AOTA Podcast
Are you looking for a resource that informs and improves the quality of occupational therapy services you provide? Then the AOTA Podcast is for you!
Occupational Therapy in Hospice & Palliative Care: Finding Purpose at Life's End
How does occupational therapy help people live meaningfully even as life nears its end? In this deeply human episode of the AOTA podcast, we sit down with Lindsey Buddelmeyer, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, Christian Jacobus, MD, FACEP, FAAHPM, David Benthall, MS, OTR/L, BCG, and Heather McKay, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, to explore how occupational therapy practitioners bring dignity, purpose, and connection to individuals navigating serious illness, hospice, and palliative care.
Previous Podcasts
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WFOT, Global Engagement, and Celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day
October 2025
What does it mean to think globally as an occupational therapy practitioner? On today's episode, we sit down with three internationally recognized leaders: Samantha Shann, MSc, PGCert, Dip COT (UK), FRCOT, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Ginny Stoffel, PhD, OT, FAOTA, AOTA Delegate to WFOT, and Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA, Alternate AOTA Delegate to WFOT, to explore the mission and impact of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
True Grit Spinal Cord Program- Redefining Transition and Community for Adolescents with SCI
May 2025
In this powerful episode of the AOTA Podcast, we explore the True Grit Spinal Cord Program, a groundbreaking, community-based, post-acute rehabilitation experience designed for adolescents and young adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Occupational therapists Keara McNair, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP and Kassandra Boyd, OTD, OTR/L, share how this program, built in partnership with Rutgers University and Children’s Specialized Hospital, empowers participants to develop independence, build community, and thrive as they transition to adulthood.
American Spinal Injury Association
Spinal Cord Injury Patient Learn Life and Mobility Skills at True Grit Camp
Occupational Therapy in Rural and Underserved Communities
April 2025
In this episode of AOTA podcasts, we explore the unique challenges and inspiring opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners serving rural and underserved communities. Our guests, Kalyn Briggs, PhD, OTR/L, CLA and Tim Dionne, PhD, OTR/L, share real-world experiences, highlight innovative models of care, and discuss how OTPs, can bridge gaps in access to health services. Listeners will learn about key resources, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to build professional networks that support rural practice.
Join AOTA's Rural Therapy Community of Practice
American Psychological Association: Preparing for Practice in Rural Communities
Fostering Intraprofessional Collaboration Between OTs and OTAs
March 2025
In this episode, we're joined by Jennifer Johnson, COTA/L, and Amanda Fonner, OTR/L, MOT, to explore the dynamic collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). Jennifer and Amanda share their insights into what makes OT/OTA partnerships successful, how understanding each other's roles enhances patient outcomes, and why teaching this collaboration is crucial for the next generation of practitioners. Whether you're an experienced practitioner, a student, or just curious about how intraprofessional collaboration can elevate occupational therapy, this episode is packed with practical advice and thoughtful reflections.
Note: The speakers in this podcast have chosen to use the terms OT, OTR, OTA, and COTA curing their discussion. AOTA recognizes that practitioners across the United States may use different terms and/or credentials, depending on their personal preference and their state practice act under which they are licensed.
OT and OTA Intraprofessional Collaboration Webpage
Intraprofessional Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between OT and OTA
Celebrating National Black History Month and Women's History Month- First Voices, Future Paths: Advancing Health Equity and Leadership in Occupational Therapy
February 2025
In honor of National Black History Month and Women's History Month, this special episode explores the invaluable contributions of Black women occupational therapy practitioners, scholars, and leaders who have shaped the profession and continue to drive health equity forward. We are joined by Arameh Anvarizadeh, Natalie Chang Wright, and co-host Varleisha Lyons to reflect on the legacy of trailblazers who broke barriers, discuss the ongoing challenges in diversifying the field, and highlight the critical role of occupational therapy in addressing health disparities. Featuring insightful conversations with established voices in OT, this episode examines the future of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy in building a more inclusive and equitable profession.
