Money Matters in Occupational Therapy

Ep 49. A Student Loan Debt Repayment Journey Rooted in Freedom with Kellen Cannon

What does it really look like to choose freedom while navigating student loan debt? In this episode, I’m joined by Kellen Cannon, PT, DPT, a travel physical therapist who shares her journey of taking an unconventional—and deeply intentional—approach to paying off six figures of student loan debt. Instead of following the traditional path, she made the decision to pursue travel therapy to increase her income, live in an RV to reduce expenses, and take on additional work as a fitness coach—all with one goal in mind: to not let debt hang over her for the next 10-20 years. We talk about the mindset behind choosing an aggressive payoff strategy, why she decided not to pursue PSLF, and the sacrifices (and trade-offs) that come with prioritizing financial freedom. We also dive into the bigger picture—why salary transparency in rehab matters, how clinicians can start thinking differently about their earning potential, and what it looks like to take control of your financial future. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your loans or unsure what path is right for you, this episode is a reminder that you have options—and that your journey can look different. — In this episode, we cover: • The emotional weight of student loan debt • Why she chose not to pursue PSLF • How travel therapy changed her income potential • The role of mindset in aggressive debt repayment • Sacrifices vs. intentional choices • The importance of salary transparency in rehab • How to approach your own student loan strategy — Connect with our guest: Instagram: @yourtravelptfriend [https://www.instagram.com/yourtravelptfriend/] — If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it with a friend and tag me on Instagram—I love hearing what resonates with you 🤍

Ep 48. Designing a New Grad Friendly Role in Early Intervention with Gabrielle Sledge

Show Summary: What if your first job as an OT didn’t already exist… and you had to create it yourself? In this episode, I’m joined by Gabrielle Sledge, a new grad occupational therapist who did exactly that. From carving out her own role in early intervention working with kiddos with visual impairments, to confidently negotiating her salary as a brand-new grad, Gabrielle shares what it really looked like to step into her career with intention. We also dive into her approach to student loans — how she kept her borrowing lower than expected and why she’s choosing to aggressively pay down her debt early on. This is a refreshing and honest conversation about what’s possible when you take ownership of your career and your finances from the very beginning. In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About: * Creating your own OT job as a new grad * Early intervention + visual impairments * Salary negotiation tips * Building confidence and self-advocacy * Paying off student loans early * Balancing finances while enjoying life * Getting started with content creation Guest Bio: Gabrielle Sledge, OTD, OTR/L is a new graduate occupational therapist working in early intervention, where she specializes in supporting children with visual impairments. After completing her doctoral program, she took an unconventional path by creating her own role within an agency. Gabbi is passionate about approaching her career and finances with intention — from being mindful about student loan borrowing to actively paying down her debt early. She’s also beginning to share her journey through content creation, offering an honest look at life as a new OT. Connect with Gabbi: * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbisledge] | Etsy Store [https://www.etsy.com/shop/GCSdigitaldesigns] Join our FB Group: ⁠⁠⁠Money Matters in Occupational Therapy⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/moneymattersinot]

Ep 47. Finding Occupational Balance as a School Based OT with Dysiris Mateo

Show Summary: What does occupational balance really look like as a school-based OT? In this episode, I’m joined by Dysiris, a New York City DOE occupational therapist and content creator, to talk about the many hats therapists wear behind the scenes — from IEPs and collaboration to advocacy and personal well-being. We also dive into student loans, public service loan forgiveness, and repayment options for school-based OTs, along with honest reflections on building a sustainable career while still making space for yourself. In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About: * The reality of working as a school-based OT in the NYC DOE * Student loans, PSLF, and repayment options for school-based therapists * What occupational balance looks like in real life as an OT * Protecting your energy while balancing work, motherhood, and creative pursuits * Using content creation to advocate for the OT profession and share your voice Guest Bio: Dysiris is a full-time school-based occupational therapist who is passionate about practicing and promoting occupational balance, especially as a new mom balancing multiple roles. Through her work as a clinician and content creator, she shares an honest look at life in school-based OT while advocating for the profession and encouraging therapists to prioritize their well-being both inside and outside of work. Connect with Dysiris: * ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dysiris?igsh=aXl0NXZuMXQzN3ph&utm_source=qr]⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DysirisMateo] Join our FB Group: ⁠⁠Money Matters in Occupational Therapy⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/moneymattersinot]

