About Jaclyn
Bridging the gap between occupational therapy practice and health behavior change
As an occupational therapist turned health coach, I've dedicated my career to addressing a critical gap in healthcare: the disconnect between knowing what's healthy and actually implementing lasting lifestyle changes.
My journey began in acute care, where I witnessed the frustrating cycle of patients being stabilized during medical crises only to return repeatedly due to inadequate support for long-term behavior change. This professional frustration, combined with personal experiences supporting my father through chronic health conditions, led me to pursue solutions through research and ultimately discover the power of health coaching.
In this podcast episode, I share the complete story of my transition from acute care OT to health coach, including the specific moments that shaped my mission and how I discovered the perfect synergy between occupational therapy and health coaching approaches.
Professional Background & Expertise
Certifications
- Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
- Board Certified Occupational Therapist
Education
- PhD in Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- MS in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis
- BS in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Texas at Austin
Research Impact
- $300,000+ in NIH funding for medication adherence and chronic disease self-management research
- 30+ peer-reviewed publications in leading rehabilitation and health journals
- Principal Investigator on multiple studies examining health behavior interventions
Recognition & Leadership
- Roster of Fellows Award, American Occupational Therapy Association (2024)
- Gary Kielhofner Emerging Leader Award, AOTA (2015)
- Editorial Board Member for multiple rehabilitation journals
My Mission
I work at the intersection of research, education, and clinical practice, supporting people in achieving their health and functional goals and occupational therapy practitioners seeking to expand their impact. My dual expertise allows me to:
- Provide direct occupational therapy services informed with health coaching skills
- Conduct research on effective behavior change interventions
- Train occupational therapy practitioners in evidence-based health coaching skills
- Develop continuing education programs that meet CEU requirements while building marketable skills
The Evidence is Clear
Healthcare is shifting toward prevention and wellness-focused models. The research demonstrates that health coaching significantly improves long-term outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions. The question isn't whether this approach works – it's how we can best prepare occupational therapy practitioners to integrate these powerful skills into their practice.
By combining the solid foundation of OT training with specialized health coaching techniques, practitioners can address the systemic gaps in our healthcare system while creating new opportunities for professional growth and patient impact.
