This webinar, hosted by Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, CLIPP, features insights from three inspiring OT’s—Jennifer R. Gill, MS, OTR, Mandy Chamberlain, MOTR/L and Claire Schueler, MS, OTR/L—who have transitioned their OT skills into innovative business ventures beyond traditional clinical roles.
If you're an OT curious about non-traditional paths, this quick-read summary will give you the clarity and inspiration you need .
Meet the Panelists
1. Jenny Gill, MS, OTR – OT Copywriter & Brand Strategist
- Founder of Jenny Gill Copywriting.
- Specializes in writing and strategizing websites for rehab professionals.
- Focuses on values-driven messaging and SEO.
- Offers packaged services like brand messaging intensives and website reviews.
2. Mandy Chamberlain, MOTR/L – Founder of OT Flourish and the OT Accelerator
- Runs a resource and membership platform for OTs working with older adults.
- OT Flourish began as a blog and evolved into a membership model.
- Provides documentation guides, handouts, videos, and assessments.
- Targets new grads and fieldwork students needing practical tools for geriatric OT.
3. Claire Schueler, MS, OTR/L – Creator of Super OT Worksheets
- School-based OT and adjunct faculty at Washington University.
- Sells OT-created digital worksheets on Teachers Pay Teachers.
- Uses graphic design background to create unique, effective tools for school-aged children.
- Generates passive income while still practicing OT full-time.
Common Themes Across Their Journeys
1. OT Skills Are Transferable
All three panelists emphasized that core OT skills—like problem-solving, communication, client-centered thinking, and teaching—translated naturally into their new roles.
“You can still be in OT and serve in a different way.” – Mandy Chamberlain, MOTR/L
2. Business Models Should Fit Your Lifestyle
Each entrepreneur chose a different business model based on their life stage, business goals, and energy:
- Claire: Passive income via digital downloads.
- Jenny: Project-based packages with service tiers.
- Mandy: Recurring income through a membership model.
3. Listen and Evolve
All panelists stressed the importance of feedback and flexibility.
- Claire added content after a co-worker suggested Teachers Pay Teachers.
- Jenny pivoted her pricing and offerings based on time-investment mismatches.
- Mandy evolved her content from blog posts to a full-blown membership due to consistent questions from new grads.
“Pay attention to frustration points—they’re signals for where change is needed.” – Jenny Gill, MS, OTR
4. You Don’t Have to Leave OT Behind 🧡
All three still consider themselves practicing OTs, just in different formats. Their non-traditional paths allow them to:
- Reach a wider audience.
- Help fellow OTs or clients in new ways.
- Align work with personal values and schedules.
Practical Insights for Aspiring OT Entrepreneurs
1. Start Where You Are
- Use your current clinical experience to identify common problems.
- Build solutions based on what you wish existed.
2. Don’t Wait for Perfect
- Start messy and evolve.
- All three panelists admitted to starting small—blogs, PDFs, trial offers.
3. Packaging Your Offers Saves Time
- Create structured service “packages” to avoid constant custom quoting.
- Standard offerings help attract the right-fit clients.
4. Consider Your Revenue Streams
- Passive vs. active income: Decide how much time you want to spend.
- Diversify as needed (ads, affiliates, memberships, digital sales).
Final Thoughts
Whether you're burnt out from clinical work or just curious about exploring your creative side, this panel proves you’re not alone—and the possibilities are endless.
“You’re solving your own problem, and often, that turns out to help a whole community.” – Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, CLIPP
So go ahead—start brainstorming, try small, and grow into your version of non-traditional OT success!