Happy Occupational Therapy Awareness Month!

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Celebrating Occupational Therapy Awareness Month: Empowering Lives Through Meaningful Action

Every April, we recognize Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the vital role Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) play in helping people of all ages live fuller, more independent lives.

Occupational therapy is about far more than recovery—it’s about enabling people to do the things that matter most to them.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals participate in the activities—or “occupations”—that give their lives meaning. These activities may include self‑care, work, school, play, leisure, or social participation. When illness, injury, disability, or life changes make everyday tasks challenging, occupational therapy provides practical tools and strategies to restore independence, confidence, and quality of life.

OTs and COTAs work with people across the lifespan—from infants learning to feed or play, to older adults adapting to changes in mobility or cognition. The common thread is a client‑centered approach that meets people where they are and supports their unique goals.

Where Occupational Therapists Make an Impact

Occupational therapy services can be found in a wide range of settings, including:

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation centers, supporting recovery after injury, surgery, or illness
  • Schools, helping children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally
  • Mental health settings, promoting coping skills, routines, and emotional well‑being
  • Outpatient clinics, addressing hand therapy, neurological conditions, and chronic pain
  • Home health and community settings, ensuring people can live safely and independently
  • Workplaces, where OTs improve ergonomics and support return‑to‑work programs

No matter the setting, Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants focus on enabling participation—not just improving physical abilities, but also adapting environments, building routines, and fostering resilience.

More Than Therapy: A Holistic Approach

One of the most powerful aspects of occupational therapy is its holistic philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, OTs consider the whole person—their physical abilities, mental health, environment, culture, and personal priorities.

For example, occupational therapy may involve:

  • Teaching energy‑conservation techniques for someone with chronic fatigue
  • Modifying a home to reduce fall risk after a stroke
  • Supporting a child with sensory processing challenges
  • Helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, or depression through healthy routines
  • Assisting older adults in maintaining independence and dignity

This personalized approach allows occupational therapy to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

A Month—and a Mission—Worth Celebrating

Occupational therapy empowers people to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and engage in the activities that bring purpose and joy to daily life. This April, we honor the professionals who make that possible and celebrate a field dedicated to helping people not just survive—but truly live.

Happy Occupational Therapy Awareness Month!

 

Growing with Tx:Team: Amanda Bancroft’s 16-Year Journey of Leadership and Learning

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Amanda Bancroft never set out with a specific plan to join Tx:Team—her clinical rotation there was randomly assigned. But what began as a convenient placement close to home has grown into a 16-year career defined by personal growth, leadership, and a deep appreciation for the power of teamwork.

“I feel like I grew up here,” Amanda says. From student to rehab aide, to licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA), and now into a leadership role, Amanda has experienced nearly every aspect of the rehab continuum. “Walking the walk” across different roles has shaped her into a leader who truly understands the people she supports.

Amanda was initially drawn to physical therapy through her background in sports and a strong desire to help others. While communication, especially with physicians and other authority figures, was an early challenge, her confidence grew with experience. She learned to view everyone as equals working toward the same goal: better patient outcomes. “I realized we are all just human and it doesn’t matter your title, your background, or your position. What matters is that we’re all here for this common purpose, and that’s to make the patient better. And so, once I gained that experience, it was just a no-brainer for me,” she shares.

That mindset now guides her leadership. Rather than seeing her role as leaving behind the hands-on care she loved, Amanda sees her current position as another way to care for patients. By streamlining processes and advocating for her staff, she helps improve inpatient rehabilitation care at Frederick Health Hospital every day. She shares, “Knowing I can remove barriers for these clinicians to provide better care is really rewarding for me.”

Though she began her career as a PTA, Amanda now leads a multidisciplinary team, including speech-language pathology and occupational therapy professionals. Complementing her clinical experience, Amanda also holds a business degree, strengthening her ability to manage teams and operations effectively. While it was a learning curve at first, Amanda welcomed the challenge. “It’s been a really fun ride to be taught by my peers,” she says.

Amanda has found inspiration and guidance in those around her throughout her career at Tx:Team. One leader who made a particularly lasting impact is Carroll Nelligan, Chief Operating Officer. “Carroll will always have a special place in my heart,” Amanda says. While she has leaned on many individuals for support, it’s her team that stands out most. “I believe people are put into your life for a lot of reasons,” she shares. “Even difficult interactions have taught me what not to do. My team has taught me things I’ll never fully be able to express.”

