Conference Chair

Name: Jenny Junker, OTD OTR/L 

Jenny Junker received her OTD from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2012. Since then, she has worked in SNF and outpatient settings focusing on treating older adults and has served as a clinical lead in working with individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease. Jenny is a co-owner and clinical occupational therapist with Thrive! Therapy which provides mobile outpatient therapy services to adults in the Denver metro area. She has worked as lab faculty in Creighton University’s distance program at Regis University in Denver since its inception and enjoys sharing her passion for occupational therapy with students. Jenny has extensive training in working with individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease including being certified as an LSVT BIG and PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) clinician. She enjoys community-based care and interacting with older adults in the community through wellness fairs, health education presentations, and teaching wellness classes. 

What do you love about OT?

I love how OT looks at the the whole person and address the mind, body, and spirit. Since I work in a community-based setting, I love the collaboration with patients as well as with other disciplines and health care professionals. I am grateful to be able to work with individuals in their environment and in the community which allows for creativity and connection. I absolutely love that no two days are the same! 

How did you choose this profession? 

I was drawn to health professions in high school and started to explore OT. For a short time, I thought I wanted to be a healthcare administrator, but am grateful I was led back to OT thanks to some family friends. I was drawn to the creativity, wholistic approach, and focus on function of the OT profession. 

Why did you choose to become an OTAC board member? 

In OT school, I learned about the value of state organizations and was always a student member. I presented at the Nebraska state conference and always felt supported by the state organization and my involvement. Once I moved to CO and became an OT practitioner, I joined for networking and advocacy and eventually felt drawn to become a part of the board. I was previously a board member from 2016-2018 and left due to our growing family. I knew when I stepped down that I wanted to return and feel I am at a good place personally and professionally to be able to volunteer my time and talent as a board member. I have loved presenting and attending OTAC conference since 2016 and have wanted to be more a part of the conference planning and organization. I’m excited to be able to play a vital role as the 2024 conference chair!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Colorado? 

I am a very active person and love being outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, walking, or running after my kids at the park, I love enjoying the Colorado weather! The mountains are my happy place. My husband and I used to hike 14ers and hiked 25 (before having kids)…maybe we’ll finish the others someday.