School-based occupational therapist Valerie E. shares why she became a school OT, what she loves about working with Cross Country Education, and what advice she has for those just embarking on their occupational therapy careers.

<p>
  At Cross Country Education, we have the best of the best from across the
  nation impacting the lives of students in the schools they serve every day. We
  take great pride in their shared passion for education, and we love passing
  along their words of wisdom, sage advice for those embarking on their careers,
  and great insight into the rewarding field of education.
</p>

<p>
  This week, we celebrate occupational therapist <strong>Valerie E</strong>.
  Valerie shared what motivated her to become a
  <strong>school-based occupational therapist</strong>, what she loves about
  working with the Cross Country Education team, and what advice she has for
  those just embarking on their occupational therapy careers.
</p>

<h2>Why did you become an occupational therapist?</h2>

<p>
  I&rsquo;ve always been interested in helping and empowering others. Compared
  to other healthcare disciplines, OT adopts a more holistic approach, which
  resonated with me. OT integrates physical, emotional, psychosocial aspects of
  a person with their environments/occupations to promote health and
  independence.
</p>

<h2>
  What do you like about being a school-based occupational therapist with Cross
  Country Education?
</h2>

<p>
  I enjoy the flexibility to work independently but also as part of a team and
  at number of different schools. I&rsquo;ve appreciated the support I&rsquo;ve
  received as an employee when it comes to personal benefits and also
  professional resources needed to be successful as an OT.
</p>

<h2>
  What advice do you have for those just starting out as occupational
  therapists?
</h2>

<p>
  For new occupational therapists, I would recommend being flexible and
  open-minded. Try different jobs in different practice settings and give them a
  chance! Be open to the possibility of really enjoying something you might not
  have considered. Either way, you will learn new skills and grow from the
  experience. I didn&rsquo;t get into the field of OT thinking I would become a
  school-based therapist, but I absolutely love it!
</p>

<p>
  Thank you, Valerie, for all you do as an occupational therapist in the
  schools! We are grateful to have you as a part of the Cross Country Education
  team!
</p>

<p>
  <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/home"
    >Cross Country Education</a
  > is educator-led, student-driven, and solutions-oriented. With over 50 years
  of combined dedicated expertise, we service the education industry
  exclusively. Focusing our knowledge and resources on engaging with and
  understanding educational organizations, industry trends, and leadership
  needs, we provide a wide range of services to our educational partners to meet
  their individual needs including special education and substitute services. We
  specialize in substitute teacher and instructional assistants, special
  education service providers, healthcare staff, early childhood education
  teachers, educator search services, consultation, and trainings. Cross Country
  Education, formerly DirectEd and Mediscan, is part of the <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/about-us"
    >Cross Country Healthcare</a
  > family, one of the leading healthcare and education staffing companies in
  the nation.
</p>

<p>
  <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/contact-us">Contact us</a
  > today to discover how our experienced team of talent professionals at Cross
  Country Education can find the ideal occupational therapy job for you!
</p>


Employee Spotlight – Valerie E., Occupational Therapist