Inside the Life of an Occupational Therapist: Kathleen Legassick, Modern OT
Why OT Is About More Than Recovery—It's About Reclaiming Independence
Kathleen didn’t envision a future in healthcare. A trained professional dancer, her path to occupational therapy (OT) began with injuries—her own, and those she witnessed in fellow performers. But it was through volunteering with Dancing with Parkinson’s that she experienced the transformative power of OT firsthand. “I realised the work was so deeply human,” she reflects. “It aligned perfectly with what I valued—helping people reconnect with what matters most in their day-to-day lives.”
Today, Kathleen serves on the clinical team at Modern OT, where she works with clients throughout eastern Ontario recovering from motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and progressive conditions like Parkinson’s. Her mission transcends physical rehabilitation, blending clinical expertise with compassionate insight to support recovery not just in body—but in home environments, daily routines, and perhaps most importantly, in self-worth.
The Art and Science of Everyday Living
If you’ve ever wondered what occupational therapists actually do, Kathleen offers a clarifying perspective: “We examine three critical elements—the person, their environment, and the essential tasks they need to perform—then methodically bridge the gaps between them.”
This holistic approach might involve teaching adaptive dressing techniques following a stroke, redesigning a bathroom for fall prevention, or creating personalised energy-conservation strategies for someone navigating post-concussion syndrome. Unlike other therapies focused primarily on physical recovery, OT addresses real-world function in the context of each client’s unique life circumstances.
“What differentiates us from physiotherapy?” Kathleen explains. “Physios excel at helping you regain strength and movement. We focus on how you live with your condition, whatever it may be. We work with you inside your actual life, not just inside a clinical setting.”
A Profession of Perpetual Adaptation
Kathleen’s professional life defies routine. One day might involve coordinating a complex hospital discharge and conducting a comprehensive home assessment. Another could be dedicated to virtual follow-ups, sourcing specialised equipment from vendors, or crafting detailed reports for insurance providers.
She typically engages with three to four clients daily—through telehealth, in-clinic sessions, or home visits—followed by meticulous documentation that often extends her workday well beyond traditional hours.
“And our focus extends beyond the client,” she notes thoughtfully. “Family carers are often just as central to the rehabilitation process. We’re constantly navigating the delicate balance between promoting independence and ensuring safety. Sometimes our greatest challenge isn’t the physical adaptation but convincing family members to allow their loved one to attempt tasks independently.”
When Everyday Spaces Become Barriers
One of Kathleen’s most poignant observations describes how a client’s world can dramatically shrink following injury or diagnosis. “Most people never consider the seemingly small things—showering independently, preparing a simple meal, or navigating stairs—until suddenly they can’t do them. Then, almost overnight, their entire universe contracts to the spaces they can access and the activities they can perform without assistance.”
Her professional purpose, as she sees it, is to methodically expand that world again—one carefully planned adaptation at a time.
The Psychological Dimensions of Physical Recovery
While physical limitations may initially bring clients to occupational therapy, Kathleen emphasises that mental health is invariably intertwined with physical recovery. “Chronic pain, sleep disruption, anxiety—these aren’t peripheral concerns but central components of the rehabilitation journey,” she explains. “When mental health suffers, it cascades through every aspect of recovery: motivation diminishes, problem-solving becomes more difficult, and relationships often strain under the pressure.”
Her therapeutic approach frequently incorporates psychological frameworks like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to structure intervention priorities. “We begin with foundational capabilities. Can you safely get out of bed? Manage personal hygiene? Only when these basic functions are addressed can we meaningfully progress toward community reintegration or vocational rehabilitation.”
Measuring Success in Meaningful Moments
For Kathleen, maintaining professional resilience amid clients’ ongoing struggles represents one of her greatest challenges. “You witness people at their most vulnerable, often during the most difficult chapter of their lives. Some days, you question your impact, wondering, ‘Am I truly making a difference?'”
She finds renewal in celebrating incremental victories that might seem insignificant to others. “Then someone shares that they took the lift instead of avoiding an outing entirely, or they prepared a simple meal without assistance for the first time in months. These moments aren’t just progress—they’re reclamations of identity.”
Kathleen credits the supportive culture at Modern OT for sustaining her through emotionally demanding days. “Our effectiveness isn’t solely measured by what we accomplish for clients, but also by how we support each other. Self-care isn’t optional in this profession—it’s the foundation that enables us to provide truly transformative care.”
The Partnership Between OT and Home Modification
At Adaptive Living, we collaborate closely with occupational therapists like Kathleen to implement home modifications that transcend basic safety requirements. Our healthcare-informed renovations translate clinical recommendations into living environments that honour both functional needs and personal dignity.
This professional partnership ensures that each adaptation, whether a barrier-free bathroom or an accessible kitchen, aligns perfectly with therapeutic goals while respecting the client’s aesthetic preferences and lifestyle priorities.
Because meaningful recovery isn’t just about regaining function—it’s about living fully, confidently, and on your own terms.
