The Uncommon OT Series Patricia Motus

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.

In this episode, we will learn from Andrea Cordis, MS, OTA (she/her/hers). Andrea has been a COTA since 2004. She has practiced in a variety of settings including skilled nursing, home health, inpatient psych, community-based mental health, and inpatient rehab. Andrea also worked as a lab instructor and fieldwork assistant in a masters of OT program. In addition to her OT education, Andrea also holds a BS in health science and an MS in higher education administration. She recently made the move to Massachusetts Councils on Aging as the training and education manager, using her OT skills in an uncommon way! Andrea is also a trauma-informed yoga instructor. When she is not working at MCOA, teaching yoga or working per diem in inpatient rehab, you can find her baking, hiking, or traveling!

In this episode, we will learn from Francisco Lasta, OTR/L (he/him). Francisco is a licensed Occupational Therapist who specializes in Inclusive Design. With over a decade of working with people with a variety of disabilities of all ages and socio-economic statuses, his expertise in human-centered design, task analysis, and accessibility gives him a uniquely empathetic and functional perspective when it comes to architecture and design. Combined with his solid knowledge of UX, he is passionate about helping designers create spaces that are accessible and usable by all people. As M2’s Marketing Strategist, Francisco closely collaborates with M2’s talented architects and designers to develop and execute marketing campaigns and helps with business development to explore, establish, and strengthen strategic partnerships. He is passionate about how M2 can uniquely position and differentiate itself during project pursuits as he leads the firm’s strategic planning meetings. He reinforces this role with his tech savviness and keeping himself updated on emerging industry trends.