In this episode, I chat with Justine Jecker – an occupational therapist I instantly fell in love with for her grounded wisdom, her realness, her critical thinking and the way she speaks so deeply to the heart of our profession. This conversation is rich, reflective and full of insight into what it really means to be an OT today.
We discuss:
- How our personal identity shapes how we show up as occupational therapists
- What identity means within the OT profession and why it matters
- The rich history of OT and how it influences our current professional identity
- The challenge of defining what OTs do vs. what OT is
- The importance of staying grounded in occupation as the heart of OT
- How we can communicate the value of occupational therapy more clearly
- Why being an OT and something else is becoming more common
- It’s not always about us trying to explain OT – it’s can others describe what it is we’re doing?
Justine Valencia Jecker is an occupational therapist with Canadian and European lineage who would self-describe as being a global citizen. She was raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada until the age of 17 before traveling to Japan to finish high school. In the 20+ following years, she has traveled to more than three dozen countries and has personal and professional connections around the world. Justine’s academic background include a BSc. Kinesiology, MSc. Occupational Therapy, and a PhD in Educational Leadership. Her occupational therapy background within the past two decades has involved working in Forensic Mental Health, Community Indigenous Health, Interprofessional Education, and National Association work focusing on the practice of OT in Canada. Justine, officially Aussie nicknamed “Juzzy”, is passionate about how our personal identities shape our professional lives, and has joined us to discuss this adventurous topic.
