the OT is IN Podcast By Sarah Collins cover art

the OT is IN

the OT is IN

By: Sarah Collins
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The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.2024
Episodes
  • Modern Stress, Ancient Responses: Why Moms Need Rest and How to Get It

    Modern Stress, Ancient Responses: Why Moms Need Rest and How to Get It
    Jul 17 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I got the chance to sit down with Katie Cooper, a seasoned occupational therapist turned health coach, who shares her journey from burnout to wellness and how that fueled her passion for supporting other moms. Drawing from nearly two decades of OT experience and her own story of overcoming stress and overwhelm during the pandemic, Katie opens up about practical strategies for calming the nervous system—strategies that are especially useful for homeschool families and any parent juggling busy roles. From quick, restorative rituals to the science behind movement, breathing, and even the power of a 20-second hug, this conversation dives deep into why our modern lives leave us on constant high alert—and what to do about it. Whether you’re a homeschooler, a busy mom, or just looking for real-world tips to manage the pressures of daily life, this is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice. In this episode you'll hear about: Roles vs. IdentityHow changes in roles can impact one’s sense of selfThe importance of recognizing shifts in roles, especially for mothers and homeschool parentsModern Stress and Nervous System ActivationExplanation of why nervous systems are frequently activated in modern lifeChronic exposure to stressors and the body’s fight or flight responseThe impact of constant connectivity and information overloadComparison of past and present sources of stressThe Culture of BusynessSocietal expectations around busyness and parental pressure to provide experiencesHow removing traditional chores has led to filling time with structured activitiesThe challenge of saying “no” to opportunities for children and balancing self-careImportance of modeling healthy boundaries for childrenPractical Ways to Calm the Nervous SystemIntegrating quick, accessible calming techniques into daily lifeMovement as a tool for regulation (e.g., walking, stretching, dancing)Differentiating helpful movement from stressful exerciseIncorporating movement into family routinesBreathing exercises as a stress-management tool (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing)Implementation with children and familiesUse of props like bubbles or straws for younger kidsTools and Sensory Supports for RegulationIntroduction to calming strips and tactile supportsThe relevance and benefit for both kids and adults (including OTs themselves)The Impact of Digital ConnectivityIncreased difficulty in regulating due to the omnipresence of digital mediaBrief reflection on historical perspectives and ongoing challenges with chronic stressMore Calming StrategiesThe 20-second hug and its physiological effects (lowering stress hormones, heart rate)Using laughter as a tool to reduce stress and relax the bodyBuilding family rituals for regulation and connectionUnderstanding the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous SystemsExplanation of terms: fight or flight (sympathetic) vs. rest and digest (parasympathetic)How to recognize when the parasympathetic system is activated (e.g., yawning, sighing)Tips for increasing bodily awareness and noticing stress patternsKatie’s Coaching Work and ApproachOverview of Katie’s current work as a health coach for moms and parentsStructure of her coaching engagement (3–6 months, regular meetings, goal-setting)Emphasis on support, accountability, and gradual life changes Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Homeschool Daily Set Up: Parental Planning Guide Calming Strip StickersUnderstanding Sensory Self CareKatie Cooper WellnessConnect With Katie Cooper On InstagramKatie Cooper Wellness 10 Quick Ways To Calm Your Nervous System Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for ParentsEpisode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional RestConnect With Sarah On Instagram Connect With Our Guest, Katie Cooper Katie Cooper is a board-certified health coach with over 16 years of experience in the health care industry as an Occupational Therapist. After overcoming burnout, Katie started Katie Cooper Wellness to help fellow moms banish burnout and regain energy and passion for life. Katie is a mom of two and avid skier, quilter and baker. She is on a mission to help her clients overcome stress and find sustainable balance in their careers and lives.
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    31 mins
  • Family, Finances, and Flexibility: OT Amirra Condelee on Real-Life Career Transitions

