show episodes
 
Animals and Aquatics is the podcast for occupational therapy providers who are passionate about a career outside the box. It's where we go behind the scenes and take a deep dive into the world of incorporating animals and aquatics into authentic occupational therapy sessions.We are obsessed with helping you elevate your interventions and get one step closer to starting your dream career.We are a husband and wife, mama and dad to three littles, COTA and OT, and business partners. Each episode ...
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Do you feel burned out, not appreciated, undervalued both financially & professionally? Realized working in the health industry is not all it was promised to be? Are numbers & the bottom line prioritized over your health, job satisfaction, & high quality patient care causing you to dread going into work? You want to make a non-traditional career change but face sunken tuition cost, judgment for wanting to leave a secure career in the health field, & unsure about which alternative career dire ...
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show series
 
Send us a text #063 Ready to break free from traditional rehab methods and create a practice that truly resonates with your passions? Gina Taylor is an occupational therapist who has successfully built her private practice by integrating hippotherapy and aquatic therapy. In this episode you will learn about her career transition, balancing motherho…
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Send us a text In this episode, we kick off our back-to-school series by talking with Kim Meaney, a seasoned Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and current master's student in occupational therapy. Kim shares her unique journey from being a COTA to returning to school for her Master's degree in OT. She provides valuable insights into b…
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Send us a text #062 How can healthcare professionals transition from clinical practice to successful entrepreneurship? Join us as we chat with Jonathon Lee, a physical therapist who co-founded Pickle, an AI-powered job search platform for clinicians. The global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his mission and vision for the health…
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Send us a text In this catch-up episode, your host Gina returns to the Animals and Aquatics podcast after a summer break, sharing updates on her personal and professional life. The episode dives into three main areas: education in occupational therapy, providing therapy services in a non-traditional setting, and coaching professionals. I will be di…
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Send us a text #061 Prioritizing personal well-being and family needs is essential, even if it means transitioning to a completely different career path. Wen Hung, a former occupational therapist, reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to leave her rehab profession, including the challenges of inadequate maternity leave and the impact of COVI…
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Send us a text #060 Are you a physical therapist (PT) contemplating a career shift? Or perhaps you're just curious about the versatility of your therapy skills? Danae successfully transitioned from a physical therapist to a general manager at KARE, a tech-driven senior living support company. KARE connects communities with providers and providers w…
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Send us a text #059 Ever wondered how to successfully transfer your skills as a rehab professional into the MedTech space? Growing up in Central Jersey, Yera was initially drawn to physical therapy. However, struggling with the increasing demands of her job and witnessing issues within the healthcare system during her mother's health crisis, she so…
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Send us a text #058 If you're feeling burned out and disillusioned, our guest, Valerie Levesque, a physical therapist, faced a common problem in her career: a mountain of debt, and a clear-cut income ceiling. The traditional rehab model in competitive environments like Seattle left her nowhere else to turn except to contemplate alternative paths ou…
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Send us a text #057 Sometimes our chosen career path may not align with our true passion and values. In this case, Lauren discovered her love for art and creativity, which she initially overlooked due to societal expectations and other, family influences. Her leap not only reshaped her professional life but also brought an unexpected harmony to her…
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Send us a text #056 The struggle to find a fulfilling career path within the constraints of the industry is a problem many of us encounter. The solution lies in recognizing the need to change and explore alternative career paths that align with our passion and values. Listen to what Divya, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, has to share about her journe…
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Send us a text In this episode, Gina delves into the nuances of prioritizing work and family life in the realm of occupational therapy. With a focus on avoiding burnout, she explores strategies for balancing competing priorities, from client care to personal obligations. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Gina guides listeners throu…
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Send us a text #055 In a world where the traditional healthcare system often prioritizes efficiency over patient care, there emerges a narrative that challenges the status quo and shines a light on the potential of healthcare entrepreneurship. This is precisely what Susie Gronski, a urological physical therapist and sex counselor, brings to the tab…
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Send us a text Looking to turn your passion for animals, aquatics, and nature-based therapy into a thriving side hustle? Join us on "Animals and Aquatics" as we delve into the essential steps for occupational therapy providers (OTPs) looking to incorporate these elements into their practice. From gaining experience and obtaining certifications to f…
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Send us a text In this episode of "Animals & Aquatics in Occupational Therapy," our host explores the intricate process of assessing horses for therapy work. From evaluating conformation and movement to gauging temperament and soundness, every aspect is carefully considered to ensure the suitability of the horse for occupational therapy practice. T…
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Send us a text #054 Are you a coach or rehab professional who is tired of trading time for money? Ray Gorman of Engage Movement transitioned from the familiar realm of outpatient clinics to successfully running a cash practice. He started working with clients virtually in 2016 and then blended the virtual and in-person experience in 2017. Today, Ra…
