Occupational therapy—you may have heard of it, but do you know what it is or what the professionals do to help patients?
In honor of Occupational Therapy Month in April, we thought we would shed some light on this profession and outline the integral part they play in rehabilitation.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Unlike other professions, occupational therapy helps people function in all of their environments—for example, at home, work, school and in the community—as well as addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive aspects of their well-being through activities.
When working with an occupational therapist, individualized plans are created for problem solving, improved function and support of life activities, such as bathing, dressing and eating. Through occupational therapy, individuals develop needed skills, adjust their environment and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow them to thrive.
Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
From Left: Laura Roush, Anni Stafford, Brenda Robertson (Functional Health Supervisor), Heidi Wills, Angie Laakso, Jaime Eager, Brittany Siefert, Nicole Tucker (former CCMH OT), Teresa Bunn (OT Student).
CCMH Occupational Therapists and assistants in Rehabilitation Services include:
- Jaime Eager, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, received her education at Casper College and has worked for CCMH for eight years in the areas of Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Neuro re-education.
- Ryan Garman, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, received an Associate's degree at North Dakota State College of Science. She has worked for CCMH for two years in acute care, nursing home, and home health.
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Angie Laakso has a Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Development from Montana State University and a Master's degree from
University of North Dakota. Angie has been practicing since 2007 in outpatient rehabilitation specializing in orthopaedic conditions, hand therapy, splinting, and wound care. She has received her Wound Care Certification, Graston Technique Certification and is Work Well Certified.
- Traci Means has a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Traci has practiced in long-term care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation since 2003. Her certifications and additional education include craniosacral therapy and the Bioness H200.
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Lauren Mullaney has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Wyoming and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at
A.T. Still University. Lauren has been at CCMH since 2013 and practices in inpatient and nursing home settings as well as outpatient pediatric setting.
- Laura Roush has a Master's degree from the University of North Dakota. Laura has been practicing at CCMH since 2010 and primarily works in acute care, nursing home, and home health.
- Brittany Siefert has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion and Psychology from the University of Wyoming and a Master's degree from the University of North Dakota. Brittany has been at CCMH since 2010 practicing in outpatient rehabilitation focusing on orthopaedic conditions, hand therapy, splinting, wound care, and work hardening. Brittany is certified in Graston Technique, American Dry Needling, and is Work Well Certified. Brittany also holds a position on the Wyoming Occupational Therapy Association Board as the Wyoming Representative of Assembly.
- Anni Stafford, OT Clinical Supervisor, has a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota and is a Certified Hand and Upper Extremity Therapist (CHT). Anni has been practicing in the out-patient setting at CCMH since 2005 and specializes in rehabilitation of orthopedic conditions, splinting, and wound care. Anni is certified in the Graston Technique and is Work Well Certified.
- Heidi Wills has a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy and is a CHT. Heidi has been at CCMH for 7 years, but practicing for 14 years. Heidi's areas of interest are orthopaedic and soft tissue conditions for the upper extremity, wound care, splinting, and industrial rehabilitation. Heidi is certified in the Graston Technique, Ergo Science, Work Well Systems for functional capacity evaluations, and Lymphedema Management and Techniques.
Questions?
Do you have questions about Occupational Therapy and the services they provide? Please call CCMH Rehabilitation Services at 307.688.8000 to learn more.
Please note: To receive rehabilitation care, a physician referral is recommended.