Student loans are more than just a number on a screen. They impact the choices we make, the goals we set, and how we feel about our financial future—especially when that balance is well into the six figures. If you’ve ever looked at your student loan total and thought, how am I supposed to tackle this AND live my life?—you are not alone.

Today on the show, I’m joined by Sunny, a physical therapist who is currently paying off over $200K in student loan debt. As a physical therapist who started her journey with that mountain of debt, Sunny faced a challenge many would find overwhelming. But instead of letting the number define or discourage her, she leaned into mindset shifts, strategic planning, and a whole lot of self-compassion. And while the number was big, her determination has been even bigger. She’s been transparent and inspiring—sharing both her challenges and wins—proving that progress is possible even with a big balance.

If you’re facing your own student loan journey—whether it feels impossible or just overwhelming—this episode is for you. Sunny’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, strategy, and kindness toward yourself, you can make meaningful progress and create a path that works for you.

It’s no secret that traditional OT paths don’t always leave room for the kind of flexibility or alignment we might crave—especially when we become parents, or when our values start to shift. Maybe you’ve wondered what else is possible. Maybe you’ve thought about homeschooling, starting a business, or just doing things a little differently—but you’re not quite sure where to start.

What does it look like to create a life and career that truly reflect what matters most to you? And how do you juggle it all when you’re wearing so many hats?

And of course, we can’t talk about any of that without touching on money—because yes, financial success does matter, but so does knowing how to define success beyond just the numbers.

Today on the show, I’m joined by someone who’s living those questions in such an inspiring way. Sarah Collins is an OT, homeschooling consultant, entrepreneur, and now a children’s book author. She’s built a business that supports families while also honoring her own—and she’s here to share what that journey has looked like behind the scenes.

This episode is for you if you're craving more alignment in your work, curious about homeschooling, or wondering how to build a life that feels both meaningful and financially sustainable.

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down for a solo episode, and today’s conversation is a big one sparked by the August issue of OT Practice Magazine, which featured the article “Practical Information: Stories for Those With Student Loan Debt.” The data and stories shared there lit up my DMs, and I knew I had to dive deeper on the podcast. The student loan conversation isn’t just about repayment after you graduate—it starts before you walk across that stage. The choices you make with your loan money while you’re in school, and the way you prepare yourself for earning after graduation, can make such a big difference. If you know you’ll graduate with loans (or you’re already there), we’re walking through practical moves you can make now: how to use loan money wisely, borrow less on purpose, and set yourself up to earn more—negotiating that first offer, choosing higher-paying settings, and even planting early seeds for entrepreneurship. Then, for the first time, I’m sharing the project my husband and I have been quietly building to support healthcare pros in the area of personal finance—a reveal I’m both nervous and excited to say out loud.

What does success look like as a COTA—and how do you define it for yourself?

In this episode of the Money Matters in OT Podcast, we’re diving into career growth, creative entrepreneurship, and representation in the field with Justine Vidro, COTA and founder of Teeny Tots Learning LLC. With over five years of experience in school-based OT and more than a decade of working with children, Justine has carved out a path that blends her passion for pediatric therapy, resource creation, and empowering fellow COTAs.

From building her business on the side to launching a thriving Teachers Pay Teachers store, Justine’s journey is full of intention, heart, and a whole lot of hustle. She shares her honest experiences navigating the pressure to “become an OT,” making smart financial choices early in her career, and showing up online in a way that uplifts and advocates for other COTAs in the field.

Whether you’re a COTA exploring your next steps, a student wondering what’s possible, or an OT looking to better understand the dynamics of your team—this episode is packed with insights that will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and empowered.

What 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, we’re diving into the world of non-clinical occupational therapy careers with guest Hannah Pugh, OT and founder of Practitioner Pivot. After transitioning out of outpatient care and into the health tech industry, Hannah discovered just how valuable and transferable OT skills can be—even beyond the bedside.

Now, she helps other healthcare clinicians explore non-traditional roles, overcome mindset barriers, and pivot into careers that offer more alignment, flexibility, and financial possibility.

Whether you're just beginning to feel burnt out in your current OT role, curious about health tech, or actively looking to pivot into a non-clinical OT career, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and tangible first steps.

What 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. 💛

What happens when the career path you trained for becomes the foundation for a totally different kind of life? In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by Gabriella Thalin—pediatric occupational therapist, homemaker, and soon-to-be published children’s book author—to explore how an OT education can shape far more than just your career.

Designing a career that allows you to experience freedom, financial growth, and personal fulfillment as an OT may sound like a dream, but it’s absolutely possible! In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by travel OT, real estate investor, and entrepreneur Kaitlyn Smart, who is living proof that you can create a multifaceted career that’s tailored to your passions and goals.

Balancing a career in school-based occupational therapy with the weight of student loan debt can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be the end of your financial story. In this episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, I’m joined by a fellow school-based OT who not only paid off his student loans but also carved a path into entrepreneurship to build more freedom and flexibility into his life.

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, 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.

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.

$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.

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.

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 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!

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!

Is occupational therapy a dying profession? Depending on who you ask, you might hear it is. Scroll through any OT Facebook group, and you'll find comments about burnout, dissatisfaction, and people leaving the field. But while this may reflect some people’s truth, it doesn’t represent most of us who love what we do and value our profession, even if we wish to see changes. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my take: Why are people saying this? Is there any truth to it? Plus, I’ll give my honest opinion on recommending this field to others and tips for those feeling burnt out—how to reignite your passion. Bottom line: OT isn’t dying…but OT as we know it is changing - as it should. Just as we as practitioners are constantly growing and evolving, our profession has to grow and evolve too. 

Happy August! I can't believe we're already halfway through the year. Today is a very special episode because...it's my birthday! If you know me, you know I'm a big birthday person. In this episode, I share some of my life lessons and reflections as I enter a new decade, new season, and new chapter of life - with lots of big surprises along the way. Plus, I also sprinkle in a little personal student loan update and an important reminder to still enjoy your life even while paying back those pesky loans.