PODCAST · health
Once Upon OT
by Jordan Agabin
Curious about occupational therapy? My name is Jordan and I am a new grad occupational therapist (OT) excited to share my occupational therapy journey. Whether you are pre-OT, applying to OT school, a current OT student, or a new grad OT like myself ...this is for you! Welcome to the Once Upon OT Podcast, where we talk about becoming the best OT we can be through interviews, reflections, and stories. After all, we can’t spell story, without OT
Episodes
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Josh Digao OTR/L : Occupational Therapy School in the Philippines & Life as a SNF OT
In this episode, I am joined by Josh - an occupational therapist currently working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting. He shares in further depth his educational journey through OT school in the Philippines. He highlights the sweet wins but also the low points and personal struggles…
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Mary Nicole Aldaba (CF-SLP) : the journey to becoming a Speech Language Pathologist
In this episode, I am joined by Mary who shares her journey to becoming a speech language pathologist “SLP”. She walks through her early discovery of the profession, the graduate school experience, and current experience starting out as a new grad SLP ** If you are curious about the perspective…
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Catie Doris OTR/L: passing the NBCOT + Home Health OT as a New Grad
In this episode, I am joined by Catie who shares her occupational therapy journey from the early discovery of OT, to passing the NBCOT after multiple attempts and starting out as a new graduate occupational therapist in the home health setting TIMESTAMPS: (2:46) Occupational Therapy School...
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Alyssa Dharmawan : journey as an OTD student | @thebloomingtherapist
In this episode, I am joined by Alyssa a current OTD student finishing up her doctoral capstone at USC Alyssa reflects on her occupational therapy journey thus far & what's next for her moving forward! TIMESTAMPS: (1:00) Alyssa, what is your occupational therapy story? (4:15) Occupational therapy...
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Bea Fontano (BSN, RN) : Life as a Travel Nurse in the Emergency Room
In this episode, I am joined by Bea Fontano BSN, RN - a traveling emergency room (ER) nurse who shares her nursing journey Bea reflects back on the memorable days of nursing school (Seton Hall University where we briefly crossed paths) and also on the early days as a new graduate nurse entering &...
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Sarah Putt OTR/L : perspectives on fieldwork education, private practice & OT entrepreneurship
In this episode, I am joined by Sarah - an occupational therapist with her own private practice in early intervention. She answers my curious questions about her occupational therapy journey and discusses the array of experiences she has garnered over the years. ** whether you are an occupational...
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Joshua Victor OTR/L: on test-taking strategies + travel occupational therapy
In this episode, I am joined by Joshua - a current travel occupational therapist who shares his occupational therapy journey. He shares his career pivot from working in medical imaging to finding purpose and passion for OT Additionally, Victor and I met during AOTA conference in 2026 when I...
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Emily Blackwell OTR/L : fieldwork in Ecuador and travel pediatric occupational therapy
In this episode, I am joined by Emily Blackwell - who shares her occupational therapy journey : from the early discovery of occupational therapy to her exciting travels during fieldwork 2 and her present day adventures as a travel pediatric OT in Hawaii **if you are curious about what it's like…
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Justin Santiago OTR/L : diving deep into fieldwork 2 + life as a new grad occupational therapist
In this episode, I am joined by Justin - who shares his occupational therapy journey from past to present day. He shares his occupational therapy school experience as well as a deep dive into his fieldwork 2 clinical experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way - leading to his…
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Stephanie Cecilia OTR/L : School-based OT Life + taking time off to solo travel
In this episode, I am joined by Stephanie who is currently practicing school-based OT. In this episode, she shares her occupational therapy journey, lessons learned along the way & future plans as an occupational therapist follow on insta ~ https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.ceciliab/...
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Justine Vidro COTA/L : Choosing to be a COTA | instead of an occupational therapist
In this episode, I am joined by Justine - a certified occupational therapy assistant . We dive deep into Justine's clinical rotations, balancing full-time & per diem jobs, memorable stories as a COTA and much much more! ~insta~ https://www.instagram.com/just_tee_cota/...
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Daniella Mazzo OTR/L : In-home Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services | Tiny Hands & Bright Minds
In this episode, I am joined by Daniella - who shares her occupational therapy journey from the early days of OT discovery, occupational therapy school, entering the field as a new grad OT and lessons learned along the way. Daniella is currently a pediatric occupational therapist and is certified...