Why has she stayed for 16 years? Amanda doesn’t hesitate: “Because I’m not bored. I challenge myself every day, and I know what I’m doing is positively impacting other human beings.” She also credits the company’s leadership for creating a culture that values both quality care and people. “It doesn’t feel like it’s only about the money. They really do care about metrics and outcomes.”

As she looks to the future, Amanda hopes for continued improvements in technology and insurance reform that supports better patient care. But no matter what comes next, her journey at Tx:Team stands as a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of believing in both your mission and your people.

Tx:Team Welcomes Five New Equity Partners

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Founded in 1983 by Greg Jennings, PT, Tx:Team is a privately held, therapist-led organization. For over 40 years, we have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the healthcare landscape by focusing strategically on the development of our people. With an eye toward the future, we are pleased to announce five new equity partners.  Joining our ownership group as of April 1, 2025, are Mitch Parsons, Katie Guerdan, Spencer Sheridan, Liz Kotroba, and Chris Gray. We believe strongly in the importance of great leadership, and our five new shareholders embody our core values of integrity, camaraderie, vision, responsiveness, resilience, teamwork, flexibility, and continuous learning.

Mitch Parsons, PT, MBA, CSCS, C-PT, graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Exercise Science and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Physical Therapy degree from Indiana University in 1998. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from the University of Tennessee in 2014. Mitch has worked with all populations, from pediatric to geriatric, in a number of clinical settings, including outpatient and long term care. He has extensive training in vestibular rehabilitation, sports medicine, and orthopedics. Mitch has also earned certifications from the National Strength & Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer. Mitch leads the Employer-Based Clinic service line for Tx:Team.

Katie Guerdan, SHRM-CP, joined Tx:Team in 2015 as the Human Resources Generalist. She has twice been promoted to Manager of Human Resources, and now Director. She graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in 2006 with a degree in Sociology. Her experience, primarily focused in the healthcare setting, is an asset to her responsibilities of providing guidance on regulatory compliance, employee relations issues, performance management, training, recruiting, and benefits administration.  Katie is a Certified Professional in Human Resources and is a member of Society for Human Resource Management.

Spencer Sheridan graduated in 2012 from Wabash College with a degree in Economics. In the summer of 2011, Spencer spent an eight-week internship at Tx:Team he completed a project focused on the company’s internal financial forecasting tools. It was during his internship that he developed a passion for connecting operational performance to financial outcomes. Immediately following graduation from Wabash, he took a fulltime role in finance at Tx:Team.  In his current position as Director of Finance, Spencer is responsible for the annual budgeting process, daily accounting tasks, and internal and external performance analysis and reporting. In addition, Spencer oversees the financial forecasting tools that he developed to proactively gauge the current month’s financial performance and trains associates and Team Leaders on financial processes and systems.

Liz Kotroba, PT, DPT, MBA, joined Tx:Team with an extensive background in both rehabilitation and healthcare leadership. She attended The University of Scranton in Scranton, PA, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences, her Master’s of Physical Therapy, and her Doctor’s of Physical Therapy. Liz went on to receive her MBA from the University of Maryland – University College in Adelphi, MD. Liz is passionate about rehabilitation services and will continue to advance clinical and operational excellence, innovation, and community engagement throughout the continuum of rehab care as Tx:Team’s Director of Rehab at Frederick Health. She has a wealth of knowledge in program assessment, development, and implementation, clinic start-up, mentoring and developing teams, financial management, and regulatory compliance. Liz is also a Black Belt in Six Sigma.

Chris Gray, PT, DPT, OCS, CERT. DN, FAAOMPT, is an accomplished Physical Therapist with a distinguished career that spans over two decades. His professional journey has showcased his commitment to education and excellence in the field. Chris received his Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology and Master’s of Physical Therapy at California State University, Fresno. He went on to receive his Doctor’s of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine. He is an active member of professional organizations such as APTA (Orthopedics Section) and AAOMPT. His expertise extends to teaching, with numerous seminars and university presentations, making him a trusted mentor and guide for the next generation of Physical Therapists. In his role as a Director with Tx:Team, Chris manages rehab operations on behalf of Witham Health Services. He is charged with optimizing efficiency, improving quality, and building a strong culture within the department.

