Beyond The Caseload Podcast

Grow With Us!

15 min · 19. maj 2026
episode Grow With Us! cover

Description

What does it really look like to go from assistant to licensed therapist, while working, studying, and balancing real life? In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Tara sits down with Justin to talk about his journey from COTA to OTR and what it means to truly grow within a company. Justin shares what inspired him to return to grad school, how working as an assistant gave him an edge, and why doing his fieldwork rotation within the company helped ease the transition into his new role. From juggling part-time work with online coursework to navigating full-time fieldwork hours, he offers honest insight into what’s realistic and what takes intentional planning. In this episode, we cover: • Deciding when it’s the “right time” to go back to school• How assistant experience can strengthen graduate training• Balancing work, school, and burnout prevention• The value of mentorship during fieldwork rotations• Why getting out of your comfort zone (hello, administering testing!) matters• The importance of staying connected to your team while in school• Practical advice for staying organized and protecting work-life balance If you’re a COTA considering a bridge program, an SLPA thinking about grad school, or simply someone wondering if it’s possible to grow your career without leaving your workplace, this episode is for you. Sponsored by Galileo for Kids, supporting strength, balance, and meaningful progress in pediatric therapy. Follow the show and join us next time as we continue exploring what it means to grow beyond the caseload.

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12 episodes

episode The Wellness Series: Special Guest Tammys' One Two Pedal Method artwork

The Wellness Series: Special Guest Tammys' One Two Pedal Method

Learning to ride a bike is a huge childhood milestone but for many kids, it doesn’t come easy. It can bring up frustration, fear, and even self-doubt for both children and parents. In this episode of Beyond the Caseload: The Wellness Series, we’re breaking down what’s really underneath bike riding challenges and why it’s about so much more than just pedaling. We’re joined by occupational therapist Tammy Bishop, creator of the One Two Pedal Method, a step-by-step approach that has helped hundreds of children (and even adults) learn to ride a bike—often faster and with far less frustration than traditional methods. In this conversation, we cover: * The hidden skills behind learning to ride a bike (balance, coordination, motor planning, and confidence) * Why traditional methods (like training wheels) can actually make learning harder * How breaking skills down the right way changes everything * The role of fear, regulation, and confidence in learning new skills * How therapists and parents can better support children through challenges Whether your child is struggling to learn, feeling hesitant, or just getting started, this episode will give you a completely new perspective and practical strategies to make the process more successful (and more enjoyable)!

Yesterday27 min
episode Grow With Us! artwork

Grow With Us!

What does it really look like to go from assistant to licensed therapist, while working, studying, and balancing real life? In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Tara sits down with Justin to talk about his journey from COTA to OTR and what it means to truly grow within a company. Justin shares what inspired him to return to grad school, how working as an assistant gave him an edge, and why doing his fieldwork rotation within the company helped ease the transition into his new role. From juggling part-time work with online coursework to navigating full-time fieldwork hours, he offers honest insight into what’s realistic and what takes intentional planning. In this episode, we cover: • Deciding when it’s the “right time” to go back to school• How assistant experience can strengthen graduate training• Balancing work, school, and burnout prevention• The value of mentorship during fieldwork rotations• Why getting out of your comfort zone (hello, administering testing!) matters• The importance of staying connected to your team while in school• Practical advice for staying organized and protecting work-life balance If you’re a COTA considering a bridge program, an SLPA thinking about grad school, or simply someone wondering if it’s possible to grow your career without leaving your workplace, this episode is for you. Sponsored by Galileo for Kids, supporting strength, balance, and meaningful progress in pediatric therapy. Follow the show and join us next time as we continue exploring what it means to grow beyond the caseload.

19. maj 202615 min
episode The Wellness Series: Special Guest Ms. Lori's Summer Intensive Reading Program artwork

The Wellness Series: Special Guest Ms. Lori's Summer Intensive Reading Program

As summer begins, many parents start asking the same question: Is my child actually ready for the next school year? In this episode of Beyond the Caseload: The Wellness Series, we’re diving into how summer can be more than just a break, it can be a powerful opportunity to strengthen reading skills, build confidence, and set your child up for success. We’re joined by Ms. Lori, a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 30 years of experience in pediatric language and literacy development. She shares how reading is deeply connected to language skills, why some bright children still struggle with reading, and the key signs parents should not ignore. You’ll learn: * How to tell if your child is truly ready for the next school year * Common reading red flags to watch for over the summer * The difference between tutoring and working with a specialist * Why summer is one of the best times to intervene * How confidence changes when reading starts to “click” We also discuss the Lively Letters program, a multisensory approach to reading, and what families can expect from a structured, individualized reading intervention. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child needs extra support or want to be proactive before the school year begins, this episode will give you clarity and direction! To learn more about our Summer Private Reading Intensive or to get started, visit our website: https://www.ppt4kids.com/wellness-programs/summer-private-reading-intensive [https://www.ppt4kids.com/wellness-programs/summer-private-reading-intensive]

12. maj 202623 min
episode HR Q&A: Hiring and Leadership at PPT artwork

HR Q&A: Hiring and Leadership at PPT

In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Regina puts Tara (Progressive Pediatric Therapy’s HR Director) on the hot seat for a rapid-fire Q&A on hiring, licensing, and what the job really looks like beyond the offer letter. If you’re a new grad, relocating, switching settings, or just curious how a supportive pediatric private practice hires and grows its team — this one’s for you. They cover the questions candidates ask most, including: • What HR looks for beyond a resume and license (hint: you can’t teach the will)• The biggest hiring mistakes — and what they taught us• Red flags vs. green flags in interviews (and why “me-first” energy matters)• How we match candidates to clinic culture and mentorship needs• Why fairness and consistency matter in pay, offers, and expectations• Productivity: ramp-up timelines, incentives, and realistic learning curves• Licensing, Medicaid, NPI, CAQH, and credentialing — what we handle vs. what you do• How leadership promotions work (without office politics) You’ll also get an inside look at how PPT supports growth through clear career ladders, leadership training, and a collaborative decision-making process that keeps culture and values front and center. Sponsored by Galileo for Kids, supporting strength, balance, and meaningful progress in pediatric therapy. Hit follow and come back next time!

5. maj 202616 min