Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession and helps people living with a disability or recovering from injury regain their independence and achieve whatever it is that is important to them. Occupations are anything an individual does during the day, between waking up and going to bed, from bathing and dressing yourself to things like cooking or hanging with friends. Occupational therapists work with individuals from infants to the elderly and practice in a variety of locations, such as schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, and psychiatric hospitals.

Occupational therapy practitioners are often the only professionals promoting meaningful engagement in everyday activities; they take the time to focus on what is most important to the clients. While other professionals focus on specific aspects of a medical condition or disability, Occupational Therapy Practitioners bring attention to an individual's abilities and provide creative, meaningful ways to live life to its fullest.

Columbia County Health System has three occupational therapy practitioners: Rebekah Gustin, Sonya Taylor, and the newest team member Wendy Engblom.

Rebekah Gustin has over 28 years of experience and works primarily with acute and swing bed patients. She helps them regain function in dressing, bathing, and provides recommendations for adaptive equipment to increase their independence once discharged. Rebekah is also Lymphedema certified and works with acute and outpatients that struggle with swelling in their limbs.

Sonya Taylor has over 25 years of experience and works primarily with outpatients of all ages with fine motor coordination deficits, visual perceptual difficulties, cognitive deficits, upper extremity strength, hand, wrist, or elbow pain from arthritis, after surgery, injury and/or inflammatory episodes. Sonya is also certified in tuning fork therapy which helps to relax muscles, calm the nervous system, reducing stress, inflammation, and pain.

Wendy Engblom is new to the crew and brings a fun, creative approach to the team. Patients love her energy! Wendy primarily is a Jack of all trades. She works with acute, swing bed patients and pediatrics, helping our community's children reach the developmental milestones that apply to all environments such as home, school, and social engagements.

Wendy and Sonya also offer craniosacral therapy, a gentle hands-on treatment that may provide relief from various symptoms, including headaches and neck pain. The OT staff is excited to meet all your occupational needs!