Before my career began, even before I began my Occupational Therapy master’s program, I knew I wanted to help people with neurological conditions. This desire to help others regain independence and meaning back to their life is what drew me to Occupational Therapy in the first place. I’ve always been a very independent and self determined person. If I were to ever have a condition or disease that limited me from living my life to the fullest I wouldn’t want someone there to just hold my hand and then do everything for me. I would want a coach to help guide me through a path back to independence, no matter how challenging that road may be. That is my mission as an Occupational Therapist, to be a coach and knowledgeable support during people’s journey through recovery.
As a new grad, I fell in love with stroke rehabilitation. I chose to seek a specialty certification in stroke recovery which I have continued to maintain to this day, so I can better serve stroke survivors. As I continued along my path as an Occupational Therapist, I began to see that balance is a core ability that challenges not only stroke survivors but people with any neurological and non-neurological condition. Without balance we lose our confidence and ability to take part in what we love. How is anyone supposed to do anything without a stable foundation? Without a stable foundation people begin to stop doing things that bring them joy, as well as very basic activities. This leads to countless other problems in a person’s physical, mental, and social well being. This overarching problem with balance, which I saw continuously during my practice, is what led me to seek a vestibular certification. When people develop or are living with vestibular dysfunction, their world is literally rock and rolled (and not in a good way.) They have no foundation on which to stand. I became determined to help people regain their stable foundation.
This career has been more than a job to me. As a therapist I have the opportunity, privilege, and duty to help people through some of their most challenging times. Seeing my clients overcome challenges and gain new strength, both mentally and physically, provides meaning to what I do. If you’re ready to accept the challenge, I’m excited and honored to guide you along this journey through recovery.
Your OT Coach,
Stefanie Watson OT, CSRS, AIB-VRC
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
University of South Florida– Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Saint Augustine– Masters in Occupational Therapy
specialty certifications
Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist
American Institute of Balance Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Therapy
personal interest
I am blessed to live life with my amazing husband, John, and our fur babies, Nala and Zuri (yes, I’m that dog person.) A day out in nature is a day well spent. I love camping, mountain biking, kayaking down the river, spending a lazy day on the beach, or just meditating by a tree. I have a love for flight and earned my private pilot’s license as well as my skydiving license. I love to work out (any workout), travel, try new things, food brings me joy and coffee fuels me. All of these things are made better and more complete when they’re shared with the people I love.
