Nikki Latimer, OTD: OT & Yoga for Parkinson’s Disease
In this episode, we will learn from Nikki Latimer, OTD. Nikki is a recent graduate of Boston University and is currently studying for the NBCOT exam. Nikki is a registered yoga teacher from Orange County, California. Nikki is an Iowa State University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health with a minor in Psychology. At ISU, she was the President of the College of Human Sciences Council, President of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, involved in the Neurophysiology Lab for undergraduate research, involved in the Sleep, Self & Personality Research Lab for undergraduate research, and taught yoga for Recreation Services. She then pursued my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree at Boston University. Along with the OT curriculum, she continued teaching yoga through BU FitRec, volunteered for Parkinson's outreach, and gained a wide range of clinical experience. All of these experiences she has pursued have taught her a tremendous amount of leadership skills, strong work ethic, decision-making, and communication skills.
Q & A with Nikki:
Please tell us a little about yourself and some of your favorite occupations.
I’m originally from Southern California, and I’ve recently graduated with my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Before that, I earned my degree in Kinesiology and Health from Iowa State University. One of my favorite things about occupational therapy is how it allows me to combine my passions for movement and wellness with community care. Some of my favorite occupations include practicing and teaching yoga, as well as staying active through outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, surfing, and scuba diving. Am also a big baseball fan! I also love being a change agent in my community, whether that’s through volunteering or other service opportunities. These experiences fuel my passion for empowering others to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?
I was excited to contribute to this podcast series because it offers a unique platform to share stories that not only inspire but also expand our understanding of what occupational therapy can do. As occupational therapists, it's so important that we serve as advocates and agents of change within our communities. We have the opportunity to promote inclusion, health, and independence for the people we work with, and I believe conversations like these are key to spreading awareness about our role in shaping healthier, more connected communities.
Please describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve and the needs that you address.
In terms of the work I do, I recently completed both of my Level II rotations: one in inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and the other in outpatient pediatric sensory integration. These experiences gave me valuable insight into serving diverse populations and addressing a wide range of needs, from mobility and independence in spinal cord injury recovery to sensory processing challenges in children. Additionally, I completed my doctoral capstone project on "Building a Bridge Between Yoga and Parkinson’s: A Guide for Patients, Caregivers, Yoga Instructors, and Healthcare Professionals." This project really brought together my love for yoga and my passion for working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease, helping me create resources that empower both patients and their support networks. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the fusion of yoga and occupational therapy can help improve movement, balance, safety, awareness/mindfulness, and overall well-being.
What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?
My journey into this type of OT work has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences. I was deeply inspired by my Uncle Jack and Aunt Kerry, who taught me the importance of resilience and adapting to challenges. Their influence fueled my passion for helping others live fulfilling lives, which led me to pursue occupational therapy. During my time at Iowa State, I volunteered for four years in outreach programs specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. We offered activities like singing, dancing, boxing, and yoga, all aimed at improving mobility and quality of life. It was during this time that I also started a support group for caregivers of people with Parkinson’s. Supporting not just the patients, but their caregivers, opened my eyes to the wider impact of Parkinson’s on families and the importance of community care. I was also fortunate to contribute to research during that time, publishing an article titled "The Effects of Auditory Cues and Weighted Pens on Handwriting in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease" in the Journal of Hand Therapy. Seeing how research can drive practical solutions for real-world challenges solidified my passion for working with populations like those with Parkinson’s. These experiences shaped my desire to bridge the gap between therapeutic movement and meaningful occupation.
How did you get there? Can you describe your path?
