Meet our home OT, Carissa!

What made you get into the field of Occupational Therapy?

I was always interested in health and wellness growing up as I played a lot of sports in high school and continued being active throughout college and so on. I didn't learn about Occupational Therapy until the end of undergrad when I became a caregiver for a teenager that has ASD (Autism). His mom told me about OT and how it helped her son develop skills to be more independent. Essentially, the job I was doing was inherently OT without realizing it. I loved what I did and wanted to make a career out of it, so I decided to go back to school and pursue a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. 

How long have you been practicing?

I've been practicing for almost a year now. 

What’s your favorite part about being an occupational therapist? 

I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients and learn what motivates them so I can tailor my treatments. I'm constantly thinking about how I can make a session more interesting for them. Sometimes it can be a challenge but I'm always up for it!    

What’s your favorite condition to treat? 

I'm not sure I have a favorite. I find neuro cases to be more interesting to treat but it also depends on the client I'm treating. 

How can patients benefit from treatment?

It depends on the reasons they are seeking therapy.  All patients can benefit from treatment to become more educated about areas that may be impacting their level of participation in meaningful activities (e.g. dressing, showering, walking outside, driving, etc). For example, as an OT,  I try to approach my treatments holistically and address multiple dimensions of wellness (i.e. physical, emotional, social, environmental, etc), provide education and strategies to improve their overall health, rather than only targeting an affected limb or symptoms of pain.
 

What do you love about being part of the Reddy Care PT & OT team?

I'm new to Reddy Care, and so far I do appreciate the level of communication between staff especially since occupational therapists are on the road working within the home. 

What’s one fun fact about you?

I used to powerlift competitively towards the end of college and a little after.  

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

Author

Carissa Roca, OTR/L, LSVT BIG I was born and raised on Long Island, NY with parents that immigrated from Peru. I graduated from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2019 with an MS in Occupational Therapy. I had the opportunity to become a certified LSVT BIG clinician in hopes to provide movement therapy for people with Parkinson's Disease and other neurological disorders. I have experience in reflex integration therapy that I learned while working in a pediatric setting in Hood River, Oregon that I would like to incorporate into my practice. I have a passion for learning and meeting people of all walks of life which makes this field that much more fulfilling for me when I have the opportunity to work with clients within their home.