Money Matters in Occupational Therapy

Show Summary:Student loans are changing — and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals. In this episode, Amirra is joined by Noah O’Dell, founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, to break down what’s happening with federal student loans and what it means for students and clinicians.Inspired by the recent “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement, this conversation clears up common concerns, explores potential changes to repayment systems and loan caps, and offers practical guidance on controlling the controllables amid uncertainty.In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About:Why 2026 is a pivotal year for student loansWhat’s changing with federal student loans and the Department of EducationThe “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcementHow potential federal loan caps could impact PT/OT students and cliniciansPractical ways to control the controllables when navigating student loansGuest Bio:Noah O’Dell helps PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals take control of their complete financial picture — no matter what their situation looks like. He’s the founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, where he provides practical, judgment-free financial guidance for clinicians at every stage of their career. Follow Noah on Instagram Resources Mentioned:RouteFin | Student Loan Planner | Loan Calculator

Show Summary:Feeling burnt out in your career—or wondering what it would take to pivot into something that truly aligns with your values, even with student loans and financial responsibilities? In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist–turned–holistic nutritionist Cassaundra Lindsay, who shares her journey from traditional OT practice and deep burnout to running a business that lights her up. She opens up about the guilt and fear of leaving a profession she’d trained for, how she navigated the financial side of stepping away from a steady paycheck, and the mindset and money shifts that gave her permission to choose a new path. Whether you’re feeling out of alignment in your current role or curious about what it takes to make a big career pivot, this conversation is full of honesty, encouragement, and practical insight.In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:What first drew Cassaundra to the OT professionThe moment she realized traditional practice was no longer alignedThe guilt and fear that came with leaving OT while still having student loansHow she approached the financial side of her pivotThe mindset and money shifts that helped her choose a new pathWhat her business, Nourish Freely, looks like todayEncouragement for anyone considering a career changeGuest Bio:Cassaundra Lindsay is a Holistic Nutritionist and the founder of Nourish Freely. She helps busy individuals struggling with low energy, digestive issues, and confusion around nutrition. Through her 3-month coaching program, Cassaundra offers personalized support to get to the root cause of symptoms so her clients can stop guessing, start healing, and feel confident in their bodies again. Her signature approach simplifies nutrition, boosts energy, heals digestion, and empowers clients to be in control of their health without relying on caffeine, crash diets, or constant Googling. She created this business after healing her own energy and digestive challenges as well as seeing a gap in Western Medicine during her time working as an OT.Connect with Cassuandra:Follow Cassaundra on Social Media: Instagram | LinkedInConnect with the Nourish Freely Community: Website

Show Summary:Struggling with student loan debt—or wondering how to make financial progress without sacrificing your well-being? In this episode, I’m joined by physical therapist Sunny to explore how she’s tackling over $200K in student loan debt while prioritizing her mental health, self-worth, and joy. Sunny shares her journey, the mindset shifts and strategies that have worked for her, and how she balances repayment with living a meaningful life. Whether you’re facing a big loan balance or looking for ways to protect your peace while paying down debt, this conversation is full of insights and encouragement.In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:Sunny’s journey into physical therapy and how she decided to aggressively tackle her student loansMindset shifts that helped her stay motivated and consistentStrategies she’s using to make real progress on over $200K of debtBalancing debt repayment with self-care, joy, and overall well-beingEncouragement for anyone navigating their own student loan journeyGuest Bio:Sunny, DPT, is a physical therapist based in Los Angeles with experience in home health, acute care, and outpatient orthopedics.Connect with Sunny:Follow Sunny on Social Media: Instagram

