Innovative OT NC

10/07/2025

🧠 If we don’t address cognition, we’re missing half the story.

Cognitive changes—especially the subtle ones—affect everything from medication management to meal prep to driving safety. Yet so many go unrecognized because they’re “invisible.”

That’s why I created the Think Function Framework—to help OTs recognize and address cognitive changes with clarity and confidence.

✨ I’ll be sharing more in my upcoming FREE webinar:
“3 Mistakes OTs Make in Cognitive Rehab—And What to Do Instead”
📅 October 13 | 🕕 6:30 PM EST
🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QLvX8TjdS2-UpsTgmkHD7g

💬 Comment “Think Function” if you’re planning to join or want me to send you a reminder!

Description: Cognitive changes after cancer or neurological diagnoses—often called “brain fog” or mild cognitive impairment—are more common than most people realize. But many occupational therapists still feel underprepared or unsure how to address them. In this 30–45 minute free webinar, ...

09/22/2025

🌟 Empathy is my superpower as an OT.

It’s more than “feeling sorry” for someone—it’s truly stepping into their shoes and seeing life through their perspective. That’s what allows us to give hope and create real solutions.

Even Jesus wept with Mary and Martha before doing the work He was called to do—that’s empathy in action.

💬 OTs, caregivers, friends—what’s one quality YOU rely on to help others?

09/22/2025

🌟 Empathy is my superpower as an OT.
It’s what lets me…
👉 See beyond a diagnosis
👉 Empower people to rediscover their abilities
👉 Facilitate HOPE, even in hard seasons ✨

Because without empathy, we can’t truly help people think function. 💡

💬 Drop a ❤️ if you agree empathy is EVERYTHING in care.

08/29/2025

“What is Brain Fog?”
📌 “Brain fog isn’t just being forgetful. It’s difficulty focusing, multitasking, or remembering simple things.

➡️ As an OT, I help people recognize these changes and use practical strategies to get back to cooking, working, and living life again.”

08/25/2025

✨ Why I Started Think Function: The ABCs of Cognitive Rehab

Working with clients after cancer and neuro diagnoses, I often see the same thing:
👉 “Brain fog” that nobody is addressing
👉 Patients second-guessing themselves
👉 Functional changes that made life harder, but often go unseen

I know that OTs have the skills to help. But I also know many of us don’t feel confident when it comes to mild cognitive changes.

That gap is why I started Think Function—to empower OTs with the tools, confidence, and resources to address cognition head-on.

Because when cognition improves, function follows.

08/05/2025

"I never realized how much brain fog was holding me back… until I started OT."

This is what one of my clients said after just a few weeks of cognitive rehab. She went from feeling scattered and stuck to cooking again, following conversations, and feeling like herself.

That’s what happens when we stop ignoring “invisible” changes and start addressing cognitive function head-on.

👉 OTs, if you want to feel more confident treating clients with mild cognitive changes after cancer or neuro diagnoses, join my upcoming free webinar:
📅 August 7 | 🕕 6:30 PM EST
🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-KiBeQPGQzqa6CJs3j4wFA

07/24/2025

🧠 Sleep is one of our most important occupations—and it's regulated by the brain.

While talking with a patient about sleep hygiene, she said, “My therapist told me the same thing.” I asked if she had started implementing it. She laughed and said, “No.”

That’s where OT comes in.

We don’t just educate—we help bridge the gap between knowing and doing. Together, we created a plan she felt ready to put into action.

✨ OT helps turn insight into progress.
✨ Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s recovery.

07/15/2025

✨ Let’s Recap Why I’m Here

A couple of weeks ago, I shared who I am and why I’m so passionate about this work:
👉 To educate on the value of occupational therapy in helping people reclaim meaningful daily activities
👉 To empower OTs to confidently provide cognitive rehabilitation that supports true function and engagement

Today, I want to spotlight our role in helping people reconnect with purpose.

Just recently, one of my patients came back glowing. She had followed through with her OT home program—and for the first time in a while, she went swimming with her daughter. 🏊‍♀️
Why? Because we had worked together on planning intentional activity for mood, energy, and connection.

Her words stuck with me:
"It was fun! I haven’t had fun like that in a long time."

That joy? That energy boost? That’s the power of function-focused care.
These are the moments I treasure as an OT—helping people rediscover what makes life meaningful.

🧠 OT is not just about safety and mobility—it’s about engagement, identity, and purpose.

💬 Have you witnessed or experienced a moment like this in practice or recovery? I’d love to hear how OT helped spark something real.

07/03/2025

🧠 OT After Brain Changes: More Than Just Memory Work

“Cognitive rehab isn’t a separate ‘specialty’—it’s what we do every time we help a client problem-solve, plan a task, or adjust to a new normal after brain changes from cancer or neuro diagnoses.

But too often, these changes go unnoticed or untreated because the person is physically independent.

Let’s change that. Occupational therapy shines when we help clients get back to what matters—whether that’s managing their meds, returning to work, or making dinner while helping with homework.

This is our lane. Let’s own it.”

🙌 Tag a colleague who needs to hear this or share a story of how you’ve supported cognitive recovery.

07/02/2025

🌀 You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup—Even as an OT
To provide the best care, we must reflect on our own well-being. Are we walking the path we ask our clients to follow?

This week, I’m exploring how the 4 pillars of health—Nutrition, Physical Activity, Stress Management, and Purpose—show up in our lives and in our therapy sessions.

Because healing isn’t one-dimensional. And neither are we.

💭 Which of these pillars do you feel most aligned with right now—and which one needs attention?

07/01/2025

📣 Who I Am & Why I’m Here
"Hi, I'm Karen—an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience, a fierce advocate for person-centered care, and someone who has seen firsthand how brain changes—whether from cancer treatments, stroke, TBI, or chronic illness—can impact how we live day to day.

I’ve walked this path professionally and personally—supporting loved ones through cancer, navigating my own autoimmune challenges, and managing life in an attention different household.

Now, I’m on a mission:
👉 To educate the public on the value of occupational therapy in helping people reclaim meaningful daily activities
👉 And to empower other OTs to confidently provide cognitive rehabilitation that truly supports function and engagement in life.

If you believe that recovery is about more than just walking again or looking “fine,” you’re in the right place. Let’s reimagine what's possible after brain changes."

✨ Follow along this week as I share how our role as OTs connects deeply with the 4 pillars of wellness—because we can’t offer healing without first understanding ourselves.

06/25/2025

💡 "OTs are so important... you see the whole person. I'm 80 and I’ve learned so much." 💡
This heartfelt compliment from a patient perfectly captures the essence of what we do as Occupational Therapists.

We don’t just focus on physical health—we take a holistic approach, addressing the whole person. We collaborate with patients to overcome barriers, provide support, and guide them toward their preferred outcomes.

The best part? I get to teach my patients how to be the best OT for themselves. When they take these tools and strategies into their lives, I know they’re empowered.
And the ultimate reward? Discharging patients because they’ve met their goals and are ready to continue thriving independently.

This is why OT matters. This is why I love what I do. 💙