Promoting Health Equity through Holistic Admission in OT Education
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA does not assume responsibility for any interpretations, applications, or consequences of this material in light of current laws or policies.
This presentation is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or regulatory guidance. Attendees/Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal, regulatory, or organizational policies regarding compliance with current federal and state laws on DEI-related content.
By attending/listening to this session, participants acknowledge that they do so voluntarily and agree that neither the presenters nor AOTA shall be held liable for any actions taken based on the information provided.
AOTA Fellowship Program
January 2025
On today's episode, we speak with Tasha Holmes and Lauren Wlazelek about AOTA's Fellowship Program and how it can enhance your OT practice. They highlight the benefits and opportunities that recognized fellowship programs can bring to individual practitioners and organizations. Additionally, they share personal and systematic examples of how completing an AOTA Fellowship Program can benefit students, practitioners, universities, and health systems.
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Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
December 2024
On today's episode, we speak with DeOnna Clark, Beth Johnson, and Melissa Tilton about identifying, addressing, and preventing compassion fatigue and burnout in your OT practice. They highlight the need to destigmatize burnout and compassion fatigue, introduce the Emotional PPE Project, and provide personal and systematic recommendations to decrease the barriers that healthcare workers face when seeking, accessing, and receiving emotional and mental health support.
PROQOL: Professional Quality of Life
OT for Native Americans
November 2024
On today's episode, we speak with Maggie Deforge, an OT practitioner and chair of the group Occupational Therapy for Native Americans. She shares lived experiences, insights, and recommendations to address Native issues and to encourage culturally safe practices across settings.
Occupational Therapy for Native Americans
The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act
October 2024
On today's episode, we speak with AOTA Director of Quality Jamar Haggans and AOTA Senior Legislative Representative Andy Bopp. We discuss the Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act (Bill H.R. 7148) and occupational therapy's role and impact within Medicare home health. Jamar and Andy share insights into their efforts to support OT quality and advocacy and provide recommendations for practitioners.
AOTA Legislative Action Center: Support the Home Health Accessibility Act
AOTA Home Health Accessibility Act Resource Sheet
AOTA OT Home Health Evaluation Checklist and Quality Measures 2024
Maternal-Infant Mental Health
September 2024
On today's episode we speak with Apple Sepulveda. Apple is a co-founder of the Nurture Collective, occupational therapist and lactation consultant. We discuss the importance and process of addressing maternal and infant mental health within the scope of OT to facilitate improved developmental and wellness outcomes. She shares recommendations for occupational therapy practitioners across settings and resources to support change and best practices.
Postpartum Support International
All Wheels Up: Addressing Air Travel Accessibility
August 2024
On today's episode we speak with Alexandra Bruce. Alexandra serves as the medical advisory board chair and advocacy committee chair for the non-profit organization All Wheels Up. We discuss the barriers and risks that people with disabilities face when participating in air travel, and proposed solutions to improve air travel accessibility. She shares recommendations for occupational therapy practitioners across settings and resources to support change and equity.
Paralyzed Veterans of America- Accessible Air Travel for People with Disabilities
Muscular Dystrophy Association- Accessible Air Travel
All Wheels Up- Research Webpage
Sexuality and Intimacy
July 2024
This podcast contains explicit sexual information and is not suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.
On today's episode we speak with certified sexuality counselor and Doctor of OT, Kathryn Ellis. We discuss the book Sexuality and Intimacy and she provides expert opinion and recommendations to help students, clinicians, and researchers improve how they address sexuality and intimacy in practice.
AOTA Press: Sexuality and Intimacy an Occupational Therapy Approach
Peer Mentoring
June 2024
On today's episode we speak with Ariel Schwartz, Micah Peace Urquilla, Nikola Davern, Alix Herer, Jesse, and Dheva about their research and experiences with peer mentorship for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. They share perspectives and recommendations to encourage stakeholder participation and leadership in the development and application of peer mentoring programs.