    Family, Finances, and Flexibility: OT Amirra Condelee on Real-Life Career Transitions
    Jul 10 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Amirra Condelee—an occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and finance advocate who’s passionate about empowering families to make intentional choices around work, family, and money. Amirra shares her fascinating journey from pursuing pediatric medicine to finding her calling in occupational therapy, and she opens up about the pivotal moment she decided to transition from full-time OT work to being at home with her young children. The conversation dives deep into the practical and emotional aspects of making that decision, including how Amirra and her husband navigated the big financial questions, worked as a team to pay down an extraordinary amount of student debt, and planned for future family goals. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a therapist considering your next step, or just someone looking for actionable financial advice, this episode is packed with real talk, helpful strategies, and a lot of encouragement. In this episode you'll hear about: Amirra’s Occupational Therapy (OT) JourneyEarly aspirations: from wanting to be a pediatrician to discovering OT.Influence of attending a science/medical camp and exposure to neonatology/NICU.Transition after finding chemistry challenging; discovering OT through nannying for a hand therapist.Commitment to OT: switching majors and shadowing experiences, particularly in NICU settings. Shift from NICU aspirations to early intervention (EI) due to job opportunities.Experience practicing full-time in EI, then the personal choice to pause her career after pregnancy.Transition to being a full-time stay-at-home mom, podcast host, and content creator while retaining her OT influence.Decision-Making Process: Transitioning to Stay-at-Home MomThe decision-making involved in transitioning from full-time work.Emotional and logistical (especially financial) factors in the decision.The importance of open communication with her husband regarding finances.Financial Strategies and AdjustmentsBudgeting and Financial CompromisesTeaching Financial Responsibility to ChildrenPaying Off Significant Debt: The MilestoneEvaluating Higher Education and Debt ROI for ChildrenRecommended Resources for Financial LiteracyPractical Tips for Financial Organization and Communication Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Personal Finance ClubSave My Cents Wealth Is A MindsetEpisode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for ParentsEpisode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional RestHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuideConnect With Amirra on InstagramAmirra's Facebook GroupCheck Out Amirra's Podcast HereFree Guide: Personal Finance Crash CourseConnect With Sarah On Instagram Connect With Our Guest, Amirra Condelee Dr. Amirra Condelee, OTD, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist based in Phoenix, AZ, with a specialization in Early Intervention for infants and young children with sensory processing challenges, premature births, and substance exposure. A graduate of MGH Institute of Health Professions, she conducted doctoral research at Seattle Children’s Hospital on OT’s role in the NICU and Pediatric Intensive Feeding Program. In 2021, she was named Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Arizona OT Association for her leadership in clinical practice, advocacy, and public awareness. Amirra is currently on a career pause to stay home with her young children and is passionate about supporting fellow OTs navigating motherhood, money, and career pivots. She is the host of The Money Matters in OT Podcast and co-host of The Real OTs of Early Intervention podcast. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family.
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    29 mins
  • Setting Up a Homeschool Day: Rhythm, Flexibility, and Presuming Competence

    Setting Up a Homeschool Day: Rhythm, Flexibility, and Presuming Competence
    Jul 3 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! We'll explore everything from setting the right mindset for both parents and kids, to adopting a belief in every child’s competence—no matter their age or learning style. You’ll learn how to foster a growth mindset, build routines that balance predictability with flexibility, and adapt activities for learners at all different stages. I'll also share my own daily rhythm, helpful tips for including toddlers and preschoolers, and strategies for sparking curiosity and connection in daily learning. If you’re looking for ways to create a more peaceful, productive, and connected homeschool environment—this conversation is for you. Get ready for actionable ideas, thoughtful reflections, and encouragement as you chart your own unique path in homeschooling. In this episode you'll hear about: Importance of mindset in homeschoolingCommon worries (e.g., “Am I doing enough?”, distributing attention among kids)Reassurance: homeschooling parents are not defined by perfect executionEssential values: curiosity, compassion, and connectionGrowth Mindset TheoryIntroduction to Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on Growth Mindset vs. Fixed MindsetPhrases to encourage growth mindset (e.g., “You might not understand it yet…”)Encouraging parents to shift self-talk toward growthModeling growth mindset for childrenHomeschool-specific context: lack of classroom comparison—importance of modeling struggle and correctionPresuming Competence in LearnersDefinition and importance of presuming competenceReference to “Presuming Competence” article by Douglas Biklen & Jamie BurkePotential harms of presuming incompetence (lowered expectations, limited opportunities)Examples of how to presume competence in a homeschool settingEstablishing Routine and RhythmDifference between strict schedules and flexible rhythmsValue of predictability to allow for flexibility (“predictability allows for flexibility”)Anecdotes about morning routines and handling unpredictabilitySample daily rhythm in Sarah’s homeschoolIncorporating Movement and ChoresChores as structured movement and sensory input for kidsPersonalization of chores to children’s sensory and developmental needsImportance of movement right after morning timeTransitioning Between SubjectsConnecting the Day to Family NeedsAdapting for Mixed Ages and AbilitiesManaging Homeschool with Babies and ToddlersEncouraging Curiosity in Older KidsThe COWLICKS Mnemonic for Field TripsBuilding Connection and Independence Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Carol Dwerk On Mindset- BookPresuming Competence Inclusive Schooling On Presuming Competence What To Do When Your Child Says "I Can't" WorkshopHomeschool Daily Setup: Parent Planning GuideEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling PerspectiveEpisode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and PlanningEpisode 25: Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development Episode 42: Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday EditionExecutive Functioning SkillsIs My Child Ready To Handle Current Events?Executive Functioning And Field TripsConnect With Sarah On Instagram
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    34 mins
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