Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Uncommon OT Series: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Patricia Motus
A Monthly Series where we feature & applaud the unique work of Occupational Therapy Practitioners currently working in emerging & non traditional practice areas…settings where OT is Uncommon. Listen to an up close and personal conversation, hear their stories, motivations, personal tips and advice on how to get started and even get a glimpse of a typical day in these settings.Be prepared to be informed, inspired and motivated as you hear their journey to these unique OT roles in unconventional settings.Happy Listening!
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- 5 days ago48 min
Elissa Lee, OTD, OTR: OT in Community Engagement
In this episode, we will learn from Elissa Lee, OTD, OTR, an occupational therapist whose work is redefining what community health can look like at scale. Dr. Lee is the Director and Senior Advisor of Community Engagement for California Volunteers in the Office of the Governor, where she leads the Neighbor-to-Neighbor initiative. It’s all about building social connection across communities and as OT practitioners, we know that connection isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential to health, resilience, and belonging. This conversation is a real reflection of Uncommon OT in action. Dr. Lee’s work lives at the intersection of public health, policy, and community-based programming, leading national mental health campaigns with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and the Clinton Foundation, and designing programs around chronic care, CalAIM, and homelessness prevention. We talk about what it actually looks like to take the OT lens beyond traditional settings and apply it at a systems level, where the impact can reach entire communities. Dr. Lee’s work is a reminder that OT belongs everywhere, especially in the spaces where community, connection, and health intersect.What we get into:Social connection as a core occupationHow OTs can show up in public health and policy spacesDesigning programs that meet people where they areAddressing real-world barriers like chronic illness and housing instabilityWhat Uncommon OT really looks like in practiceContact & Resources:You can find me through my work at Meet6Neighbors.com and CANeighbors.com.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissaslee/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissasays/https://eedition.sfchronicle.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=0e2c638a-85b9-46e1-a31e-dc74ee622a69&share=trueAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREEUpdated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotTo Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/requestFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5Re
- Jun 30, 202651 min
OT Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Emerging Practice
In this special roundtable episode, I am joined by fellow members of the AOTA Innovative Entrepreneur Ad Hoc Committee for an honest and inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging practice, and the future of occupational therapy. Together, we explore how occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are creating impact in spaces far beyond traditional healthcare settings while remaining deeply rooted in the core values of our profession. From home organization and functional medicine to marketing, ergonomics, community-based practice, leadership, and advocacy, this episode highlights the many ways OT practitioners are applying their unique lens to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve lives. Whether you're a student, clinician, educator, entrepreneur, or someone simply curious about where OT can go next, this conversation offers encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that there is no single path to being an occupational therapy practitioner.In This Episode:• The vision behind the AOTA Innovative Entrepreneur Ad Hoc Committee• Why innovation and entrepreneurship matter now more than ever• How OT practitioners are creating careers beyond traditional settings• The unique strengths OTs and OTAs bring into emerging practice areas• Overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and professional isolation• Finding community, mentorship, and support in non-traditional roles• Advice for students, new graduates, and practitioners considering a career pivotFeatured Guests:Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA -President, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arameh-anvarizadehInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drarameh/?hl=enShould I Be an AOTA Member? Arameh Anvarizadeh’s 2-Minute Pitch -OT Potential with Sarah Lyon - Breakdown of 4 C’shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7FyFBnebc&t=26sSarah Larsen, OTR/L - Home Organization Occupational TherapistWebsite: https://balancedhomeorganization.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedhomeorganization_pdx/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedHomeOrganization/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-larsen-292390181/Anne-Marie Dundas, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Functional Medicine & Wellness PractitionerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-dundas-2963378b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whole_life_healthy_/<p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" style="w
- May 18, 202633 min
Alison Miller, OTR/L: OT with Parents of Teenagers
In this episode, we will learn from Alison Miller, OTR/L, an occupational therapist of 25 years, who saw a transition gap that so many of us have probably witnessed, but didn't always know how to address. She’s the founder of LaunchPAD, an online program that helps parents of neurodivergent teens prepare for life after high school, covering executive functioning, life skills, and confidently creating a plan for “the next step” into young adulthood.Contact and Resources:IG: @LaunchPadParentTeen Email: LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.comhttps://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548fAs always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREEUpdated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotTo Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/requestFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends! Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.