The future is bright, and we could not be more excited to welcome these five talented leaders to our ownership group.

April is Occupational Therapy Month

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Every day, occupational therapists empower individuals to overcome challenges and reclaim their independence. This Occupational Therapy Month, we celebrate the incredible work of occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapist assistants (COTAs) across the country who inspire hope and change lives. From regaining movement after surgery to rebuilding strength after a major medical event, the impact of occupational therapy is undeniable.

At Tx:Team, our occupational therapy clinicians are dedicated to helping people achieve their personal and functional goals, no matter the obstacles. Their expertise, compassion, and patient-centered approach make a profound difference in the lives of those they serve.

For one patient, recovering from thumb joint replacement surgery seemed daunting after two weeks in a cast left their hand stiff and immobile. With guidance from Josh Eppinger, OTR/L, at Frederick Health Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab Aspen Ridge, they progressed through each recovery stage, gaining confidence as they regained movement. This patient shared, “Josh pushed me in a good way. He knew what I should be able to do and kept me goal oriented. I did what he asked and trusted in the process, and I was very happy. I was pleasantly surprised by how caring Josh was. I did not feel like it was a factory-type therapy like I have been at.” Through dedicated therapy and prescribed exercises at home, they regained full mobility, returning to work on their farm pain-free.

For others, occupational therapy provides a path to reclaim independence after life-changing medical events. Following brain surgery, a patient working with Erin Winters, OTR/L, at Putnam County Hospital struggled with left-sided weakness and difficulty walking. Initially hesitant, they were surprised by how much simple exercises could improve their strength and mobility. “I put myself into a box and avoided doing things I might fail at, but my therapists figured out where I was at and how hard I needed to be pushed.” With repetition and patience, they noticed significant progress when they could take their dogs for walks again and regained the independence they feared losing.

Stories like these highlight the life-changing impact of occupational therapy. At Tx:Team, our OTs and COTAs work every day to help individuals regain function, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Whether it’s recovering from surgery, adapting to a new way of life, or regaining strength, our therapists are committed to guiding patients every step of the way.

This Occupational Therapy Month, we celebrate the dedication and expertise of our OTs and COTAs and the resilience of the patients they support. Together, we are truly inspiring hope and changing lives.

Tx:Team Announces Sale of Senior Living Division to FOX Rehabilitation

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We are pleased to announce that FOX Rehabilitation (“FOX”), the nation’s leading provider of Geriatric House Calls™, has acquired the senior living division of Tx:Team in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. As part of this transition, over 50 of our associates will be joining FOX, a company known for its dedication to patient-centered care and clinical excellence.

“We have known FOX Rehabilitation for many years, and we have tremendous respect for them and their approach to working with seniors,” said Scott Benedict, CEO of Tx:Team. “It was clear from our earliest conversations that they were the right partner for this transaction.”

Carroll Nelligan, COO of Tx:Team, adds, “Caring for seniors has been part of our DNA since Tx:Team was founded in 1983.  Our success has always been rooted in attracting and developing therapists who are clinically talented and fiercely dedicated to improving the lives of their patients. We are excited about the opportunities that FOX Rehabilitation will provide for these wonderful clinicians and the seniors they will continue to care for every day.”

Looking ahead, Tx:Team remains focused on expanding our employer-based clinics and hospital partnerships.  While we continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: our people are the heart of everything we do. This commitment to patient-centered care has been our foundation since 1983, and it will continue to drive our success in the years to come.

More information on FOX Rehab: https://foxrehab.org/press/fox-rehabilitation-acquires-div-of-txteam/

The Importance of Rehabilitation in the Cancer Journey

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Cancer arrives like a sudden storm, altering the landscape of life in an instant. It does not come quietly. It disrupts, demands, and leaves no one untouched. Yet even in its wake, there is a path forward. Rehabilitation is the bridge between what was and what can be, guiding patients toward renewed strength, movement, and hope.

At Tx:Team, we have felt the weight of this journey in a deeply personal way. Two of our own leaders have walked this path and their experiences serve as a reminder that the impact of this disease extends far beyond the individual. It reaches families, friends, and entire communities. Their resilience deepens our commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care.

