Therapist Feature: Tori Tobin, OT
For this month, we are featuring occupational therapist Tori Tobin!
Tori has worked as an OT for the last three and a half years — one and a half years with the Tilton’s team. Before her work as an occupational therapist, Tori gained experience working in respite care as well as serving as a paraprofessional in the school district for children with autism. She received her Bachelor’s in Occupational Science and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO.
After growing up and hearing the experience of her grandfather, who has cerebral palsy, Tori was inspired to become an OT. He shared stories of his positive experience with therapists throughout his life and believes that the work of occupational, physical, and speech therapists gave him the abilities he needed in order to join the family. Tori says that he views it as the highlight of his life. Listening to the stories of her grandfather shaped her goals as an OT and motivates her desire to make similar positive impacts in the lives of others.
In addition to working as a mobile pediatric occupational therapist, Tori also works with pediatric clients in clinics. She has experience collaborating with speech therapists, physical therapists, and ABA therapists in clinic. Tori is also currently certified in the Alert Program, which uses techniques to assist individuals in choosing appropriate activities and strategies to promote an optimal state of alertness — otherwise known as one’s “engine” running “just right.”
“My favorite thing about being an OT is being able to be creative and having to use my imagination to create new and fun activities to keep my clients motivated and interested in participating in therapy.”
Throughout her career, Tori has given back to the profession through opportunities to take on Level II fieldwork students. She loved the opportunity to not only teach a student about occupational therapy, but to learn from the student as well. In her past experience, the student was able to share new research with Tori and help her brainstorm creative new therapy techniques and ideas.
Tori is originally from a small town in Wisconsin and has lived in Las Vegas for the last four years. She loves having access to a significant variety of options for restaurants as well as variety shows and other similar activities. Tori can officially say she is enjoying the weather and sunshine that she was not accustomed to in other states where she has lived.
In her free time, Tori enjoys baking and cooking but enjoys eating and trying new foods even more! Some of her other pastimes include playing both board games and video games or spending time with her dog. Tori is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising frequently, baking and cooking healthy, and spending plenty of time outside.
One thing that Tori appreciates about working in mobile therapy is the option to use household materials in order to make therapy as functional and comfortable for clients as possible. Additionally, she loves being able to work with her clients in the various environments of their home or even outside if it’s a nice day!
Thank you Tori for your dedication and motivation to make a positive impact on the lives of your clients. We appreciate your hard work and are grateful to have you on the team!
