Therapist Feature: Rachel Ries, COTA

Our latest featured team member is Rachel Ries, COTA (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant)! Rachel has been with Tilton’s Therapy more than three years and has worked as a COTA since 2011. Her diverse experience working in skilled nursing, rehab, and acute care provide a strong background for her work in pediatric home-based therapy. In addition to working with Tilton’s Therapy, Rachel works as an acute care COTA in trauma level one. 

Rachel was originally drawn to the profession because of her passion for helping others. She also reflects on her family as an inspiration for her desire to help others and says, “I have an amazing mom who was born with birth defects who did not let that stop her from ‘living a normal life.’ She is a huge reason why I wanted to help others achieve a life full of FUNction.”

In Las Vegas, Rachel attended a medical magnet program at Rancho High School and knew she wanted to work in healthcare although she did not know what role in healthcare she would choose at the time. Obtaining her education at the College of Southern Nevada, Rachel did observation work with both physical therapists and occupational therapists prior to making her decision to become a COTA. 

When asked what aspects she most enjoys about her profession, Rachel states that she appreciates the diversity and wide range of populations or diagnoses that are involved in this work. She enjoys treating patients as a whole. Another aspect Rachel enjoys is that not one patient is the same or one diagnosis the same — each individual is unique. The ability to have flexibility in scheduling and treating patients in their own home are other reasons Rachel enjoys working in mobile therapy. 

Rachel gives back to the profession through her career by working with students and new graduates as well as mentoring new employees. Aside from her passion for working in home-based pediatric therapy, Rachel enjoys learning and working in burn care. During the past two years, she has become passionate about treating patients who have endured significant burns. Rachel finds that burn care touches all aspects of occupational therapy. 

Originally from Sioux Falls, SD, Rachel has lived in Las Vegas since 2001. Her preference for Southern Nevada has to do with her love of the outdoors, the mountains, and catching a desert sunrise. 

“Nothing beats a desert sunrise,” says Rachel.

In her spare time, Rachel runs! As a self-described ultra marathoner, Rachel runs in the mountains and for long distances, often solo but sometimes with friends. She enjoys the challenge of getting to the mountain peak. Most of Rachel’s “free time” is spent running or strength training. Outside of her work in therapy, Rachel is also a running coach. 

Rachel is passionate about helping her patients achieve independence regardless of limitations. She focuses on helping her patients understand that whatever situation or circumstance they are going through, that it is just a chapter and not the entire story. Beyond her work as a therapist, Rachel enjoys helping others live the best life they can without limitations. Her aim is to be a kind person, never pass up the opportunity to pet a cute dog, keep running, hiking, being outdoors, and to always make people laugh and smile. 

Thank you Rachel for your amazing work and dedication to your clients!