MS, OTR/L, CLT. Director of Rehab. #OTLeadershipLive podcast cohost. occupational therapist. coffee lover. nerd enthusiast. do all passionately. hear-me-roar.
"When it comes to children & youth, AOTA has been amazing in developing resources... I remember being up to my elbows in feeding children in schools when the Prez of AOTA called me to be the chair for SIS." #getuncomfortable#morethingsaremissing#discover#OTLeadershipLive
"Be a member of AOTA & use the amazing resources. Stay connected. Fortunately n pediatrics, we have @SandyAOTA & she pulls people in for work groups. Look 4 others who share your passion. Develop a community of practice. If you r afraid, start w/1 small change." #OTLeadershipLive
Shoutout to @MTiltonOTA for her first pitch on Episode 18 of OT Leadership Live: Children & Youth for advocacy, leadership, empowerment, and visibility of our profession!!! #COTAsrock#OTLeadershipLive
"Empower [future leaders] to research and find out how we can implement changes. Make your goals. Personal, departmental, etc... and think: How we can we make changes?" #OTLeadershipLive
"I think the gap that we really address in schools, clinics, etc... is that of being a mental health promoter. In many states, we aren't yet "providers" but providers are often busy. Mental health promotion is an area we can and should address in practice." #OTLeadershipLive
Underlying feeling that OTs can't provide mental health services; AOTA is working on this! Offer your ideas and feedback on mental health issues in team meetings. To develop skills: Workshops, books, mentorship, AOTA resources... and OWN this area as ours! #OTLeadershipLive
OT *has* a role in behavior! Misperception: OTs don't think that's their role, and we need to be on the teams with the social workers, ABA therapists, etc... What we have to offer is different, but it's just as important." #OTLeadershipLive
"When you're building skills, think: What is the best place to demonstrate this skill? The setting needs to make sense [to the child]." #OTLeadershipLive
"We should be talking about natural contexts: places where children live, work, and play. We can provide service in integrated ways, looking for inclusive, community-based activities and helping families help their child engage in those." #OTLeadershipLive
"The more we expose children to community-based leisure, that will only help them down the road in seeking employment and finding balance in their life." #OTLeadershipLive
Research shows that the best way to promote leisure is through group intervention. We need to be integrating our service into natural contexts throughout the day: cafeteria, classroom, playground, etc... The research says we learn best in the REAL context!" #OTLeadershipLive
"We have to be leaders in helping children participate in leisure. Structured leisure activity helps them socially, emotionally, and academically... We've gotta do more groups and get out of the clinic." #OTLeadershipLive
"For children and youth, I would like that OT moves from being such a direct service profession into doing more consultation, resource, and advocacy. Use all of the skills we have to put it all together. Stretch and look at the places we could go." #OTLeadershipLive
"Public speaking is leadership. We should be sharing our knowledge." / "Part of being a leader is to build other leaders. Give them that little push, hold their hand and build their confidence. You have to be pulling people along with you." #OTLeadershipLive
Find people to support you, mentor you... let others empower you to become a leader! "The state needs you, and you really need your state association, as well." Help with lobbying, public relations, networking... Then go national! #OTLeadershipLive
"The change process starts with knowledge and desire, then strategic planning for change... Engage in shared learning and work over time." - Susan Bazyk #OTLeadershipLive
Practice change starts with having a sound knowledge, and it takes time. "Knowledge translation over time" discussed by Susan Bazyk. "We are DOING therapists, not TALKING therapists. Show people what it looks like; empower and innovate!" #OTLeadershipLive