Occupational Therapist Janet Pollard with Encore Rehabilitation-Winfield

“People ask me how I knew I wanted to be an Occupational Therapist. I tell them that I was born to be an OT. I was born with a genetic disorder called Syndactyly that affected my hands. If not surgically repaired at an early age, it would have impaired my finger growth, dexterity, and overall hand function. I spent multiple summers in the hospital having plastic surgery to reconstruct my hands. Even though I was very young, I remember the traumatic experiences such as skin grafting and suture removal. The best memories of my time in the hospital were when this lady would come to my room and do cool activities with me such as painting, coloring, and paper mache crafts. She even took me to the play room and we played air hockey. I had no idea that she was a therapist because she used “play” as therapeutic activities to get me to move my hands and perform skills that I would need to master in my future occupation.. a student in school.  The impact of my childhood experiences and the desire to help others is what led me to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

“One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is the opportunity to watch a patient’s view of themselves change as they progress toward independence. OT helps turn the ‘I can’t’ into ‘I’ll try’ and then ‘I did’. Occupational Therapy has allowed me to see the whole person and have a unique view on the care team. I am happy to be an educator, a coach, an advocate, and a partner for all of my patients and their families.” ~ Janet Pollard, OT

Janet is a graduate of Carbon Hill High School. She earned an Associate of Science degree from Walker College in Jasper, Alabama. She is a 1997 graduate of The University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Janet is currently employed as an occupational therapist at Encore Rehabilitation in her hometown of Winfield. She has been a clinician for twenty two years and has practiced with Encore Rehabilitation for the past four years.  At Encore Rehabilitation, Janet has the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, with diverse populations, and use creative treatment approaches.

Thank you for using your skills and talents to bless others, Janet! Happy National Occupational Therapy Month!

Encore Rehabilitation-Winfield
199 Carraway Drive, Suite A1
Winfield, Alabama 35594
205-487-0540
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