going forward to use it. Several months into my program and right after moving into our “dream home” my husband was diagnosed with cancer, it was a result of toxic exposure during his recent military deployments. Over the next 5 months I juggled homework, while raising kids and keeping up with sweetheart’s chemo treatment schedule. He fought hard but passed away during my finals week for one of the last quarters of my program. I completed my finals and was able to have his funeral during my one week break. I pushed through my final quarter of classes and then on to my level 2 fieldwork. I was blessed to have the most amazing and supportive friends and family to help me along the way. Looking back sometimes I can’t believe this is my life, but I have learned so many things that have helped me to be more empathetic to those I help.
9. What are you passionate about?
Helping to improve the quality of life for those who I treat. I definitely have a soft spot in my heart for veterans, I understand the sacrifices they and their families have made. I really love working with the geriatric population, I try to care for each of my patients as if they were my own Grandma or Grandpa.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
I would love to get a “Kinesiology Taping Practitioner Certification” and “Taping for Lymphedema certification” as an add on with my Lymphedema certification.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
As a 7th grader I got to spend 2 weeks in Berlin Germany just after the Wall came down and see the stark difference between the two different sides of the city and attend gatherings during the elections for reunification
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Bean and cheese stuffed sopaipilla smothered with green chili from Santiago’s Mexican food restaurant. If you ever find yourself in Denver craving Mexican food you’ll have to try one.
May 2022
Britteni Manley, COTA/L
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
School, K-6th
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
8 years total, 6 years school setting, 2 years Rehabilitation in a skilled nursing setting. I already worked in a school as a teachers assistant and I wanted to be able to help children on a higher level.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I have been very busy working, but this month especially I have had a multitude of teachers come up and ask me what exactly we do besides handwriting... I have come to find that most people in all settings that we work in do not know our role.
4. Who inspires you?
My son and daughter.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere that I can be at the ocean, Hawaii is my most favorite.
6. What was the last book that you read?
Name of the wind and Wise man's fear, by Patrick Rothfus.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
Running, Fitness, Travel, Hiking, Movies, Interior Design, writing poetry, spending time with family.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
My children, graduating college and running a marathon.
9. What are you passionate about?
My children, My Husband, Health and fitness, mental health.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Travel more often, run the Big Sur 1/2 Marathon.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I am obsessed with True Crime and find forensic science fascinating.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Pasta and bread
April 2022
Corinne Sheahan MOT, OTR/L, Region 6
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
I currently work in the school setting.
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I've been an OT for 11 years and in the school setting for 8 months and loving it! I always knew I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people. Occupational Therapy is the perfect blend of creativity and service to humanity that I wanted in a career.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
Interoceptive awareness is so important! In order for our students/clients to be successful, they must be regulated, and self regulation starts with understanding what your body needs to succeed.
4. Who inspires you?
My step-mother, Gia. She gives with her whole heart and always with a smile on her face. She is who I want to be when I grow up.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Wherever my family may be.
6. What was the last book that you read?
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors (family reading time!)
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I love to crochet! There is something meditative about starting with yarn and a needle, then loop after loop creating something beautiful you can share with someone else
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Raising, guiding and nurturing my two tiny little humans as they grow and find their passion and potentials.
9. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about working with children as their joy, enthusiasm and willingness to try leaves me in awe day after day.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
I'd love to get into education and give back to my OT community by educating the next generations of therapists.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I once ran a YouTube channel on arts and crafts.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Anything with cheese on it!
March 2022
Rachel Mitchell, OTR/L, Region 5
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Pediatric outpatient clinic
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
When I was young, I was drawn to helping those in need. I had family members and friends with diagnoses and found it in my nature to try to find ways to help them overcome challenges. I was not yet aware of the profession of occupational therapy but enjoyed various work experiences as a respite provider, disability consultant, special education paraprofessional, and working with adults with cognitive disabilities in their apartments, day program and in the community. When I discovered OT in my mid-twenties, I knew it was the right fit for me and aligned with my innate desires. I loved the playful atmosphere of helping children and my previous experiences as a special education paraprofessional, so I choose to start my career in school-based OT. After five years of school-based OT, I moved to Vernal, Utah where there was a significant lack of services due to the rural nature of the area. I found an opportunity to help a new start-up pediatric clinic build OT services and help more children in the community.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
This month was the first time I have helped teach a teen social skills group. It was fun to see how video modeling was so effective in teaching social skills. They loved it and were very engaged in the process.
