Blog Post
Kristy Taggart was born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and works as a Rehabilitation Assistant for the Occupational Therapy (OT) department.
“In 2020, I graduated from the University of Lethbridge with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. Graduating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was a unique experience and left me feeling uncertain about what I wanted to do moving forward in my life. Although I was unsure of what I wanted to do in terms of a career, I knew that I wanted something that would allow me to return home to the North and provide meaningful, culturally safe service to my community. After gaining some valuable experience working in schools and with children with disabilities, I was introduced to the world of OT and never looked back. I immediately loved the holistic approach of OT, as we consider the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each client.”
“Working and living in the North, we face unique barriers to accessing care and resources. In OT, we are able to creatively problem solve solutions to overcome these barriers and facilitate our client’s participation in various occupations. Occupations include any activities of daily living that bring meaning and purpose to an individual’s life. In my role as a Rehabilitation Assistant, I have the privilege of working with a variety of diverse clients across environments of care, including pediatrics, outpatients, long term care, homecare and inpatient care. This field of work is extremely rewarding as I assist in the implementation of OT treatment, and with the provision of life-changing mobility and self-care equipment that increase client’s independence and overall quality of life. My experience working in the OT department, along with having the opportunity to work alongside an amazing team of OT’s and rehab professionals, has ultimately inspired me to pursue a career as an OT myself.”
“In addition to working towards my goal of becoming an OT, I also enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, Leo and partner, Matteo, going to our family cabin at Prelude Lake, and experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. I look forward to continuing my work in the North as part of the rehab department and promoting the integral role of OT within the healthcare system!”
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