April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, a time to celebrate the occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students who help improve the lives of their clients and families. Want to meet another outstanding OT at APD? We asked Cheryl Jones, COTA, a few questions.
Q. How did you become interested in occupational therapy?
A. After my Nana had a stroke, I saw how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy helped her do the activities she wanted to be able to continue to do. A hemi-walker to assist her with walking, adaptive equipment to assist with dressing, and an adapted crochet hook holder for her to continue to crochet were just a few items used during her rehabilitation treatment sessions.
I was fortunate to be able to attend her treatment sessions and carry over the things being worked on. Through this experience, I decided helping individuals being as independent as possible was a career area I wanted to explore and be a part of.
Q. How long have you worked at APD?
A. In May 2024, I will have worked at APD for 12 years as a certified occupational therapy assistant.
Q. What do you like about working with patients?
A. I enjoy working with the variety of patient diagnoses we encounter here at APD. Being able to assist each individual to be able to complete as much as possible of their daily routine, home management, and desired leisure activities is very important to me.