Terri Baker, OTR

After nearly three decades as an occupational therapist, Terri thought she knew exactly what her career would look like.

For 22 years, she worked with adults in a variety of settings, building expertise in nearly every area of occupational therapy. Pediatrics wasn't part of the plan.

An Unexpected New Chapter

In fact, when she applied to Therapy 2000 four years ago, she believed the organization provided adult services. "I went into the interview thinking it was for adults," Terri said with a laugh. "When I realized it was pediatrics, I wasn't so sure."

The recruiter encouraged her to consider it an opportunity for a fresh start. While the idea of working with children felt intimidating, Terri couldn't shake the feeling that it might be the right next step.

Looking back, she sees a pattern. "I've learned that I tend to end up where I'm needed," she said.

Still, making the transition from adults to children wasn't easy. "I was nervous," she admitted. "I hadn't worked with children since 2000."

Set Up for Success

But from day one, she says Therapy 2000 made sure she wasn't navigating the change alone.

She spent time shadowing an experienced occupational therapist, received mentorship, and wasn't expected to practice independently until she felt confident and prepared.

"They really set me up for success," Terri said. "I never felt like I was being thrown in on my own." That support has continued long after onboarding.

One of the things Terri appreciates most is the company's commitment to helping clinicians grow. Whether it's specialized training, mentorship opportunities, or support building a caseload, she says the organization invests heavily in its people.

"If there's something you want to learn, they'll help you learn it," she said. "If you have a need, they'll find a way to support you."

Growing, and Helping Others Grow

Today, Terri is continuing to expand her skills through infant feeding training, helping mothers and babies overcome feeding challenges during some of the earliest stages of development.

"I love being able to help moms feed their babies," she said. "It's such an important part of a child's growth and family life."

She's also paying forward the support she received by helping train Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and mentoring newer clinicians. She was especially surprised when she received compensation for the role.

What stands out most to her is the culture of genuine care. "The attitude here is always, 'Let me help you do your job,'" Terri said. "People aren't helping because they have to. They truly want to help."

She points to leadership's compassion, the company's investment in mentorship programs, and the systems designed to support both patients and employees as examples of that commitment.

"There's a structure in place to make sure everyone is cared for," she said. "Not just the patients, but the staff too."

Making a Difference in East Texas

Outside of work, Terri enjoys life in the East Texas home her parents built. Though the area is rural, she knows the need for pediatric therapy services is significant. And she fully appreciates a community where people help one another with anything they need.

"There are a lot of children here who need support," she said. "Being able to provide those services in a community like this is incredibly meaningful."

Four years after taking a chance on something completely new, Terri is grateful she stepped outside her comfort zone.

"It was scary at first," she said. "But it turned out to be exactly where I was supposed to be."