Welcome to Hands that Shape, Episode 1

Ashley Fairley OTR/L, Episode 5

In this episode of "Hands That Shape," we sit down with Ashley Fairley, a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with over 12 years of experience. Ashley shares her journey from aspiring dancer to dedicated OT, highlighting her passion for empowering families and therapists alike. Discover her insights on early intervention, the importance of flexibility in therapy, and how she uses social media to educate and inspire. Whether you're an OT, a parent, or just curious about child development, Ashley's story is sure to resonate and inspire. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, warmth, and a touch of humor.

Abigail Ongor OTR/L, Episode 4

Join us as we dive into the world of travel occupational therapy with Abby, a seasoned OT professional. Abby shares her journey from her initial interest in OT to her experiences across various states, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being a travel OT. Discover her insights on adaptability, patient care, and the importance of building rapport in different healthcare settings.

Dr. Judith Adams, Episode 3

In this powerful episode of Hands That Shape, Allegra sits down with the extraordinary Dr. Judith Adams, OTD, OTR/L, a three-time graduate of the Howard University Occupational Therapy Program with 25 years of service in the field. Dr. Adams shares her inspiring journey from the classrooms of Howard to international teaching, community service in Ghana, and a lifelong commitment to occupational justice. Together, they explore Dr. Adams’ research on underserved populations, her work as an Aging in Place Specialist, and the founding of The Jeneatha Learning Center in Northern Ghana. This episode highlights what it means to be a culturally responsive therapist and the importance of centering marginalized communities in our work. Tune in for a moving conversation on legacy, leadership, and the global impact of occupational therapy.

Dr. Myrtle Evans, Episode 2

In this episode of Hands That Shape, Allegra Burney interviews Dr. Myrtle Evans, a prominent figure in occupational therapy (OT). Dr. Evans shares her extensive experience as an OT director and practitioner, providing valuable insights for prospective OT students. She emphasizes the importance of meeting application requirements, maintaining a high GPA, and gaining diverse shadowing experiences. Dr. Evans discusses her favorite classes, her journey through various clinical rotations, and her current focus on pelvic floor rehabilitation. The conversation also touches on the challenges of starting a private practice and the significance of understanding the underlying causes of patient issues. Dr. Evans concludes with a memorable patient experience that highlights the importance of foundational knowledge in OT.

Welcome to Hands that Shape, Episode 1

In this kickoff episode, I share a bit about who I am and the story behind Hands That Shape. Tune in to learn what inspired the podcast and what you can expect from the conversations ahead.