Student loan debt can feel overwhelming and never-ending, and I know that from personal experience. As therapists, we work so hard to get to the finish line, only to face a pile of debt waiting for us. It’s a reality many of us struggle with—whether you have $20k or $200k in loans, it’s easy to feel stuck or defeated. In this episode, I’m joined by a special guest, Dr. Connor Pierce, DPT who understands exactly what it’s like to graduate with student debt. Instead of letting that burden hold him back, Connor developed a practical plan to pay it off and is now on a mission to help clinicians take control of their student loans. If you’re feeling the weight of your student debt, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. You can take control of your financial future and pay off your debt without feeling stuck or overwhelmed. 

You know what the motto is over here: There is nothing wrong with enjoying what you do, loving your profession, helping people, AND wanting to be paid well to do it. In today’s episode, we’re talking all about knowing your worth and getting paid what you need, want, and most importantly - deserve! Our guest shares how she made well over six figures in her first year as an OT—without leaving clinician practice. She’ll explain how negotiating confidently played a key role in making it happen. Plus, we talk about student loans, time freedom, and the importance of financial balance. If you’re ready to boost your income, stand in your power, and never settle for less, this episode will give you all the inspiration and practical tips to get there!

Is it possible to graduate OT school debt free? The answer just might surprise you. In a time where it feels like literally all of us are drowning in student loan debt, I’m here to share a very special story of someone who has decided to do things differently and is on track to graduate with absolutely no debt. But just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s easy. Our guest shares how she’s overcome obstacles, beliefs, and misconceptions to keep a promise to herself to avoid student loans. We’ll also dive into the power of scholarships, creative ways to earn money as an OT student, and intentional money-saving strategies. Whether you’re a pre-OT or current OT student—or even if you’re already in debt—this episode will inspire you to be bold, brave, and different whether it’s in your financial journey or your career as an OT… because sometimes, being different is the key to the biggest rewards.

The new grad season is such an exciting time, but there’s also a lot to juggle as we enter this new chapter of our lives. Instead of studying for exams and going to class, we’re learning to navigate paying bills, finding a job with benefits, and knowing what to do with our paychecks. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Paige Leite better known online as P the OT to talk all about the importance of building and prioritizing a healthy money mindset even as a new graduate. Paige is an occupational therapist with about 3 years experience working in a variety of settings. She decided to jump into travel therapy as a new graduate and one of the reasons was so that she could maximize her income in order to tackle her massive student loan debt. We also chat about what it’s been like navigating the financial side of adulting, her plans for early retirement, paying off her loans, and so much more. This conversation is the perfect dose of inspiration as you learn to juggle your career as an OT while also building and prioritizing a healthy money mindset, advocating for your worth, knowing your worth and ultimately the steps to take so that you can establish a firm financial foundation and find your financial footing. 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a travel occupational therapist? Well, in today’s episode I’m joined by Paige Rickman, OTR/L who is an occupational therapist that took the leap into travel therapy as a new graduate and has been absolutely thriving in her career. In this conversation, Paige shares what sparked her initial interest in travel therapy, how she’s navigated some of the initial challenges she faced, what the more rewarding aspects of being a travel therapist have been, and also gives an abundance of advice, practical tips and tricks for new grads interested in becoming a travel therapist.

It’s officially occupational therapy month! Happy OT month to all of the incredible OT practitioners out there making your mark on our profession, and changing the world. Today on the show we're joined by Nancy Yamoah, OTP who is a light in our profession, and truly embodies what it means to be a fulfilled and happy OT entrepreneur. In this conversation, we dive into how we as clinicians can reignite our passion for OT by pivoting into different areas of our profession, and exploring entrepreneurship, non traditional paths, and so much more. Although OT isn’t perfect, Nancy and I both believe we all have the ability to really turn this career into the perfect for each of us based on our unique interests, skills, and abilities.

Independent Contracting. Two words that might make you raise an eyebrow especially if you’re a student or a fresh new graduate because contracting is just not something covered extensively in our OT programs. But - just because it isn’t covered, doesn’t mean it should be ignored or overlooked. Independent contracting can be an amazing income boosting opportunity especially for OTs looking for ways to maximize your earning potential. 

OT is not all rainbows and butterflies and unicorns and fairy dust. The fact is that there are a lot of things we would love to see changed about our profession so that it can actually rise to the potential that we all know it has. As a student, new graduate (or soon to be), it can be extremely discouraging, overwhelming, and downright scary to hear us practicing clinicians sharing the realities of what it’s like to be an OT because the truth is nothing can really prepare you until you’re actually in the field.

Becoming a mama is arguably the biggest role change someone will ever experience. The occupation of motherhood is beautiful, exhausting, chaotic, but so amazing. It’s life changing in so many ways - mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and of course financially. But how exactly does becoming a mama change us an OT? And what happens when we decide we want to pause our career as an OT to pursue motherhood full time? What do those sacrifices look like? Today on the show I’m joined by my very sweet friend, Ally Owen, who is an occupational therapist and fellow stay at home mama. In this conversation we take a deep dive into the occupation of motherhood and particularly what it’s like being stay at home OT mama’s and the silent sacrifices that we’ve had to make to make this dream we have for our motherhood journey a reality. So, if you’re an aspiring OT mama or current OT mama who is thinking about how your career may be shifting or need to shift in order to accommodate for this new role, and the financial implications that may bring, then this is the episode for you.