4. Who inspires you?
I can't name just one person. Right now, I feel very inspired by watching the parents of the children I work with and seeing their dedication in helping their children grow and develop. I am moved, when I interview them and hear about their stories and their joy and their struggles and perseverance. I feel a kinship with them, as I have a 16-year old son with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and auditory processing difficulties. My son was diagnosed at the age of 5, which was also within the first year of practicing as an OT. I feel very blessed for the reciprocal nature of having my son tutor me on how to be a more compassionate, insightful OT and also to have my OT experiences teach me how to be a better mom to a child with varying needs and abilities.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Japan. I spent two weeks there with my husband and it was amazing.
6. What was the last book that you read?
The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell
7. Any hobbies or interests?
Camping, hiking, playing board games with family
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Completing a rigorous OT Master's program while balancing single motherhood. I was remarried in the last year of the program.
9. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping those who are struggling. I am passionate about my family and my faith.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
I want to go on a humanitarian trip to Africa. I would like to have more fun service opportunities to share with my children. I want to explore new places in an RV.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I have been paragliding. It was in the area at the "point of the mountain" near Draper, Utah. Scary and exhilarating.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Home-grilled cheeseburger. Yum!
November 2021
Kelly Allred, COTA/L Region 4
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
School-based pediatrics
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I've been working as a COTA for 3 years. I wanted to go into occupational therapy when I learned how individualized the treatment was. It is such a personal way to connect and help anyone with a disorder or disability. I thrive when I'm helping others!
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I have been learning more about feeding therapy. In the school setting, we don't use it very much, so I wanted to sharpen my skills. We can work on tool use to help children grasp their eating utensils or work on aversion to textures by exposing them to different tactile items.
4. Who inspires you?
All of the OT's that I work with weekly and at my fieldwork sites. They have always been so helpful and patient with me as I've learned more about my job. They also respect my knowledge and input. That means so much to me and has helped my confidence tremendously.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Home. I love to travel and experience new places, but my favorite place to be is at home with my family.
6. What was the last book that you read?
I recently read a book called Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund. I discovered that "time-travel romance" has its own genre and I love it!
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I am obsessed with 500-1000 piece puzzles, I love reading, watching movies and I love to socialize with friends.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Going to school to become a COTA while balancing single-motherhood. It was the hardest 2 years of my life, but so worth it to have a career that I absolutely love.
9. What are you passionate about?
I love helping children and anyone with mental health problems. I have 3 of my own children who all have a diagnosis and they have helped me to learn so much patience and compassion, so that I am able to help others.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Someday I will go on a humanitarian trip. I would love it to be OT-related, but I would settle for anything.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I was raised going to a polygamist church.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Potatoes. They are the ultimate comfort food and so versatile in textures and flavors.
September 2021
Alicia Bollin, OTR/L, Graduated in May 2021 University of Utah, Region 3
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Acute care – Intermountain Health Care and St. Marks Hospital
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
Working since June. Background is in art education. Worked in a school setting and learned about OT. Interested in being able to merge creativity and science through evidenced based OT.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
As a recent graduate just learning new capacity for work – working in an acute setting it’s so fast paced, and its important to learn how to be a good team member. Develop methods for clear communication with other disciplines, communication related to patient care forming IDT relationships, learning how to flexible.
4. Who inspires you?
My sister, who is an OTA. She inspired me to explore this field.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Spain, travelled there between working as an art teacher and my career change to OT. Such a beautiful country that anyone could enjoy.
6. What was the last book that you read?
Michelle Obama’s - Becoming.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I love to hike, being in the outdoors, trial running, spending time with my dog outdoors and being with my fiancé.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Meeting my fiancé and planning to marry him.
