🌟 From Engineer to Empoweree: Angela’s Journey in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

On the latest episode of Therapy Unmasked, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Angela I., the Clinic Director of the Ogden location of Ability Innovations. Angela’s journey into pediatric occupational therapy is anything but conventional—but it's a story of purpose, passion, and playful progress that’s truly inspiring.

👩‍🔧 From Engineering to Empoweree

Angela didn’t start her career in healthcare. In fact, she spent the early part of her professional life as an engineer. Though she appreciated the problem-solving and structure, something was missing—connection. She longed for a more direct way to impact people’s lives.

That moment of clarity came while watching a video about 3D-printed prosthetics for children, powered by components her company manufactured. While others celebrated the tech, Angela realized: “I don’t want to just support this work—I want to be the one doing it.” That insight propelled her toward occupational therapy, where she could blend technical problem-solving with compassionate care.

🧸 The Magic of Pediatric OT

Angela fell in love with pediatric occupational therapy because it blends fun and function. Working with children allows her to tap into creativity, empathy, and play—all while helping kids build vital life skills. She emphasizes that progress often looks like play, but behind each playful task are targeted goals like fine motor development, sensory regulation, executive functioning, and emotional growth.

🏥 Leading With Heart

As the Clinic Director in Ogden, Angela wears many hats—from ordering supplies and managing team dynamics to supporting therapists and translating top-down decisions into real change. But her favorite part? She still sees kids regularly.

Balancing leadership with clinical work isn't always easy, but Angela thrives in it. Her secret? Leading by example. Whether she’s restocking materials or joining therapy sessions, she makes sure her team sees her as a partner—not just a manager.

🧠 OT in Action: What It Really Looks Like

Angela gave listeners a behind-the-scenes peek into what a typical occupational therapy evaluation involves. From initial parent interviews to watching how a child plays in the therapy gym, she pieces together the puzzle of each child’s needs.

Her sessions are built on observation, intuition, and creativity. One activity might evaluate everything from motor planning to emotional regulation—because in OT, a simple game can reveal a lot. And yes, she loves slime.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why Parent Involvement Matters

Angela is a huge advocate for parent participation in therapy sessions. “I’m with a child for 45 minutes a week—real progress happens at home,” she explains. That’s why she invites parents to watch, engage, and ask questions, offering real-time insight they can take into daily life.

💬 Thinking About OT? Just Ask

Angela’s message to parents considering occupational therapy is simple: It never hurts to ask. Whether you're concerned about developmental delays, emotional regulation, or just curious, Ability Innovations offers strength-based, compassionate evaluations that focus on empowering both kids and their families.

🎧 Want to Hear More?

This episode of Therapy Unmasked is full of heart, humor, and practical insights for parents, aspiring therapists, and healthcare professionals alike. Whether you’re new to the world of OT or already a fan, Angela’s story is one you won’t want to miss.