Hands In Motion

Hosted by American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Hands in Motion podcast will be dynamic discussions with a variety of guests. There will be interviews with a variety of professionals about current treatment trends, hot topics in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, current evidence, case studies, alternative treatment areas, and more. There will also be a variety of guests including consumers and content experts on current trends and issues.

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60 recent

August 17, 202628 min

ASHT DEI Toolkit

Rachel Pigott works as an occupational therapist and serves as the Director of the Hand Therapy Fellowship at Johns Hopkins. In 1999, she received her bachelor’s in occupational therapy from Towson State University and in 2016 she completed her Master’s in Public Health at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. Rachel is both a certified hand therapist and certified lymphedema therapist. She has served on a volunteer basis with the American Society of Hand Therapists since 2009 and currently serves on the ASHT DEI Committee, ASHT Independent Finance Committee, and as the ASHT Annual Meeting Chair. Rachel is also a past president of ASHT. Rachel’s preferred pronouns are she/her/hers. She has presented on various topics in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation including arthritis, wrist instability, fractures, trauma, patient centered care, orthotics, anatomy of the wrist, gender affirming care for the upper body, and lymphedema management and prevention related to breast cancer related lymphedema. Guest Bio: Rob McClellan has 23 years of experience working in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. He is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists serving on the Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He is an active member of the American Association for Hand Surgery and is a past President of the Georgia Hand and Upper Extremity Special Interest Group. Rob is the Hand Program Coordinator for Physio/ Select Medical in Georgia - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

August 3, 202635 min

The Roots of ASHT with Karen Prendergast Lauckhardt

Welcome to Hands in Motion’s 100th episode! For this special episode, we are so fortunate to be joined by Karen Prendergast Lauckhardt, one of ASHT’s founding members. Karen shares with us how a gathering of occupational and physical therapists in a coffee shop led to an organization dedicated to the hand and upper extremity therapy specialty. The persistence of this group of therapists who sought collaboration and education led to the formation of the American Society of Hand Therapists, and their mission continues today. Guest bio: Karen H. Prendergast Lauckhardt grew up in suburban Long Island, NY, and graduated from Berner High School in Massapequa before earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 1970. In 1973, Karen began working in New York City with hand surgeon Dr. Robert Beasley to establish the Hand Rehab Center on 30th Street. She is a founding member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and served in every volunteer office, including as ASHT President in 1977. Karen earned a master's degree in Ergonomics and Occupational Biomechanics from New York University in 1981. That same year, she joined the Medical College of Virginia, where she designed and founded the Hand Rehab Center Clinic and served as director of the master's program in hand therapy. In 1987, Karen married Chip Lauckhardt and moved north to practice at Lenox Hill Hospital. The following year, she established her private practice, Greenwich Hand Therapy. She retired to Bellingham, WA, in 2009 and is relocating to Exeter, NH, in the summer of 2026. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

July 20, 202644 min

Nerve Discussion: From Transfers to Compression

On this episode, we are joined by Lorna Kahn, a physical therapist and Certified Hand Therapist who specializes in treating nerve injuries of the upper extremity. Lorna discusses the multidisciplinary team she works with in assessing and treating these patients, and how she implements therapeutic interventions to improve functional abilities for patients who have experiences traumatic or compressive nerve injuries. Guest bio: Lorna Kahn PT, CHT is a certified hand therapist with the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center at Washington University. As clinical liaison to Washington University’s Center for Nerve Injury and Paralysis for the past 20 years, Lorna has developed a sub-specialty in peripheral nerve injuries and nerve transfers. She has presented both nationally and internationally on rehabilitation for nerve transfers. In addition to numerous papers, she recently edited and co-wrote a comprehensive clinical manual on nerve transfer rehabilitation. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