Show Summary:Thinking about homeschooling as an OT—or wondering how to create a values-aligned life that balances career, family, and passion projects? In this episode, I’m joined by OT mom and entrepreneur Sarah Collins to explore why OTs are uniquely equipped to pursue homeschooling. Sarah shares her journey, how her OT skills naturally support a homeschooling lifestyle, and the lessons she’s learned juggling business, motherhood, and education. Whether you’re curious about homeschooling or exploring alternative career paths, this conversation is full of insights and inspiration.In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:How Sarah’s OT background shapes her approach to homeschoolingThe natural overlap between OT skills and teaching kids at homeLessons from balancing business ownership, motherhood, and homeschoolingEncouragement for OTs considering nontraditional career and family pathsGuest Bio:Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and homeschooling consultant dedicated to helping parents align homeschooling with their children’s unique needs. Through her platform HomeschoolOT, she provides personalized consultations, teaches month-long courses on key topics, fosters community through group and individual coaching, and speaks at national conferences. Her work empowers parents to build learning environments that support their children’s development and passions.Connect with Sarah:Purchase: A Chameleon Tale- A Colorful Sensory StoryFollow Sarah on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTubeConnect with The Homeschool OT Community: Website | Podcast

Show Summary:In this special episode, I’m talking directly to students and new grads about navigating student loan debt—and for the first time, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a project my husband and I have been quietly building to support healthcare professionals in personal finance. If you know you’ll graduate with loans (or you’re already there), we’re breaking down:✅ Practical money moves you can make before graduation✅ Why tracking your loans matters more than you think✅ Smart strategies to cut down on borrowing ✅ How to financially prepare for life after graduation✅ Why entrepreneurship belongs in the conversation ✅ An exclusive first look at our new business venture!If you’re a student, new grad, or just navigating finances as a healthcare professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement to help you feel more confident with your money.Resources:AOTA Article: Practical Information: Stories for Those With Student Loan DebtInstagram Post: New Data on OT Student Loan Debt!? Yikes.Ep 26. Building Confidence to Negotiate and Maximize Income with Samantha HayesJoin our FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy 

Show SummaryWhat does it look like to build a fulfilling OT career outside of the typical mold—and on your own terms? In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by Justine Vidro, a school-based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and the founder of Teeny Tots Learning.We’re diving into what it’s really like working in schools as a COTA, the behind-the-scenes of launching a business while still working full-time, and how Justine found confidence in her own voice along the way.Whether you're a COTA, OT, or creative entrepreneur at heart—Justine’s story is a reminder that there’s no one right way to succeed in this field. Her passion for early learning, advocacy, and real talk about the profession will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. 💻📚In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:✨ Justine’s path into school-based OT✨ Why she started Teeny Tots Learning and how it grew✨ What it’s really like balancing multiple roles✨ How to stay grounded when pursuing new opportunities✨ Encouragement for COTAs who want to expand their careers✨ Building something meaningful while still honoring your day jobGuest Bio:Justine Vidro is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), school-based OT professional, and the creator of Teeny Tots Learning. Through her growing online business and Teachers Pay Teachers store, Justine provides educational resources that support early learning, development, and accessibility in classrooms and homes. She’s passionate about advocacy, creativity, and helping other OT professionals dream beyond the traditional path.Connect with Justine:📲 Instagram: @just_tee_cota & @teenytotslearning💻 Teachers Pay Teachers Store 📝 Courses & Resources

Show SummaryWhat happens when the traditional OT path no longer feels aligned—but you’re not sure what comes next? In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by occupational therapist and founder of Practitioner Pivot, Hannah Pugh, to talk about the emotional and practical side of pivoting into non-clinical work.We’re diving into how to explore new career paths as an OT, what it really looks like to leave the clinic, and how to navigate the financial and mindset shifts that come with a major transition. Hannah shares her journey from outpatient OT to the health tech world—and how she now helps other clinicians discover what else is possible beyond traditional roles.This episode is your reminder that your skills are incredibly valuable—and that it’s okay to want something different. 💼✨In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:How Hannah transitioned from outpatient OT to health techWhat holds clinicians back from exploring non-clinical rolesHow your OT skills translate outside of traditional practiceThe financial side of pivoting and student loan considerationsWhat non-clinical roles are out there for OTs to exploreEncouragement for giving yourself permission to pivotGuest BioHannah Pugh, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and the founder of Practitioner Pivot, where she helps healthcare clinicians explore fulfilling, non-clinical career paths. After pivoting out of outpatient care and into the health tech space, she now equips others with the tools, mindset, and resources to build careers beyond the bedside—while honoring their purpose, value, and worth.Resources📲 Connect with Hannah: Instagram | LinkedIn | Practitioner Pivot Resources

