Student Faculty Feature

By Lil Crump

Senior Instructor Karen Landry, (BSc-OT, MScRR-PT) with daughter (BSc-Biology, MScOT), Mallory Landry.

Some mother - daughter relationships involve a shared love of broadway shows, sports teams or ice cream flavours - this mother daughter duo share a love of Occupational Therapy and the impact it makes on everyday lives.

Karen Landry, a Senior Instructor within the Dalhousie’s School of Occupational Therapy is also a graduate of the Class of ’85 from Dal’s OT program. Certainly, at that time she would never have dreamt that 38 years later her own daughter would be graduating from the same School.

Mallory Landry, Karen’s daughter, having grown up with an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist as parents, had always thought it would be great to one day work in a profession where it would be possible to be a part of someone’s health or recovery journey. The idea of teaching people the tools needed to achieve independence, become stronger, and get people back to doing the things they love, made her sure a health profession, of some sort, was what she wanted to do. In the end, OT won. Mallory explains, “I was drawn to the diversity and various avenues occupational therapy could take you, and how applicable OT is to everything! It’s functional; respects the clients values and goals; and applies to everybody no matter their age, background, or level of ability. “

Why Dal?
Karen and Mallory both applied to the OT program in Dalhousie, in part, out of their love and appreciation for Atlantic Canada and the city of Halifax.  Karen shares, “I wanted to stay in the Atlantic region, so I didn’t even think about applying to another School”. Mallory says, “It felt right to stay close to home – Dalhousie is a fantastic University and I felt confident I would not regret it.”

As it happened Mallory has great things to say about her time in Dalhousie's MScOT program - starting from the very first day. “We were all meeting in the parking lot of Dalplex. We were divided into our “bubble groups” and I met amazing people. Little did I know those bubble mates would become my go-to people throughout the program. I think all of our “firsts” were the major highlights for me. The first day of second year stands out to me since we were finally able to be all together in a classroom after a year of online learning. The first day of each placement was such an exciting time, thinking about how much hands on learning we were about to get and exposure to different areas of practice. I just know I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the program without my “bubble” and the people I met, and I’m so grateful to have had them to learn and grow with throughout this program.“

So Your Mom's Your Instructor?
Mallory did think it would be weird having her mom as an instructor, but as it turned out – it was just the opposite! “I loved seeing her teach what she was passionate about and seeing her in her element was really amazing. Hearing how she approached situations and how she is able to pull the key pieces of information out of a scenario made me admire her even more. I see how much work she puts into her job, but she makes it look easy and I really look up to her. If I can be half the OT she is one day I'll be extremely proud!”

Karen admits having a “big chat” with her daughter before the program started to clear up any potentially perceived misconceptions about favouritism, unfairness or potential awkwardness, and she assures us that all appropriate instructor guidelines and arm’s length processes were adhered to during the course of Mallory’s studies. Although another instructor graded Mallory’s work - Karen is pleased to say that Mallory showed, “excellent engagement, insightful questions, mingled with just the right amount of appropriate complaining.”

Learning Experience
Part of the program learning experience Mallory did not share with her mom, was having to complete half of her degree online. “When the expectation of learning on campus with your classmates switches suddenly to watching lectures online during a pandemic, it’s a shock!” Mallory understood she had to be organized, dedicated and adapt to this way of learning, she explains, “I had to trial a few ways of studying and make sure I was not only understanding the material, but figuring out how it would translate in practice, and be aware of the “WHY” behind every module. Learning virtually was disappointing initially” Mallory admits, “but I know now that my determination, language skills, and understanding of TeleHealth were developing and it made returning to in-person classes in second year that much more exciting.”

Shared Interests?
Karen and Mallory share a love of Cape Breton, cooking, and card making - but does their shared interests overflow into their shared profession?

Mallory was 100% sure she wanted to work in the musculoskeletal field and private practice. Mallory continued her interest in MSK throughout her studies but also felt herself being drawn to learning everything she could about neurological conditions. “They are complex to understand and could present so differently in people with the same condition.”

Karen was always interested in physical health and well-being. She remembers learning about the physical challenges that many people faced and how difficult it was for them to even perform the basic and simplest things that so many of us do every day without any thought.

Both share the understanding that each client encounter is different and unique, each scenario requires thinking creatively and consideration for which options in your OT toolbox offer the best solution. Whether it be direct client interaction or instructing the next generation of OT’s, the Landry duo are committed to helping people overcome the challenges they face due to injury, illness or environmental barriers.

What’s Next?
“Retirement is not far off” Karen claims. She has seen a lot of changes over the years and remains excited about advancements - especially in areas around access and technology. The message she will continue to amplify is that, “the experiences and opportunities that new graduates bring and take further in development and creativity, is exponential!”

For Mallory, this degree is “a huge deal”. Knowing for a long time she wanted to work in healthcare and having completed the degree after navigating the educational challenges of a pandemic, Mallory admits graduating with her MScOT “feels amazing”. She recognizes that the adaptation of skills, flexibility, perseverance and creativity acquired while learning online, are attributes that are key to working as an OT. “I’m so proud of myself and all of my cohort for making it to this point.”

Mallory is not entirely sure where her OT future will take her but is excited to find out. “OT’s are getting more recognition all the time and there is so much emerging in different areas of practice and the ideas, growth, and technological advances, never ceases to amazes me. I’m excited that I have the opportunity to be part of these milestones in our field of work and I can’t wait to see how the profession develops and expands.“

Mallory feels grateful to be working at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre with MSK and neurological patients. “I am excited to soak up all the learning I can to refine my OT skills. I can’t wait to attend webinars and learn from experienced OTs to expand my knowledge and skills so I can continue working toward being the best OT I can for my clients.”

We wish Mallory every success in her future, and we hope Karen is just kidding about any thoughts of retirement. I don’t doubt there will be a few OT conversations around the Landry dinner table (or the card making craft table) in the days to come.