In this special OT Month episode, we are doing something a little different — a reunion episode! Just a couple of weeks ago, the four of us were on stage at SXSW, one of the world’s most influential festivals for tech, film, music, and culture, sharing our experiences, perspectives, and our passion for role-emerging and non-traditional OT practice. And today, we’re bringing the band back together to debrief, reflect, and process what that incredible panel meant to us — and where we go from here. So, I am thrilled to welcome back our three amazing panelists — Francisco Lasta, Dawn Heiderscheidt and Esther Bae— brilliant practitioners, storytellers, and changemakers in the OT design space. If you missed our SXSW panel, don’t worry — we’ll catch you up, dive deeper, and pull back the curtain on what it really felt like to share our message with such a dynamic and diverse audience. Occupation-Centered Design: Unlocking Inclusive Experiences https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP146632 Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA Inclusive Spaces & Design LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flastaotr/ IG: @spinyfiredragon Esther Bae, OTD, OTR/L, CPACC Make Up, Beauty & Product Design Website: https://www.modifiedindependent.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthersbae/ IG: @modifiedindependent Dawn Heiderscheidt, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP Aging In Place Specialist Website: https://www.auroraindependence.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-heiders2024/ IG: @auroraindependence

In this special OT Month episode, we will learn from inspiring industry leaders in the OT Design Space.  Listen to our SXSW 2025 panel discussion recording as we dive deep into Occupation-Centered Design. Occupational science provides crucial insights into human capabilities, diverse needs, and environmental impacts required for inclusive design. This presentation explores the transformative power of collaboration between Occupational Therapists (OTs) and designers. By leveraging OTs' expertise in occupational science, systems thinking, and diverse client experience, we can create spaces and products that facilitate our meaningful engagement in activities that contribute to our well-being. Occupation-Centered Design: Unlocking Inclusive Experiences https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP146632 Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA Inclusive Spaces & Design LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flastaotr/ IG: @spinyfiredragon   Esther Bae, OTD, OTR/L, CPACC Make Up, Beauty & Product Design Website: https://www.modifiedindependent.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esthersbae/ IG: @modifiedindependent   Dawn Heiderscheidt, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP Aging In Place Specialist Website: https://www.auroraindependence.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-heiders2024/ IG: @auroraindependence We will explore how an occupational therapy perspective can reshape design thinking ✨Key topics we’ll discuss: The connection between Occupation-Centered Design and Accessibility Why occupational therapy is vital to creating truly inclusive designs Practical strategies for integrating OT insights into the design process Get ready for a transformative conversation that’s all about making design more accessible for EVERYONE! THANK YOU SXSW for the unforgettable experience and for giving The Uncommon OT Series Podcast permission to use the audio recording of our panel discussion. 

In this episode, we will learn from, Adeola (Toni) Solaru, MS, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP (they/them). Toni is a community-based mental health occupational therapist and clinical assistant professor working in Chicago, IL. Driven by justice and inclusion, Toni is dedicated to providing equitable services to meet the diverse needs of their students and clients. In addition to their role as a professor and clinician, Toni is the co-founder and chair of Diverse-OT National. Diverse-OT is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to advance the OT profession’s cultural climate by increasing student knowledge of culturally responsive practice and works to support underrepresented students of color. Toni received their Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Occupational Doctorate from Columbia University. Toni is passionate about delivering high-quality and culturally relevant client-centered services, health equity and justice, and assisting clients to achieve their personal goals.

In this episode we will learn from Holly Ross, OTR/L, WSI, LTP, ATRIC. Holly is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s in science and a masters in occupational therapy. Growing up in the state of Michigan, Holly has been in the field of aquatics for going on 15 years in December 2024 and has taught over 3,000 students. With the relocation to the state of Colorado in 2018, Holly pursued her occupational therapy career in pediatrics & home health care. In February 2020, Holly founded Building Blocks OT, LLC to level up her services and provide the best for her clients. Now rebranded, CANOE services both outpatient occupational therapy needs and aquatic needs for children, teens, families, and young adults. Holly’s specialties are aquatics, feeding, and vision therapies. When Holly “clocks out” she loves spending time with husband, JR. They enjoy going to sporting events & being active. JR and Holly enjoy working out consistently at the swimming laps, going hiking, and spending time with her fur baby Winnie. When she’s not working or being active, Holly enjoys watching TV and movies.

