Q & A with a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
October 02, 2023
Susan, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, works alongside our Pediatric Physiotherapist on our Pediatric Unit and at our Outpatient Transition Pediatric Physiotherapy Clinic. She joined the HPHA team in January of this year!
Let's get to know a bit about her!
What made you enter your field of work?
I was drawn to a profession that empowers people of all ages to overcome barriers to better everyday living. There is an art and a science to Occupational Therapy that opens up to the kind of creativity I really enjoy.
What does a typical day in the department look like for you?
My specialty clinical area is pediatrics. I work with children of all ages and their families, generally starting with a question like "how can I help?" or "what would you like to see go differently in your everyday life?". It's intense work! Parents worry so much about their kids. All children are vulnerable and some even more than others. I try my best to help families on their journey. It's a great privilege.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with children is such a gift. They really bring you into the present moment. Play is a powerful tool!
What's something you do in your role that others would be surprised to learn about?
I very often have joint therapy sessions with other providers like Speech Language Pathology and Physiotherapy, and with doctors, nurses and dietitians particularly with feeding. We all work together. Occupational Therapy has a unique role in promoting well being in relation to function in everyday living.
What are your favourite ways to spend your free time?
Lately, long walks on the shore of Lake Huron. The water level has receded and there's beach again! You can walk for miles and it's glorious.
What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
My Grandmother was an Occupational Therapist in the early days of the profession - I followed in her footsteps!