Podcast: Meet Boston University Peer Mentoring Research Team
Video: Boston University Mentoring and Research Team
Article: "Being A Part of Something"
Streamlining OT Care with Artificial Intelligence
May 2024
On today's episode we speak with early AI adopters Vijay Muni and Jayson Davies who recently presented a webinar titled Integrating Artificial Intelligence into OT Practice. Their webinar outlines how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance occupational therapy services and today they share helpful AI resources and techniques to help the practitioner streamline care.
Free Webinar: Integrating Artificial Intelligence in OT Practice
Billing and Coding for Caregiver Training Services
April 2024
The Current Procedural Terminology 2024 code that is effective as of January 1, 2024, includes a new subsection containing three new codes related to caregiver training without the patient present. On this episode we speak with AOTA's incoming Executive Director, Katie Jordan, about the changes and implications for billing and coding practices.
Mental Health First Aid
March 2024
On today's episode we speak with Christine Urish about Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Resources:
National suicide and crisis lifeline: 988
Crisis text line: 741-741
The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth; phone: 866-488-7386 or text: 678-678
To locate a Mental Health First Aid course in your community
Mindspring Mental Health Alliance FREE WEBINARS typically over lunch about a WIDE range of mental health, wellness and wellbeing topics
Celebrating 50 Years of the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus
February 2024
Today we are joined by three founders of the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC), Dr. Joyce Lane, Ms. Jerry Bentley, and Dr. Lela Llorens, and the current NBOTC President, Dr. Riqiea Kitchens. Also joining us in the interview is Varleisha Lyons, VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Access, and Belonging at AOTA. Our guests reflect on their experiences in occupational therapy and preview the NBOTC 50th anniversary celebration, “An Enduring Legacy,” planned for AOTA INSPIRE 2024.
Learn more about NBOTC and get involved
Toxic Stress in Children and Youth
January 2024
We speak with Maribeth Clifton, occupational therapist and professor at University of Nebraska Medical Center. She shares details about her 2023 AOTA INSPIRE short course as we discuss stress, trauma, occupational performance, and provide recommendations on how to address mental health and community health as a practitioner.
Article: Toxic stress in children and youth
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Identifying Ethical Dilemmas in Practice
December 2023
On this episode we speak with Leslie Bennett, the Chairperson of the Ethics Commission at AOTA. We discuss medical ethics, common red flags practitioners can keep an eye out for, and outline real life scenarios and recommendations to facilitate ethical awareness and practice.
OT and Public Health
November 2023
On this episode we speak with American International College Professor and CDC Act Early Ambassador, Kate Barlow. We discuss the importance of occupational therapy in public health and how practitioners can increase their scope and have a larger role in public health initiatives.
Find your Act Early Ambassador
Volunteer Leadership Development
October 2023
On this episode we speak with the Chairperson of the Volunteer Leadership Development Committee (VLDC), Moira P. Bushell. She describes the role of the VLDC and outlines how volunteering with AOTA can enhance knowledge, practice, and community.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in the GUIDE Model
September 2023
On this episode we speak with the Executive Director of Memory Care Home Solutions, Jill Cigliana, and Scott Trudeau, the Director of Practice Engagement at AOTA. They outline the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model (GUIDE), recently announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and provide recommendations for how OT practitioners can advocate for their own involvement in the model's application.
Dementia Care Evidence Based Programs
Maximizing Your Impact as a New Practitioner with AOTA
March 2023
On this episode we speak with Sue Ram and Krysti Teng, new practitioners and emerging leaders within occupational therapy. They share how they've used AOTA resources and connections to transition from students to practitioners. We discuss how to make meaningful connections that encourage best practice and how to combat common struggles including burnout and feeling confident in your practice.
Connecting 988 and Occupational Therapy Featuring Ginny Stoffel and Lisa Mahaffey
January 25, 2023
On this episode we are joined by Virginia “Ginny” Stoffel and Lisa Mahaffey. Ginny and Lisa were instrumental in the 988 Nationwide mental health crisis and suicide prevention program. We discuss the 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline, it's connection to occupational therapy, and principles and implications of 988 for occupational therapy practitioners across settings.
Connecting occupational therapy and 988