Speaker: Colette Calomeris, Occupational therapist, Adventist Healthcare
What's your name and what does a typical day at work look like?
Colette Calomeris: Hi, everyone. My name is Colette Calomeris. I am an occupational therapist at rehab in Rockville. I have been with Adventist for almost five years now and I am a member of our amputee program team.
Why did you choose this career and what's the best part of your job?
Colette Calomeris: I chose to become an occupational therapist because of the impact that we can have on people's everyday lives and how much we can improve their functions and their ability to participate in things that they want to be able to participate in. The best part of my job is really seeing these patients leave then differently than how they came in and seeing them get back to doing all the things they love.
What's the best part of working for Adventist HealthCare?
Colette Calomeris: The best part of working for Adventist has been their support that they have given me through many of my different endeavors. I went back to school to get my doctorate in occupational therapy and they supported me through that. And now that we are expanding the facility dog program to Rockville, I have felt so much support and excitement to really bring this program here to Rockville.
What's one tip to live a healthier, happier life?
Colette Calomeris: Uh, my tip for a happy and healthier life would be to get an animal. Uh, I have two cats right now and I have a dog on the way and I really believe that animals bring so much joy, so much love. Um, they give you a reason to wake up in the morning. They help keep you active and they make you happy.
What advice do you have for others considering this career path?
Colette Calomeris: For someone considering a career in occupational therapy or in health care in general. Um I would say to keep your mind, keep an open mind and keep your opportunities open. I never imagined I would be an occupational therapist with a facility dog. But um because of my openness and my willingness to try new things, I'm getting to participate in a new exciting pilot program.
