Erika Endsley, occupational therapist Encompass Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, a joint venture between Premier Health and Encompass Health.
Endsley began her career as a preschool special education paraprofessional a year prior to occupational therapy school. After an amazing level II clinical experience at the Mayo Clinic inpatient rehabilitation program, Endsley developed a passion for inpatient rehabilitation occupational therapy.
For nine years, Endsley earned valuable rehabilitation occupational therapy and leadership experience at the Premier Health’s flagship hospital—Miami Valley Hospital, in Dayton. She has been the occupational therapy team leader at the Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, a joint venture between Premier Health and Encompass Health since 2021.
Throughout her career, Endsley had a strong interest in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation, and non-pharmacological pain management strategies such as: yoga and tai chi for wellness and fall prevention. Endsley said that her goal is to motivate patients to gain independence following a stroke or injury. She enjoys sharing her clinical knowledge as a speaker for continuing education unit events for regional stroke and trauma updates, pain management of upper extremity following a stroke or brain injury, return to driving and the Care Tools Assessment.
Education/Training: Endsley earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy, certificate in disability policy and was a L.E.N.D Fellow at the University of Minnesota. Endsley is a certified Tai Chi trainer and certified Brain Injury Specialist.
Professional Associations/Affiliations: Endsley enjoys expanding her clinical knowledge in various areas of her career as a stroke champion and Encompass Health AOTA committee member.
Personal Note: In her spare time, Ensley enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. She enjoys exploring museums, being outside and practicing yoga.
