My OT Journey

During my senior year of high school, I was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in multiple fractures and necessitated surgery. I was admitted to the ICU, where I encountered occupational therapists and physical therapists for the first time. Initially, my experience with them was less than ideal.  They required me to sit up in bed despite my pain levels and I was not a fan! :)

After about a week, I was transferred to an outpatient rehabilitation facility, where my perspective changed significantly. It was here that I truly understood the role of an occupational therapist and, more importantly, the profound impact they had on my recovery. The occupational therapist was the first professional who genuinely listened to me, asking questions about my life before the accident and my aspirations for the future. In a world filled with unfamiliar sounds, smells, and a lack of control over basic aspects of daily life, this therapist helped restore my sense of humanity.

While the physical therapist played a crucial role in helping me regain strength and learn to walk again, it was the occupational therapist who inspired me to persevere through the challenging times. She encouraged me to confront difficult topics, such as toileting and hygiene care post-surgery, which could have otherwise overwhelmed me. Her support and empathy were instrumental in shifting my outlook and igniting my passion for the field. Her influence guided me to discover my true calling: to become an occupational therapist myself.

Armed with a clear vision for my future, I started at Glendale Community College for my first year and successfully transferred to my desired university, Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils!).

At ASU, I dedicated myself to my studies and secured an internship during my senior year, which provided invaluable hands-on experience. Additionally, I participated in research focused on examining differences in weight gain and endurance levels in rats. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2011.

While applying to occupational therapy programs in Arizona, I gained valuable experience working as a respite and habilitation provider, as well as a paraprofessional (aid) in schools.  Although my confidence waivered every year I was denied, I gained so much knowledge and real-world experience that truly assisted in my journey. After 3 years of experience in the field, I finally was accepted at A.T. Still University in 2015.

A.T. Still had its ups and downs, but overall I got the foundation I needed. I enjoyed digging deeper into the mechanics of the body and brain, and how the lens of occupational therapy guides the practice. Our holistic view of the person really allows us to assist with all ages of the lifespan and in all environments. Our focus is helping individuals life their life to the fullest.

The most memorable experience was the opportunity to complete a Level 1 Fieldwork in Ecuador!! I worked along side a dedicated OT that provides free occupational therapy services to the individuals that live in Ibarra. https://crecerecuador.wixsite.com/crecer/level-i-fieldwork

I graduated in 2018 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.

Upon graduation, I successfully passed the NBCOT exam, which certifies occupational therapists at the national level. Shortly thereafter, I joined STARS, a company that collaborates with school districts throughout the Valley. My experience with STARS was highly rewarding; it is a family-owned business dedicated to providing exceptional support to its therapists and educators.

During my five-year tenure as a school-based therapist, I had the opportunity to work across three different school districts. This experience was incredibly enriching, allowing me to gain extensive knowledge in assistive technology, accommodations, and effective strategies for collaborating with and educating teachers and parents.

Despite my enthusiasm for the role, the intensity of the workload became overwhelming, with a caseload that sometimes reached 80 students. The extensive paperwork often took a toll on my family life and mental health. Encouraged by a former classmate, I decided to transition to home health care and embark on starting my own business.

As I continue to evolve as a practitioner, I am incorporating complementary and integrative health practices into my approach. I have found that these holistic modalities—such as mindfulness, breathwork, aromatherapy, gentle movement—can be powerful tools to support my clients' progress and create a more balanced, personalized treatment plan. I’m excited to explore how blending traditional and complementary therapies can enhance outcomes, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of wellness.

I am committed to creating a supportive, open-minded environment where clients feel empowered to take an active role in their healing journey. My goal is to integrate mind-body techniques that complement the work we do together in therapy, helping clients to thrive.

Starting my own business in 2023 was thrilling and a bit scary. I went from working more than 40 hours a week with a consistent salary pay, to nothing. No work and no money coming in. With that said, I was finally able to take my son to school, read books I'd been meaning to read, and didn't have relentless stress on my shoulders. I realized this was the first time since high school that I didn't have work or school. I felt like I could finally breath. That was truly amazing and healing in itself, however I looked forward to beginning this new chapter with helping families in their most natural environment. 

I began my business, Enlightened OT, LLC and started contracting with the home health agency, Arizona Autism. It took a while to build my caseload to what it is today. However, I have realized that not everything has to be fast. It is okay to take time and care. Luckily and gratefully, I am currently accepting new clients around the Valley!! At the top, Click Here to see which Zip codes I service!

Hope to be working with you soon!! 

<3 Kailee