In this episode we will learn from Sarah Lyon, OTR/L (she/her). Sarah received her BA from St. Olaf College, then moved to the Big Apple and earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University. Since then, she’s worked in numerous facilities, including a critical access hospital, an acute trauma hospital, and a state inpatient psychiatric hospital. In 2011, Sarah launched OT Potential because she realized we needed a reliable source of quality occupational therapy-related content and resources. OT Potential connects occupational therapy professionals with the tools and resources they need to create evidence-based change. In addition to offering AOTA-approved continuing education courses, OT potential provides a variety of free content — including the OT Potential Podcast and OT Near Me Directory. The OT Potential Club is a hub to learn and exchange best practices with a community of evidence-focused OT professionals. Sarah releases a new journal article review or CEU podcast course every week and provides a space to discuss the content. Members can also access journal article reviews, documentation examples, assessment searches, a capstone catalog and most recently, clinical decision support. Sarah loves spreading the word about our wonderful profession and is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with others who share her passion.

Welcome to a special Christmas episode of the Uncommon OT Series Podcast! Today, we’re celebrating the holiday season by reflecting on what makes our profession truly extraordinary. You’ll hear from me and some of my incredible past guests, sharing our favorite parts of being occupational therapy practitioners.   For me, it’s still the amazing versatility of our field—the fact that we can work across the lifespan, in any setting, and with such diverse populations. I also love these up close conversations, the opportunity to connect, and meeting my inspiring guests who continue to motivate and uplift me. Each interview is a chance to uncover the unique journeys, wisdom, and creativity of these extraordinary individuals. These stories are designed not only to inspire me but also to spark passion and fresh perspectives in you, our listeners.   Can you guess which Uncommon OT guests are featured in this episode? Listen closely to find out if any—or all—of our reflections resonate with you!   So grab a cup of cocoa, settle in by the fire, and join us for this festive journey through the joys of being an OT.   And as we wrap up the year, I want to wish you a joyful holiday season filled with inspiration, connection, peace and warmth. Thank you so much for listening and being part of this wonderful community. Til’ 2025, Stay Uncommon and Keep Making a Difference.

In this episode, we will learn from Nikki Latimer, OTD. Nikki is a recent graduate of Boston University and is currently studying for the NBCOT exam. Nikki is a registered yoga teacher and is from Orange County, California. Nikki is an Iowa State University graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and Health with a minor in Psychology. At ISU, she was the President of the College of Human Sciences Council, President of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, involved in the Neurophysiology Lab for undergraduate research, involved in the Sleep, Self & Personality Research Lab for undergraduate research, and taught yoga for Recreation Services. She then pursued my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree at Boston University. Along with the OT curriculum, she continued teaching yoga through BU FitRec, volunteered for Parkinson's outreach, and gained a wide range of clinical experience. All of these experiences she has pursued have taught her a tremendous amount of leadership skills, strong work ethic, decision-making, and communication skills.

In this special episode, we’re putting a spotlight on occupational therapy through the voices of those who live it every day. In celebration of World Occupational Therapy Day—a global event that kicked off on October 27, 2010, thanks to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists—we’re exploring what this incredible profession truly means and the essential work that occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) do worldwide. This year’s theme, “Occupational Therapy for All,” couldn’t be a better fit for this episode and the mission of The Uncommon OT Series podcast. This series is all about uncovering the unique and often unexpected ways occupational therapy practitioners support individuals and communities. Whether in hospitals, schools, or the most unconventional settings, these OTPs ensure that meaningful activities are accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Whether it’s about building independence, fostering connections, or supporting communities, occupational therapy is all about ensuring everyone can engage in the occupations that make life fulfilling. In this episode, you’ll hear from 20 occupational therapists practicing in some pretty uncommon settings. I asked them one big question: “What is occupational therapy?” Each therapist shares their own insights and provides their elevator pitch specifically about occupational therapy, explaining how they empower individuals and communities in unique and impactful ways. So, get ready to gain a deeper understanding of occupational therapy as we celebrate the profession and the powerful idea of “Occupational Therapy for All” through the voices of those who know it best. Uncommon OT Guest Contributors: Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA: OT in Artificial Intelligence Alyson D. Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP: OT in Artificial Intelligence Francisco Lasta, OTR/L: OT in Inclusive Design Razan Hamed, PhD, OTR/L: OT in Virtual Reality & Education Mike Sy, PhD, MHPEd, OTRP: OT & Research Louise Berger, OT: OT in Sleep Medicine Karen Keptner, PhD, OTR/L: OT with Students in Higher Education Jill Maglio, PhD, OTR/L: OT in Holistic Circus Therapy Ivory Rose, OTD, OTR/L: OT in Social Prescribing Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS: OT in Hippotherapy Danielle Barbieri, OTR/L: OT in Augmented Reality Carlin Raeume, OTD, OTR/L, DipACLM, PMH-C, PCES: OT in Sarah Good, OT (Reg) : OT in Teaching  Mindfulness Ashley Reina, BSc, OT:OT in Health Technology Andrea Cordis, MS, OTA: OT in Provider Training & Education Alondra Ammon, MS, OTR/L: OT in Housing Stability & Retention Allie Karagozian, MS, OTR/L: OT in Fertility Health Carly Weiner, MS, OTR/L: OT in a Health Tech Start-Up Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L: OT & Cultural Humility Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT: OT & Cultural Humility 

In this episode, we will learn from Jill Maglio, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Maglio is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience using circus as an educational, therapeutic, and community-building tool. She has collaborated with service recipients and governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve occupational participation for individuals and communities worldwide. Jill has trained professionals in Australia, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the USA in the methodology she has developed. Jill has collected evidence, tested methods, and created programs for political and environmental refugees underpinned by occupational science and social circus research. Most recently, Jill has been awarded a PhD from Latrobe University for her contribution to the occupational therapy profession, looking at how occupational therapists use circus in their practice areas to create change in the individual, community, and social-political contexts.

In this episode, we will learn from Louise Berger, OT. Louise is a qualified Occupational Therapist, who has been specializing in sleep medicine

In this episode, we will learn from Amberly Wiese, MOT, R/L, CLT, CATA. Amberly is an occupational therapist and an accessible travel planner. She graduated in 2010 with a master’s in occupational therapy and over the years I've worked in just about every setting with clients of all ages. After over a decade of traditional care and private practice, she became a Certified Accessible Travel Agent due to her own experience with multiple chronic conditions causing her to travel differently! The last thing she wants to hear about is someone being left behind because their family doesn't have the necessary supports in place or someone not traveling due to their own conditions. The world is becoming more and more accessible, and Amberly is here to help push that along and advocate for you.

In this episode, we will learn from Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA & Alyson D. Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP about Occupational Therapy & Artificial Intelligence.

In this episode, we will learn from Ivory Rose, OTD, OTR/L Dr. Ivory Rose is an occupational therapist and a poet who promotes Social Prescribing. She holds a master’s in occupational therapy from NYU and a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University. Her passion for “prescribed volunteerism” led her to the field of social prescribing. She has volunteered in various capacities for Social Prescribing USA and enjoys raising awareness amongst occupational therapists about the “hot topic” of social prescribing. Some of her favorite occupations include writing, spoken word poetry, walking in nature, and horseback riding. Ivory has been writing since she was 7 years old and credits the development of her imagination as a writer to her greatest childhood complaint: growing up in rural Van Zandt, Washington without a television. Eager to experience the world outside of her hometown, Ivory has lived in Atlanta, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic before settling in the greater Los Angeles area.

In this episode, we will learn from Dr. Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT & Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L.  Co-Authors of Occupational Identity. Dr. Erica Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT is an occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy as a certified hand therapist. She completed her undergraduate work at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in the field of Biological Sciences. She further went on to pursue her master’s degree from Loma Linda University and her occupational therapy doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Promotions. Coming from humble beginnings, she has always had a passion for serving humanity through community service ventures, statewide as well as missionary work abroad.  Places she has been honored to serve included an orphanage in Haiti to make adaptive equipment and upper extremity orthotics for children as well as an orphanage in Morocco, to work with the Arab and Italian therapists on proper positioning of children with arthrogryposis, to name a couple.  When not abroad, she loves to devise her own volunteer projects for the community such as Turkey trotting to raise money for families during the pandemic as well as gathering donations for Christmas gifts for women and children victimized by domestic violence and substance abuse issues. Being a part of her church family has always been a priority, along with the strong foundation her faith provides. Continuously trying to lead by example, Dr. Herrera believes in a healthy lifestyle that includes active participation in nutrition, mental wellness, and physical health. With her eagerness to learn about and experience new cultures, languages, music, foods, and sports activities, Dr. Herrera can truly say that every day is an exciting gift from God. Through the skills learned as an occupational therapist, Dr. Herrera believes that we are more than a body of parts; but are uniquely and wonderfully made, to share our gifts, talents, and skills with our fellow man.  Dr. Alaa Abou-Arab, OTS, OTR/L, is co-founder of kNOwBiaS, a long-time activist rooted in anti-war, anti-oppression, and anti-racism.  He was born and raised in a small town in Ohio by my immigrant Lebanese parents. He received his occupational therapy training in Philadelphia, PA, and later obtained his Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Temple University. He received a Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and his research involved exploring racial bias in the field of occupational therapy. His personal and professional experiences have given him a unique and genuine expertise in the intersections of race, health, culture, and justice. Partnering with Alaa could mean that you are better able to address racism, bias, and oppression in your institution, and facilitate powerful discussions that truly embrace justice for all and can ultimately change and save lives.