Everyone remembers the day they were told, “You have cancer.” Once those words are spoken, life changes in an instant. Cancer patients undergo a variety of treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While these treatments all share the same goal of achieving remission, they also come with significant side effects. Some of these effects are temporary, while others linger even after the celebratory ringing of the bell. As one survivor shared, “No one really tells you about the long-lasting side effects. You are so focused on the immediate treatment plan and fighting this disease that you really don’t think about what comes after.”

The side effects of cancer treatments—fatigue, loss of strength, mobility challenges, cognitive difficulties, and issues with speech or swallowing—can persist long after treatment ends. This is where physical, occupational, and speech therapists collaborate as a unified team. Each therapist brings their expertise to create a personalized, holistic rehabilitation plan, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to recovery, helping patients reclaim their strength, independence, and quality of life.

In the face of cancer’s challenges, rehabilitation offers a vital path to recovery. It is a journey of resilience, supported by skilled professionals who understand the full scope of healing. At Tx:Team, we are honored to be part of that journey, walking alongside cancer survivors as they reclaim their strength and embrace the future with hope.

Tx:Team Launches Cancer Care Program

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Tx:Team is proud to announce the launch of our Cancer Care Program, designed to support individuals at every stage of their cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. While some tumors are benign, others can be malignant, spreading to different parts of the body and causing significant harm. There are over 100 types of cancer, including lung, colon, and breast cancer. Although life-saving treatments are crucial, they often come with challenging side effects such as pain, weakness, reduced mobility, speech difficulties, and swallowing problems. These hurdles can make daily tasks overwhelming. That’s where physical, occupational, and speech therapy play a crucial role, enhancing recovery and improving quality of life.

Tx:Team created a program for everyone because cancer knows no boundaries. It can touch any life, at any age, at any time. Every journey is unique, and we focus on what matters most to you. Whether it’s returning to hobbies, cherishing time with loved ones, or finding joy in daily life, we’re here to empower you with the tools and support to make it possible.

Our expert team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists collaborate to address a wide range of needs:

  • Physical Therapy: Focuses on reducing cancer-related fatigue, restoring strength, improving balance, and rebuilding endurance to help patients regain mobility and energy.
  • Occupational Therapy: Assists with managing side effects like neuropathy, joint pain, and lymphedema, teaching techniques for energy conservation and helping patients regain independence in daily activities.
  • Speech Therapy: Supports those facing speech, cognitive, or swallowing difficulties due to cancer or its treatment, offering strategies to maintain communication and nutrition.
  • Lymphedema Therapy: Provides specialized care, including manual lymph drainage, compression therapy, and self-management education to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Our Cancer Care Program offers skilled support throughout all phases of treatment:

  • Preventive: Pre-surgical evaluations, functional assessments, exercise prescriptions, and bioimpedance screenings to prevent lymphedema.
  • Restorative: Therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation to restore function and improve daily living.
  • Supportive: Pain management, patient education, and guidance to manage treatment side effects, with seamless collaboration with the healthcare team.
  • Palliative: Focused on enhancing comfort, managing pain, and improving quality of life.

At the heart of Tx:Team’s Cancer Care Program is a simple belief: recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about reclaiming your life. We are dedicated to walking alongside our patients, helping them rediscover strength, confidence, and purpose.

New Year Fitness Goals

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“New Year, New Me”  – Does this sound familiar? The start of a new year is often a time for people to want a fresh start. For some, it may be a fresh start with healthier habits, being more responsible with money, or working to become a better person. Many people welcome the new year as a time to start fresh with a new fitness routine. Whether it be going for a daily walk, trying out a new class at the gym, or starting your marathon training, here are a few tips to help you succeed with your New Year’s fitness resolutions.

  • Start slow. If you are trying a new activity, ease into it to avoid excessive soreness or injury.
  • Make it a habit. Schedule time in your day for exercise when it is convenient for you and put it on your calendar. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so don’t give up too soon!
  • Fuel your body. Adequate sleep, healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water are important for effective workouts.
  • Have fun! Choosing an activity you enjoy will help you stick with it. Try a dance class, listening to your favorite music at the gym, or going for a walk/run on a trail with good scenery.
  • Rest is just as important as the work. Our bodies need rest days to recover from exercise, especially if you are performing a new activity or exercising for the first time in a while. Don’t feel guilty if your body needs a rest day – or – scale back your program and try going for a light walk or performing a gentle stretching or yoga routine if you feel you need a break.
  • Buddy up! Grab a friend to try a new class at the gym, ask your spouse to exercise with you, or take your dog for a walk! The buddy system helps us stay accountable.
  • Listen to your body. If you are feeling sore or tired, you may be over doing it and need a little rest or a modification to your program. If you are experiencing any pain – reach out to your Physical Therapist for advice.

