Episode 182: Allied Health Spotlight: Partnering with an Occupational Therapist

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. They include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that attends to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.

Many people are familiar with physical and speech therapists, but fewer recognize the valuable benefits of working with an occupational therapist (OT). An OT helps identify the activities that you enjoy and ensures strategies are in place so you can continue doing what matters most. They work with you to adapt your environment, tap into your strengths, and create realistic strategies so you can keep living life on your terms.

In this episode, Karyssa Silva, MS, OTR/L, CLT, an occupational therapist at Aldersbridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Outpatient Center in Rhode Island, shares how she helps people with Parkinson’s with daily tasks and activities that bring them joy. She works closely with people with PD and their loved ones to address physical and mental challenges, empowering them to stay engaged in the activities they value the most.

Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment: Worksheet

Released: August 19, 2025

Karyssa Silva is the Director of Rehabilitation at Aldersbridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Outpatient Center in East Providence, Rhode Island, where she leads a dedicated team of Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists. Licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Karyssa brings over a decade of clinical and leadership experience to her role.

She began her career in 2010 as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in a skilled nursing facility, quickly advancing to Director of Rehabilitation. In 2014, she earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the New England Institute of Technology. Her diverse background spans skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient care, with specialized expertise in LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s disease and certification as a Lymphedema Therapist. Karyssa is passionate about helping individuals with neurological and chronic conditions maintain their independence, function, and quality of life.