Show SummaryWhat really happens after OT school ends and the real world begins? 🎓 In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by pediatric OT, content creator, and new mom Desiree Hayes to talk about the messy, confusing, and empowering transition from student to practitioner.We’re diving into what it’s like to navigate job interviews, self-advocacy, and perfectionism in your first year as an OT—and how to build confidence when everything still feels new. Desiree shares honest reflections, mindset shifts, and encouragement for anyone in the thick of the new grad season.This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out—and that growth happens in the showing up. 💛In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:What surprised Desiree most about life after OT schoolThe pressure to “do it right” in your first jobReframing perfectionism and building self-trustNavigating job interviews, salary, and self-advocacyWhat helped Desiree find her voice as a new OTEncouragement for embracing the messy middleGuest BioDesiree Hayes, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist and the creator behind @theprofessional_ot. She’s passionate about helping OT students and new grads feel supported, empowered, and confident in the early stages of their careers—reminding them that growth is never linear, and they’re not alone.Resources📲 Connect with Desiree on Instagram: @theprofessional_ot

Show SummaryWhat happens when you step away from traditional OT work—but never stop seeing the world through the OT mindset? In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by pediatric OT, stay-at-home mom, and soon-to-be children’s book author Gabriella Thalin to talk about how her occupational therapy background continues to shape her life beyond the clinic.We dive into the emotional transition of leaving the workforce, the decision to become a homeschooling SAHM, and how the OT lens shows up in everyday motherhood, homemaking, and creative projects—including her upcoming children’s book, How to Become a Knight. Gabriella’s story is a reminder that the value of our OT training goes far beyond any one career path.In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:Why Gabriella chose OT—and how it aligned with her long-term goals of motherhoodWhat it felt like to step away from clinical practice after OT schoolMindset shifts that helped her embrace life as a SAHMThe unexpected ways OT shows up in parenting and homemakingHow her OT background inspired her first children’s bookEncouragement for OTs exploring non-traditional pathsGuest BioGabriella Thalin is a pediatric occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and the author of the upcoming children’s book How to Become a Knight. She’s passionate about using her OT lens to support her family, church community, and creative work. Gabriella believes OT doesn’t end at the clinic door—it’s a mindset that shapes how we nurture, teach, and build a life we love.Resources📲 Connect with Gabriella on Instagram: @hiyagabriella & @meditationsforchildren

Show Notes:Wondering how to design a career in OT that gives you freedom, flexibility, and financial growth? In this episode, I’m joined by Kaitlyn Smart, a travel OT, real estate investor, and entrepreneur who has built a multifaceted career rooted in freedom.We dive into how Kaitlyn started with travel therapy as a new grad, her journey into real estate investing, and why she believes passive income is essential for OTs. If you’re dreaming of building wealth and creating a bold, fulfilling career outside the traditional path, this conversation will inspire you to take action.In this episode:Starting a travel therapy career after graduationStrategies to maximize income and pay off debtGetting started with real estate investing as an OTBuilding passive income through digital productsBalancing multiple income streams and entrepreneurshipAdvice for OTs who want more freedom and flexibilityGuest Bio:Kaitlyn Smart is a travel OT, real estate investor, and founder of The Smart OT. With three years of experience in the OT field, Kaitlyn has successfully blended her love for healthcare with her passion for entrepreneurship. She is dedicated to empowering OTs to expand their income streams and build more freedom into their careers. Kaitlyn also runs the OT Digital Academy, where she helps OTs create and launch digital products that generate passive income. Outside of her work, Kaitlyn enjoys exploring new places, investing in real estate, and guiding others on their entrepreneurial journeys.Resources:Follow Kaitlyn on IG: 📲 @thesmartot & @heyy_kait Learn more about the OT Digital Academy 💻 and join the Case Study Group 📚

