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 and has been practicing for over 20 years in rural health. Alisha brings forward 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. Alisha is a certified Parkinson’s LSVT BIG practitioner and currently serves as the Rehab Department Manager where she balances direct patient care and day to day operations of the department. Alisha 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. The friendly, down to earth atmosphere that is found working in rural health is what Alisha enjoys most about her job. Being a Southwest Iowa native, Alisha loves to garden and spend time outdoors with her husband and two sons.
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. Emalie treats pelvic floor dysfunction for women and men, and she is a Pragnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist. Emalie is LSVT BIG certified to work with movement and function disorders associated with Parkinson's Disease and she hosts a monthly support group for people diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and their support partners. She has specialized training in wheelchair seating and positioning to help you understand your options, select the best choice for you, and work with you insurance for billing. She treats orthopedic conditions of the upper extremity. She also treats children of all ages to improve participation in self-care, social participation, sensory integration, handwriting, visual perceptional skills and more. Emalie actively listens to the goals and concerns of the people she works with and uses her skills to indentiy strenght and barriers to helping you achieve your highest quality of life. When she isn't at work, you will find her with her husband and daughter trying new food.
Occupational Therapist
Wendi Stenzel, OTR/L, CLT
Joined SMC in 2021. Wendi has lived and worked in Southwest Iowa throughout her lifetime and career. Wendi began her education at Iowa State University and obtained her Bachelors in Occupational Therapy at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Wendi enjoys problem solving in all levels of care with adaptive equipment needs and mobility challenges to help individuals remain safe and independent in their homes. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, certified in Comprehensive Lymphedema Management and enjoys helping people learn ways to manage the challenging complications of swelling in the limbs, or lymphedema. She is active with the new oncology center developments addressing needs that arise through breast cancer treatment and various lymphedema needs. Wendi enjoys being outdoors, traveling, hiking, bicycling and spending time with her families, including her 3 sons.
