Jordan Agabin - Podcast Details

Shows

Once Upon OTGabriella Timuscuk OTR/L : Working as an OT in AlaskaIn 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 connect and set up this podcast conversation. I hope you enjoy the episode :)Timestamps:(2:03) Mindset going into Occupational Therapy School - what was your experience like?(9:27) Fieldwork 2 experiences — a) Acute Care & Sensory b) Pediatric Outpatient Clinic 2025-07-1546 min

Once Upon OTErica Aborlleile OTR/L — Life as a Pelvic Floor Occupational TherapistIn 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) Your clinical fieldwork 2 experience in (1) outpatient hand therapy & (2) hospital (11:09) What ADVICE would you give a fieldwork 2 student that is currently struggling or having a difficult time in their clinical rotations?(14:09) Starting out as a new grad occupational t...2025-07-0733 min

Once Upon OTAnderson Chumpitaz OTR/L: The journey of a “BRO-T” | working in a SNF settingTimestamps(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 fieldwork rotation, what might be something you tell them??(19:55) What was it like as a new grad occupational therapist? | mindset & headspace(21:30) How do you balance full-time & per diem roles as an OT practitioner?(24:49) Is there something you wish you knew or did...2025-06-021h 01

Once Upon OTMandy Chamberlain OTR/L: Why Activity Analysis is KEY | resources for OT practitionersIn 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 Accelerator" and the "OT Flourish" Podcast which are valuable resources for occupational therapy students and new grad occupational therapists looking for more ideas & insightful perspectives when working with the geriatric population.For any students or current OT practitioners...2025-04-3057 min

Once Upon OTErle Alberto Jr. OTR/L — Learning about OT from my Dad | Navigating Personal & Professional LifeIn 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 therapy student or new graduate, this episode is for you!Timestamps:(4:08) 3+3 Dual Degree Program for OT ?(5:50) memorable moments in occupational therapy school (5:40) What OT setting(s) were you exposed to early on? What setting did you want to get i...2025-04-2247 min

Once Upon OTAlina Lieu OTR/L : New Grad Perspective as an Occupational TherapistIn 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?(8:13) Tell us more about your OT program experience — getting accepted to school, favorite classes, memorable moments(18:22) Fieldwork 2 experiences (27:24) If a current OT student is listening, and is having a difficult or challenging time — what might be something you tell them? (29:35) How did yo...2025-04-151h 07

Once Upon OTAmber Edwards OTR/L: Traditional Occupational Therapy & Pivoting to FitnessIn 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 pivot to fitness.Timestamps:(4:24) What was your occupational therapy program like?(8:23) Please share more about your fieldwork 2 clinical rotations(14:38) How did you get through a fieldwork 2 rotation that you don’t necessarily like or prefer?(17:27) How did you handle any di...2025-04-081h 06

Once Upon OTRhiannon Crispe: The OT Lifestyle MovementWe 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 student, and navigating her first few years as a new graduate occupational therapist. Additionally, she shares about her current work with 1-on-1 mobile pediatric therapy, parent coaching, and the reason why she started the “OT Lifestyle Movement”Timestamps:...2025-04-0145 min

Once Upon OTChristine Martirez PT, DPT — Pelvic Floor Physical TherapyCurious about pelvic floor therapy and what it's all about?In this episode, I am joined by Christine also known as "Dr.Steez" on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/drsteez.dpt/She is a physical therapist who recently followed her interests and decided to pivot into pelvic floor therapy. In this conversation, we cover the basics of what pelvic floor therapy might entail, how a current physical therapist or occupational therapist might pivot into this specific role, and how pelvic floor therapy can also be beneficial to men/male clients despite initial misconceptions. 2025-03-1837 min

Once Upon OTYeda Dayao OTR/L : Hand Therapy & SNF | lessons learned along the wayIn 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 when entering the field.Timestamps:(9:52) Fieldwork 2 experiences during OT school(15:56) Advice to current students navigating difficult times during fieldwork 2 (16:59) How Yeda prepared for the NBCOT exam| the “hard 75 challenge” + study materials(20:20) Navigating your first job as a new grad occupational therapist | *beware* of “s...2025-03-091h 02

Once Upon OTAbby & Chris: Traveling Occupational Therapists | Travel OT 101In 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 considering travel OT, you definitely want to listen to this episode!Timestamps:(2:20) Chris talks about his OT school experience(3:33) Abby talks about her OT school experience(8:36) What piece of advice would you give...2025-02-261h 22