In this episode, I’m joined by Jayson Davies, a school-based OT who’s not only crushed his student loan debt but also built a successful online business supporting other therapists.We chat about his journey to becoming debt-free, what inspired his entrepreneurial path, and how he balances business ownership with a full-time OT role in the schools.If you're a school-based OT looking for more freedom, financial clarity, and creative income streams—this one’s for you.In this episode:How Jayson paid off his student loansWhat sparked his online business journeyTips for building a biz while working full-timeMindset shifts for financial and career growthResources:Follow Jayson on IG: @ot_schoolhouseCheck out his website: otschoolhouse.comLearn more at: OTpreneur.com

Show Summary:Talking about money can feel a little taboo in our profession, but the truth is, financial stress plays a huge role in burnout—and as OTs, we need to be having these conversations. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Doug Vestal, fellow personal finance enthusiast and author of Financial Freedom for OTs: A Guide to Building Wealth Without Burnout, to dive deep into what financial freedom actually looks like for occupational therapists.Doug shares his personal journey, including how his own family’s financial struggles shaped his passion for financial literacy in the OT community. We’re talking about money mindsets, student loan debt, entrepreneurship, and why understanding your ‘freedom number’ is key to building a career (and life!) you love. Plus, Doug breaks down practical strategies for managing finances, avoiding burnout, and even stepping into private practice.If you’re ready to take control of your finances and create more options for yourself—without sacrificing your well-being—this is the episode for you!In today’s show, we’re chatting about:✅ Why financial freedom is essential for OTs and how money stress contributes to burnout✅ Doug Vestal’s personal journey and what led him to advocate for financial literacy in the OT community✅ How money mindset influences financial success and the shifts OTs need to make✅ Creative strategies for tackling student loan debt and accelerating repayment✅ The concept of a "freedom number" and how it guides financial independence✅ Exploring private practice and entrepreneurship as pathways to financial and time freedomResources & Links:📖 Purchase Financial Freedom for OTs: A Guide to Building Wealth Without Burnout | Amazon📲 Follow Doug on Social Media: [Instagram] | [Facebook] [YouTube]🌐 Connect with Doug’s Community: [Website]

Episode Summary: Have you ever wondered if pursuing a pediatric fellowship is worth the financial sacrifice?In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by Teresa, a pediatric occupational therapist who took a leap of faith by moving states to pursue a fellowship. From clinical rotations in feeding, autism, and neurodevelopment to her impactful work in the NICU, Teresa shares the highs and lows of her fellowship journey — including the financial realities that came with it.We dive deep into the tough questions: How do you balance a pay cut while advancing your career? How do you overcome imposter syndrome as a new grad OT? And what strategies can you use to build confidence when you’re just starting out?If you’re a new OT or student wondering if a fellowship is the right path for you — and how to navigate the financial side of it — this episode is packed with honest advice and practical tips.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Teresa's journey from working in a sensory integration clinic to moving for a pediatric fellowshipWhat it’s really like working at a pediatric OT fellowHow to manage the financial strain of a pay cut and out-of-state movePractical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome as a new gradThe role mentorship plays in building confidence and advancing your careerInsights into balancing career growth, personal life, and yes — even wedding planning — while pursuing a fellowshipGuest Bio: Teresa is a Vietnamese American pediatric occupational therapist. She started her career working in a sensory integration clinic and received her certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration to support the foundations of her practice for those with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity. After working in California for 3 years, she moved to Oregon to pursue a pediatric fellowship at a children’s hospital. There, she completed clinical rotations in feeding, autism, neurodevelopment, early intervention, and NICU. After the recent completion of her fellowship, she is now working at an outpatient pediatric hospital, in addition to working in home health part time and developing her private practice. She aims to work with young children with feeding and swallowing disorders for the years to come. Lastly, Teresa has always been passionate about seeking and providing quality mentorship at all stages of her career path, and aims to support pre-OT students and new grads in their discovery of the occupational therapy profession. 🔗 Resources & Links🎓 The Backbones to Becoming a Clinical OT — Use code "MIRRACLE" for 15% off!📲 Follow Teresa: OT Instagram | Private Practice Instagram💻 Connect with the “OT with T” Community: Website👥 Join the FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy🌟 Let’s connect: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