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Jill OTR/L (@jillswholesome.life) — occupational therapy & creative intervention ideas
In this episode, we get a brief dive into Jill's occupational therapy journey and memorable moments along the way! She is also known as @jillwholesome.life on insta! Check out her content for both simple & creative ideas for OT interventions when working with the adults...
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Kristen Sellars OTR/L (@ot.insider) — Life as a SNF occupational therapist
I am joined by Kristen - also known as “@ot.insider” on insta - who is an occupational therapist currently working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) In this episode, we dive deeper into Kristen’s occupational therapy story - from early interest in OT, to navigating OT school, & starting out as…
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Brenna Wassil OTR/L : School-Based Occupational Therapy as a New Grad OT
In this episode, I am joined by Brenna who I have known since our days as rehab aides at a local outpatient PT/OT clinic It was refreshing to reconnect with Brenna at present day now that we are both practicing occupational therapists. In this episode, we learn about her occupational therapy...
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Kawtar Latrech OTD : on fieldwork 2 lessons | inpatient rehab & outpatient neuro
In this episode, I am joined by Kawtar (aka Kat) who recently completed their OTD program — reflecting on meaningful learning experiences in the inpatient rehab and outpatient neuro settings ***Whether you are a prospective OT student, a current OT student or recent new grad occupational…
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Leahmay Castillo : from COTA to OTD | Specializing in Lymphedema
In this episode, episode I am joined by Leahmay Castillo — a COTA deciding to pursue her OTD and currently working in a lymphedema clinic! She shares her occupational journey from the early days leading up to her current role. Whether you are a student/practitioner curious about the transition…
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TOP ADVICE 2025 EDITION : for fieldwork 2 students and new grad occupational therapists
In this episode to kick off the new year , I compile snippets & highlights from my podcast conversations in 2025 from occupational therapists and the interprofessional team. These insights primarily focus on students and new grad practitioners facing a challenging or difficult time with…
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Alvin Pineda OTR/L : Pediatric Occupational Therapy and the Importance of Thinking “Outside the Box”
In this fun episode, I am joined by Alvin - also known as "OT.outside.the.box" on insta! He shares his 10+ year journey so far as an occupational therapist - reflecting on the occupational therapy school days, advice for new grad practitioners, numerous workplace settings explored and MOST...
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Calvin Orallo : Athletic Trainer in Performing Arts & a High School Setting
In this episode, I am joined by one of my good friends Calvin -a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) - and he shares his journey to becoming an Athletic Trainer He shares numerous nuggets of wisdom pertaining to the job search as a new grad, the importance of trust when working with clients, and…
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Danielle Cicala-Guillen OTR/L: Senior Living Community and House Calls with FOX Rehabilitation
In this episode, I am joined by Danielle who shares her occupational therapy journey from the early discovery of OT — leading to her current work with Fox Rehab. In this honest conversation, she shares her personal reflections and perspectives along the way; as well as the challenges of working…
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Zack Box OTR/L: Working in a Specialized School Setting as an Occupational Therapist
In this episode, I am joined by Zack Box - an occupational therapist currently working in a specialized school setting. He shares his journey from the early days of discovering occupational therapy, his occupational therapy school experience (including fieldwork 2s) and lessons learned along the...
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Isabella Quattrucci OTR/L : Inpatient Mental Health Setting + the “ups and downs” as a New Grad Occupational Therapist
In this episode, I am joined by Isabella Quattrucci - who shares her honest experiences during her occupational therapy journey - from Fieldwork 2 placements in Lymphedema/Outpatient Ortho & Inpatient Mental Health to navigating new grad jobs in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and an Assisted...
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Anjelika Bautista OTR/L — Acute Care as a New Grad OT
In this episode, I am joined by Anjelika Bautista — a new grad occupational therapist currently working in the Acute Care setting ***If you are curious about life as an acute care occupational therapist, then this episode is for you! Follow along on insta :)...
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Transitioning from Nursing to Aesthetic Medicine — Nikki Dimapilis (BSN, RN)
In this episode, I have a conversation with Nikki, who shares her nursing journey and how it led her to pursuing aesthetic medicine in the present day ***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!...
