Sarah Lyon, OTR/L: OT in Continuing Education
In this episode, we will learn from Sarah Lyon, OTR/L (she/her). Sarah received her BA from St. Olaf College, then moved to the Big Apple and earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University. Since then, she’s worked in numerous facilities, including a critical access hospital, an acute trauma hospital, and a state inpatient psychiatric hospital. In 2011, Sarah launched OT Potential because she realized we needed a reliable source of quality occupational therapy-related content and resources. OT Potential connects occupational therapy professionals with the tools and resources to create evidence-based change. In addition to offering AOTA-approved continuing education courses, OT Potential provides various free content — including the OT Potential Podcast and OT Near Me Directory. The OT Potential Club is a hub to learn and exchange best practices with a community of evidence-focused OT professionals. Sarah releases a new journal article review or CEU podcast course every week, providing a space to discuss the content. Members can also access journal article reviews, documentation examples, assessment searches, a capstone catalog, and, most recently, clinical decision support. Sarah loves spreading the word about our wonderful profession and is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with others who share her passion.
Q & A with Sarah:
Please tell us a little about yourself and a few favorite occupations.
My favorite occupations are working, gardening, walking, bike-riding, and eating family meals!
What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?
I've been a fan of Patricia for years!
Please describe the UncommonOT work you do, and the setting in which you work, the population you serve, and the needs you address.
I run OT Potential, which provides AOTA-Approved continuing education!
What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?
It was a long winding road, that began with a blog! What has remained consistent is I love creating content for OTs to help the provide the best care possible.
How did you get there? Can you describe your path?
I started a blog right when I graduated. 5 years later, I was making enough money from it to replace my clinical income, and I became 100% focused on the OT Potential Club.
Please describe a typical day or OT session at your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?
I work a traditional 9-5, and have an elaborate project management system to keep all of my tasks in line.
Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?
My highs are always connecting with fellow OTs and hearing stories of how what they've learned through OT Potential has helped their clients.
How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?
I think I learn the most through getting on the phone with people (I do this a lot!)
Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting? How do OT or the services you provide get funded?
I am supported by memberships to the OT Potential Club.
Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?
Just start!
What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?
That non-clinical work is easier than clinical work. (They just come with different challenges.)
How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you, and promote your unique work?
Website: https://otpotential.com/
https://otpotential.com/occupational-therapy-directory/sarah-lyon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lyon-otr-l-511b95b2/?trk=public_post_feed-actor-image
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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