Why did you choose OT as a career?
I chose OT as a career as I was looking for something to do that was physical-based, and different enough to separate myself from my older sister who is a physiotherapist (rehabilitation runs in the family!). At about the time I was making decisions about my future career, my mom had a friend over to visit who was an OT; until that time, I had never heard of OT. She mentioned how much she loved her work, the flexibility that it offered her and her growing family and that it was a 4 year professional degree. I did some research and very quickly found myself saying: “This is the profession for me!” It was one week before starting my first classes of university, it was a crazy hustle to switch my classes around in order to get my pre-reqs to apply to OT school. I still didn't fully understand what the profession would offer me, but I knew I was on the right path.
What is your favorite thing about CAOT-BC?
I like the opportunity to network with other clinicians, and the educational opportunities. These were both highlighted to me during the pandemic, when CAOT-BC responded with having forums and facilitating discussions about covid-19 resources to help support clinicians. I have also really enjoyed connecting with the larger membership of CAOT-BC in regard to my own expertise around documentation and tele-health practice for OTs (read more below!).
What do you like about occupational therapy?
I can sum this up into three main themes: Diversity, Connection and Relationships. I feel like there is something for everyone within the field of OT. It is a profession where we are always giving back, and no matter what environment we are working in, there are beautiful connections that can be made through the relationships we have with our clients. I work primarily in paediatrics, and I really enjoy building on those connections to support families and client’s finding meaning in their lives. That’s the essence of OT, and it’s what I love about it. For me, it always comes back to function and relationships. I am also the co-founder and CEO of Therabyte, a practice management software tool designed for OTs and SLPs. I really like being able to connect with other OTs and to talk to them about Therabyte and telehealth, and how to best support them in their practice.
What has surprised you most about working as an OT?
I did a placement in paediatrics, and when I finished my placement, I thought to myself: “Why would I ever be a mom AND also work with kids?”…so I surprised myself by feeling called to work in the area of paediatrics. I am forever grateful that this is where I have spent the majority of my career. I love the human connection and holding space for clients and families to achieve their goals. By digging into this work with families it has supported me in learning tools that I have been able to implement with my own family and children. Ultimately, I feel that my work has made me a better mother, as I have developed the skills to handle their challenges and support their growth.
What has been your most interesting job?
I can’t narrow it down to just one! I have had the pleasure of working in several different practice areas in my career. When I worked in Calgary, I worked at the Foothills Hospital on the neuro and trauma teams. These were incredible teams that supported really acute clients. Working with acute post-surgical clients was intense and amazing all at the same time! To support the rehabilitation of the brain and to support client’s progress through OT was incredible. It’s a job that I could go back to.
I also love working in technology. My role as co-founder of Therabyte has pushed me to learn and grow in ways that I never imagined. To learn that my own frustrations with the lack of tech tools offered specifically to OTs wasn't an isolated case, fuelled my desire to push our ideas forward. My favorite part of this job is connecting with like-minded practitioners. I have met some really amazing and accomplished OTs, and to have a part in supporting them to support their clients is truly an honour. It has been really fascinating to seek my skills in activity analysis applied to this business, breaking down the practitioner-client journey, and mapping out that workflow. Who knew that those simple words, “there has got to be a better way!” would lead me here? And thanks to my tech savvy husband this dream has come to life.
What do you find most challenging about working as an OT?
My current, challenge of working as an OT is compassion burnout. While working in a helping profession is full of joy and reward, it can wear you out if you aren't also prioritizing your own self-care. I have definitely felt this more as my family has grown as there are more people relying on me during my "off" hours. It's like that book, "Have you filled a bucket today?" Going into a workday with your bucket full means that your emotionally available to support your clients wherever they might be that day.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming an OT?
Take the leap! There is a place for everyone and even for you to have multiple careers within the same profession. Being an OT calls on you to grow into your higher self. It becomes part of who you are. I recommended calling up a local OT and spending a day with them, I think you will be amazed at how much thought and learning goes into our everyday living tasks. And if you have an idea that combines tech and OT, reach out. I would love to share my experience. ashley@therabyte.ca
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