9. What are you passionate about?
Helping others in any way possible. This is what drew me to OT. I really care about lending a hand to those in need and helping out clients as well as friends and family.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Would like to find a niche as an OT. Find a specialty area of OT for my practice. Find work-life balance throughout my life. And start travelling when its safe again – Go back to New Zealand and Tasmania.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I have friends in seven different countries.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Tacos! Grilled chicken tacos. 😊
August 2021
Connie Carr, COTA/L, OTD, OTR/L, Region 2
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Pediatric outpatient clinic
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
Less than a year. I just graduated last year and this is my dream job right out of school. It's actually where I did my fieldwork and I love it. I had the chance to go back to school later in life and always knew I wanted to work in healthcare but didn't really even understand what OT was until my daughter was a nanny with a child who was receiving early intervention services. The child wasn't speaking or engaging at all at 2 years old until after beginning services. She felt like the OT was a miracle worker and she was able to follow his progress for years. He's a smart, happy 7 year old now.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I was recently trained in feeding therapy and have had the opportunity to watch how most children respond to the basic feeding hierarchy of tolerating, interacting and smelling food before they even touch, taste or eat anything. Getting parents to be patient with this theory is harder than getting me to be patient with it but it works.
4. What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere my family is.
5. What was the last book that you read?
"The Wonky Donkey" - to my grandkids. The sad thing is, I'm an avid reader and used to go through a book a month but I haven't had time to read for pleasure this year. Actually, school kind of ruined my pleasure reading the last few years.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
Reading (lol), I also used to like light, easy hikes, Utah weather; full spring, full summer, full fall and full winter - it's so pretty. I also used to draw, I used to sew, water sports and even owned a Harley. Man! I'm noticing that there are a lot of "use to's". This is helping me to realize what I need to put back into my life. What are my occupations? lol!
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
5 really amazing daughters who are just really good, happy people and honestly, my best friends.
9. What are you passionate about?
Clearly, question #9. My daughters and the happy creatures they've brought into this world.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
I want to see almost every continent. I want to experience these places like the locals, not like a tourist. I want to eat like a local - even if it's gross - I want to try it. For at least one trip in my lifetime, I want to be able to go for a few weeks, not just one quick week where you run around to see it all. I want to be able to meander and relax and soak it all in.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I have twins and twin grandkids.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
I want to say Chicken Cordon Bleu and asparagus because that's what I pick every year for my birthday dinner but I think I'd start to hate my favorite meal if it was every day so I'm going to sound really disgusting and say spinach dip and crusty bread from Harmon's - yum and so healthy - not!
July 2021
Jill Willis, COTA/L, Region 1
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Skilled Nursing Facility
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
3 years. I always knew I wanted to work in a profession helping others. In second grade I made a friend in the special needs class and loved spending time with her. That experience helped me discover that I wanted to work with people who had disabilities. I originally wanted to go into special education but decided I’d rather work with people one on one. My best friend also has a brother who has autism, cerebral palsy, and is blind. She actually introduced me to the world of occupational therapy and I was fascinated by the variety of treatments, approaches, and settings a person could work in. I also loved how functional the treatments were!
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I learned about the spaced retrieval technique, which I have been able to use since then and have seen great results!
4. One person who inspires you?
It’s hard to pick just one but my 94 year old grandpa, who still goes to the gym every morning and is completely independent, amazes me.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
The Uintah Mountains…and home.
6. What was the last book that you read?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, oh wait, like a chapter book…American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I like making! I do craft projects weekly, mostly with wood, paper, and paint. But I also love creating macrame hangings, simple sewing projects (I’m a frustrated sewer), and I’m learning how to work with vinyl. I love decorating. And I’m obsessed with plants. I’m always surprised at how many different plants I know the names of when I walk into a nursery, which also happens almost weekly. I also love camping, hiking, baking, and being with my family.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
It sounds cliche but my daughter is my absolute greatest achievement. It took a very long time to get her here and I was told I’d never have children on my own. And then I did! She’s 3 months old now.
9. What are you passionate about?
Occupational Therapy…go figure!
American History
My family
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Visit all 50 states and all national parks.
Work my way through Julia Child’s cookbook
Travel internationally at least once.
Learn how to throw pots on a pottery wheel.
Read, and understand, all of the Federalist Papers.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I can make a three leaf clover with my tongue and cross one eye.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Pizza!!!
