How long have you been a Certified Hand Therapist/Occupational Therapist?
I’ve been an Occupational Therapist for 25 years and a Certified Hand Therapist for 11 years
How long have you worked at ARC Physical Therapy+?
I’ve been at ARCPT+ for 9 years
What clinic do you treat out of?
North Kansas City, Missouri
What got you interested in being an Occupational Therapist in the first place?
I got interested in Occupational Therapy because it was more lucrative than Art Therapy
Why do you love being an Occupational Therapist?
I love being an Occupational Therapist because it’s functional, you know: “give a man a fish, feed him for a meal; teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime”.
I love being a hand therapist because I have license to engage with people. Hand therapy is like a puzzle, applying my specialized skills, placing the relevant pieces of anatomy combined with specific attributes of the human being before me, to create the desired outcome.
I love continuing to learn through formal educational CEU’s and interaction with skilled, caring and fun professionals in this fantastic profession.
What makes you unique as an Occupational Therapist?
I’m told I’m unique as an OT because I introduce my patients to each other when they’re in the hand clinic at the same time. Last week a couple of patient’s recognized they went to high school together 30 years ago. Commonality helps healing and introduces natural endorphins.
What is something you wish people knew about Occupational Therapy or hand therapy?
I wish people knew that hand problems are more than “carpal tunnel” problems, that hurt doesn’t equal harm, and that people can engage in their own healing. Much of healing is attitude and intention.
What is a fun fact about you?
My husband and I just moved to a townhome in the Woodlands in Gladstone. I was born in Sheboygan, WI. I love my hamburgers black and blue, with blue cheese and sweet black coffee!
Want to learn more about occupational therapy or certified hand therapy? Contact us at (913) 831-2721.
