Hands In Motion

American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

The Hands in Motion podcast will be dynamic discussions with a variety of guests. There will be interviews with a variety of professionals about current treatment trends, hot topics in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, current evidence, case studies, alternative treatment areas, and more. There will also be a variety of guests including consumers and content experts on current trends and issues.

  1. Jun 22

    2026 ASHT Pediatric Specialty Day

    On this episode, we are joined by Jem Hopkins and Karen Ayala, both occupational therapists and Certified Hand Therapists who are serving as this year’s ASHT Pediatric Specialty Day co-chairs. They share with us what we can expect at this year’s meeting, the layout of the day, the educational offerings and opportunities to network with other pediatric therapists. Guest Bio: Jemerie Hopkins graduated with her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota. She is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with 23 years of experience working exclusively in hand therapy. She currently works at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Her clinical areas of interest include complex pediatric injuries, cumulative trauma, sports rehabilitation, brachial plexus birth injuries congenital hand difference orthotic fabrication and prosthetic training. Karen Ayala has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Radford University and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Karen has been an Occupational Therapist since 1996 and a Certified Hand Therapist since 2001. After many years of practicing in adult hand therapy, Karen made the transition to pediatric hand therapy in 2013. Karen currently serves as an occupational therapist and pediatric hand therapist at Central Texas Pediatric Orthopedics in Austin, TX. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

  2. Jun 8

    Redefining Possibility: Performance Beyond Limits

    On this episode, we are joined by Jason Albers, an occupational therapist and professional drummer with the band Flatland Cavalry. Jason was also born with a genetic limb difference – monodactyly. He shares with us his experience of growing up with a limb difference, what led him to the field of occupational therapy and how his career shifted to music when the opportunity arose. Guest bio: Jason Albers is a recording artist and songwriter from Nashville, TN, and globally-touring drummer for the ACM-nominated country-Americana band Flatland Cavalry. His mission is to connect his world with yours through the shared experience of being both a patient and occupational therapist. Born in Midland, TX with a rare genetic condition, monodactyly, which left him with single digits on all extremities, Jason has learned to adapt and thrive in both clinical and creative settings. He developed specialized techniques to support his drumming, and now shares those methods with others who have similar limb differences, helping them discover new ways to pursue their passions. After earning his Master's in Occupational Therapy from Texas Tech University, he became a licensed professional and went on to treat patients in Texas and Florida, all while performing more than 100 shows a year with Flatland Cavalry. Beyond his clinical and performance work, Jason is deeply committed to giving back to the medical community. He has volunteered at hand clinics across Texas, regularly speaks with pediatric patients and their parents about living and thriving with limb differences, and has served as a guest speaker for occupational therapy and physical therapy students at Duke University and Texas Tech University. Through both his music and his clinical practice, Jason connects with individuals of all abilities, particularly those with limb differences, encouraging them to break barriers and aim high. His lifelong commitment to understanding human potential bridges the worlds of healthcare, art, and personal empowerment, inspiring audiences to embrace what makes them different and use it as their greatest strength. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

  3. Apr 27

    Mission Work in Nepal

    On this episode, we are joined by Jyo Supnekar, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who recently traveled to Nepal to share her expertise with therapists and other healthcare workers. Jyo shares with us the work that the mission team did in delivering medical care to patients in the hospital, as well as the education that was provided to local therapists. Jyo Supnekar, OTR/L, OTD, CHT, COMT, CLT is a Clinical Specialist at Johns Hopkins. She graduated in 1986 from the University of Mumbai, India, with a master’s in occupational therapy. She has practiced in the United States since 1989 and has worked as a Certified Hand Therapist since 1998. She has a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy- the UE track from IAOM-US. She has an NDT certification for adult hemiplegia, a Lymphedema Certification and a Certificate in Advance Study of Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from Drexel University. From 2017- 2023, she established and served as the founding director of the hand therapy fellowship at Johns Hopkins. She has been an educator for fieldwork students and hand therapy fellows for numerous years. She has presented numerous times nationally and a few times internationally. She serves as a board member for the AOTA Fellowship Programs Review Committee and is an instructor for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

  4. Apr 13

    Uncurled: The Latest in Dupuytren’s Treatment

    On this episode, we are joined by Juliana Larocerie to discuss Dupuytren’s disease. Juliana has been involved with researching this condition for many years and shares with us the changes in treatment strategies that have occurred most recently. Juliana Larocerie, OT, MSC, CHT, is a certified hand therapist at the Roth-McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre in London, Ontario. She earned her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2003, and completed a Master’s in Rehabilitation Sciences at Queen’s University, Kingston, in 2006. Passionate about teaching and inspiring excellence in patient care, Juliana has held several academic roles, including seasonal lecturer at Queen’s University and current guest lecturer and lab assistant at Western University’s School of Occupational Therapy, where she also teaches in the Upper Extremity Rehabilitation stream of the Advanced Health Care Practice program. She co-instructs the Chinchalkar Hand Therapy Fellowship Program and contributes to teaching rounds for surgical residents and fellows at the Roth McFarlane HULC. Juliana has delivered several instructional courses on various topics at ASHT, IFSHT, CSHT, ASPN, EFSHT, and the Latin American Brachial Plexus Congress. She developed the hand therapy arm of the Peripheral Nerve Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, establishing a unique interdisciplinary program that offers direct therapy services while supporting surgical and therapeutic decision-making for complex peripheral nerve injuries. She has authored many peer-reviewed papers and a book chapter and has been recognized with the Queen’s University Awards for Excellence in Research and Preceptorship, as well as three CSHT Best Scientific Session awards. She also serves as the current vice-president of the CSHT. The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

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About

The Hands in Motion podcast will be dynamic discussions with a variety of guests. There will be interviews with a variety of professionals about current treatment trends, hot topics in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, current evidence, case studies, alternative treatment areas, and more. There will also be a variety of guests including consumers and content experts on current trends and issues.

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