Occupational Therapy

What is a certified hand therapist?

To become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), a physical or occupational therapist must be in clinical practice for a minimum of 5 years. This must include at least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy. The therapist must then pass a comprehensive exam of the advanced skills required to properly treat the upper extremity. Once certification is obtained, the therapist must then recertify every 5 years. This requires attendance of relevant continuing education courses and knowledge of advancements in clinical practice to stay current with the latest treatment options.

Our Certified Hand Therapists are specially trained to evaluate and administer treatment of the hand and upper quadrant in order for our patients to regain the ability to perform work, life and daily living activities.

Hand Therapists utilize intricate knowledge of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder to prevent dysfunction, reverse the progression of disease, and promote healing of injured structures to restore function. The goal of a certified hand therapist (CHT) is to plan and execute treatment that will return the patients treated to the highest possible level of independence in daily activities.

Meet the OT team

Kathleen Katai, OT, CHT

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

After graduating from the University of Washington, Kathleen started her occupational therapy career in hospital and school settings. At OPT, she enjoys treating a diverse caseload of acute, post-surgical, and chronic conditions. She enjoys connecting with so many different types of people in a fun environment and appreciates that OPT supports her professional ongoing education and growth. As a CHT, Kathleen is passionate about helping her patients return to all their activities, and she strives to exceed the expectations of all of her patients.

- Kathleen works in the Covington Satellite clinic-

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

Brent loves to help others and learn about people, and after experiencing therapy himself as an injured athlete, he knew he wanted to be a therapist. A graduate of Governors State University and holder of two master’s degrees (Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Chemistry), Brent loves being able to help others in his work as an Occupational Therapist.

-Brent works in the Kent Valley clinic-

Jessica Ashe, OT

Michelle McMullen, OT

As an Occupational Therapist (OT), Jessica loves being able to share her skills and knowledge with patients as she helps them overcome obstacles that prevent them from enjoying their lives. She loves working with people and hearing their stories. AT OPT, she enjoys the warm, welcoming environment that feels like family, as well as the wealth of knowledge that the Certified Hand Therapists (CHT’s) offer.

- Jessica works in the Kent clinic-

Michelle McMullen, OT

Michelle was inspired to become an Occupational Therapist because she wanted to help people become as independent as possible. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound and is currently working toward taking the Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) exam. At OPT, Michelle appreciates the great variety of people she gets to work with and the daily opportunities to see her patients improve.

- Michelle works in the Covington Satellite clinic-

Occupational and hand Therapy

What is a certified hand therapist?

Meet the OT team

Kathleen Katai, OT, CHT

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

Brent Panno, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS

Jessica Ashe, OT

Michelle McMullen, OT

Michelle McMullen, OT

Michelle McMullen, OT

Michelle McMullen, OT

Michelle McMullen, OT