July 6, 202630 min

Virtual Reality in Hand Therapy

On this episode, we are joined by Tom Lattre, a physiotherapist and hand therapist from Belgium. Tom has taken a special interest in using virtual reality in the clinic and he shares with us how this evolving technology can be used with patients in their recovery. Tom Lattre is a physical therapist and hand therapist with more than 20 years of experience. He owns a private practice in Ypres, Belgium, near the French border. He is a certified Belgian and European hand therapist and is a past president of the Belgian Hand Therapy Society. Without being affiliate with a university, he is engaged in scientific work with 10 publications cited at first author. He combines clinical experience with a strong interest in technology, including the use of ultrasound imaging and virtual reality in hand therapy. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

June 22, 202622 min

2026 ASHT Pediatric Specialty Day

On this episode, we are joined by Jem Hopkins and Karen Ayala, both occupational therapists and Certified Hand Therapists who are serving as this year’s ASHT Pediatric Specialty Day co-chairs. They share with us what we can expect at this year’s meeting, the layout of the day, the educational offerings and opportunities to network with other pediatric therapists. Guest Bio: Jemerie Hopkins graduated with her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota. She is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with 23 years of experience working exclusively in hand therapy. She currently works at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Her clinical areas of interest include complex pediatric injuries, cumulative trauma, sports rehabilitation, brachial plexus birth injuries congenital hand difference orthotic fabrication and prosthetic training. Karen Ayala has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Radford University and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Karen has been an Occupational Therapist since 1996 and a Certified Hand Therapist since 2001. After many years of practicing in adult hand therapy, Karen made the transition to pediatric hand therapy in 2013. Karen currently serves as an occupational therapist and pediatric hand therapist at Central Texas Pediatric Orthopedics in Austin, TX. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

June 8, 202643 min

Redefining Possibility: Performance Beyond Limits

On this episode, we are joined by Jason Albers, an occupational therapist and professional drummer with the band Flatland Cavalry. Jason was also born with a genetic limb difference – monodactyly. He shares with us his experience of growing up with a limb difference, what led him to the field of occupational therapy and how his career shifted to music when the opportunity arose. Guest bio: Jason Albers is a recording artist and songwriter from Nashville, TN, and globally-touring drummer for the ACM-nominated country-Americana band Flatland Cavalry. His mission is to connect his world with yours through the shared experience of being both a patient and occupational therapist. Born in Midland, TX with a rare genetic condition, monodactyly, which left him with single digits on all extremities, Jason has learned to adapt and thrive in both clinical and creative settings. He developed specialized techniques to support his drumming, and now shares those methods with others who have similar limb differences, helping them discover new ways to pursue their passions. After earning his Master's in Occupational Therapy from Texas Tech University, he became a licensed professional and went on to treat patients in Texas and Florida, all while performing more than 100 shows a year with Flatland Cavalry. Beyond his clinical and performance work, Jason is deeply committed to giving back to the medical community. He has volunteered at hand clinics across Texas, regularly speaks with pediatric patients and their parents about living and thriving with limb differences, and has served as a guest speaker for occupational therapy and physical therapy students at Duke University and Texas Tech University. Through both his music and his clinical practice, Jason connects with individuals of all abilities, particularly those with limb differences, encouraging them to break barriers and aim high. His lifelong commitment to understanding human potential bridges the worlds of healthcare, art, and personal empowerment, inspiring audiences to embrace what makes them different and use it as their greatest strength. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

May 25, 202628 min

2026 ASHT Annual Meeting: Official Overview

On this episode, we are joined by Rachel Pigott, this year’s ASHT Annual Meeting Chair. Rachel gives us the inside scoop on what we can expect at this October’s Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We discuss the pre-conference offerings, the educational program and the various networking opportunities to connect with our hand and upper extremity therapy colleagues. Guest bio: Rachel Pigott works as an occupational therapist and serves as the Director of the Hand Therapy Fellowship at Johns Hopkins. In 1999, she received her bachelor’s in occupational therapy from Towson State University and in 2016 she completed her Master’s in Public Health at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. Rachel is both a certified hand therapist and certified lymphedema therapist. She has served on a volunteer basis with the American Society of Hand Therapists since 2009 and currently serves on the ASHT DEI Committee, ASHT Independent Finance Committee and as the ASHT Annual Meeting Committee Chair. Rachel is also a past president of ASHT. - The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

