The Crafting OT Studio (Episode 115)

Jennifer Renker, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist who works as a travel therapist, traveling across the U.S. to provide services to in clinics that are short staffed and in need of assistance. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2017 from Utica College in Utica, NY. Jennifer has extensive experience working with people with a variety of disabilities and challenges in different settings that has helped inform her as a therapist. Prior to going to OT school, she earned an Associate’s degree in massage therapy from Suny Morrisville in Morrisville, NY. Jennifer was drawn to OT because of its holistic nature and ability to look at all of a client’s needs to better assist each person. The fluctuating and changing needs of clients in both of these past settings has allowed Jennifer to become more adaptable and creative with the ability to focus on her client’s immediate needs, while allowing her to excel in the changing environments of a travel therapist. She enjoys spending time on her crafting hobbies which include jewelry-making, diamond painting, silver clay creations, and epoxy resin items. Jennifer has recently melded her two passions for crafting and OT together into a YouTube channel called The Crafting OT Studio that was launched December 2020. The purpose of this channel is to make crafting and leisure activities accessible to everyone no matter what challenges they may have. The channel is a combination of crafting videos as well as suggestions and ideas on how to adapt each craft for easier access and completion. The videos are fun and informative. Make sure to check her out on her YouTube channel as well as on FaceBook, Instagram, and TikTok @The Crafting OT Studio!