OT Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Emerging Practice

OT Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Emerging Practice

In this special roundtable episode, I am joined by fellow members of the AOTA Innovative Entrepreneur Ad Hoc Committee for an honest and inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging practice, and the future of occupational therapy. Together, we explore how occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are creating impact in spaces far beyond traditional healthcare settings while remaining deeply rooted in the core values of our profession. From home organization and functional medicine to marketing, ergonomics, community-based practice, leadership, and advocacy, this episode highlights the many ways OT practitioners are applying their unique lens to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve lives. Whether you're a student, clinician, educator, entrepreneur, or someone simply curious about where OT can go next, this conversation offers encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that there is no single path to being an occupational therapy practitioner. In This Episode: • The vision behind the AOTA Innovative Entrepreneur Ad Hoc Committee • Why innovation and entrepreneurship matter now more than ever • How OT practitioners are creating careers beyond traditional settings • The unique strengths OTs and OTAs bring into emerging practice areas • Overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and professional isolation • Finding community, mentorship, and support in non-traditional roles • Advice for students, new graduates, and practitioners considering a career pivot Featured Guests: Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA -President, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arameh-anvarizadeh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arameh-anvarizadeh] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drarameh/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/drarameh/?hl=en] Should I Be an AOTA Member? Arameh Anvarizadeh’s 2-Minute Pitch -OT Potential with Sarah Lyon - Breakdown of 4 C’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7FyFBnebc&t=26s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7FyFBnebc&t=26s] Sarah Larsen, OTR/L - Home Organization Occupational Therapist Website: https://balancedhomeorganization.com/ [https://balancedhomeorganization.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedhomeorganization_pdx/ [https://www.instagram.com/balancedhomeorganization_pdx/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedHomeOrganization/ [https://www.facebook.com/BalancedHomeOrganization/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-larsen-292390181/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-larsen-292390181/] Anne-Marie Dundas, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Functional Medicine & Wellness Practitioner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-dundas-2963378b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-dundas-2963378b/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whole_life_healthy_/ [https://www.instagram.com/whole_life_healthy_/] Krista Frahm, OTR/L – Occupationa Therapist, Marketing Strategist & Copywriter for Healthcare Professionals Website: https://www.kristafrahm.com [https://www.kristafrahm.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristafrahmagency/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristafrahmagency/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristafrahmagency/ [https://www.instagram.com/kristafrahmagency/] Aja Black, COTA/L, CAE - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant & Ergonomics Professional LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-black-b676b4125/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-black-b676b4125/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajaeblack/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/ajaeblack/?hl=en] Patricia Motus, OTR/L, CTIS, RYT - Community-Based Occupational Therapist, Educator, Mentor, Speaker, and Host of The Uncommon OT Series Website: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/ [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-motus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-motus/] Instagram: @transitionsOT [https://www.instagram.com/transitionsot/] Additional Ad Hoc Committee Members: Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA - Entrepreneur Website: https://tomeicofaison.com/ [https://tomeicofaison.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeicofaison/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeicofaison/] Gretchen Kingma, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM - Realtor Website: https://empoweredhomes.com/author/gretchen/ [https://empoweredhomes.com/author/gretchen/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-kingma-21930387/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-kingma-21930387/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenkingma_/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/gretchenkingma_/?hl=en] AOTA Education Ad Hoc Committee Ryan Lavalley, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlavalley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlavalley/] Innovative Practice OT Interest & Connection Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4L_DkBlWZmrwn3o-OglNyzsTqjClaYKSJvx4X0GOwUapIbA/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4L_DkBlWZmrwn3o-OglNyzsTqjClaYKSJvx4X0GOwUapIbA/viewform] As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f]episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com] Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com] https://www [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com].wh [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series]olisti [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f]c-transitions.com/the-uncommon [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com]-ot-series [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] https://www.wholisti [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f]c-transitions.com/transitionsot [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot] To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request] For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform Happy Listening Friends!  Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