My path to becoming an occupational therapist started early, as I was drawn to working with older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. In high school and college, I spent a lot of time volunteering in community programs, working with people who had experienced stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease. These experiences showed me how fulfilling occupational therapy could be, especially when it came to helping people reconnect with the activities and passions that bring them joy. What truly stood out to me was seeing the impact of reintroducing or even reimagining people’s passions as part of their rehabilitation. I realized that OT isn't just about recovery—it's about empowering people to reclaim what’s meaningful to them. That’s what inspired me to pursue occupational therapy as a career, where I could help people rediscover their purpose. This passion led to the creation of my doctoral capstone project, "Building a Bridge Between Yoga and Parkinson’s." Over 16 weeks of full-time work, I developed a Parkinson’s yoga manual, including specific yoga classes for patients, caregivers, yoga instructors, and healthcare professionals. I collaborated with a review board of Parkinson’s and yoga experts to refine and approve the final copy. This project was a labor of love, combining my dedication to OT and my passion for movement, ultimately helping to bridge the gap between traditional therapy and holistic wellness.
Please describe a typical day or OT session in your uncommon setting. What OT skills do you utilize?
Skills emphasized in the manual: Environmental awareness and safety Cognitive strategies (mindfulness, positive affirmations, visualization) Body awareness and proprioception Breathwork and regulation Dual-tasking to challenge cognitive flexibility Emotional and mental resilience
Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?
One of the recent highs in my current role was the experience of teaching in-person Parkinson’s community classes while developing my yoga manual. It was incredibly fulfilling to see firsthand how the practices I was creating could make a real impact on participants’ lives. Their feedback and engagement truly brought the project to life and reinforced the importance of blending occupational therapy with mindful movement. On the other hand, one of the challenges I faced was the steep learning curve with Adobe platforms and graphic design while putting together the manual. I had to teach myself a lot about these tools, and it was definitely a difficulty and tedious process. Despite that, it was rewarding to see the finished product come together, knowing how much effort went into every aspect of the project.
How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?
To stay on top of things in my role, I prioritize continuous learning, which has been especially important during my capstone project. This includes a lot of reading—textbooks, published journals, community blogs, and forums—as well as various educational resources and manuals related to occupational therapy, yoga, and Parkinson’s disease. Engaging with this literature helps me stay informed about the latest research, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends in the field. Additionally, I seek out opportunities for professional development through workshops, webinars, and networking with other professionals, which enriches my understanding and allows me to integrate new knowledge into my practice. As I begin to study for the NBCOT examination, I plan to continue this approach to ensure I’m well-prepared and informed for my future career in occupational therapy.
Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting? How do OT or the services you provide get funded?
While I did not receive compensation for my doctoral capstone project, I did see a significant demand in the community for yoga instructors to teach Parkinson's-specific classes and accessible classes for older adults. This need highlights the growing recognition of the benefits of integrative approaches like yoga in supporting the health and well-being of individuals with chronic conditions. It reinforces the idea that there’s a valuable role for trained instructors in bridging the gap between traditional therapy and holistic wellness in community settings.
Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?
One valuable piece of advice for families, support teams, healthcare professionals, and yoga instructors is to actively practice yoga and mindfulness techniques with older adults in their care. Engaging in these practices together not only fosters mutual benefit and connection but also highlights how valuable occupations can enhance a person’s quality of life. It doesn’t need to be extravagant; simply taking five minutes to breathe, stretch, or work on balance with a loved one can make a significant difference. By participating in these activities, everyone can learn how movement and mindfulness can play a crucial role in promoting well-being, resilience, and joy in everyday life.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?
A common myth about occupational therapy is that the strategies and techniques for promoting well-being or engagement in meaningful occupations can only be taught by OTs. In reality, yoga instructors, caregivers, and other members of the care team possess the knowledge, experience, and skills to implement effective programs for older adults. These professionals can play a crucial role in integrating mindfulness, movement, and engagement into their loved ones’ lives, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. It is incredibly important to me to get this manual into as many Parkinson’s communities as possible, so they can reap the benefits of these practices and improve their overall well-being. By recognizing the contributions of all team members, we can create a more inclusive approach to care that empowers older adults and supports their unique needs.
How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you and promote your unique work?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-latimer/
PD Yoga Classes:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjxstc32SQlFBi0hxv_iIP5NshBLXyKAM&si=WyneY-Dyha5d9a5p
Yoga Manual:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qoDCfa4XH0YfdU3ipMUJsD8GxNr0lINB/view?usp=sharing
As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot
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