In this episode, we will learn from Danielle Barbieri, OTR/L, an Associate Clinical Product Manager at Augment Therapy. As an Occupational Therapist with a background in the NYC public school system, homecare, and pediatric sensory gyms in pediatrics, Danielle possesses a keen understanding of the unique strengths and challenges faced by her young clients, as well as the needs of a therapist practicing under high demands and time constraints. Danielle is currently focused on growing her career, in digital health and health technology. As an OT, Danielle thrives on the challenge of developing creative and engaging activities to enhance the skills that her clients wish to improve. This experience carries over into her work at Augment Therapy, where she provides unique ideas for games, accessibility, and strategies to reach busy therapists. Danielle is an advocate for the voice of the customer, actively crafting ways to get feedback from users to drive product improvement. She harnesses her market experience to identify pain points for therapists, clients and their families. Working in a collaborative environment, she enjoys seeing how these ideas develop from multiple perspectives into solutions for Augment Therapy customers.

In this episode, we will learn from Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS, an occupational therapist who specializes in Driver Rehabilitation.  Susie is certified driver rehabilitation specialist who has achieved her Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility from the American Occupational Therapy Association and her certification as a driver rehabilitation specialist from the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. Susie offers extensive clinical and professional knowledge with over 20 years of experience as an OT & driver rehabilitation specialist. While she started her career at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she now owns and operates her own private driver rehabilitation practice, Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC. In her practice, she evaluates and treats drivers with medical conditions impacting cognitive, motor, and visual skills. She works closely with her drivers and their families to help determine the highest and safest level of engagement in mobility. Susie also is the leading educator for occupational therapy practitioners entering the field of driver rehabilitation. She is an active volunteer with CarFit, a published author, adjunct professor, lecturer, & mentor. 

In this episode, we will learn from S. Preethi Shanmugapriya, Dr(OT), Msc (psy). Preethi is an occupational therapist based in Tamilnadu, India specializing in adult acute care mental health services (functioning in hybrid mode). As the Founder and Chief Therapist at Inclusive Wellbeing - Holistic Mental Health Clinic, she is dedicated to promoting comprehensive mental well-being. Drawing from her own journey as a survivor of C-PTSD, her primary focus as a holistic mental health and lifestyle coach is to support women navigating emotional trauma. She is also co-partner of Project "Milir," a support group for women from oppressed communities facing caste-based trauma. Additionally, she provides 1:1 student mentorship sessions for OT students aiming to build their capacity as tele-mental health service providers.

In the episode, we will learn from Jacki D’Aries, OTR/L, CBIS.  Jacki is an occupational therapist who specializes in working with people recovering from brain injuries and strokes and their caregivers. She has her own private practice where she treats people in their homes or takes them out into their community for therapy. She created her own mighty network named, Holistic Life Skills, which is for people in recovery and their caregivers and does consulting work to create programs for a local brain injury organization in her community.

In the episode, we will learn from Alison Bode, MS, OTR/L & Madelyn Yoo, MS, OTR/L, founding members of Occupational Therapists for Environmental Action (OTEA). OTEA is composed of a group of occupational therapy practitioners and students (OTPS) from across the US who are committed to raising awareness about the impact of climate change on human health, wellness, and participation in meaningful occupations. OTEA endeavors to collaborate with like-minded professionals to address the ways in which, human occupation can either contribute to or mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis. Special Mention to other members of the OTEA leadership team, Carol Myers, Kelly Carlson, Jill Clancy-Secreto, and Elizabeth Richardson. 

In the episode, we will learn from Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS. Gina is a dedicated occupational therapist who specializes in Hippotherapy. She has extensive experiences in clinical practice, education, and leadership. Holding a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Philadelphia University, Gina is a licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey, bringing a rich skill set to her roles. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her teaching experience as an Adjunct Instructor at Raritan Valley Community College and her role as Coordinating Faculty for the American Hippotherapy Association, where she contributes to curriculum development and ensures learner outcomes. With clinical expertise in pediatric and psychosocial interventions, Gina holds certifications in Sensory Integration, DIR/Floortime intervention, and is a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist. As the owner of Epona Therapy Services, LLC, Gina operates a private practice, delivering direct occupational therapy services and providing career coaching. Her leadership roles have included Director of Operations at Mane Stream, showcase effective staff management and oversight of therapy services. Gina's impact extends to addressing mental health in diverse populations, exemplifying her holistic approach and commitment to the transformative potential of occupational therapy.