Episode Summary:$500,000. That’s the student loan debt my husband, Mazi, and I faced — $270k from OT school and $230k from CRNA school. It felt overwhelming, like we’d be making payments forever.But step by step — through budget talks, sacrifices, and a whole lot of mindset work — we did it. As of this month, we are officially debt free.In this episode, we’re sharing our student loan payoff journey — what worked, what didn’t, and how we kept going when the finish line felt so far away.No magic wand, no one-size-fits-all advice — just our story and the hope that it inspires you to tackle your loans in a way that works for you.Because no matter how long it takes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.Guest Bio:Mazi Condelee is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with a passion for healthcare, family, and financial wellness. Alongside his wife, Amirra, he tackled over $500k in student loan debt, proving that with teamwork, mindset, and intentional choices, financial freedom is possible.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The moment we realized we had $500k in student loan debtHow we created a repayment plan and stayed motivatedThe sacrifices and mindset shifts that helped us stay on trackWhy there’s no “one size fits all” approach to student loan repaymentEncouragement for anyone in the middle of their own debt journey👉 Learn more at marvelousmirracles.com📲 Follow me on Instagram @moneymattersinot

In this special episode, I’m finally sharing my birth story! Birth is such an incredible experience, and as an OT, I found that my knowledge of body awareness, nervous system regulation, and proprioception actually played a huge role in helping me have the birth I envisioned. But you know I couldn’t do an episode without tying in finance! So along with my birth story, I’m also breaking down:✅ How much my birth cost (yep, I’m spilling the numbers!)✅ Why hospital bills are negotiable and how we’re negotiating ours✅ The OT skills that helped me in labor—from managing overstimulation to advocating for myself✅ How I prepared for birth (chiropractic care, prenatal Pilates, pelvic floor therapy & more)✅ Pivoting in life and career after birth—adjusting to motherhood, what’s next for the podcast & Marvelous Mirracles If you’ve ever wondered about the true cost of giving birth, how to advocate for yourself in medical billing, or how OT knowledge can support labor and postpartum recovery, this episode is for you! 🎧 Tune in now! Resources Ep 8: Birthday, Birth Story, and Bills Follow the IG page: https://www.instagram.com/moneymattersinot/  Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy

Show Summary:  Happy New Year! As we dive into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on personal growth—physically, mentally, and of course financially. In this episode, I’m joined by Shang Saavedra, founder of Save My Cents and author of the must-read book Wealth Is a Mindset, which explores the powerful connection between mental health and financial success. Shang shares her inspiring journey to retiring by age 31 and offers actionable insights to help you transform your relationship with money. If you’re a healthcare professional, this book is a game-changer, providing strategies to reduce stress and build wealth in a demanding field. Whether you’re ready to take control of your finances or need the motivation to start the year strong, this episode is packed with advice you won’t want to miss. Make sure to grab a copy of Shang’s book—it’s the ultimate guide to shifting your mindset and thriving financially! In today’s show, we’re chatting about: Shang’s background in business and economics  Shang’s transition from corporate life to building a financial education platform. The importance of making financial independence a priority early in life Key takeaways from Shang’s book Wealth Is a Mindset The powerful connection between mental health and financial management  How upbringing and past financial narratives shape your relationship with money Breaking down Shang’s “trigger action reward” technique Why financial freedom is critical for healthcare professionals The role mindset plays in money management  Shang’s powerful advice for tackling any financial situation Guest Bio: Shang Saavedra is the founder and CEO of Save My Cents, a personal finance education platform that helps Americans learn how to grow their financial wealth by addressing mental health. Shang finished saving for her retirement by the age of 31, and is America's leading expert on retirement. Shang's insights have been published by Business Insider, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, USA Today, Time / NextAdvisor, Nasdaq, The New York Post, Kiplinger, and she has been named by Time / NextAdvisor as one of The 25 Most Influential New Voices of Money. Shang has previously worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Shang received her bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard and her MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Her book, Wealth Is a Mindset, releases January 2025 with Third State Books. Resources Follow on Social Media: Instagram | Youtube Connect with the Save my Cents Community: Website Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy  Get in touch Subscribe to the Podcast  Check out the Website Wanna be innanet friends? Instagram - TikTok - Facebook