Whatever your New Year’s Resolution may be, give yourself some grace and remember to strive for progress not perfection. There is no ‘one size fits all’ program so do what feels best to you and be proud of yourself for taking steps to become a healthier YOU. Now, get up and move your body in a way that feels good!

Sara Sermershein is a Physical Therapist in the Employer Based Setting for Tx:Team.  She has worked in outpatient Physical Therapy for the last six (6) years treating patients of all ages and various orthopedic conditions. She holds certifications in dry needling as well as vestibular and concussion rehab. 

Bundle Up and Stay Busy: The Importance of Staying Engaged in Winter

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As winter sets in, it’s easy to retreat indoors and let routines slip, but staying mentally and socially engaged during the colder months is just as important as physical activity. Keeping your mind sharp and connected can boost cognitive health, reduce stress, and prevent the isolation and seasonal blues that come with shorter days.

For older adults, winter can present additional challenges. The cold weather and reduced social interaction may lead to physical or cognitive decline. Watch for signs of isolation, depression, or a decrease in physical activity, as these can affect overall well-being. Occupational and speech therapy can help older adults stay engaged, maintain independence, and address any changes in their physical or cognitive abilities during the winter months.

Create a Daily Routine

Establishing a daily schedule, even if it’s flexible, can help maintain focus and provide structure during long, dark days. Include time for activities that challenge your mind like the ones listed below.

Explore a New Hobby and Stimulate Your Mind

Take up a new skill or hobby, such as crafting, painting, or playing a musical instrument, and incorporate brain-training activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or memory games. Engaging in both creative and cognitive exercises helps keep your mind sharp and provides therapeutic benefits to support your mental well-being.

Read or Learn Something New

Whether it’s a book, an online course, or an educational podcast, keeping your mind engaged with new information can enhance cognitive function and mental health.

Stay Social

Regularly interact with friends, family, or peers, whether through video calls, in-person meetings, or group chats. Social interaction boosts mood, reduces feelings of loneliness, and helps maintain mental health.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Spend time focusing on the present moment through deep breathing exercises or meditation. These practices help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Volunteer or Help Others

Engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering can boost mood and give you a sense of purpose. Helping others provides social connection and can help alleviate feelings of isolation.

Staying active in mind and spirit throughout the winter season is key to maintaining a positive and resilient outlook. These simple steps can help you navigate the colder months with energy, clarity, and a renewed sense of well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges in maintaining cognitive or physical health this winter, consider exploring the benefits of occupational and speech therapy. Our blogs on debunking myths on occupational therapy and speech therapy are a great starting point to learn about the vast treatments of conditions that OTs and SLPs complete acress the lifespan.

Ask an Expert: How Do I Prevent Hurting My Back When Shoveling Snow?

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Question: How do I prevent hurting my low back when shoveling snow?

Answer: There are several things we can do to prevent low back injury when shoveling. Preparation is key! If you look outside and see snow falling, check the local weather. If it is going to be a prolonged event, you should plan to go out and shovel in phases to decrease the workload. Remember, wet snow is heavy snow.

If you do not own an ergonomic shovel, get one now. This allows you to hold the shovel properly with on hand at the top of the handle and another closer to the shovel blade if you have to lift the snow. Whenever possible, push the snow vs lifting shovels full of snow. If you must lift the shovel, bend at the knees and hips while avoiding the dreaded BLT! This means do not perform the combination of bending/lifting/twisting.

Once again, prevention is key! If you have a history of your back giving you pain with shoveling, go to physical therapy before you are injured. We can perform an assessment and determine where the underlying issues are. We will address strength deficits and provide instruction in core stabilization and proper lifting techniques. Then you can say…LET IT SNOW!

Jennie Gaskill, PTA is an experienced and dedicated physical therapist assistant at Frederick Health Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab in Mt. Airy, Maryland. She earned her Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy Assistant from Carroll Community College and has developed a passion for orthopedics, manual therapy, and sports rehabilitation. Jennie’s passion for helping patients reach their full potential has made her a truly invaluable member of Tx:Team for the past 8 years.