Joette Zola OTR/L (she/her)
Joette combines expertise, curiosity and compassion into a client-centered relationship that focuses on your values, strengths and goals. Her approach is practical, and she believes that therapy can be fun; even when the work is hard.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a profession that is invested in helping individuals engage and be successful in their valued life roles. These roles can be disrupted by medical, emotional and/ or chronic health challenges. OT’s are skilled at working with individual’s on a holistic level to help them find a path forward.
Joette is a strength-based therapist who believes from her time as a clinical scientist at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, that it is important to understand her clients’ stories and help them connect to purpose in their daily lives while adjusting to new or chronic challenges.
She uses clinical best practice guidance, educational concepts, common sense strategies and reflective listening to help clients build awareness and skills needed to be successful in their daily lives. She utilizes episodes of care as an effective way to support her clients throughout life challenges so they can be confident enough to try things on their own and feel safe enough to come back for updates or tune ups as needed.
In her 30+ years as an OT, Joette has worked with adults with an array of diagnoses including concussion and other acquired brain injuries, cognitive and energy challenges associated with cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases, as well as adult diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and new or chronic emotional health concerns. She incorporates somatic techniques to help clients better understand the cues from their body to improve self-regulation. She loves exploring executive skills and helping individuals navigate the challenges of return to school, work or other life roles. She has advanced training in concussion and vision rehabilitation.
Joette completed her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota. She has a number of publications related to her work regarding individuals with cognitive challenges and assisted with guidelines for best practices. She most recently has been researching and publishing on the importance of purpose in daily life and co-developed a purpose renewal intervention. She is a lifelong learner and willing to explore new areas of care as needed.
Joette has been married for 30+ years and has 2 adult children. She enjoys outdoor activities throughout the seasons, and she is happiest if she is out hiking, skiing, swimming or socializing with her extended family and friends.