Once Upon OTMegan Shockey COTA/L : the journey from OTA to OT SchoolIn 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 occupational therapist. We also learn more about the many fun and creative interventions she uses in an array of settings.Timestamps:(5:04) - what was OTA school like? | favorite & least favorite classes(7:00) — fieldwork | clinical rotations during COVID(15:05) — navigating transitions | school-based to hospital setting 2025-02-1649 min

Once Upon OTWhat I like about Home Health OT in NYCIn 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: https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/2025-01-2913 min

Once Upon OTFieldwork 2 in Occupational Therapy School | TOP ADVICE 2024 EDITIONIn 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 rotations … this episode is absolutely for you! Timestamps: (0:52) Autumn Santos (3:33) Sara Emira (4:34) Sami Wong (6:47) Jhennylyn Rivera (8:23) Lauren Grammatica (9:36) Tarryn Diaz (10:26) Curtis Handy (11:52) Kimberly Ben (13:37) Sol Hartwell (15:03) Samanth...2024-12-3125 min

Once Upon OTBianca Salamat OTR/L - from OT school struggles to school-based OTIn 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 (6:29) transitioning from undergrad to graduate school | favorite and not so favorite classes in occupational therapy school (11:00) challenges with hand therapy setting during fieldwork 2 (17:00) fieldwork 2 in school-based OT (20:48) What might you tell someone having a difficult time during OT school/fieldwork 2 placements? (21:44) how did...2024-12-2256 min

Once Upon OTTarryn Diaz OTR/L : PRN in Home Health and Acute CareIn 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. Timestamps: (11:06) OT clinicals/Fieldwork 2 placements (15:55) Difficult moments & growth during fieldwork 2 experiences (18:00) What would you tell an OT student and/or New Grad OT? (19:00) transitioning into the job market as an OT | finding your 1st OT job as a new grad 2024-12-1552 min

Once Upon OTSol Hartwell OTR/L : Home Health as a New Grad OTIn 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 :) Timestamps: (4:54) - unique weekend OT program | balancing full-time work & school (11:03) - favorite/least favorite classes (22:28) -Transitioning to first job as an OT (26:50) — What you wish OT...2024-12-0355 min

Once Upon OTSamantha Munoz OTR/L - importance of mental health, self-care and advocacyIn 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/ https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/2024-11-2129 min

Once Upon OTSeasons of the OT journey, relationship with expectations & taking the leapIn 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 :) https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/2024-10-3013 min

Once Upon OTAutumn's OT Journey | the road to passing the NBCOT examIn 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 plan, looking for different approaches, or wondering what study resources are even out there... this episode is especially for you! Timestamps: (0:58) Autumn’s Occupational Therapy Story (03:40) Why did you choose OT instead of PT? (05:42) Experience in...2024-10-201h 03

Once Upon OTPediatric 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 in healthcare and actionable steps we can do to impact the quality of our client-centered care as occupational therapy practitioners. Timestamps: (04:03) Reflecting on Occupational Therapy School Experience (07:47) Teresa’s Fieldwork Rotations (10:14) How did fieldwork 2 shape your decision to practice in a cer...2024-09-111h 00

Once Upon OTOT Fieldwork Experience in Forensic Mental Health feat. Sara Emira - (@Egyptian.OT)In this episode, I meet Sara Emira, a current MSc Occupational Therapy Student at the University of Toronto. We compare and contrast the similarities and differences between our OT program experiences in Canada & the US. We also discuss Sara's unique fieldwork experience in forensic mental health, long term goals as an OT practitioner & much more! You can follow along her OT journey on insta (@Egyptian.OT) https://www.instagram.com/egyptian.ot/ https://www.instagram.com/egyptian.ot/ https://www.instagram.com/egyptian.ot/2024-08-2831 min

Once Upon OT1st day on the job as a New Grad OT, study tips for NBCOT, and HOW we met at AOTA Conference feat. Michael Kim OTR/LIn this episode, I chat with Michael Kim OTR/L - a friend I made during AOTA Conference and catch up about their current occupational therapy journey - starting their first day on the job in inpatient rehab. Michael also shares about his OT school experience, fieldwork 2 rotations in inpatient psych and inpatient rehab, and his top study tips to prepare for the NBCOT exam! Follow along the Once Upon OT insta for updates :) https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ ...2024-08-0129 min

