Samantha J, OT/L

Compassionate and motivated Occupational Therapy graduate from East Carolina University with clinical experience in acute care, outpatient pediatrics, school-based services, and community rehabilitation. Skilled in evaluation, treatment planning, caregiver education, and interdisciplinary collaboration across a variety of ages and settings. I have worked with clients from infancy to older adults. I am passionate about helping individuals across the lifespan maximize independence, participation, and quality of life!

Sam earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from ECU and a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Therapy from UNCW. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings. As a Recreation Therapy student, she completed a community adaptive sports internship, where she learned the value of inclusion, accessibility, and adapting activities to meet each individual’s unique abilities. Sam helped to facilitate an adapted baseball program for ages 4-21, and ran a community exercise program for ages 7-21. Her experience working in the ABA setting allowed her to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in developing independence, communication, and daily living skills. During occupational therapy school, Sam further expanded her clinical skills through a 12-week adult acute care fieldwork rotation, where she gained experience working with medically complex patients and collaborating within an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Sam also completed a 12-week pediatric outpatient fieldwork rotation, working with children with a variety of diagnoses and helping them develop the skills needed to thrive at home, school, and within their communities. She worked with patients from 8 months to 10 years old. Outside of school, Sam worked as a nanny and a babysitter, as well as coaching gymnastics for kids 3-10. As an occupational therapist, she loves incorporating play, creativity, crafts, and meaningful activities into treatment sessions.

Originally from Texas, Sam grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to live in several places before settling in North Carolina for college. Sam is deeply family-oriented and cherishes the memories she made traveling and exploring new places with her loved ones. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting the beach, traveling, and embracing all things that sparkle and shine!