Maddie Kurt (OT, Fieldwork Clinical Instructor) and Maddie Horning during her clinical rotation
My journey to Connect the Dots started as an OT graduate student looking for a place to learn and grow my skills related to pediatric OT that was close to where I grew up in Oregon. I believe my fieldwork coordinator at Eastern Washington University helped me make the initial connection. However, after meeting with Stephanie, I felt very excited about the possibility of having a fieldwork experience at this clinic. I also had the opportunity to talk more with Connect the Dots staff at a job fair, which further solidified my desire to get to learn at this clinic.
Farm Day during Spirit Week
During my OT fieldwork rotation, I enjoyed the clinic environment, the collaboration among co-workers, and the way child-led play was used to help kids reach their goals. Getting to be a fieldwork student at Connect the Dots Pediatric Therapy in Eugene played a large role in my decision to pursue a career in pediatric OT post-graduation. I felt comfortable and supported during my fieldwork rotation, which made me feel confident that this would be a great place to begin my career as a pediatric occupational therapist.
What fills your cup?
I love the families and children I get to work with at Connect the Dots. Like any job, there can be hard days, but overall, the opportunity to work with and help these children reach their goals makes me feel excited to come to work each day.
I am reminded why I do this work every time I walk into the lobby to greet a child for their session and see their face light up at getting to play with me, or when a parent shares that a strategy or activity that I recommended has made a meaningful difference in their everyday life!
In addition, my co-workers rock, and our Starbucks runs and support for each other help make this a great place to work.
Baby shower!
Who are you outside of CTD?
Outside of Connect the Dots, I enjoy a mix of active, outdoorsy, and cozy activities. You can find me curled up with a good book, show, or movie, exploring a new trail or lake, paddleboarding, getting a workout in, or spending meaningful time with friends and family.
At home, I love spending time with my husband and dog, and we are also getting ready to welcome a new baby boy into our family! Nursery and baby preparations have been a big part of my summer in 2026!
A Note from CTD
When we met Madi at the EWU career fair in Spokane, we knew pretty quickly that we wanted her at CTD for fieldwork! She fit our team like a glove, and it was so fun to watch her grow in confidence and clinical skills throughout her rotation. We were thrilled when she decided to come back to CTD after graduation and officially join our pediatric occupational therapy team.
And now, we get to celebrate another exciting chapter with Madi as she prepares to welcome her baby boy! We feel so lucky that her journey brought her to Connect the Dots, and we’re cheering her on every step of the way!
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