We are joined by Stephanie Hassler, an occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist who is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Stephanie shares with us what lymphedema is and how she combined her background as a hand therapist to address the effects of lymphedema. We discuss early recognition and practical treatment strategies to integrate into practice.

Stephanie Hassler, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CHT works as an outpatient occupational therapist in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. She earned her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in 2014. Stephanie began working in an outpatient orthopedic-based hand therapy setting following graduation. She went on to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2018, achieved Lymphology Association of North America certification in 2019, and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2020. She continues to practice in an outpatient therapy setting, treating a mixed caseload of upper and lower extremity lymphedema as well as upper extremity injuries.

The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

On this episode, we are joined by Jessie Perchaluk, an occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist who has taken a special interest in learning more about and implementing remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) into her practice. Jessie shares with us the various ways that we can utilize RTM as an adjunct to the care we currently provide and how we can stay connected to our patients.

Jessie Perchaluk, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT is an occupational therapist at NovaCare Rehabilitation (a division of Select Medical), and a core adjunct faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University in their hybrid MSOT program, as well as adjunct instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina’s hybrid OTD program. She is a board-certified hand therapist and lymphedema therapist specializing in upper extremity and oncological rehabilitation, balancing full-time clinical practice with graduate-level teaching in functional anatomy, clinical skills, and upper extremity rehabilitation.

With over eight years of experience, Jessie is passionate about delivering personalized, evidence and data informed care in order to restore function and improve quality of life. She is equally dedicated to advancing the profession through education, mentorship, and research. Jessie leads student fieldwork and capstone initiatives across Pennsylvania and Delaware for Select Medical, to which she has been nationally and locally recognized for her work.

Jessie also serves on AOTA’s Commission on Education as the fieldwork educator representative, contributing to national education policy and best practice initiatives. She combines her clinical knowledge and passion for furthering evidence and data informed care by continuing to be actively involved in ongoing research projects. Jessie is further advancing her knowledge in healthcare at Brown University in their Masters of Healthcare Leadership.

When she is not working, Jessie enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.

The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

We are excited to welcome our guest on this episode, Danielle Sparks. Danielle is our 2025-2026 ASHT president. During her incoming presidential address at the Annual Meeting, Danielle challenged us to consider how we can be advocates for our specialty and our patients. There are many challenges we face daily, but she shares with us how small, atomic changes can have a lasting effect.

Guest Bio:

Danielle Sparks, DHS, MOT, OTR, CHT is a highly experienced occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with a strong clinical background in upper extremity rehabilitation. With over 15 years in the field, Danielle has spent her career at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, where she has served as the Director of Therapy since 2017.

Danielle graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2007 with a Biology degree. She earned a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2009 and then post professionally a Doctorate of Health Science in 2017, both from the University of Indianapolis. Danielle earned her Certified Hand Therapist credential in 2015.

Passionate about advocacy and legislative and regulatory aspects of practicing hand therapy, Danielle has been a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists since 2012 and has been a volunteer in the Practice Division since 2017, serving as the chair from 2020-2023 and currently is serving in the ASHT Presidential line 2023-2027. Currently, Danielle is the current President for ASHT.

Danielle enjoys attending courses related to upper extremity rehabilitation and the opportunity to learn from and interact with colleagues. When not involved in work related activities, Danielle enjoys traveling, kayaking, hiking, golfing, and spending time with family and her two German Shepherds.

The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.