acute care rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy

Michael Whitty, MOT, OTR/L

Lead Occupational Therapist

Michael Whitty, an occupational therapist with several years of experience, brings a passion for patient-centered care to his practice. Graduating from the University of New England in 2014, Michael has honed his skills working with adult populations in acute and sub-acute settings. His career has been marked by a strong commitment to understanding his patients' goals and aspirations for each session, ensuring that he tailors his interventions to meet their unique needs.

A cornerstone of Michael's approach is his dedication to building strong rapport and communication with his patients. He believes in active collaboration, working together to construct personalized plans of care. This collaborative spirit empowers his patients, emphasizing their control over their progress and treatment journey. Michael's empathetic nature and respect for his patients' time and effort create an environment of mutual respect and trust.

Beyond his role as an occupational therapist, Michael is an adventurer at heart. He finds solace and excitement in skiing, climbing and whitewater rafting. These outdoor pursuits reflect his resilience and determination, qualities that he brings back to his therapy practice. Just as he conquers challenging slopes and navigates rushing waters, he guides his patients towards their goals, supporting them through every twist and turn of their own journeys.

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Liberty "Libby" Case, MOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

As an occupational therapist, Liberty “Libby” Case thrives on providing the highest quality of client- and family-centered care.

That interest in whole-person care matches the philosophy of Adventist Health, where Case specializes in acute orthopedic and neuro re-education.

Case earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where she serves now as an adjunct faculty member for the School of Occupational Therapy.

Case is a patient and collaborative therapist, believing treatment should be a rich mixture of evidence-based therapeutic interventions and outside-of-the-box thinking.

Assistance dogs are an area of special interest for Case. She is a member of the board of an assistance dog organization and previously held a position on a crisis intervention team to assist students and school teams in emotional crisis using assistance dogs. She has published in various medical journals and presented at both the state and national level on topics specific to ethical considerations of dogs in therapy and service dogs as alternative options for assistive devices.

A native Portlander, Case also enjoys hiking, watching movies, exploring new restaurants and spending time with her family and two dogs.

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Sarah Moreno, OTD, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

As an occupational therapist, Sarah Moreno loves building a connection with her clients, so they feel seen as a person and not just as a patient. She wants her clients to know that she will honor the things that matter to them, including goals, beliefs and preferences.

Moreno earned her doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon. She focuses on older adults and skills for independence. Occupational therapists can help people adapt to changes in ability caused by injury or disease.

A native of New Mexico, Moreno and her family enjoy exploring the outdoors and taking long walks with their family dog. Moreno plays on several adult coed indoor and outdoor soccer teams in Oregon and in Vancouver, Washington.

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Scott Murphy, MOT, OTR/L

Occupational therapist

Murphy earned his master’s degree in occupational therapy in Kansas City, Missouri. He works with patients in the Cardiac Surgery Unit and Intensive Care Unit.

Murphy embraces his “inner nerd” by loving all things related to Star Wars, Harry Potter and pinball. Outside of work, he goes out for the occasional round of golf, frequent forest walks and spends time with his family.

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Jennifer Pidkowicz, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS, CAPS

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapist Jennifer Pidkowicz doesn’t define her patients by their challenges. Instead, she wants to hear about each patient’s life story. Then she can create individual plans with compassionate care.

Pidkowicz earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, California. She went on to get her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon. She has worked in both acute care and home health settings. Pidkowicz has a special knack for fixing equipment and making tools for patients.

An avid hiker, skier and backpacker, Pidkowicz also enjoys indoor crafts, including sewing and quilting. An enthusiastic international traveler, she has been around the world and back again.

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Lisa Sarazin, COTA

Occupational Therapist

Solving problems and boosting safety are the focus of Lisa Sarazin’s work as an occupational therapy assistant. She wants her patients to be able leave the hospital with the confidence and knowledge of how to function safely at home.

Lisa has practiced at Adventist Health since 1990, after earning an associate degree in occupational therapy from Mount Hood Community College. She’s also certified in LSVT BIG, a specialized therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

When she’s not helping patients, Lisa enjoys camping, cycling, reading, and watching movies. She rides in the Reach the Beach event every year to benefit the American Lung Association.

Aleina Tanabe, O.T.D.

Occupational Therapist

Aleina Tanabe’s favorite part about being an occupational therapist is connecting with patients. She is especially passionate about serving older adults and their caregivers, even to end of life. She believes occupational therapy has essential value in preserving quality of life and dignity.

Tanabe completed her doctorate in occupational therapy at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon. In her practice, she works to empower and support people on their healing journeys.

A native of Hawaii, Tanabe loves being near water; lakes, rivers or ocean. She enjoys paddleboarding, tennis and rock climbing. She still finds snow novel, and also likes to snowboard.

Rachel Rayes MOT, OTR/L

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