Show Summary:  The new grad OT journey, there’s nothing quite like it. You’ve graduated, aced your boards, and are ready to dive into the OT world. But then reality hits: so much of what lies ahead is unfamiliar, especially when it comes to settings like home health or early intervention, or deciding to go the independent contracting route as a new grad - all areas of OT we don’t typically cover much while in our programs. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Wright, MS, OTR/L, a newly licensed pediatric OT who took the bold step of jumping right into contracting. Ashley shares her experience navigating life as a 1099 contractor, budgeting as a new grad, managing the hidden costs of becoming an OT, and tackling taxes and fluctuating income. She offers real tips and insights on setting up for success, even when facing those first-year challenges. If you’re nearing graduation or just stepping into your first OT job, this episode is packed with encouragement, real talk, and practical advice to help you embrace the unique path you’re meant to take as an OT. In today’s show, we’re chatting about: Ashley’s background and path to the OT profession   Reflecting on the transition from OT student to OT practitioner  How to financially prepare for the “hidden costs” to become an OT  Navigating the time between graduation and starting your first OT job Money management tips for new grad therapists What led Ashley to pursue 1099 contract positions in EI and a pediatric clinic The challenges of budgeting and managing fluctuating income as a contractor How to plan for the lack of benefits as a contractor (taxes, healthcare, etc.) Ashley’s biggest advice for new graduates interested in contracting What sparked the “OT with Ashley” platform  Guest Bio: Ashley Wright, MS, OTR/L is a newly licensed pediatric occupational therapist, diving into her career as an independent contractor in both home health and clinic pediatrics. A recent MSOT graduate, she’s passionate about supporting children’s development and sharing creative intervention ideas through her Instagram account, @OTwithAshley, where she connects with fellow pediatric OTs and parents. Ashley is enthusiastic about navigating the financial side of life as a new grad, from budgeting to licensing costs, and is excited to share her experiences and insights with other therapists just starting out. When she’s not working, Ashley loves running, snacking on popcorn, and planning her upcoming wedding! Resources Follow Ashley on Social Media: Instagram  Episode 17. Tackling Taxes as an Independent Contractor with Carol Alvarez  Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy  Get in touch Subscribe to the Podcast  Check out the Website Wanna be innanet friends? Instagram - TikTok - Facebook

Show Summary:  Student loan debt can feel overwhelming and never-ending, and I know that from personal experience. As therapists, we work so hard to get to the finish line, only to face a pile of debt waiting for us. It’s a reality many of us struggle with—whether you have $20k or $200k in loans, it’s easy to feel stuck or defeated. In this episode, I’m joined by a special guest, Dr. Connor Pierce, DPT who understands exactly what it’s like to graduate with student debt. Instead of letting that burden hold him back, Connor developed a practical plan to pay it off and is now on a mission to help clinicians take control of their student loans. If you’re feeling the weight of your student debt, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. You can take control of your financial future and pay off your debt without feeling stuck or overwhelmed.  In today’s show, we’re chatting about: Connor’s background and path to the PT world   The transition from working as a PT to building a financial education platform The impact of student loan debt on building a life after graduation  Connor’s initial reaction and plan to tackle to his student debt  The most common misconceptions/mistakes new graduates make about how to approach student loan repayment How to identify and choose the best debt repayment strategy as a new graduate The most effective strategies for clinicians dealing with large amounts of debt  The importance of healthcare professionals understanding their student loans and finances early on How to manage debt while still working towards other financial goals Connor’s advice to clinicians who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless about their student loan debt Guest Bio: Dr. Connor Pierce, DPT CMPT, COMT, CSLP® is the Founder of After the DPT. Connor is a financial planner and student loan consultant. He is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy and was a full- time practicing clinician for over 5 years. He passed the Certified Student Loan Professional® exam to become an industry leader in student loan advising and he has advised on over $75 million in student debt. He has been teaching and offering his online curriculum to DPT schools on handling student debt as an adjunct faculty at physical therapy programs for the past 4 years. He understands first-hand what DPT debt feels like as he and his wife, Hannah, are both DPTs who graduated with student debt in 2018. His mission is to help DPTs understand and handle their student debt so they can live the life they dreamed of. He and his wife are blessed to have two kids who are 3 and 1 yrs old.  Resources Follow Dr. Connor Pierce on Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group Connect with the After the DPT Community: Website Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy  Get in touch Subscribe to the Podcast  Check out the Website Wanna be innanet friends? Instagram - TikTok - Facebook

