We were lucky to catch up with LaTara Hart, LOTR, MOT, ISTM-1 recently and have shared our conversation below.
LaTara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
As a young teen, I had always dreamed of owning my own healthcare facility. I could remember my friends and I creating this imaginary hospital and each of us planning out our future roles. I can remember thinking “ this would be so great and we definitely need a place like this here (as in my hometown of Jena, La)” . Fast forward 15 years, totally different mindset, location, same industry but different role, and even a different set of friends. Instead of nursing I found my passion in the field of Occupational Therapy, a profession that continues to require major advocacy to save our identity. 12 years in, I decided to go ahead and partner up with a good friend and start my own private practice. Trusting in myself, knowing my worth, understanding my purpose, manifestation, and planning made the process much easier than most may say. I knew what was for me and I ran with it. My friends say I run off impulse but honestly I run off faith. My biggest challenge was more so leaving former employers and their clients because I felt like I was letting one down knowing that there may not be a continuum of care once I transitioned. If I could do one thing differently, it would be to have taking that leap of faith sooner than later and educating myself more on the business management side of private practice. For anyone waiting for a sign or the right time, understand that it’ll never feel like the perfect time. Trust in yourself and have a plan that best for your desired goals.
LaTara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My uncle and young cousin were my drive to this role as an Occupational Therapist in the healthcare industry. An uncle diagnosed with schizophrenia and a young cousin with Down’s syndrome exposed me to this field in ways that most people would not understand. As I watched the challenges they were facing with day to day life skills I became eager to be an advocate for them and my family. I became eager to be a resource for children and adults with special needs. I became hungry to change the way my peers viewed those who appear “different” . As a licensed Occupational Therapist I am able to provide services to children, adults, and geriatrics with physical , mental, and neurological deficits. This may include; but not limited to, children with autism, ADHD, SPD, adults with psychosocial disorders or MR, geriatrics with Parkinson’s or dementia and so on. My goals is to promote developmental growth, functional independence, and/or safe social/community integrations. My scope of practice allows me to be a resource to many many people. My brand, Circle of Life Therapy, focuses on each individual client as one. I ensure that each plan is built on one’s individual needs with personal outcomes. With over 10 years experience with all populations, I am able to provide exceptional services to my clients based on real-life experiences and professional growth. I am the happiest when families are able to smile and tell me “ Thank you, you’ve really made a change in our lives”
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Yes, I would choose this profession over and over again. This is my passion. I love what I do!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation has been built mostly by my work ethic. The best marketing is “word of mouth” . Always be your best because someone is always watching and rooting for you even in your absence.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coltllc.net
- Instagram: @circleoflifetherapy
- Facebook: @Circle Of Life Therapy PLLC-COLT