Once Upon OTTalking OT with Jhennylyn Rivera OTR/L aka "@jhennyberryot" (outpatient peds, in-home early intervention, and post professional OTD)In this episode, I catch up with Jhennylyn Rivera (also known as @jhennyberryot on insta!) https://www.instagram.com/jhennyberryot/ We talk about current OT life updates, imposter syndrome, importance of OT state association, outpatient peds, in-home early intervention, and pursuit of a post professional OTD :) ...& much more!2024-07-2541 min

Once Upon OTDiscussing OT vs. PT, working in Inpatient Rehab & TikTok Presence (feat. Dhielan Bustos DPT)In this episode, I talk with Dhielan about his physical therapy journey! Even though my podcast has a focus on occupational therapy experiences, I believe it's important to be aware and learn more about our interprofessional team members and their roles/approaches to care as well Follow "Dill" on TikTok :) https://www.tiktok.com/@dill.boostos https://www.tiktok.com/@dill.boostos https://www.tiktok.com/@dill.boostos Timestamps: (01:13) How did you discover physical therapy? (02:45) Other career considerations early...2024-07-0445 min

Once Upon OTWhat is a"brOT" feat. Curtis Handy OTR/LIn this episode, I chat with Curtis about his occupational therapy school experience, comparing OT fieldwork with being a new grad OT, and also the motivation behind the "brOT_Brain" podcast & insta Check out these links!: podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKu6BYlXGam4D7C8K4AMc?si=0b6dce282e274f1e insta: https://www.instagram.com/brot_brain/2024-06-1926 min

Once Upon OTDiving deep into OT fieldwork 2 experiences with Kim Ben OTD - New Grad OTNew York meets California - Meeting the OT Community! In this episode, we get to meet Kim Ben who recently graduated from their occupational therapy program. This is my first time formally getting to know Kim after we discovered each other's OT accounts on instagram https://www.instagram.com/otdocben/ (Kim) https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ (me) the OT world is truly so small! In this fun conversation we discuss Kim's early interest in occupational therapy, the OT program experience, fieldwork 2...2024-06-1035 min

Once Upon OTTalking OT School Experience, Fieldwork II, and Lessons Learned | feat. Sami Wong (OT New Grad)In this episode, I chat with Sami Wong, a recent OT new grad with one more fieldwork rotation to go! We talk about the OT school experience, fieldwork 2 and lessons learned along the way ... plus much much more! __________________________________________ Timestamps: (1:20) Sami's Story with Occupational Therapy (2:37) What would you tell someone interested in OT? (3:55) Early experiences with OT & interest in Women's Health (6:17) Sami's OT program experience (8:46) Favorite class during occupational therapy school? (10:21) LEAST favorite class in OT school? 2024-06-0232 min

Once Upon OTEver had a patient fall? | New Grad OTIn this episode, I reflect on my first and recent experience handling a fall in the workplace. As a new grad OT, this initially made me feel discouraged and defeated... but we try our best each day and learn from our sincere mistakes. 2024-05-2811 min

Once Upon OTPerspectives on the OT journey feat. Lauren Gramatica OTR/LIn this episode, Lauren and I reconnect and chat about the many phases of becoming an occupational therapy practitioner. This episode covers advice/perspectives for prospective OT students, current OT students, and new grad occupational therapists like myself... as well as conversations about school-based OT, applying for jobs, and CEUs & much more! _________________________________________ Timestamps: (1:28) Lauren’s Occupational Therapy Story (3:34) What experiences led you to practicing in school-based OT? (6:20) What was the job search like for you as a new grad OT? | JOB HUNTING IN 2020? ...2024-05-2235 min

Once Upon OTTalking School-Based OT with Katelyn Asmus OTR/LIn this episode, I reconnect with my friend Katelyn Asmus to chat about her experience as an occupational therapist in the school setting, her occupational therapy journey, and various life experiences that led her to become the OT that she is today. Timestamps: 0:55 — What is school-based OT? 1:45 — How does it feel like to be an “experienced” OT? 3:08 — Pediatric OT vs School-based OT? Similar or different roles? (5:05) — What is your OT story? (8:19) — What would you tell someone interested in OT? (10:01) — any previous exp...2024-05-0539 min