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Answering Home Health Questions from a New Grad OT (feat. Jordan Agabin OTR/L)
In this special Q&A episode, I meet with a new graduate occupational therapist who asks me all the curious questions she has regarding home health OT, transitioning into the workforce as a new grad, and overall advice entering into the field of occupational therapy. This was definitely an…
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From Nursing to Transformational Life Coaching : Angeline Mendoza (BSN, RN, NC-BC)
In this episode, I have a conversation with Angeline Mendoza who shares her nursing story and how she followed her passion and intuition which led her to transformational life coaching! ***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode...
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Kristina Camille Manapat OTR/L: Bringing Creativity Into Hand Therapy as a New Grad
In this episode, I am joined by Kristina Camille Manapat - a new grad occupational therapist practicing full-time in the hand therapy setting & per diem in a hospital setting She shares her journey through the phases of becoming an OT from early experience as a hand therapy aide > fieldwork 2s >...
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Audrey Kao - on navigating careers, burnout & pivoting | From Social Worker to Therapist + Youtube
In this episode, I have a conversation with Audrey Kao — a registered social worker (RSW) and practicing therapist based in Toronto, Canada. She also creates content on Youtube where she shares & discusses tools for improving our work lives, relationships, and overall mental health. ***If you are…
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Gabriella Timuscuk OTR/L : Working as an OT in Alaska
In this episode, I welcome Gabriella Timuscuk who is currently practicing as an occupational therapist in Alaska! Earlier this year, we were able to formally meet and bond during our UNE (University of New England) Alumni gathering during AOTA Conference - which allowed me the opportunity to...
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Erica Aborlleile OTR/L — Life as a Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapist
In this episode, we hear from Erica Aborlleile - a pelvic floor OT who shares her OT journey and how she found her way into the field and WHY she decided to further pursue specializing in pelvic floor therapy. Timestamps: (4:45) What was your experience like in occupational therapy school? (8:00)...
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Anderson Chumpitaz OTR/L: The journey of a “BRO-T” | working in a SNF setting
Timestamps (0:00) WHY OT? (5:41) What was OT school like for you? (11:14) Memorable moments as an occupational therapy student? (13:20) Fieldwork 1 & 2 experiences - what settings were you in? (17:39) If a current OT student is listening right now and having a difficult time during their…
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Mandy Chamberlain OTR/L: Why Activity Analysis is KEY | resources for OT practitioners
In this episode, I am joined by Mandy who is an occupational therapist with many years of experience in a variety of settings working with older adults. She shares her journey from the days in occupational therapy school to starting out in home health OT as a new grad. She also elaborates on "OT...
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Erle Alberto Jr. OTR/L — Learning about OT from my Dad | Navigating Personal & Professional Life
In this honest conversation, Erle shares his occupational therapy journey highlighting how he first learned about OT from his dad. He discusses the personal & professional challenges along the way, and how he navigates difficult situations in the workplace. If you are a current occupational…
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Alina Lieu OTR/L : New Grad Perspective as an Occupational Therapist
In this episode, I welcome Alina Lieu who shares in-depth about her occupational therapy journey through the years, lessons learned and memorable experiences along the way. For any occupational therapy students or new grad OTs, this episode is for you! Timestamps: (4:56) Why Occupational Therapy?...
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Amber Edwards OTR/L: Traditional Occupational Therapy & Pivoting to Fitness
In this episode, Amber shares her story from the early days of discovering occupational therapy and her present day work as an occupational therapist working in fitness - plus everything in between - from fieldwork 2 > to SNF > home health OT > travel occupational therapy > and navigating the…
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Rhiannon Crispe: The OT Lifestyle Movement
We are kicking off Occupational Therapy Month with a special guest! In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to meet and chat with Rhiannon Crispe — the founder of the OT Lifestyle Movement. Rhiannon reflects on her early days on her discovery of occupational therapy, her experience as a...
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Christine Martirez PT, DPT — Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Curious about pelvic floor therapy and what it's all about? In this episode, I am joined by Christine also known as "Dr.Steez" on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsteez.dpt/ She is a physical therapist who recently followed her interests and decided to pivot into pelvic floor therapy. In…
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Yeda Dayao OTR/L : Hand Therapy & SNF | lessons learned along the way
In this episode, Yeda shares her honest and real experiences during her journey from occupational therapy school to entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist. Yeda provides thoughtful perspectives, valuable insights, and meaningful stories for OT students and new grads to consider...