June 2021
Madison Van Soelen, OTD, OTR/L, Region 6
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
SNF/LTC and Acute Care
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I've been working in SNF/LTC full time for a year and Acute Care PRN for about 6 months. I was initially introduced to occupational therapy in a school setting and loved the population and in undergrad I worked in a group home for adults with disabilities and it really affirmed my love for working to maximize people's independence and joy in life.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
One common theme that continues to be reiterated this month is the importance of approaching each person as an individual and incorporating activities that are functional and meaningful to them into treatment plans. Giving people the autonomy and ownership in what they are doing to contribute to their rehabilitation is fun to watch, you get to see their joy and motivation to work with therapy.
4. One person who inspires you?
I just spent some time at home and I think all of my grandparents inspire me the most. They are all amazing examples of people who are continuously selfless and are passionate about helping everyone around them to the best of their abilities.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place in the world is in the Netherlands, probably in the middle of a tulip field. I studied abroad in the Netherlands in undergrad and loved everything about life over there.
6. What was the last book that you read?
"Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman
7. Any hobbies or interests?
In my free time I really enjoy hiking or being outside in general, reading, and buying new plants. As far as occupational therapy goes I really enjoy stroke rehabilitation and dementia care.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
An achievement I'm most proud of is finishing my research on refugee resettlement and occupational therapy in graduate school. I had the opportunity to do a capstone with The International Rescue Committee and see the value of our profession in lesser known areas of practice.
9. What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about improving quality of life for any residents or patients that I work with. Facilitating participation in tasks people enjoy is important in holistic health and the healing process.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
I really want to visit Australia and New Zealand. Then maybe further my education with specialty certifications or another degree (but maybe after I've paid off my student loans :).
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I've perfected the chocolate chip cookie recipe. It took a lot of research and many tries but I think I've finally got it down pat.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
I know this isn't necessarily a meal but it tends to be a staple for me so I'll have to go with Goldfish.
May 2021
Megan Orr, COTA, Region 5
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
SNF
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
I just started working in this setting. I was working in a pediatrics clinic that contracted out to different schools and home-health as well.
3. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I knew I wanted to be in the health industry but I didn’t want to go into nursing. I wanted to help people in a way that they could help themselves.
4. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
Sensory approaches to home. Sensory integration is one of my favorite things to study and learn more about, because it is so crucial in so many cases to perform better when using senses to your advantage.
5. One person who inspires you?
My mother, she is such a caring, loving, hard worker.
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
I want to travel everywhere, but I would love to go to Alaska!
7. What was the last book that you read?
I just barely got married and the last book I read was about marriage given to me by my grandmother.
8. Any hobbies or interests?
Photography, Fitness, DIY, and renovations
9. What is one of your greatest achievements?
Passing the NBCOT, working in my field, and trying everyday to look on the positive side of everything.
10. What are you passionate about?
Creating new things, and restoring old things.
11. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Have kids, help improve the quality of life for my patients, and always be happy and healthy.
12. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I was born 8 weeks early.
13. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Chicken and Watermelon
April 2021
Wendy Enfield, COTA/L, Region 4
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Pediatric, School Based practice
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
7 years as a COTA, 6 years in this setting
3. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I watched my best friend, who is an OT, do an intervention with some preschool students and I knew right then that an OT is what I wanted to be. I want to be a part of helping someone reach their goals and dreams, no matter what.
4. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I learn new stuff all the time. The thing I keep learning over and over again though is that "behaviors" are so much more than what you see from a student/client/patient and how important it is to dig deep. Be humble and remember that humans are complex beings and that respect for that and their autonomy comes first.
5. One person who inspires you?
My husband, he is amazing!
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere my husband, kids or grandkids are.
7. What was the last book that you read?
Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke
8. Any hobbies or interests?
I love to plan trips especially to Disney World and Disneyland; watch documentaries about all things Disney; watch youtube videos of the rides at Disney; oh and go to Disney World and Disneyland with my husband and/or kids and grandkids!
9. What is one of your greatest achievements?
My greatest achievement is actually a joint achievement with my husband. We have been married for nearly 30-years. Working hard with him to create a life together through pain and happiness is the most amazing thing I have ever done.
10. What are you passionate about?
Probably too many things! I am passionate about my family, my husband, my children and my grandchildren, all things Disney. I love being an Occupational therapy practitioner and am passionate about finding ways to help the people I work with be heard and reach their goals. I LOVE to travel and study and read about places all over the world.
11. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
I want to serve a few missions with my husband for my church. I want to go back to Europe and see Normandy and Versailles. I want to learn Italian and travel Italy by train, wander through the Villa Borghese in Rome, walk through the Sacre Bosco and bike the Appian way to see the Aquaduct parks outside of Rome.
12. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
My pinkies are deformed. When you put them side by side they form a Y shape.
13. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread with a big salad and blue cheese salad dressing.
March 2021
Rich Fauci. M.S., OTR/L, Region 3
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Home Health.
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
I graduated from A.T. Still University in January 2018, worked for skilled nursing for two years in Globe, AZ then came back to my hometown to do home health in Utah in February 2020. I always had a real passion for helping those in need and occupational therapy has so much diversity in settings and interventions that I wouldn't get bored or stop loving what I do. I love having a job I look forward to doing every single day.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
Recently, I have had an influx of HISA grants through the VA. It is a long process, but the results have been amazing for my clients. People that have been too afraid to shower or leave the home due to fall risk are now doing so with confidence.
4. One person who inspires you?
My professor, MJ Tufte at SUU really helped me realize what and who I wanted to be going forward and helped introduce OT to me!
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
I love Puerto Rico! I have been there 3 times including with my wife, Emmy, on our honeymoon. Paddle boarding with manatees, kayaking in the ocean, bioluminescent bay, spelunking, and some amazing beaches and food!
6. What was the last book that you read?
The last book I read was Zoobooks Sharks with my nephew Rhen and niece Jojo.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I ballroom dance and play sports, video games, and dungeons and dragons. I also brew beer, fish and am an avid bird watcher.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
My greatest achievement is finishing grad school and finally making enough money to give my dogs, Peter and Cici a big yard to run amuck. It felt like it was never going to happen with all the school and debt but we did it!
9. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about developing rapport with everyone I meet. Everyone has their own story and I enjoy hearing them. I also love animals, with hippos, whales, manatees, and porcupines being my favorite.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
My wife and I would like to visit all 62 national parks (8 so far with 3 planned this year), I want to see a blue whale, swim with whale sharks, visit 6/7 continents, get on the kiss cam, and have something named after us/ named for us (I.e. Park bench or something).
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
Most people don't know that my go-to karaoke song is It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
One meal for the rest of my life is spam and egg sandwich with kraft cheese and miracle whip!
February 2021
Kristen Courtney, BA, COTA/L, Region 2
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Currently I am the temporary Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and an Instructor at Salt Lake Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (hopefully for the foreseeable future!). But much of my background is in mental health inpatient settings and transitional care units.
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
I have been working for 3.5 years in Occupational Therapy, and have been in higher education for the last year. I attended a conference for after school professionals while running youth programs at the YMCA when I attended a presentation by an OT on Sensory Processing Disorder. It was like a lightbulb went off and I immediately knew that this was the career for me! (Only took me until age 30! Lol)
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
A lot of what I’ve been reading lately is how OT is engaging in the recovery for COVID-19 patients who are experiencing long term effects, particularly the cognitive effects that we are seeing in the older population.
4. One person who inspires you?
Stacey Abrams
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
The alpine fields of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. They are some of the most beautiful mountains in the country.
6. What was the last book that you read?
“Brown Bear Brown Bear” to my 2 year old. 😉
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I love biking, hiking, and camping. Right now, though, a lot of that has been dialed back to toddler-level engagement as I spend time with my 2 year old and 5 year old and share my love of the outdoors with them.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
I believe my greatest achievements came in the services I delivered to my clients while working at Recovery Ways. Teaching IADL’s, home management, health management, self-regulation and leisure skills to my clients has been some of the most meaningful work I’ve done. Many of the clients I’ve worked with continue to be clean, sober, and thriving to this day!
9. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about OT! More specifically, I am passionate about the distributive justice of mental health services. I also love learning more about neurobiology as it related to mental health, self-regulation, and function.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
- Client will complete a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration by December 2024 (in progress).
- Client will become a full time educator in a higher education program (partially achieved).
- Client will present on a relevant and meaningful topic at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference 2024.
