Steven Vrchota

What got you interested in working as an occupational therapist?

I have been in pediatric home health for the last 7 years and I was looking to make the switch from a large company to a smaller more clinician focused company. Pediatrics has always been my passion but I first became interested in OT when my grandmother went through rehab after suffering a stroke. It was cool to see how OTs could use daily activities to facilitate growth and recovery in a fun and engaging way. 

 

What do you love most about working as an occupational therapist?

I just love seeing kids being able to do the little things we take for granted like zipping up a jacket, brushing teeth, tying shoes, and using utensils independently. It may seem small but gaining independence as a whole is such a huge thing to the children we see as well as their families. 

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

95% of the time I am doing something with my family. My wife and I have 3 beautiful kiddos (6, 3 and 1) and we are constantly on the move. We love to camp, hike, bike, do puzzles, paint and pretty much anything else that gets us outside. I recently became an “includer” at my church which means I will be helping integrate a couple of kiddos on the spectrum into the kid’s classroom during “kid’s church” which I am really looking forward to. 

 

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I can wiggle my ears. 

 

What is your favorite activity to encourage learning and growth with kids?

I love any type of messy play. If I can incorporate shaving cream, water, paint, etc. into an intervention I’m all for it. You can work on so many ADL and FM skills when getting messy and if the kiddo has sensory issues its great to see them slowly branch into exploring more and getting more confident in their own body. 

 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I have been an OT for the past 7.5 years and I love what I do. I am excited to start this new chapter at FRPT and look forward to working along side so many wonderful clinicians and administrative staff.