Once Upon OTFrom Fieldwork Struggles to New Grad OT | my OT journeyIn this episode, I reflect on my occupational therapy journey from one year ago till the present day. It baffles me how different things are.. how so much can happen & how so much can change in just ONE year. Your OT trajectory will fluctuate, twist and turn, just like the narrative slope we know so well. Follow along the journey on Instagram :) (@once_upon_ot) https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/2024-04-2810 min

BrOT_BrainBrOT Spotlight #5 - Jordan Agabin, OTR/LThank you, Jordan Agabin, OTR/L, for a great conversation about his personal journey to becoming a BrOT. Jordan discusses starting out working towards becoming a PA, his love of basketball, life right out of OT graduate school, vulnerability, and his love of OT and the profession's respect of the human experience. Jordan's OT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ Truelearn referral link: https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/brotbrain/ Code: "brotbrain" for 15% off 90 days or more NBCOT study products and other speciality allied health exams.⁠ BrOT_Brain Instagram and othe...2024-04-2145 min

Once Upon OTWorking while in OT School | Should you?In this episode, I discuss my variety of work experiences during occupational therapy school and balancing it all as a full-time OT student. For some of us, working during OT school may be necessary while for others it may be optional; we all have our unique circumstances and situations. For me, I was living on my savings but knew that it likely would not suffice till the end of my 2-year program. This ultimately led to my decision to work multiple part-time jobs that were flexible enough and fit around my school schedule. 2024-03-0717 min

Once Upon OTQ&A | Interprofessional roles, grad school support, NBCOT study plan & new grad mentorshipIn this episode, I answer the questions you sent me on Instagram (once_upon_ot). Keep an eye out for the next "question sticker" on my story for questions to be answered in a future episode. Follow along the occupational therapy journey - https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/ Timestamps: (0:24) "What makes OT different from other clinical jobs like nursing, PA, etc?" (5:23) "What kind of support you wish you received during your grad school journey" (12:09) "Ideas on how to make an NBCOT study...2024-02-2230 min

Once Upon OTWhat is AOTA Conference like? Is it worth going? | My first time as an OT studentOn the fence about going to AOTA Conference as a current occupational therapy student? In this episode, I reflect on the time I first decided to attend AOTA conference. It can be intimidating and overwhelming with all the novelty and energy in the air ... not to mention the costs associated with attending the event. I believe it comes down to your goals, ambition, and intentions as to why you would like to attend the conference in the first place. Only you can decide what is "worth it" to you based on where you are...2024-02-1421 min

Once Upon OTFinally secured my first job as a New Grad OT | How I did itA huge professional milestone! It was honestly a challenging task securing this first job, especially as a new grad occupational therapist. For some reason I had the notion that once I graduated occupational therapy school, passed my NBCOT exam, and obtained my state licensure that securing my first job would be a seamless process. In this episode, I discuss how I approached the OT job hunting period, how I modified it over time, and how I ebbed and flowed through the different phases during this job search. Overall, it was a transformative experience and ultimately it came...2024-02-0629 min

Once Upon OTApplying to Occupational Therapy School? (MY TOP 3 TIPS!)Are you applying to occupational therapy school soon? Trying to choose the best-fit OT school for you? My hope is that this podcast episode will help you decide which occupational therapy program(s) to pursue and what action steps you can take next in the process. In this episode, I discuss my top 3 tips for applying to occupational therapy school. These are things I have done myself back when I was a prospective OT student and deciding which OT program to attend. It's a big decision & a BIG investment!; so with this episode I...2024-01-3020 min

Once Upon OTOnce Upon OT IntroOnce upon a time I decided to pursue occupational therapy 🛤️ and the rest is history… (his story) 📖2024-01-2300 min

Once Upon OTWhat is occupational therapy? Why your OT pitch matters"What occupies your time?" In this episode, I discuss the occupational therapy lens and how I approach my own OT pitch/elevator speech. We have come a long way in promoting our profession, but in my daily life I still encounter some confusion and lack of awareness about what we do. This podcast offers ideas on how to bring to life our OT pitch and create a lasting impression for the people we interact with. Timestamps: (0:34) What occupies your time? (1:15) Activity Analysis 2024-01-2313 min

Once Upon OTWhy Did I Become an OT?We all have stories, especially as occupational therapists (OT), here's mine. Thank you for listening along as I verbally reflect on my occupational therapy journey. This is my first podcast episode and I'm excited to see where this new venture takes me. so... WHY OT? https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot 2024-01-1513 min