Communications Chair

Name: Katie Owens, OTR/L

What do you love about OT?

The endless variability. I love that while I currently work in acute care and love that setting, the possibilities for future career moves are practically endless. I have tried on a few other careers/jobs before finding OT and I love that this job has a direct positive impact on so many individuals. I can honestly say I've found my dream job

How did you choose this profession?

I was previously in food and retail management, and not loving that path. So naturally I decided to join the military. Prior to that, I had learned about OT through Hippotherapy, of all things, but didn't really want to foot the bill to go back to school. While in the Coast Guard, I sustain a back injury and went through my own series of PT and OT. I soon realized that OT was the best of everything: a little bit of mental health, some anatomy, some pain science and whatever else I wanted to be. So, I was sold. And thanks to the GI Bill, I didn't have to pay for my degree. 

Why did you choose to become an OTAC board member?

I had the honor of serving on the OTAC Board as a student rep from CSU. I know the mission of OTAC to be essential to maintaining and bolstering the value of OT in Colorado and beyond. I was already invested, but Linda's presentation at the conference about just how great this particular state association is really hooked me. I had no idea that AOTA has modeled documents and practices after Colorado. That's so dang cool. I've also been praised many times in my life for my strengths in communication. It felt like an appropriate role to step in to as a new grad while still being of service. 

What's your favorite thing to do in Colorado?

 I am currently obsessed with my local rec center and take cooking classes, pottery classes and swim laps there. I'm looking at getting certified in Sailing this summer so I can get out on the water - the only thing I miss about the Coast Guard.