About Occupational Therapy
Did you know that Occupational Therapy is often prescribed by doctors as part of a rehabilitation plan? Many people are unaware of all the day-to-day activities that occupational therapy may improve. Our on-campus occupational therapy team works with patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries to restore function and strength, as well as assist individuals following a stroke to regain muscle tone and utilize adaptive strategies for increased independence in self-care tasks.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
At Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg, our Occupational Therapists are here for you when you need recovery and support the most. Whether it is rehabilitation from a stroke or fall or managing life after major surgery, our therapy center can help. By working directly with you and your care provider, we are able to create the best care plan to get you back home and doing the things you love.
The possibilities are endless as we focus on a patient’s individual needs to accomplish their goals.
Meet Our Occupational Therapists:
Hello! My name is Caroline Thomas and I am a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist here at Westminster Canterbury-Lynchburg. I began helping patients here in November 2019.
My journey into the field of occupational therapy (OT) began in high school as I watched my grandparents overcome numerous orthopedic surgeries, cardiovascular surgeries and general weakness. I saw firsthand the improved quality of life, happiness, strength, and independence that they were able to gain through their time in occupational therapy.
After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree from Campbell University, with a major in exercise and sport science, and a minor in psychology, I pursued an extended graduate career at Lenoir-Rhyne University. My studies culminated in two more degrees; a Masters in Exercise Science and a Masters in Occupational Therapy.
I have always had a passion to work with older adults and I thoroughly enjoy building a rapport with each of my patients. I strive to provide encouragement, a therapeutic use of self, and laughter to each and every person so they may have a fulfilling therapy experience. I have always been drawn to helping others which makes OT the perfect field for me. I help others accomplish the tasks that are most meaningful to them every day.
My name is Sean Tili and I have been an Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2000. I started my career in pediatrics working with children from 1 month to 22 years of age in the school system, for home health, pediatric hospitals, and in pediatric centers providing outpatient services. I specialized in working with children on the Autism spectrum.
I have worked in multiple places around the United States in both the pediatric and geriatric settings. Finally settling in Virginia, I have been working in the skilled nursing/inpatient rehabilitation services since 2010. I joined Westminster Canterbury’s team in 2013.
The occupational therapy field has brought me many opportunities to work in different types of settings, to visit many places, and meet people from all walks of life. It is a joy for me to be in this field helping people get well.
My name is Audra Saul and I’m an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Rehab Department at Westminster Canterbury. I joined this great team in January 2021. Before the pandemic, I split my time between working with children and older adults.
My undergraduate degree is from Hollins College. But my career path changed after assisting my maternal grandparent with aging in place in their home and seeing the benefits of doing rehabilitation at home after heart surgeries and a hip replacement. So I went back to school and earned two degrees from Carillion/Jefferson College of Health Sciences, in Roanoke, in order to become a licensed OTA.
We have an amazing group of therapists at Westminster. It’s a joy and a pleasure to work here!
Interested in learning more about what Westminster Canterbury-Lynchburg's Occupational Therapy program can do for you? Call Javier Acosta at (434) 386-3538.