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Abby & Chris: Traveling Occupational Therapists | Travel OT 101
In this episode, I chat with Abby and Chris, two occupational therapists traveling together and living the dream! Super excited to share this episode where I get to ask all my curious questions about travel occupational therapy and how it works and what the experience might be like. If you're...
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Megan Shockey COTA/L : the journey from OTA to OT School
In this episode, I meet Megan who is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Additionally, Megan shares her stories and experiences from OTA school, clinical & work experiences, and the ultimate decision to become an...
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What I like about Home Health OT in NYC
In this episode, I briefly talk about my home health experience as an occupational therapist working per diem in NYC. It's been quite the journey this past year...super excited for what's to come in 2025 in terms of occupational therapy. Where are you in the OT journey? What's your story? IG:...
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Fieldwork 2 in Occupational Therapy School | TOP ADVICE 2024 EDITION
In this final episode of 2024, I compile the advice from interviews this past year — provided by occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students. If you are currently an OT student starting one of your fieldwork 2 placements soon or are currently in the midst of your clinical...
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Bianca Salamat OTR/L - from OT school struggles to school-based OT
In this fun & honest conversation, Bianca shares her experiences with transitioning into pivotal parts of her OT journey — graduate school during COVID, fieldwork 2 clinical placements and her first job as a new grad occupational therapist. Timestamps: (2:12) Starting OT School during COVID…
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Tarryn Diaz OTR/L : PRN in Home Health and Acute Care
In this episode, Tarryn and I talk about our current shared experience working as per diem home health OTs . We also discuss various topics such as the transition from full-time to PRN work, addressing burnout, and the importance of nurturing our mental health as occupational therapists....
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Sol Hartwell OTR/L : Home Health as a New Grad OT
In this episode, I catch up with a friend I met at OT conference - Sol Hartwell OTR/L ! We talk about our perspectives with home health OT as a new grad, Sol's early interest in aquatic therapy, and the unique structure of her weekend OT program. Enjoyed the episode? please rate the show :)...
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Samantha Munoz OTR/L - importance of mental health, self-care and advocacy
In this conversation, we discuss life as a school-based OT, the importance of mental health, and what drives Sam to continue doing her work as an occupational therapist! Follow Once Upon OT on insta :) https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/...
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Seasons of the OT journey, relationship with expectations & taking the leap
In this solo episode, I talk about where I am at during this stage of my OT journey. I feel that significant growth has happened since graduating occupational therapy school, passing the NBCOT, and now in my first year as an actual occupational therapist. Following along on insta :)...
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Autumn's OT Journey | the road to passing the NBCOT exam
In this episode, I chat with Autumn Santos OTD, OTR/L to talk about her occupational therapy journey from graduate school, to fieldwork 2 rotations, and current job prospects. A major topic we cover in this conversation is the NBCOT exam! If you are an OT student looking to modify your study…
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Pediatric OT Fellowship & Cultural Relevancy in Healthcare feat. Teresa Cao OTR/L (@acupofrehab)
In this episode, I have a conversation with Teresa Cao OTR/L who shares about her Occupational Therapy Fellowship in greater detail from NICU rotations, experience with feeding and swallowing, interprofessional collaboration & much more! Teresa also highlights the importance of cultural relevancy...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Curious about occupational therapy? My name is Jordan and I am a new grad occupational therapist (OT) excited to share my occupational therapy journey. Whether you are pre-OT, applying to OT school, a current OT student, or a new grad OT like myself ...this is for you! Welcome to the Once Upon OT Podcast, where we talk about becoming the best OT we can be through interviews, reflections, and stories. After all, we can’t spell story, without OT
HOSTED BY
Jordan Agabin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Once Upon OT have?
Once Upon OT currently has 69 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Once Upon OT about?
Curious about occupational therapy? My name is Jordan and I am a new grad occupational therapist (OT) excited to share my occupational therapy journey. Whether you are pre-OT, applying to OT school, a current OT student, or a new grad OT like myself ...this is for you! Welcome to the Once Upon OT...
How often does Once Upon OT release new episodes?
Once Upon OT has 69 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Once Upon OT?
You can listen to Once Upon OT on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Once Upon OT?
Once Upon OT is created and hosted by Jordan Agabin.
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