Meet Kathleen: certified orthotist supporting families with a SMILE
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Kathleen has always enjoyed how art, science and teamwork intersect in orthotics. It was this combination that motivated her to pursue a career as a Certified Orthotist.
“In orthotics, I’m working to help kids and families while evaluating and understanding the body,” said Kathleen, who has a background in kinesiology. “I really enjoy those social and biomechanical components. There’s also an art to it as well – you have to learn how to work with your hands to cast.”
Today, Kathleen is a Certified Orthotist in the Children’s Orthotics Clinic at SickKids. She delivers direct patient care with the goal of providing customized bracing for prevention, correction and improvement of overall body mechanics. She evaluates the patient in terms of their bracing design and makes recommendations based on the prescription of the referring physician. Kathleen then collaborates with the clinic’s technicians, who fabricate custom-made orthoses fitting specifically to the child’s body.
The orthotics team works closely with departments across the hospital, including: plastic surgery, craniofacial care, neurology, neurosurgery, occupational health and safety, orthopaedic surgery, rheumatology and rehabilitation services.
“I was involved in sports all of my life, so that team component comes into play for me as well,” said Kathleen. “Even though we may be on different floors and areas of the hospital, we are working together to improve the quality of life for these children.”
"I feel this SMILE reflects the family’s overall experience, not just me in particular.”
For Kathleen, it has been a humbling experience working at SickKids. “Despite any frustrations we might experience, everybody here has the kids’ and families’ well-being at heart. Being part of their SickKids journey, it’s a good reality check.”
It is the family-centred care that makes her job fulfilling. Kathleen enjoys building relationships with families and empowering them with the information and education needed once they leave the hospital. She credits the families, physiotherapists, physicians and other health-care providers for helping patients have the best outcomes in terms of their treatments.
“At SickKids, you’re looking at the bigger picture. It’s important to engage on a personal level not just with the families, but the kids,” said Kathleen. “They are active participants in their treatment, so we speak with them so they understand everything as well. I even joke that my voice works well with kids. It’s a bit higher-toned!”
When she has a tough day at work, Kathleen is grateful for her team at the Children’s Orthotics Clinic.
“It’s a supportive environment. If extra help is needed, everyone is always willing to go that extra step,” said Kathleen. “It’s also nice to go home and get support from my kids and husband.”
It was a SickKids family who recognized Kathleen recently through the SMILE program. She remembers them well, having worked with their son for bracing multiple times over the past three years.
“It was really, really nice,” said Kathleen. “You know the families are appreciative, but it was touching that they went that extra mile with a SMILE. It was nice, too, because I think it acknowledges the people behind me. The technical team and the admin staff did a great job. I feel this SMILE reflects the family’s overall experience, not just me in particular.”
Has a staff member at SickKids made a difference for you and your family and you want to say thanks? Consider honouring them through the SMILE program. A donation through the SMILE program supports the highest priority needs of the hospital as well as the Staff Continuing Professional Development Fund, which provides full and part-time staff at SickKids with opportunities to advance skills, reach new milestones in their careers and increase their knowledge and expertise.
A SMILE makes a difference, so please consider giving one today.