- Apr 13, 202640 min
Rocky Batzel and Chason Sordoni: OT and Medication Management w/ SnapSlide
In this episode, I’m joined by Rocky Batzel, Inventor and CEO, and Chason Sordoni, COO and Co-Founder of SnapSlide, to explore how occupational therapy and product design intersect. We dive into the real-life challenges of opening medication bottles, why usability matters, and how small design changes can significantly impact independence, daily routines, and medication adherence. We also highlight how the OT lens, especially through activity analysis, is key in the design process. OT practitioners understand not just whether something works, but how it’s actually used in real life, making that perspective essential in creating more intuitive and accessible solutions. This conversation also explores non-traditional OT roles, including contributing to product design, innovation, and even product promotion, helping translate why a solution matters and how it fits into everyday life. This is what it looks like when OT helps shape and share solutions, not just adapt to them. If you’re interested in medication management, accessibility, assistive technology, product design, or non-traditional OT roles, this episode connects the dots. Meet Us at AOTA Inspire! Come find us at Booth 217 in the Expo Hall, say hello, test out the bottle, take a selfie, grab a sticker, and sign up for the Uncommon OT Directory.Rocky Batzel, Inventor / CEOA native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Rocky Batzel is the inventor of SnapSlide and currently serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Marywood University in Pennsylvania and, and while enrolled in medical school, he noticed his grandmother struggling with a traditional, "push-and-twist", child-resistant cap on her prescription bottle. That inspirational moment led him to pivot his career into the world of entrepreneurship, and he set out to design the very first prototype of what would eventually become SnapSlide. After securing patent protection, Rocky ultimately formed a company around his groundbreaking innovation. As the company’s CEO, he is dedicated to advancing engineering, diversifying applications, and leading SnapSlide’s mission to bring this adaptive solution to those who need it most. This year, Rocky was honored to be invited by AMERIPEN (www.ameripen.org) to be one of three panelists to speak at their Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. on the topic of “Inclusive Design in Packaging.”Chason Sordoni, COO / Co-founderA resident of Bend, Oregon, Chason Sordoni is the Chief Operating Officer of SnapSlide. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Chason was driven to expand upon his family’s long and proud legacy of entrepreneurship and business success throughout the Pennsylvania region. Chason quickly recognized the profound advantages of SnapSlide and committed to co-founding the company with Rocky Batzel, the present-day CEO. In addition to being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, Chason heads up corporate relationships and resource management. He has served as a member of the Packaging and Labelling Committee of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), a Board Member of the United Way of Central Oregon, and he is actively involved with the Institute for Packaging Professionals (IOPP).Contact:Website: https://www.snapslide.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snapslide/Special Thanks to:Dawn Heiderscheidt OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMPFounder, Aurora Independencehttps://www.auroraindependence.com/Allied Services Integrated Health System<p class="font8" data-rte-preserve-empty="true" style="white-
- Mar 23, 20261h 44m
Alicia Reiser, OTD, MS, OTR/L, ADHD-RSP: OT in Remedial Vision Rehab
In this episode, we will learn from Alicia Reiser, OTD, MS OTR/L, ADHD-RSP. With over 24 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Dr. Reiser is passionate about redefining rehabilitation through a truly integrative and evidence-based lens. After earning her clinical doctorate from Salus University at Drexel in 2018, specializing in vision remediation, Alicia opened her private practice, A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services, the same year. Her practice was born from a mission to bridge the gap for individuals recovering from concussions, as well as those with ADHD who were often underserved, aged out of traditional services, or never realized how transformative occupational therapy could be. At A Rise Above, Alicia combines neurological rehabilitation with vision remediation, cognitive retraining, trauma-informed care, interoceptive awareness, and polyvagal interventions to address autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Her holistic, brain-based approach helps clients regain not just function—but balance, confidence, and control in daily life. Dr. Reiser’s work reflects her commitment to helping people truly rise above their challenges through science, compassion, and innovation in occupational therapy.Contact & Resources:Website: www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservies.comBook and consulting website link: https://neurotconsulting.com/Business website: https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/Blog: https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/post/top-3-reasons-why-occupational-therapy-and-optometry-should-be-best-friendsYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYkggEWqhKMVwWuX-jaoeQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARiseAboveOT/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Neurot-Consulting-61556820418616/IG: https://www.instagram.com/ariseaboveot/IG: https://www.instagram.com/neurot.consulting/Drexel OTD program: https://drexel.edu/academics/grad-professional-programs/cnhp/occupational-therapy-post-professionalresources/articles: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss4/6/https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol11/iss3/8/https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_6_3/vdr6-3_article_fessier_web.pdfhttps://scholarworks.wmich.edu
- Feb 16, 20261h 3m
Aja Black, CAE, COTA: OT in the Federal Government
In this episode, we will learn from Aja Black, CAE, COTA. Aja is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with four years of experience and a Certified Associate Ergonomist (CAE). Originally from South Carolina and now based in Maryland, Aja has been studying and implementing ergonomics for nearly two years, combining her clinical background with a deep interest in creating healthier, more supportive work environments. She conducts both in-person and virtual ergonomic evaluations, identifies risk factors, and provides tailored recommendations to improve comfort and productivity. Aja is also passionate about education and outreach. She delivers trainings and webinars that empower professionals across the United States to apply ergonomic principles in their daily work.Contact & Resources:I share most of my updates and future plans on LinkedIn—feel free to connect with me by searching Aja Black, CAE, COTA.For guest speaking, organizational trainings, or university lectures, you can reach me directly at ajathecota@gmail.com.Referrals and recommendations for speaking opportunities are always appreciated!As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREEUpdated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotTo Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/requestFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends! Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.
