April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to celebrate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who work tirelessly nationwide to create fuller lives for clients and their families.
Lorie Meyers, a NOVA alumna and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), always dreamed of a career that combined creativity with helping others. After initially pursuing a career in the film industry, Lorie found her calling in healthcare with guidance from a career coach. Her journey led her to NOVA, where she immersed herself in studying occupational therapy (OT) and never looked back.
Today, Lorie is in her fifth year of teaching at NOVA’s Medical Education Campus (MEC), where she inspires dedicated OT practitioners and helps shape the future of the field.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Southwestern Virginia and now live here (in Northern Virginia) with my husband and our two children — a stepson and a six-year-old daughter. I hold a bachelor’s degree in media arts and design from James Madison University, with a focus on cinema studies.
Initially, I worked in the movie industry, landing a role as a background casting director in Hollywood. Upon returning to Virginia, where the film industry was much smaller, I decided to explore my options in terms of a second career. Through career coaching and a personality test, OT emerged as a top choice among my options. I found it to be the perfect fit!
What brought you to NOVA?
Initially, I came to NOVA to complete prerequisites. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program was just starting, and I was admitted to the second class. Returning to NOVA as an instructor was a way for me to contribute to the program that assisted me on my journey and to give back to the OT profession. Additionally, the faculty’s support has been invaluable. I feel fortunate that my colleagues were once my professors.
What did you study at NOVA?
I was in the OTA program and graduated in 2016. I feel lucky to have had a wonderful experience as a student.
From a young age, I loved playing teacher, so it was natural for me to gravitate toward a teaching role. As an OTA student, I shared my interest in teaching OT as a possible career path with my professors. I was a teaching assistant during my time as a student. I also worked as both an OTA lab manager and an OTA in geriatric OT.
Dr. Megan Cook, my program director at the time, reached out to me about an adjunct position opening, which I gladly accepted in 2019. This role eventually evolved into a full-time teaching position, and since August 2020, I’ve been teaching full-time at NOVA.
Tell us about your experience at NOVA.
As a former student, I have an in-depth understanding of our curriculum, so I can empathize with my students’ experiences. Witnessing their “a-ha” moments is one of my favorite aspects of teaching.
Another thing I love to do is organize a field trip for my first-year classes every fall. My students and I go to a community-based center where they develop engaging activities for the facility’s members, honing their OT skills and establishing rapport with clients. This experience helps them build confidence and approachability, crucial qualities for healthcare professionals.
What sparked your interest in the medical field and, specifically, occupational therapy?
As a child, I never considered entering the medical field, despite my father’s work as a physician. After returning from Los Angeles to Northern Virginia, unable to pursue my initial degree, I took on various uninspiring jobs just to make ends meet. I realized that I needed a purpose, and that purpose was to help people.
Part of the admissions process for occupational therapy is a requirement to observe OTs or OTAs out in the field. The moment of clarity for me occurred during my first day of observation at an outpatient clinic with an OT.
One client found joy in reading the newspaper. However, because of a stroke, he struggled turning the page. Witnessing the difficulty of this simple task was eye-opening for me; the experience solidified my passion for occupational therapy, where we take a holistic approach by considering the person’s physical, mental and emotional needs. I’m fascinated by people’s stories and how OT can help them regain the skills and independence they need to get back to doing what they love to do.
What would you tell a student coming to NOVA?
Take advantage of the resources that NOVA offers. There’s a resource for everything in your life at NOVA. I also recommend getting involved in student life; that’s part of the NOVA experience. Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors. Our ultimate goal is for students to be successful, so don’t be afraid to get help when you need it.