Your Stories: National Occupational Therapy Month Celebrated
May 4, 2026Categories: Awards and Recognition
Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people of all ages to participate in the “occupations” that make life meaningful. By focusing on what matters most to each individual, OT practitioners help patients maintain or rebuild independence after injury, illness or disability.
Saint Mary's OTs Kristen Stadalnik and Allison Blake.
OTs at Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital provided several educational events showcasing the many valuable services, equipment and core benefits of occupational therapy, including:
- Promoting independence: OT empowers individuals to perform essential everyday tasks, from dressing and eating to navigating their community or using a computer.
- Enhancing daily living skills: Therapists work on activities of daily living such as preparing meals and grooming, as well as complex instrumental activities like managing finances.
- Supporting mental and emotional well-being: OT addresses mental health by teaching stress management, developing coping strategies and fostering a sense of accomplishment through purposeful activity.
- Improving physical health and safety: Interventions target strength, coordination and balance to reduce pain and prevent falls, often through home safety modifications.
Thank you to all of our occupational therapists!
Submitted by Gary Naples, PT, Program Development Coordinator for Acute Rehab, Saint Francis Hospital.
Have a story you want to share? Submit your story at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/YourStories.
Saint Francis OTs Jillian Noli, Megan Leonard, Beth Pisati, Kaileigh Perez and Melissa Mennillo.
Saint Francis OTs Amber Connolly, Fatima Joao, Jaclyn Cinelli and Amy Goodwin.