May 11, 202634 min

A Joint Effort: Diving Deep into the Elbow

On this episode, we are joined by Scott Gould, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, to discuss a potpourri of topics related to the elbow. We discuss ligament injuries, tendon injuries, joint reconstruction and techniques to restore range of motion following traumatic injuries. Guest bio: Scott Gould is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist and certified kinesio taping practitioner who has worked at the Indiana Hand To Shoulder Center for the past 15 years. The Indiana Hand To Shoulder Center is a private practice with 12 surgeons who specialize in upper extremity and 20 therapists. Scott is a member of ASHT and AAHS. He also instructs a two-day course titled introduction to hand therapy through therapy network seminars. Outside of work Scott has two boys, Grayson (age 13) and Eli (age 10). He is an assistant coach for Eli’s baseball team this spring. He also plays music as a “side hustle” both in a cover band covering 60s and 70s rock and soul and as a solo musician playing his own songs and a wide variety of covers. The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

April 27, 202627 min

Mission Work in Nepal

On this episode, we are joined by Jyo Supnekar, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who recently traveled to Nepal to share her expertise with therapists and other healthcare workers. Jyo shares with us the work that the mission team did in delivering medical care to patients in the hospital, as well as the education that was provided to local therapists. Jyo Supnekar, OTR/L, OTD, CHT, COMT, CLT is a Clinical Specialist at Johns Hopkins. She graduated in 1986 from the University of Mumbai, India, with a master’s in occupational therapy. She has practiced in the United States since 1989 and has worked as a Certified Hand Therapist since 1998. She has a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy- the UE track from IAOM-US. She has an NDT certification for adult hemiplegia, a Lymphedema Certification and a Certificate in Advance Study of Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from Drexel University. From 2017- 2023, she established and served as the founding director of the hand therapy fellowship at Johns Hopkins. She has been an educator for fieldwork students and hand therapy fellows for numerous years. She has presented numerous times nationally and a few times internationally. She serves as a board member for the AOTA Fellowship Programs Review Committee and is an instructor for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

April 13, 202642 min

Uncurled: The Latest in Dupuytren’s Treatment

On this episode, we are joined by Juliana Larocerie to discuss Dupuytren’s disease. Juliana has been involved with researching this condition for many years and shares with us the changes in treatment strategies that have occurred most recently. Juliana Larocerie, OT, MSC, CHT, is a certified hand therapist at the Roth-McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre in London, Ontario. She earned her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2003, and completed a Master’s in Rehabilitation Sciences at Queen’s University, Kingston, in 2006. Passionate about teaching and inspiring excellence in patient care, Juliana has held several academic roles, including seasonal lecturer at Queen’s University and current guest lecturer and lab assistant at Western University’s School of Occupational Therapy, where she also teaches in the Upper Extremity Rehabilitation stream of the Advanced Health Care Practice program. She co-instructs the Chinchalkar Hand Therapy Fellowship Program and contributes to teaching rounds for surgical residents and fellows at the Roth McFarlane HULC. Juliana has delivered several instructional courses on various topics at ASHT, IFSHT, CSHT, ASPN, EFSHT, and the Latin American Brachial Plexus Congress. She developed the hand therapy arm of the Peripheral Nerve Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, establishing a unique interdisciplinary program that offers direct therapy services while supporting surgical and therapeutic decision-making for complex peripheral nerve injuries. She has authored many peer-reviewed papers and a book chapter and has been recognized with the Queen’s University Awards for Excellence in Research and Preceptorship, as well as three CSHT Best Scientific Session awards. She also serves as the current vice-president of the CSHT. The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.