Alumna Spotlight: Sadie Garner

I was inspired to pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy because of my desire to help children develop the skills they need for daily life, especially if they face challenges due to physical, developmental, or sensory conditions. It is extremely rewarding to see a child improve their independence, confidence, and ability to interact with the world around them. Occupational therapy applies a strength-based approach to treatment, enhancing a child's ability to participate in therapy. Each child and their family are the drivers for setting goals and the focus for therapy, meaning each session is tailored to their own specific needs. 

As a divisional floater at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, I have worked with kids in many different stages of life. I have committed myself to helping children in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and have been faced with the challenge of finding solutions to problems both big and small. I believe parents have the most knowledge of their children's needs and behaviors, making them crucial partners in occupational therapy treatment.

Building connections with people both within and outside your career field is crucial for achieving your goals. Networking is not just about what others can do for you; it's about cultivating relationships that can offer new perspectives, opportunities, and support throughout your journey. Make it a point to engage with as many people as possible—whether they are peers, mentors, or even individuals in completely different industries. Take the time to listen and learn from their experiences, as these conversations can often lead to unexpected opportunities or valuable insights. 

I graduated in the Spring of 2024 and began my career at Cincinnati Children's, one of the top children's hospitals in the country. In my short time there, I’ve received around six months of training across various settings and with diverse populations. Thanks to the strong connections UC has with the Children's network, I was able to secure a position immediately after graduation and passing my board certification exam. I am now a well-rounded pediatric OT with a solid foundation to continue growing throughout my career.

During my Level II fieldwork, a 12-week clinical rotation after the didactic phase of my graduate program, I was placed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. This experience was invaluable in shaping me into a future occupational therapist and allowed me to build meaningful connections within the Children's network. I developed a deep appreciation for the passion, expertise, and care that sets Cincinnati Children's apart. Thanks to this experience, I was able to interview for and receive an offer just a few months after graduation!

Throughout my graduate program, I made it a priority to engage in various organizations that enriched my learning and helped me connect with others in my field. I served as the President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association at UC, where I collaborated with fellow officers, worked closely with faculty, and had the privilege of leading a talented group of occupational therapy students. I was also a founding member of Pi Theta Epsilon, a national honor society for OT students, and served as Secretary for our chapter. Additionally, I applied for and was accepted into the Preparing Early Intervention Providers for the Opioid Epidemic (PEPOpE) program, an interdisciplinary training initiative that brought together graduate students from various disciplines across UC. To this day, I continue to maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students in the University of Cincinnati Occupational Therapy program, advocating for the OT profession and encouraging incoming students to fully embrace their graduate school experience.