Three years ago, a simple Handshake message started a conversation that changed everything.
I reached out to Maddie Kurt, a soon-to-be OT graduate from Grand Valley State University, through Handshake and shared a little bit about Connect the Dots: our passion for pediatric therapy, our commitment to helping therapists grow, and our belief that the best care happens when therapists feel supported and inspired in their work.
I also shared a little bit about Eugene, Oregon: the community, the beauty, the adventures, and all the reasons we love calling this place home.
The funny thing? Maddie had never been to Eugene. She had never visited our clinic. She wasn’t originally planning a move across the country to start her career.
But something in her said, “Yes.”
And we are so grateful she trusted that feeling.
Last week, Maddie walked into my office, threw confetti across my desk, and celebrated three years since that very first Handshake connection. As we laughed about how much has happened since that first connection, we both agreed on one thing: we are so glad that little message turned into something so meaningful.
Maddie shared how lucky she feels to have found Connect the Dots, this community, and a place where she has been able to grow as a pediatric OT. And we feel just as lucky.
Over the past three years, Maddie has built a life she loves in Eugene. She has explored everything Oregon has to offer, created a wonderful community, grown into an incredible pediatric OT, and become someone our Connect the Dots families absolutely adore.
Watching Maddie’s journey has been such a gift. Seeing a new graduate step into a new state, a new job, and a new chapter with so much curiosity and courage reminds us why we love what we do.
At Connect the Dots, we believe growth goes both ways. We want our therapists to feel supported, encouraged, and excited about the work they do. New grads deserve mentorship as they build confidence and find their voice. Experienced therapists deserve a team where their ideas, passions, and expertise continue to grow.
Whether you are starting your OT journey, looking for your next chapter, or simply wondering what possibilities are out there, we would love to connect.
Sometimes the best opportunities start with a little curiosity, a little courage, and a simple “yes.”
Interested in learning more about joining our team? Click HERE.