Show Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving into the all-important topic of asking for a raise as an OT. Should you do it? Absolutely—whether you're a seasoned therapist or fresh out of school, it's time to advocate for your worth. I'll walk you through the specific steps to take before asking for a raise so you can approach the conversation confidently and maximize your chances of success. Plus, if you missed our last episode on job negotiation, I highly recommend giving that a listen too—it’s the perfect lead-in to today’s discussion! In today’s show, we’re chatting about: Life + Biz updates! The importance of getting clear on why you want a raise  Common motivators OTPs ask for raises Why raises may be difficult in our profession Performance Based Raise vs. Market Adjustment Raise How to research your value in the market How to evaluate your contributions for a performance based raise Timing is everything: when to ask for a raise?  Scripts & talking points to structure the conversation  What happens if your raise request is denied?  Resources The OT Money Matters Workshop: Interest Form Raise Resource: Ultimate Negotiation Script + How to Ask for a Raise  Episode #26: Building Confidence to Negotiate and Maximize Income with Samantha Hayes Blog Post: Six Steps to Take Before Asking for a Pay Raise Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy Get in touch Subscribe to the Podcast  Check out the Website Wanna be innanet friends? Instagram - TikTok - Facebook

Show Notes: You know what the motto is over here: There is nothing wrong with enjoying what you do, loving your profession, helping people, AND wanting to be paid well to do it. In today’s episode, we’re talking all about knowing your worth and getting paid what you need, want, and most importantly - deserve! Our guest shares how she made well over six figures in her first year as an OT—without leaving clinician practice. She’ll explain how negotiating confidently played a key role in making it happen. Plus, we talk about student loans, time freedom, and the importance of financial balance. If you’re ready to boost your income, stand in your power, and never settle for less, this episode will give you all the inspiration and practical tips to get there! In today’s show, we’re chatting about: How Samantha’s passion for sports, fitness, and health influenced her decision to pursue OT   How student loan debt influenced Samantha’s ideal income range when starting her job hunt Finding the balance between student loans and pursuing other financial goals  The full breakdown of how Samantha was able to maximize her income to well over six figures as a new graduate  Our top negotiation tips, tricks, and advice especially for new graduates to increase your chances of a successful negotiation  The correlation between experience and pay: should clinical experience always directly relate to pay?  Samantha’s private practice aspirations and journey Samantha’s most important piece of advice for new OT graduates who are just starting their careers and want to maximize their earning potential Guest Bio: Originally from Indiana, I have been passionate about sports, fitness, and health since I was young. I earned my B.S. from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and then moved to Pittsburgh, PA, to complete my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. During my clinical training, I gained valuable experience working in ICU Burn and Trauma at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL, as well as in outpatient pediatrics. Currently, I am a licensed Occupational Therapist in both California and Indiana. In California, I worked in sub-acute rehab primarily with the adult and geriatric patient population primarily from low income or unhoused households. I am now excited to be in the process of opening my own private practice in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana in early 2025. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my husband and our dog, staying active through strength training, trying new restaurants and tackling DIY projects around our home. Resources Follow Dr. Samantha Hayes on Social Media: Website | Instagram | Instagram | TikTok [FREE] Download: Negotiation Crash Course Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy  Get in touch Subscribe to the Podcast  Check out the Website Wanna be innanet friends? Instagram - TikTok - Facebook