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 balancing work, family, and education, and reflects on her summer fieldwork experience at a OT clinic incorporating hippotherapy. We discuss t...

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 discussing my involvement in occupational therapy education, including teaching pediatric labs and hippotherapy courses. I will also explore ru...

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 through the process of identifying strengths, managing workload, and embracing burnout busters for sustainable practice. Business Barn Rais...

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 finding the perfect practice location and leveraging technology, this episode covers everything you need to know to kickstart your OT side hus...

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. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and considerations involved in sel...

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 tasks, simplifying processes, and choosing a memorable business name. Tune in for valuable lessons from their journey in occupational therapy...

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 winter to spring and the preparations for summer programming. Listen in for insights on maximizing client success, balancing team strengt...

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 practical insights and strategies for incorporating the OTPF into your fieldwork placements and maximizing your learning potential. Tune in f...

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-understand concepts, offering simple ways to enhance your OT practice and make intervention planning easier. If you are considering joinin...

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 therapy, hippotherapy, and aquatics. Gina provides valuable insights and practical examples to guide listeners through crafting comprehensive eva...

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 movement as a therapeutic tool to achieve functional outcomes. Through real-life examples and insights, you learn the ways in which hippoth...

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 traditional branding elements. She shares insights into failed marketing strategies like flyers and doctor referrals and highlights pitfalls to a...

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 diverse range of learning opportunities available to therapists. From niche certifications to practical skills, they share strategies for lifel...

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 requirements of each approach, highlighting the importance of swim skills for children's safety and independence. Drawing from person...

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 commitments. Gina also discusses funding options for conference attendance, self-care strategies for managing conference intensity, and tips f...

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, establishing work-life boundaries, and creating a career pathway. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to navigate the unique challenges of n...

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 in occupational therapy. Whether you're considering starting your own practice or integrating these therapies into an existing setting, this e...

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-ups, stimulating sensory systems and muscle groups to prepare clients for functional activities. Gina breaks down the preparation process, ...

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 supportive community for fellow practitioners. Season two promises more series, engaging interviews, invitations to connect, and a special freebie o...

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, laughs, and learning experiences that have shaped our podcast's first year. Discover the stories behind the stories as we reflect on the surp...