Alison Miller, OTR/L: OT with Parents of Teenagers

In this episode, we will learn from Alison Miller, OTR/L, an occupational therapist of 25 years, who saw a transition gap that so many of us have probably witnessed, but didn't always know how to address. She’s the founder of LaunchPAD, an online program that helps parents of neurodivergent teens prepare for life after high school, covering executive functioning, life skills, and confidently creating a plan for “the next step” into young adulthood. Contact and Resources: IG: @LaunchPadParentTeen  Email: LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com] https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f]episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com] Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com] https://www [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com].wh [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series]olisti [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f]c-transitions.com/the-uncommon [LaunchPadTeenCoach@gmail.com]-ot-series [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f] https://www.wholisti [https://alison-miller-651b.mykajabi.com/launchpad-d610a537-f6a6-41a5-bbf9-efa3c282548f]c-transitions.com/transitionsot [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot] To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request] For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform Happy Listening Friends!  Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

Rocky Batzel and Chason Sordoni: OT and Medication Management w/ SnapSlide

In this episode, I’m joined by Rocky Batzel, Inventor and CEO, and Chason Sordoni, COO and Co-Founder of SnapSlide, to explore how occupational therapy and product design intersect. We dive into the real-life challenges of opening medication bottles, why usability matters, and how small design changes can significantly impact independence, daily routines, and medication adherence. We also highlight how the OT lens, especially through activity analysis, is key in the design process. OT practitioners understand not just whether something works, but how it’s actually used in real life, making that perspective essential in creating more intuitive and accessible solutions. This conversation also explores non-traditional OT roles, including contributing to product design, innovation, and even product promotion, helping translate why a solution matters and how it fits into everyday life. This is what it looks like when OT helps shape and share solutions, not just adapt to them. If you’re interested in medication management, accessibility, assistive technology, product design, or non-traditional OT roles, this episode connects the dots. Meet Us at AOTA Inspire! Come find us at Booth 217 in the Expo Hall, say hello, test out the bottle, take a selfie, grab a sticker, and sign up for the Uncommon OT Directory. Rocky Batzel, Inventor / CEO A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Rocky Batzel is the inventor of SnapSlide and currently serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Marywood University in Pennsylvania and, and while enrolled in medical school, he noticed his grandmother struggling with a traditional, "push-and-twist", child-resistant cap on her prescription bottle. That inspirational moment led him to pivot his career into the world of entrepreneurship, and he set out to design the very first prototype of what would eventually become SnapSlide. After securing patent protection, Rocky ultimately formed a company around his groundbreaking innovation. As the company’s CEO, he is dedicated to advancing engineering, diversifying applications, and leading SnapSlide’s mission to bring this adaptive solution to those who need it most. This year, Rocky was honored to be invited by AMERIPEN (www.ameripen.org [https://www.ameripen.org/]) to be one of three panelists to speak at their Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. on the topic of “Inclusive Design in Packaging.” Chason Sordoni, COO / Co-founder A resident of Bend, Oregon, Chason Sordoni is the Chief Operating Officer of SnapSlide. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Chason was driven to expand upon his family’s long and proud legacy of entrepreneurship and business success throughout the Pennsylvania region. Chason quickly recognized the profound advantages of SnapSlide and committed to co-founding the company with Rocky Batzel, the present-day CEO. In addition to being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, Chason heads up corporate relationships and resource management. He has served as a member of the Packaging and Labelling Committee of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), a Board Member of the United Way of Central Oregon, and he is actively involved with the Institute for Packaging Professionals (IOPP). Contact: Website: https://www.snapslide.com/ [https://www.snapslide.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snapslide/ [https://www.facebook.com/snapslide/] Special Thanks to: Dawn Heiderscheidt OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP Founder, Aurora Independence https://www.auroraindependence.com/ [https://www.auroraindependence.com/] Allied Services Integrated Health System https://www.allied-services.org/ [https://www.allied-services.org/] As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series] Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot] To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request] For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform Happy Listening Friends!  Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