- Jan 12, 20261h 6m
Elizabeth Andare, MScOT, OTR/L: OT working in War-Torn & Humanitarian Contexts
In this episode, we will learn from Lizzie Andare, MScOT, OTR/L (she/her). Lizzie is an occupational therapist and researcher from Kenya whose work explores the intersection of decolonial practice, disability, and forced displacement in the Global South and is passionate about social and occupational justice in underrepresented communities. Her work spans refugee camps in Kenya, grassroots rehabilitation in Palestine, and neurodivergent learners in the Maldives. Grounded in an occupational and intersectional lens, she centers lived experience, co-production, and occupational justice—particularly in underrepresented and under-resourced contexts. Lizzie’s practice moves fluidly between direct therapy, community engagement, policy advocacy, and research, with a commitment to disrupting systemic inequities and amplifying marginalized voices. She is the voice behind @OTintheMargins, where she shares fieldnotes and reflections from the edges of occupational therapy practice.Contact & Resources:You can promote my work by engaging with the content I share. Comment, share, and bring these conversations into your own networks. And if you want to collaborate, learn more, or connect directly, you can always reach me at elizabethandare254@gmail.com.https://wfot.org/our-work/professional-support/resource-listings/occupational-therapy-and-humanitarian-response https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/the-swedish-association-of-occupational-therapists/inga-britt-lindstroem-grant-award/https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/the-swedish-association-of-occupational-therapists/inga-britt-lindstroem-grant-award/Healing work: Intersections for decolonialityAntiracist occupational therapy: Unsettling the status quoOccupational Therapy Disruptors: What Global OT practice can teach us about innovation, culture and communityMSc Thesis_Andare Lizzie_Instagram: Connect with me- OTintheMarginsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-andare-41b675149/As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Inst
- Dec 25, 202546 min
A Few of My Favorite Things… About Being an OTP (Christmas Episode 2025)
In this annual holiday episode of The Uncommon OT Series, I reflect on my favorite things about being an occupational therapist in 2025, sharing how my OT practice expanded across community, education, media, mentorship, and systems spaces while returning to school as an OTD student. The episode explores occupational therapy as a form of public education and storytelling, as well as role-emerging and non-traditional OT careers, trauma-informed community care, and mentorship. It features a 30+ voice medley of occupational therapy practitioners from diverse settings, each sharing their favorite part about being an OT practitioner. Together, these reflections reveal a shared truth across the profession: regardless of setting or role, occupational therapists are united by supporting meaningful participation, dignity, identity, and lives that feel truly livable. Thank you to every voice that trusted this space. And to everyone listening — thank you for being part of what occupational therapy is becoming. Happy Holidays to you and yours!As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsotTHANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues!Full Episodes and Q & A only available at:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-seriesSign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREEUpdated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settingshttps://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsotTo Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory:https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/requestFor Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewformHappy Listening Friends! Big OT Love!All views are mine and guests own.
About The Uncommon OT Series
A Monthly Series where we feature & applaud the unique work of Occupational Therapy Practitioners currently working in emerging & non traditional practice areas…settings where OT is Uncommon. Listen to an up close and personal conversation, hear their stories, motivations, personal tips and advice on how to get started and even get a glimpse of a typical day in these settings.Be prepared to be informed, inspired and motivated as you hear their journey to these unique OT roles in unconventional settings.Happy Listening!
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