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Send us a text In this episode of Animals and Aquatics, Gina reflects on the mistakes made in their occupational therapy practice. Joined by her husband, they share insights into common pitfalls such as spreading themselves too thin, failing to set clear boundaries, and reinventing systems unnecessarily. They discuss the importance of prioritizing …
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Send us a text In this episode of "Animals & Aquatics," host Gina wraps up Occupational Therapy Month with reflections on the month's journey and plans for what's next. She delves into strengths-based programming, exploring its impact on both clients and teams, while sharing strategies for effective therapy. Gina also discusses the transition from …
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Send us a text #053 Ever felt like you've hit a professional ceiling, especially in a field as challenging as Rehab? Stephen's journey from travel physical therapy to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a tech startup will inspire you with its raw honesty and innovative thinking. Stephen's story serves as an example of how traditional roles in healthc…
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Send us a text Join host Gina as she delves into the world of occupational therapy education, focusing on the crucial role of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) in student fieldwork experiences. Learn how the OTPF can empower students to navigate the transition from academia to clinical practice with confidence and competence. Gain …
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Send us a text Welcome to Occupational Therapy Month! This week our podcast episode all about occupational therapy interventions! We'll be discussing practical tips and strategies for success, including how to use the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4) in your everyday practice. Join us as we break down complex ideas into easy-to-unde…
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Send us a text #052 Ali Arena is a source of knowledge for anyone navigating neurodiversity, relationships, and the personal challenges that come with ADHD. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and experiences of running a therapy practice. And Ali shares her journey from academia, working at a private practice to being a business owner with …
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Send us a text In this episode of Animals and Aquatics, Gina delves into the intricacies of utilizing the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) in the evaluation process. She highlights the significance of understanding the OTPF's components and discusses its applicability in various occupational therapy niches, including nature-based ther…
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Send us a text In this episode, Gina celebrates April as Occupational Therapy Month by delving into the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) and its application in the unique area of hippotherapy. She explores how hippotherapy promotes the development of activities of daily living (ADLs) and discuss the importance of utilizing equine move…
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Send us a text #051 Have you ever considered a leap into franchise ownership? That's exactly what Ian Klaes did, transforming from a fresh PT graduate to a vice president of a thriving senior care franchise. Join us as Ian shares how he got to be a franchise owner, offering inspiration and guidance for professionals considering a similar leap. The …
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Send us a text In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," host Gina explores effective marketing strategies for unique private practices incorporating hippotherapy or aquatics. Reflecting on recent conferences attended and the significance of marketing, Gina discusses the concept of brand storytelling, emphasizing values and mission over trad…
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Send us a text Join Gina and Ryan, an OT couple, in their podcast "Animals and Aquatics" as they delve into the world of continuing education. From workshops to conferences, they explore the importance of expanding one's horizons and stepping outside of comfort zones. With a mix of personal experiences and professional insights, they discuss the di…
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Send us a text #050 Embarking on a career change is not for the faint of heart, and that's exactly why our guest for today is Lindsay Walston, whose leap from physical therapy to real estate is nothing short of inspiring. With the heart of a caretaker and the mind of a savvy investor, Lindsay shares her journey to career happiness. In this episode,…
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Send us a text Swim Skills or Therapy? Understanding the Differences In this episode of "Animals and Aquatic," host Ryan, a certified occupational therapy assistant, delves into the similarities and differences between aquatic occupational therapy (OT) and adaptive swim lessons. Ryan discusses the unique goals, interventions, and documentation requ…
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Send us a text #049 "You are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with". The goal of this episode is for you to have a guide to the relationships, networks, and communities you're cultivating and why these are important to your career and life direction, and to be able to start building these relationships with the intention t…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Animals and Aquatics in OT podcast, host Gina delves into the world of professional conferences in occupational therapy. She shares her insights on the importance of attending conferences, strategies for maximizing the conference experience, and tips for balancing conference attendance with other professional c…
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Send us a text #048 Have you wondered about the delicate balance between your passion for the rehab profession and being able to support yourself economically? Tinita Kearney, a seasoned speech pathologist, shares her transformative journey from working in a school setting to establishing her own private practice. Her emphasis on the power of commu…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Animals and Aquatics podcast, host Gina delves into the occupation-based phase of occupational therapy (OT) practice in niche areas like animal-assisted and aquatic interventions. With a focus on practical insights and expert advice, Gina discusses the three key priorities during this phase: testing systems, es…
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Send us a text #047 Relationships require intentional and continuous effort from all parties involved to grow and develop over time. And this includes the relationship that we have with ourselves. So I have a question for you: When was the last time you took time out of your busy schedule to spend on yourself? This episode is a deep exploration of …
