Corrin Campbell, BS, COTA/L: OT in Diagnosis Navigation
In this episode, we will learn from Corrin Campbell, BS, COTA/L. Corrin, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for 25 years, has practiced Occupational Therapy in areas from home health, subacute rehab, long term care, outpatient, Geri-psych and more. In every setting, she zeroes in on maximizing each client's level of function. After nearly a decade in the clinical settings, she took on higher education, supporting many students as an instructor, Fieldwork Coordinator, and Program Director. Though she continues to support former students, her true passion is working with persons experiencing changes in cognition. Her desire to stay current with treatment and policy trends has driven her to attend state and local conferences and she is immediate past president of the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association. She has presented to the Alzheimer’s Association and other medical groups on identifying and treating changes in cognition as early as possible. She has also enjoys traveling the state educating those interested in learning how to age and live well!
Q & A with Corrin:
Please tell us a little about yourself and a few favorite occupations.
I love spending time with my husband, son and dog. The ocean is my happy place- I am an avid beach comber and have an extensive sea glass collection. I enjoy paddle boarding and am a total foodie. Live concerts are my favorite!
What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?
Our profession is so diverse, with our wholistic approach there is a distinct value utilizing our skillsets in nontraditional areas. I love that your podcast highlights this so clinicians can be reinvigorated and inspired.
Please describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve and the needs that you address.
I currently use my OT skills as Director of Navigation- I co-create post diagnostic plans with people living with cognitive change and their families. Essentially "You have a diagnosis, now what?"
What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?
I have been passionate about supporting older adults throughout my career, with a particular focus on individuals experiencing progressive neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and other dementias.
How did you get there? Can you describe your path?
Over the years, I've become acutely aware of the stigma that often accompanies these diagnoses, which can lead to biases within the healthcare team. Unfortunately, these biases can shape how a person is viewed, often reducing them to their diagnosis rather than seeing them as an individual with unique needs, interests, and experiences. I used my OT lens, focusing not only on the diagnosis but on the person behind it, taking time to get to know their history, preferences, and values. I saw the benefits of modeling respectful and empathetic communication with both patients and colleagues and saw amazing results from my efforts! When healthcare teams truly understand the person they’re caring for, it fosters a more compassionate and effective environment, which ultimately improves outcomes for the client. I enjoy public speaking and began providing in-services and coaching sessions to clinicians and teams that were struggling with approaches to care and experiencing barriers to therapy treatment sessions with this population. It led me to my current role at LiveWell where I am now able to educate providers, navigate families to supports and services, emphasize autonomy, reduce stigma and highlight the remaining abilities of those living with cognitive change.
Please describe a typical day or OT session at your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?
A typical day for me includes both in-person and virtual navigation visits, where I work closely with individuals and families to understand their unique situations. I begin by utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to explore their hopes, concerns, and needs. This approach allows me to uncover what they are most hopeful for, while also acknowledging that many of them are grappling with the emotional weight of a new diagnosis. It's important to remember that being newly diagnosed doesn't always mean they're in the early stages of the condition—often, they may already be dealing with significant challenges. During these appointments, I encounter people who are understandably ambivalent, scared, and at times feeling helpless. One of the key skills I use to create a supportive environment is active listening, which helps me better understand their feelings and validate their experiences. I also make sure to offer empathy throughout the conversation, reassuring them that their emotions are natural, and their journey will unfold in its own time. Another essential aspect of my work is providing education—specifically focusing on prevention. I frame this education through the lens of reducing symptoms and addressing difficulties before they escalate. This helps empower individuals and families by giving them tools and strategies they can implement to manage the challenges they face, while fostering a sense of control and hope.
Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?
One of the challenges I often face in my role is that families, understandably, focus on what their loved one with dementia can no longer do. This focus can sometimes lead to unintentionally fostering learned helplessness and dependency in the individual. Family members, out of love and concern, may take on more tasks or make decisions without fully involving the person with dementia, which, over time, can reinforce feelings of helplessness and a loss of autonomy. One of the biggest rewards in my role is offering hope to individuals and families who often feel as though there is nothing but loss ahead of them. Dementia and progressive neurological disorders can be incredibly isolating, and it's easy to see why people might feel a sense of hopelessness as they face an uncertain future. However, through my work, I’ve found that even in the most challenging circumstances, there are opportunities to create moments of joy, connection, and purpose. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their face when they realize that there’s still hope—that is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?
I believe in the importance of lifelong learning, especially in a field that’s constantly evolving. I make it a priority to attend AOTA and CT OT Association conferences, where I can connect with other professionals and stay up to date on the latest research and best practices. Beyond that, I also focus on networking and building relationships with local support organizations and services throughout the state. These connections allow me to access relevant, community-based resources that directly benefit my clients.
Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting? How do OT or the services you provide get funded?
I am a salaried position. My organization is unique, they employ OTPs in all areas of the organization, some as facilitators and educators, others as researchers, and of course fabulous traditional treating therapists! As a non-profit, LiveWell has received local and national grants to expand the boundaries of "best practice" for dementia positive care in CT and across the country.
Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?
I firmly believe in knowing my value as an OTP and being willing to promote myself in areas that might not immediately seem like a natural fit for the profession has led me to this role. OT is such a dynamic field, and we bring a unique perspective to many different nontraditional locations that might not always be recognized at first glance.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?
I am not a GPS and I don't steer a ship! LOL
How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you, and promote your unique work?
To connect with me on a personal level social IG @RinnyOT
Professional/employer socials IG and FB @livewellct
Please list any resources you would like me to include with your Show Notes (courses, articles, assessments, tools, etc.)
LiveWell - Redefining Dementia Care - LiveWell
Dementia Friendly, Dementia Capable, and Dementia Positive: Concepts to Prepare for the Future
As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you, or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot
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