Occupational Therapy is a science-driven, evidence based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, prevent or live better with injury, illness or disability. This is accomplished through designing strategies for everyday living and customizing environments to develop and maximize potential. By taking the full picture into account – a person’s psychological, physical, emotional and social make up – occupation therapy assists people in:
Achieving their goals.
Functioning at the highest possible level.
Concentrating on what matters most to them.
Maintaining or rebuilding their independence.
Participating in the everyday activities that they need to do or that simply make life worth living.
Occupational Therapy helps individuals design their lives, develop skills, adjust home, school or work environments, and build health-promoting habits and routines. It uses everyday activities as the means to enable people to thrive. Occupational Therapy works to get beyond disability or limitations, creating ways for individuals to live life to its fullest no matter what.
Occupational Therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational Therapists have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.
Occupational Therapist
Alisha Ettleman, BSOT, OTR/L
Alisha Ettleman joined Shenandoah Medical Center in 2016. She graduated in 1999 with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and has been practicing for over 20 years in rural health care. Alisha brings forward a wealth of experience in home health care, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient and outpatient services. She has an extensive background treating elbow, wrist and hand injuries for patients of all ages and has a passion for outpatient orthopedics as well as oncology rehabilitation with the ability to focus on returning to a patient’s highest quality of life. Alisha is certified through the PORI (Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute) for Foundation in Oncology Rehab as well as Chemotoxity and Cancer Exercise Management. She is excited to continue with new oncology center developments and addressing needs that arise through the course of a patient’s oncology treatments and effects of chemotherapy. The friendly, down to earth atmosphere that is found working in rural health and opportunity to build rapport with her clients is what Alisha enjoys most about her job. Being a Southwest Iowa native, Alisha loves to be outdoors and spend time with her husband Bill and two sons, Layne and Seth.
Occupational Therapist
Emalie Hogan, OTD, OTR/L
Emalie Hogan joined the Shenandoah Medical Center in 2018. She graduated from Creighton University with her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy and did her undergrad studies at Iowa State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology and Health. As a Southwest Iowa native, she loves working at SMC because of their community involvement and the ability to get to know the population she works with. Emalie has a passion for working with people who have been diagnosed with neurological conditions including but not limited to Parkinson ’s disease, Cerebral Palsy, stroke, and spinal cord injury to improve participation in valued activities. She has specialized training in wheelchair seating and positioning to help you understand your options, select the best equipment for you and work with your insurance. She treats children of all ages to improve participation in self-care, social participation, sensory integration, handwriting, visual perceptional skills and more. She also treats orthopedic conditions of the upper extremity and pelvic floor dysfunction. Emalie actively listens to the goals and concerns of the people she works with and uses her skills to collaborate in identifying strengths and barriers to helping you achieve your highest quality of life. At work, Emalie can usually be spotted singing in the gym. When she isn't at work, you will find her with her husband and 2 daughters trying new restaurants.