Alicia Reiser, OTD, MS, OTR/L, ADHD-RSP: OT in Remedial Vision Rehab

In this episode, we will learn from Alicia Reiser, OTD, MS OTR/L, ADHD-RSP.  With over 24 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Dr. Reiser is passionate about redefining rehabilitation through a truly integrative and evidence-based lens. After earning her clinical doctorate from Salus University at Drexel in 2018, specializing in vision remediation, Alicia opened her private practice, A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services, the same year. Her practice was born from a mission to bridge the gap for individuals recovering from concussions, as well as those with ADHD who were often underserved, aged out of traditional services, or never realized how transformative occupational therapy could be. At A Rise Above, Alicia combines neurological rehabilitation with vision remediation, cognitive retraining, trauma-informed care, interoceptive awareness, and polyvagal interventions to address autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Her holistic, brain-based approach helps clients regain not just function—but balance, confidence, and control in daily life. Dr. Reiser’s work reflects her commitment to helping people truly rise above their challenges through science, compassion, and innovation in occupational therapy. Contact & Resources: Website: www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservies.com [http://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservies.com] Book and consulting website link:  https://neurotconsulting.com/ [https://neurotconsulting.com/] Business website:  https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/ [https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/] Blog:  https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/post/top-3-reasons-why-occupational-therapy-and-optometry-should-be-best-friends [https://www.ariseaboveoccupationaltherapyservices.com/post/top-3-reasons-why-occupational-therapy-and-optometry-should-be-best-friends] YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYkggEWqhKMVwWuX-jaoeQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYkggEWqhKMVwWuX-jaoeQ] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARiseAboveOT/ [https://www.facebook.com/ARiseAboveOT/] Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/p/Neurot-Consulting-61556820418616/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Neurot-Consulting-61556820418616/] IG:  https://www.instagram.com/ariseaboveot/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariseaboveot/] IG:  https://www.instagram.com/neurot.consulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/neurot.consulting/] Drexel OTD program:  https://drexel.edu/academics/grad-professional-programs/cnhp/occupational-therapy-post-professional [https://drexel.edu/academics/grad-professional-programs/cnhp/occupational-therapy-post-professional] resources/articles:  https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss4/6/ [https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss4/6/] https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol11/iss3/8/ [https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol11/iss3/8/] https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_6_3/vdr6-3_article_fessier_web.pdf [https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_6_3/vdr6-3_article_fessier_web.pdf] https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss4/2/ [https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss4/2/] Book:  https://www.routledge.com/Understanding-and-Managing-Vision-Deficits-A-Guide-for-Occupational-Therapists/Scheiman/p/book/9781032882871 [https://www.routledge.com/Understanding-and-Managing-Vision-Deficits-A-Guide-for-Occupational-Therapists/Scheiman/p/book/9781032882871] AOTA Community of Practice:  Occupation Based Neuro Remedial Vision Rehab:  https://www.aota.org/community/communities-of-practice [https://www.aota.org/community/communities-of-practice] NORA:  https://noravisionrehab.org/ [https://noravisionrehab.org/] Screening tool:  Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS):  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2782898/figure/F2/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2782898/figure/F2/] Screening tool:  QOL Symptom Survey:  https://www.oepf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/JBO-18-2-Harris.pdf [https://www.oepf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/JBO-18-2-Harris.pdf] As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series] Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot] To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request] For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform Happy Listening Friends!  Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.

Aja Black, CAE, COTA: OT in the Federal Government

In this episode, we will learn from Aja Black, CAE, COTA. Aja is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with four years of experience and a Certified Associate Ergonomist (CAE). Originally from South Carolina and now based in Maryland, Aja has been studying and implementing ergonomics for nearly two years, combining her clinical background with a deep interest in creating healthier, more supportive work environments. She conducts both in-person and virtual ergonomic evaluations, identifies risk factors, and provides tailored recommendations to improve comfort and productivity. Aja is also passionate about education and outreach. She delivers trainings and webinars that empower professionals across the United States to apply ergonomic principles in their daily work. Contact & Resources: I share most of my updates and future plans on LinkedIn—feel free to connect with me by searching Aja Black, CAE, COTA. For guest speaking, organizational trainings, or university lectures, you can reach me directly at ajathecota@gmail.com [ajathecota@gmail.com]. Referrals and recommendations for speaking opportunities are always appreciated! As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot THANK YOU for LISTENING, FOLLOWING, DOWNLOADING, RATING, REVIEWING & SHARING “The Uncommon OT Series” Podcast with all your OTP friends and colleagues! Full Episodes and Q & A only available at: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/the-uncommon-ot-series] Sign Up NOW for the Transitions OT Email List to Receive the FREE Updated List of Uncommon OT Practice Settings https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/transitionsot] To Add Your Profile to The Uncommon OT Directory: https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request [https://www.wholistic-transitions.com/request] For Non-Traditional OT Practice Mentorship w/ Patricia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC3vI5OnK3mLrCXACEex-5ReO8uUVPo1EUXIi8FKO-FCfoEg/viewform Happy Listening Friends!  Big OT Love! All views are mine and guests own.