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Send us a text Join Gina on Animals and Aquatics as she explores purposeful steps for occupational therapists and assistants interested in animal-assisted and aquatic therapy. From establishing legal foundations to crafting exceptional client experiences, Gina provides practical advice for navigating the unique challenges of these specialty areas i…
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Send us a text #046 Listen to Maggie's journey from physical therapist to tech entrepreneur, a story that will inspire anyone considering a career pivot. As co-founder of Embodia, she unpacks the trials from the stability of a physical clinic to the dynamic world of a digital startup. Starting her own practice was a leap of faith for Maggie, driven…
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Send us a text In this episode of Animals & Aquatics in OT, co-host Gina delves into the theme of "Getting Started" in unique OT niches like hippotherapy, aquatics therapy, or nature-based therapy. She emphasizes the importance of preparation in three key areas: work, business, and legal considerations. Preparatory activities in OT serve as warm-up…
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Send us a text #045 This is the fourth solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. Do you feel tied down by a career that doesn't resonate with your true self? What is the most valuable thing in your life? In this episode, we will listen to two previous guests who've broken free from traditional roles and found harmonious life alignment. We…
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Send us a text Welcome to the new season of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy" with hosts Gina and Ryan. They own a private practice in New Jersey and are passionate about helping OTs and OTAs incorporate animals or aquatics in their therapy journey. The hosts share their experiences, challenges, and valuable insights to build a support…
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Send us a text #044 Learn from our latest guest Erin Gaul, a speech-language pathologist who became a successful business owner. Do you suffer from a heavy workload? Has that made you think about setting up your own private practice? This episode guarantees to give you an in-depth perspective on this career transition as a rehab professional! Disco…
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Send us a text #043 This is the third solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. How do we find purpose when we've hit rock bottom? Our host can attest to this journey of seeking clarity in life's darkest moments. There's profound wisdom embedded in these trials, and they can be the stepping stones to finding your 'why', a powerful force t…
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Send us a text #042 Transitioning from a traditional career path to an alternative one is not an easy journey, but it can be a rewarding one. Our latest podcast episode features Julia, a Speech Language Pathologist who successfully transitioned to become a travel therapy influencer and online entrepreneur. A desire to travel and a dissatisfaction w…
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Send us a text #041 This is the second solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. Are you a Rehab Professional who doesn’t stand the workplace anymore? Do you want to get out but don't know what your options are? I will finish sharing the personal story of episode #040, and we will see what I learned from my own passed workplace, what I wo…
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Send us a text #40 This is the first solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. In this solo episode, I share my experience of working in a stressful environment. Are you in a similar situation or heading towards one? I share my real-life experience dealing with a relentless schedule, demanding paperwork, and the frustrating lack of suppor…
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Send us a text #039 Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a secure job to starting a private practice? Buckle up for a captivating ride as we chat with Elizabeth, a seasoned speech therapist who stepped out of an elementary school and went into private practice with no business background. We journey with her through the challenge…
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Send us a text #038 Are you thinking of leaving a steady job and starting your private practice, especially in a field as unique as Speech-Language Pathology? Meet Stacey Crowley, who took that leap and moved from the bustling city of Chicago to the peaceful hills of Asheville, North Carolina to open Learning Tree Literacy. As we unpack her journey…
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Send us a text #037 Can Physical Therapy be more than just physical healing and blend with mindfulness, breath work, and stress coaching? This is exactly what our guest, Justin Ternes has always been interested in. In this episode, we're walking through Justin's transformative journey, from a traditional physical therapy paradigm to an integrated, …
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Send us a text In this special season finale, we embark on a journey through the depths of our inaugural season, celebrating the "Buoyant Beginnings" of "Animals & Aquatics in OT." Join us as we dive into the highlights, memorable moments, and the incredible guests who have graced our show. We'll take you behind the scenes to explore the challenges…
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Send us a text #036 Ever wondered how the world of knitting and physical therapy collide? Join me as I chat with Andrea, a physical therapist and the brains behind Knitting PT. We get to hear her journey, from traditional physical therapy to home health and, ultimately, her innovative business. Andrea also introduces us to the fascinating world of …
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Send us a text In this special Thanksgiving episode, Gina and Ryan, co-hosts of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," take time to reflect on the year and express their gratitude. They share their journey of starting an aquatic therapy program with a sensory focus and the challenges they faced in finding the right practice location. The hosts also discuss …
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Send us a text In this episode, we explore the art of session planning for Occupational Therapists working in unique settings such as animals and aquatics. Gina, an experienced OT, shares her journey and progression in session planning, emphasizing the importance of adapting interventions to the specific environment. She introduces the concept of "…
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