- Client to hike the triple crown trails (AT, PCT, CDT). And to bicycle tour around the world.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I am a bubble gum connoisseur. I love to chew gum and am very skilled at blowing bubbles. I once blew a bubble bigger than my own head and I am also able to blow bubbles inside of other bubbles (my record is 17 layers). Demonstrations available upon request.
13. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
I have engaged in many heated debates about this very question in relation to tacos vs pizza. Although my love of tacos is strong, I find a lot more opportunity for variation and nutritional diversity in pizza. I may lose the respect of some professional colleagues over this answer.😊
January 2021
Charity Davis, OT/L, Region 1
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Home Health and Inpatient Rehab
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting?
Graduated in 2000 from Loma Linda University a year before it was switched to a master's program. I spent 4 years in a skilled nursing facility rehab full time with home health PRN until I started having kids in 2004. I then worked as a contract therapist doing home health specializing in specialty wheelchair evaluations and home safety evals and got my Assistive Technology Professional credential. I enjoyed contracting with Agrability (Assistive Technology for Farmers) for a few years. When my three kids were in school about 2013, I started working home health a few hours a week and slowly eased back into PRN work at Transitional Care Facilities. I currently continue PRN work at a couple Transitional care facilities, Northern Utah Rehab Hospital, Encompass Home Care, and Rehab Without Walls. I have often covered for full time positions at each of these settings while they look to fill the jobs. The ebb and flow and flexibility of PRN has worked well for me as I raise my kids.
3. What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I got my CNA license at age 15. I worked at a nursing home where Ben DeHaan, OT would have a whole hour to work with one patient with morning ADL's and help them learn how to help themselves again. I was jealous having to race to dress 10 people before breakfast and no option to let them do it themselves if I wanted to get done in time. My mom was a nurse at the same place and introduced me to him and I job-shadowed at his work at the hospital. I was hooked. I was able to get an Associate Degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy at Rick's College right out of High School and graduated with my OT degree 4 years after High School.
4. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
Just when you think you've met every personality out there in patients after 20 years, someone says something so off the wall you have to laugh and give them credit for throwing you off your groove.
5. One person who inspires you?
I'm inspired by the exceptional patients who actually follow through with your exercises after discharge and it's given them increased independence and deceased pain. I've been a patient of physical therapy over the years and know how hard it is to actually keep doing those exercises so my hat goes off to those who actually do.
6. What is your favorite place in the world?
Riding through mountain aspen/pine forests on horseback with my family. We've owned horses for almost 20 years, my best memories involve our horses.
7. What was the last book that you read?
"Not Yet, Near Life Experiences and Lessons" by Jeff O'Driscoll, MD
8. Any hobbies or interests?
Writing inspirational music. Singing in choirs and attending every concert my kids participate in. My 16 year old daughter plays the oboe, my 14 year old son plays cello, my 12 year old son plays drums and all are singing in choirs currently.
9. What is one of your greatest achievements?
I was selected as "Therapist of the Year 2019" for BrightSpring a nationwide home health company that is a parent company for Rehab Without Walls. It was a huge surprise. I was nominated for the impact I made with a quadriplegic patient I'd worked with for over a year.
10. What are you passionate about?
Advocating for my 16 year old daughter with multiple chronic illness conditions. I have a researcher heart and won't give up on finding answers and doctors to ease her pain and help her succeed.
11. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Recording an album or 5, I have over 50 songs waiting to be fleshed out. I used to run marathons and would love to improve my health enough to enjoy running again.
12. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I've eaten squirrel, bullfrog and carp this year. My 14 year old boy cooks up everything he catches that's safe to eat and I love to support him in his hunting endeavors.
13. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
That sounds miserable, I love eating a variety… But for fun, I'd have to say I love a Zupas half berry salad and panini sandwich with their infusion honey drinks and a chocolate strawberry! I think I could survive on that for a while without complaining.
December 2020
Thomas A Kincheloe, OTR/L, CLT, WCC, Region 6
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
I currently split my time between long term care, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and home health. I like inpatient and outpatient rehab the most, though I really enjoy all of it.
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
I’ve been working in this profession almost 19 years. I was originally an electronics technician and programmer, but was searching for a new career. At the time, there was a great need for occupational therapists so I went back to college, and… here I am!
