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Money Matters in Occupational Therapy

Money Matters in Occupational Therapy

Written by: Amirra Condelee OTD OTR/L
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About this listen

Welcome to the Money Matters in Occupational Therapy podcast, a space dedicated to having the real, open, and honest conversations about money & finance that we never had in school - but we should’ve. I’m your host, Amirra Condelee and I’m here to help you manage your money with less stress, more joy, and a whole lotta confidence.Amirra Condelee, OTD, OTR/L
Episodes
  • Ep 46. Travel Therapy for New Grads: The Reality Beyond the Pay
    Jan 22 2026

    Show Summary:

    Travel therapy is often talked about through the lens of pay, but for new grads, the reality goes far beyond the paycheck. In this episode, I’m joined by Jenna Seeton, MSOT, OTR/L, a new grad travel occupational therapist, to talk honestly about what travel therapy actually looks like day to day and how it can shape both your career and your life.

    Together, we dive into the lifestyle adjustments, workplace transitions, and emotional considerations that come with travel therapy, especially for new grads who are often discouraged from taking this path. This conversation is meant to give you a clearer, more grounded picture of who travel therapy is really for, what to think through before taking the leap, and how this experience can bring clarity around settings, populations, and long-term goals beyond just the money (although, that's a nice perk, too!)

    In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About:

    • Why new grads are often discouraged from travel therapy

    • What drew Jenna to travel therapy beyond the paycheck

    • Adjusting to new cities and being away from your support system

    • Navigating new workplaces, teams, and personalities each assignment

    • Who travel therapy is really for, and who may struggle

    • How travel therapy can shape long-term career goals and clarity

    • Jenna’s biggest advice for new grads debating whether to take the leap

    Guest Bio:

    Jenna Seeton, MSOT, OTR/L is a new grad travel occupational therapist who chose this path to explore new places, learn from different teams, and build a career that supports both her personal life and financial goals. She earned her Bachelor’s in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in December 2024, passed the NBCOT in March 2025, and began her first travel contract in April in a school setting—despite having limited exposure to schools during her training.

    After taking time off over the summer to reconnect with loved ones, Jenna committed to a full school-year contract for 2025–2026. During her break, she launched a travel therapy Instagram to document her journey and support other new grads curious about this path. Jenna loves the adventure of travel therapy and is always excited to connect with others navigating this season of their OT careers.

    Connect with Jenna:

    • ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn | ⁠TikTok
    • Interview Guide | Housing Tips | Recruiter Recs

    Join our FB Group: ⁠Money Matters in Occupational Therapy⁠

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    44 mins
  • Ep 45. A Practical Guide to Navigating Student Loan Changes in 2026 with Noah O’Dell
    Dec 18 2025

    Show Summary:

    Student loans are changing — and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals. In this episode, Amirra is joined by Noah O’Dell, founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, to break down what’s happening with federal student loans and what it means for students and clinicians.

    Inspired by the recent “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement, this conversation clears up common concerns, explores potential changes to repayment systems and loan caps, and offers practical guidance on controlling the controllables amid uncertainty.

    In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About:

    • Why 2026 is a pivotal year for student loans

    • What’s changing with federal student loans and the Department of Education

    • The “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement

    • How potential federal loan caps could impact PT/OT students and clinicians

    • Practical ways to control the controllables when navigating student loans

    Guest Bio:

    Noah O’Dell helps PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals take control of their complete financial picture — no matter what their situation looks like. He’s the founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, where he provides practical, judgment-free financial guidance for clinicians at every stage of their career. Follow Noah on Instagram

    Resources Mentioned:

    • RouteFin | Student Loan Planner | Loan Calculator
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Ep 44. Pivoting from OT to a New Path as a Holistic Nutritionist with Cassuandra Lindsay
    Nov 26 2025

    Show Summary:

    Feeling burnt out in your career—or wondering what it would take to pivot into something that truly aligns with your values, even with student loans and financial responsibilities? In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist–turned–holistic nutritionist Cassaundra Lindsay, who shares her journey from traditional OT practice and deep burnout to running a business that lights her up. She opens up about the guilt and fear of leaving a profession she’d trained for, how she navigated the financial side of stepping away from a steady paycheck, and the mindset and money shifts that gave her permission to choose a new path. Whether you’re feeling out of alignment in your current role or curious about what it takes to make a big career pivot, this conversation is full of honesty, encouragement, and practical insight.

    In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

    • What first drew Cassaundra to the OT profession

    • The moment she realized traditional practice was no longer aligned

    • The guilt and fear that came with leaving OT while still having student loans

    • How she approached the financial side of her pivot

    • The mindset and money shifts that helped her choose a new path

    • What her business, Nourish Freely, looks like today

    • Encouragement for anyone considering a career change

    Guest Bio:

    Cassaundra Lindsay is a Holistic Nutritionist and the founder of Nourish Freely. She helps busy individuals struggling with low energy, digestive issues, and confusion around nutrition. Through her 3-month coaching program, Cassaundra offers personalized support to get to the root cause of symptoms so her clients can stop guessing, start healing, and feel confident in their bodies again. Her signature approach simplifies nutrition, boosts energy, heals digestion, and empowers clients to be in control of their health without relying on caffeine, crash diets, or constant Googling. She created this business after healing her own energy and digestive challenges as well as seeing a gap in Western Medicine during her time working as an OT.

    Connect with Cassuandra:

    • Follow Cassaundra on Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn
    • Connect with the Nourish Freely Community: Website
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
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