Elaine Gardner - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) - Episode #1

This week, Daniel welcomes Ariel Faison, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, to discuss the challenges and successes of her 9-year tenure in the field. Ariel explains how her personal life and relationship with her little brother affected her decision to enter the field of occupational therapy, her experience working with virtual therapy services and how she likes to involve the parents in the child’s therapy journey, and her advice to someone who is considering becoming an occupational therapist. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

On this episode, Daniel is joined by Gretchen Owens, the Executive Director and Founder of EDD Adaptive Sports. EDD Adaptive Sports is a Non-Profit sports organization that provides access to sports and recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities and aims to inspire athletes and break down the barriers between disability and sports recreation. Gretchen gives us insight into her role as an Executive Director, how she founded EDD Adaptive Sports, and why she believes why communication is so important in her line of work. Learn more at eddfund.org Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

This week, Daniel is joined by Speech-Language Pathologist, Michelle Andrade, to discuss what a speech therapist entails and how someone can become one. Michelle works primarily with children aged 0-3 in-home and community settings and describes how she encourages progress with the children she works with, how she became an SLP and the biggest challenges she’s overcome while in the field. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

This week, Daniel is joined by Board Certified Behavioral Analyst Radhika Achari to discuss their work as a BCBA and how she finds the functions behind behaviors to adjust into healthier ones. Radhika explains how she got into the field of Behavioral Analysis, the education requirements to become a BCBA, and the controversy behind ABA therapy and treatment. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

On today’s episode, Daniel is joined by Mark Slavin, the president of the non-profit organization, North Texas Blind Soccer Association. Mark talks about his role in the organization, as well as why decided to cater to people with visual impairments, his advice on starting a non-profit organization and how to specialize in what you’re passionate about, and what some of the challenges were in founding the North Texas Blind Soccer Association. Visit North Texas Blind Soccer Association's Facebook Page Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

This week, Daniel is joined by Recreational Therapists Dawn and Jessica to discuss their Adult Cognitive Wellness Center and the programming they implement to create a space where adults 50 and up with mild to moderate Dementia can maintain cognitive function, maintain their independence, and increase socialization. Dawn and Jessica also discuss what is considered standard recreational therapy, what a typical day looks like at the wellness center, and how they became recreational therapists themselves. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

On this week’s episode, Daniel is joined by the owner and operator of Better Case Manager, Caleb Weston, to talk about what he does as a case manager, how he became one and the educational requirements needed, as well as how he started his own business and why relationships are so important in his line of work. Visit Better Case Manager’s Website Follow Better Case Manager on their Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

This week, Daniel is joined by the Director of Marketing and Communications for Ability Ministry, Jason Morrison, to talk about his work with non-profit organizations and disability ministries. Jason discusses what drew him to the job, as well as what he finds fulfilling about what he does and how important it is to step outside of your comfort zone. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit Ability Ministry Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

On this episode, Daniel is joined by physical therapist, Sandra Samoa to discuss the ins and outs of the physical therapy profession. Sandra explains the common types of injuries and disabilities she comes across, the challenges and different approaches she takes, as well as the difference between a personal trainer and a physical therapist. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

This week, Daniel is joined by Elaine Gardner, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), to discuss what exactly a COTA is and what their duties are, Elaine’s personal career journey, the salary and benefits involved, and why you should and shouldn’t become a COTA. Visit Special Strong’s Website Visit our Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube