Jennifer Stuart, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist
Learn More About Occupational Therapists at CTCA: Chat with Us | Email Us
“The most important thing to me at the end of a therapy session is seeing the patient and/or family members smile in achievement for the goals which they have accomplished through perseverance and dedication,” says Jennifer Stuart, an occupational therapist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Western Regional Medical Center. “Knowing the individual has achieved something so important to him or her, such as riding a motorcycle, holding a baby, or returning to work, and that I shared in that experience, is my personal satisfaction of a great day.”
Stuart adds, “My patients motivate me to be the best I can be, not only professionally, but personally. They teach me just as much if not more than I teach them. It’s a true partnership, not something you find in healthcare very often. CTCA is truly unique in this role.”
Stuart holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She is licensed and board certified in occupational therapy. Over the years, she has gained experience as an occupational therapist at a number of rehabilitation facilities in Arizona. In addition, Stuart has undergone specialized training in myofascial release.
Since March 2009, Stuart has been a member of the CTCA oncology rehabilitation team. She joined CTCA because of its focus on treating the whole person—body, mind and spirit.
“This individualized approach of letting patients set their own goals, in addition to focusing on their quality of life, is an exact match to the philosophy of occupational therapy,” says Stuart. “I have the best of both worlds. Not only do I love my occupation, but I also love where I work. Not many people can say that nor have the opportunity to work somewhere where their employers’ philosophy matches their professions’ and their personal philosophy.”
In her role at CTCA, Stuart evaluates and assesses referred outpatients and inpatients for appropriate occupational therapy services. She helps patients set individualized treatment goals and strives to help them meet those goals.
Stuart notes, “The most common challenges I see my patients struggling with are loss of independence and loss of control over their lives due to a cancer diagnosis. Applying the many different treatments and modalities of occupational therapy, I try to help patients overcome these challenges.”
“Every patient’s journey back to independence is unique and special in its own way,” she says. “I am here to support them through that journey.”
Other Oncology Rehabilitation Therapists at Western
- Lisa Marie Poormon, PT, DPT, M Ed, CLT
Physical Therapist - Jane A. White, MPT
Director of Rehabilitation Services