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
A new graph technique for non-healing deep venous wounds, shared with me by a physician working with one of my patients. I’m fascinated by wound care because it’s a challenging field to be in.
4. One person who inspires you?
My sister, who is also my best friend. We are very close. She lives in Logan. I often seek advice from her, and I’m never disappointed.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
Any forested area, especially near lakes, ponds, white water streams and brooks. I love the peace and tranquility of deep forest locations such as those found in the Alaskan wilderness, and in our own mountain regions.
6. What was the last book that you read?
The Book of Mormon
7. Any hobbies or interests?
I like to travel the mountain roads in my roadster convertible (which I’m also restoring as a hobby) when the weather is nice. I also have an interest in growing orchids as a hobby. I’m very interested in model railroading, though I’ve yet to build anything. I’m also active in church activities…well, most of them anyway. As you can see, I’m varied in my interests.
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
I was elected president of the Adirondack Community College Student Association in upstate New York in 1999. I was very active on campus, and a leader in various programs. My college days were my happiest days!
9. What are you passionate about?
Lymphedema management and wound care because there are so many people out there that need this kind of help, but very few of us who are jointly skilled in these services. I love wound care because it is challenging. The successful results of both services can be truly amazing and satisfying.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Build a model railroad layout; travel the country in a motor home with my two cats; explore places like Nova Scotia, the northwest, and Alaska; ride the Durango-Silverton Railway and other trains.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I like drawing happy faces and cartoon characters on wound dressings to bring cheer to patients. I’m not a very good artist, but nobody seems to care about that.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
It’s a toss-up between spaghetti and hot dogs!
September 2020
Michael Peterson, MOTR/L
Q & A:
1. What setting do you work in?
Early intervention, SNF, and school setting. Early Interventionist Level III. Program Director, PrimeTime 4 Kids - Early Intervention Program (Uintah and Daggett Counties).
2. How long have you been working in this profession and setting? What led you to pursue occupational therapy as your profession?
OT for 23 years. Working in early intervention for 21 years. I have worked many different jobs and in a variety of settings including; SNF, home health, outpatient/inpatient hospital, private consultation, early intervention, and school district.
OT was discovered when I volunteered at Primary Children’s Medical Center in 1993. I wanted to be a PT but could never seem to get help with volunteer opportunities and non of the PTs were willing to support me with a letter of recommendation. I usually just cleaned wheelchairs that they gave me in the afternoons. I then met some great OTs and followed them for several months. I loved the diversity of treatments, the creativity, and especially the functional aspect of the profession. Children and parents seemed to love coming to OT and it just made more sense to me. I had never met many OTs prior to this time and I took the time to explore the profession and it was a great fit. I was preparing to graduate from the University of Utah with a BS degree in psychology and OT really seemed best with my interests and goals.
3. What is one thing industry related you learned in the last month?
I am becoming an expert at delivering TeleHealth visits to families.
4. One person who inspires you?
My wife. Hardest working and smartest person I know.
5. What is your favorite place in the world?
I love to get away to any nice beach in the world. Newport Beach, CA is high on the list.
6. What was the last book that you read?
“Life Expectancy” by Dean Koontz. Kind of a no-brainer suspense novel.
7. Any hobbies or interests?
Hiking, fishing, and recently becoming a pretty big mountain biker (when I can get some time).
8. What is one of your greatest achievements?
I enjoy spending time with my kids. Becoming a dad has to be the greatest.
9. What are you passionate about?
I truly enjoy this profession. OT gives the opportunity to be a creative problem solver in so many diverse situations with so many different populations of clients. I look forward each day to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families and clients by giving them something to help them live a more productive, safer, or independent life.
10. What are some goals that you have on your bucket list?
Someday do a lot of traveling.
11. A fun fact about you that people may not know about you.
I worked in the health home aspect of OT for 21 years and was only ever bitten by 2 dogs, but those 2 dogs were biting me simultaneously on the same visit. So, I would say that was a pretty good overall statistic for avoiding dog bites.
12. If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would you choose?
I’m really into eat a lot of fruit smoothies with many different combinations of ingredients. As long as I get one each day - I’m pretty happy.