Family, Finances, and Flexibility: OT Amirra Condelee on Real-Life Career Transitions

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I am joined by Amirra Condelee—an occupational therapist, stay-at-home mom, and finance advocate who’s passionate about empowering families to make intentional choices around work, family, and money. Amirra shares her fascinating journey from pursuing pediatric medicine to finding her calling in occupational therapy, and she opens up about the pivotal moment she decided to transition from full-time OT work to being at home with her young children. The conversation dives deep into the practical and emotional aspects of making that decision, including how Amirra and her husband navigated the big financial questions, worked as a team to pay down an extraordinary amount of student debt, and planned for future family goals. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a therapist considering your next step, or just someone looking for actionable financial advice, this episode is packed with real talk, helpful strategies, and a lot of encouragement. In this episode you'll hear about: Amirra’s Occupational Therapy (OT) JourneyEarly aspirations: from wanting to be a pediatrician to discovering OT.Influence of attending a science/medical camp and exposure to neonatology/NICU.Transition after finding chemistry challenging; discovering OT through nannying for a hand therapist.Commitment to OT: switching majors and shadowing experiences, particularly in NICU settings. Shift from NICU aspirations to early intervention (EI) due to job opportunities.Experience practicing full-time in EI, then the personal choice to pause her career after pregnancy.Transition to being a full-time stay-at-home mom, podcast host, and content creator while retaining her OT influence.Decision-Making Process: Transitioning to Stay-at-Home MomThe decision-making involved in transitioning from full-time work.Emotional and logistical (especially financial) factors in the decision.The importance of open communication with her husband regarding finances.Financial Strategies and AdjustmentsBudgeting and Financial CompromisesTeaching Financial Responsibility to ChildrenPaying Off Significant Debt: The MilestoneEvaluating Higher Education and Debt ROI for ChildrenRecommended Resources for Financial LiteracyPractical Tips for Financial Organization and Communication Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Personal Finance ClubSave My Cents Wealth Is A MindsetEpisode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for ParentsEpisode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional RestHomeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning GuideConnect With Amirra on InstagramAmirra's Facebook GroupCheck Out Amirra's Podcast HereFree Guide: Personal Finance Crash CourseConnect With Sarah On Instagram Connect With Our Guest, Amirra Condelee Dr. Amirra Condelee, OTD, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist based in Phoenix, AZ, with a specialization in Early Intervention for infants and young children with sensory processing challenges, premature births, and substance exposure. A graduate of MGH Institute of Health Professions, she conducted doctoral research at Seattle Children’s Hospital on OT’s role in the NICU and Pediatric Intensive Feeding Program. In 2021, she was named Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Arizona OT Association for her leadership in clinical practice, advocacy, and public awareness. Amirra is currently on a career pause to stay home with her young children and is passionate about supporting fellow OTs navigating motherhood, money, and career pivots. She is the host of The Money Matters in OT Podcast and co-host of The Real OTs of Early Intervention podcast. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family.