Ep 46. Travel Therapy for New Grads: The Reality Beyond the Pay

Show Summary: Travel therapy is often talked about through the lens of pay, but for new grads, the reality goes far beyond the paycheck. In this episode, I’m joined by Jenna Seeton, MSOT, OTR/L, a new grad travel occupational therapist, to talk honestly about what travel therapy actually looks like day to day and how it can shape both your career and your life. Together, we dive into the lifestyle adjustments, workplace transitions, and emotional considerations that come with travel therapy, especially for new grads who are often discouraged from taking this path. This conversation is meant to give you a clearer, more grounded picture of who travel therapy is really for, what to think through before taking the leap, and how this experience can bring clarity around settings, populations, and long-term goals beyond just the money (although, that's a nice perk, too!) In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About: * Why new grads are often discouraged from travel therapy * What drew Jenna to travel therapy beyond the paycheck * Adjusting to new cities and being away from your support system * Navigating new workplaces, teams, and personalities each assignment * Who travel therapy is really for, and who may struggle * How travel therapy can shape long-term career goals and clarity * Jenna’s biggest advice for new grads debating whether to take the leap Guest Bio: Jenna Seeton, MSOT, OTR/L is a new grad travel occupational therapist who chose this path to explore new places, learn from different teams, and build a career that supports both her personal life and financial goals. She earned her Bachelor’s in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in December 2024, passed the NBCOT in March 2025, and began her first travel contract in April in a school setting—despite having limited exposure to schools during her training. After taking time off over the summer to reconnect with loved ones, Jenna committed to a full school-year contract for 2025–2026. During her break, she launched a travel therapy Instagram to document her journey and support other new grads curious about this path. Jenna loves the adventure of travel therapy and is always excited to connect with others navigating this season of their OT careers. Connect with Jenna: * ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/traveltherapist.jenna/ ]⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-seeton/]| ⁠TikTok [Travel Therapy Interview Guide] * Interview Guide [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NXPvZMTwUH4UV6ln8vy4lXQb_VSiw939/view] | Housing Tips [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UjqHcTG-dCOY3Ur6D38NZJl9vdjgUoJk/view] | Recruiter Recs [https://forms.gle/t9AnSDN1si4T6Vxh9] Join our FB Group: ⁠Money Matters in Occupational Therapy⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/moneymattersinot]

Ep 45. A Practical Guide to Navigating Student Loan Changes in 2026 with Noah O’Dell

Show Summary: Student loans are changing — and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals. In this episode, Amirra is joined by Noah O’Dell, founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, to break down what’s happening with federal student loans and what it means for students and clinicians. Inspired by the recent “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement, this conversation clears up common concerns, explores potential changes to repayment systems and loan caps, and offers practical guidance on controlling the controllables amid uncertainty. In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About: * Why 2026 is a pivotal year for student loans * What’s changing with federal student loans and the Department of Education * The “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement * How potential federal loan caps could impact PT/OT students and clinicians * Practical ways to control the controllables when navigating student loans Guest Bio: Noah O’Dell helps PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals take control of their complete financial picture — no matter what their situation looks like. He’s the founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, where he provides practical, judgment-free financial guidance for clinicians at every stage of their career. Follow Noah on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/personalfinance.pt/] Resources Mentioned: * RouteFin [https://routefin.com/] | Student Loan Planner [https://www.studentloanplanner.com/hire-student-loan-help/?utm_campaign=9935449800&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=433612170424&utm_term=student%20loan%20planner&adgroupid=97840410662&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9935449800&gbraid=0AAAAAC-sLNeOi_zlIu7u9OnubSoydkARr&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxonKBhC1ARIsAIHq_lsw2kT7Ag0CsuSnnf4Iw79r52kHEGOY8KG7Veaq9IYWgPCD62Y58kUaAtJBEALw_wcB] | Loan Calculator [https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/student-loan-calculator/]