EMPOWERED OTP:
EXPLORING INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Entrepreneurship in occupational therapy extends beyond private practice - it's about reimagining how OT professionals can drive meaningful change. This full-day event is designed for both current and aspiring OTP entrepreneurs, offering expert guidance, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
📍 Location
Saint Joseph’s University – University City Campus, Philadelphia
📅 Date
Sunday, April 6, 2025
🕒 Time
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Certificate of Attendance provided for those who attend the full day and complete the final assessment component.
*Are You an OT or OTA Student?*
Send us a text so we can verify your status and get you an exclusive coupon Code!
Text us at: (701) 587-9707
Key Themes
A Message of Hope and Opportunity: Your OT skillset provides a strong foundation for innovation. Learn how to leverage it to build a fulfilling career.
Learning Through Shared Experience: Hear from OT entrepreneurs who have successfully built innovative businesses and gain insights from their journeys.
Actionable Steps for Growth: Whether you're just starting or looking to expand, this event will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take the next step.
Event Schedule
7:45-8:15 AM – Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:00 AM – Welcome & Overview
📌 Kara Welke, OTR/L, CLT – Breaking Free from Traditional OT
Kara, a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for home- and community-based care, will inspire you to think beyond traditional OT roles and take control of your career.
9:00-10:45 AM – Introduction of Entrepreneurs
11:00-11:40 AM – Breakout Session 1
11:45-12:25 PM – Breakout Session 2
12:25-1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00-1:40 PM
📌 Niccole Rowe, BA, COTA/L & Kimberly Breeden, MS, OTR/L
Topic: OTpreneurs: Leveraging Occupational Therapy Skills to Drive Innovation and Create Impactful Solutions
1:45-2:25 PM – Breakout Session 3
2:30-3:10 PM – Breakout Session 4
3:10-3:30 PM – Break
3:30-3:55 PM
📌 Jill Garaffa, MA, OTR/L, PCC
Topic: From Stuck to Success
Jill will discuss how OTs can integrate life coaching strategies into their practice and career growth.
4:00-4:45 PM
📌 Alyson Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, AOTA President
Alyson will share insights on the evolving role of occupational therapy, professional advocacy, and the future of OT entrepreneurship.
4:45-5:00 PM – Closing Remarks
📌 Kara Welke, OTR/L, CLT
Evening: Optional Social/Networking Event
🎁 Bonus Sessions – Exclusive Follow-Up Webinars
All attendees will gain access to two follow-up LIVE webinars designed to provide additional guidance and Q&A with select presenters:
📌 Starting a Business – Clinical or Non-Clinical as an OT – Where to Start
📌 OT Business Owners – How to Get to the Next Level in Your Business
*Are You an OT or OTA Student?*
Send us a text so we can verify your status and get you an exclusive coupon Code!
Text us at: (701) 587-9707
Breakout Session Topics & Speakers
Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP
📌 Topic: Innovating Dementia Care: Leveraging Diverse Practice Models for Success
Rachel will discuss innovative approaches in dementia care, highlighting various practice models that can drive success.
Carly Rimes, OTR/L
📌 Topic: Differentiating Yourself as a Neuro-Practice
Carly will explore strategies for standing out in neuro-rehabilitation, focusing on specialization and effective practice positioning.
Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS
📌 Topic: Pros & Cons of Integrating Driving into Your Practice
Susie will cover different models for incorporating driving risk assessments, including reimbursement-based and cash-based specialty services.
Niccole Rowe, BA, COTA/L & Kimberly Breeden, MS, OTR/L
📌 Topic: Preparing for a Marathon Instead of a Sprint
Kim and Niccole will discuss resilience, offering strategies for long-term success and motivation through both highs and lows in practice.
Jill Garaffa, MA, OTR/L, PCC
📌 Topic: Life Coaching & Corporate OT
Jill will dive into occupational therapy’s role in life coaching, health and wellness, ADHD coaching, stress management, and corporate partnerships.
Steve Glukh, OTR
📌 Topic: Practice Management Solutions
Steve will demonstrate how technology and efficient systems can simplify your practice, reduce stress, and allow you to focus on patient care and business growth.
Melanie Gagnon, PT
📌 Topic: Audit and Appeal Process with Private Practices
Melanie will provide key insights into navigating audits and appeals, helping private practices stay compliant while minimizing financial risks.
Melanie Gagnon, PT
📌 Topic: How to Perform Chart Audits for Private Practices
Melanie will outline best practices for conducting chart audits, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance, and reimbursement success.
Clarice Grote, OTR/L – Amplify OT
📌 Topic: Medicare Documentation Essentials
Clarice will break down Medicare documentation requirements, offering OTs practical tools for compliance and efficient record-keeping.
Join us in the Next Level Facebook Group to
connect with other Therapy Professionals!
Event Sponsors
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks!
*Are You an OT or OTA Student?*
Send us a text so we can verify your status and get you an exclusive coupon Code!
Text us at: (701) 587-9707
Certificate of Attendance
📜 For those who attend the full day and complete the final assessment component, a Certificate of Attendance will be provided.
⚠️ Important Note: Approval for CEUs varies by state board. The conference committee cannot guarantee acceptance by your state board or NBCOT. It is your responsibility to verify eligibility for CEU credit.
📌 NBCOT Certification Renewal Activities:
✔️ “Successfully complete education (e.g., workshops, seminars, lectures, online courses, or conference) with an assessment component at the end of the program (e.g., scored test, project, paper).”
✔️ “A certificate of attendance or a letter from the provider verifying contact hours or CEU, date(s), event title, attendee name, agenda, and indicates successful completion of assessment component at the end of the program (e.g., scored test, project, paper).”
🔗 Resource: [NBCOT Renewal Activities Chart]
What is included?
🍽️ Breakfast, lunch, and snacks – We've got you covered so you can focus on learning and networking!
💻 Exclusive Access to Post-Event Webinars – Attendees are invited to join virtual webinars after the event to continue learning and expanding their knowledge.
📜 Certificate of Attendance – Those who attend the full day and complete the evaluation component will receive a certificate of attendance.
This event is packed with value—don’t miss out! 🚀
Who is this event for?
This event is for ALL Occupational Therapy Professionals and Students! Whether you're an entrepreneur or not, you’ll find inspiration, valuable insights, and opportunities to expand your career.
The networking alone is worth attending!
👩🎓 Students – Connect with experienced therapists to collaborate on capstone projects or other academic initiatives.
🧑⚕️ Therapists – Discover new programs and services you can integrate into your practice or explore side opportunities.
🚀 Current & Future Entrepreneurs – Network with like-minded professionals and gain practical strategies to help you reach your entrepreneurial goals.
🎓 Academics – Connect with therapists in the field to learn new and innovative techniques and develop partnerships for teaching, research, and more.
🔹 Not an OT? No problem! This event is open to anyone in the medical and therapy fields. If you're in PT, SLP, or another healthcare profession, you'll gain essential skills to take your career to the Next Level!
Don't miss this incredible opportunity! 🙌
