MindWorks Collaborative is pumped to be able to highlight the unique approach of today’s occupational therapist of color, Jorge Ochoa. Not only is he an occupational therapy provider, he is a recognized music artist, entrepreneur and community activist. Jorge is based in the San Antonio, TX area and is the founder and owner of TamboRhythms, where he integrates drumming into his therapeutic strategies. He has worked at and facilitated with school systems, early childhood learning centers, senior adult centers and community-based education programs. No matter the setting, Jorge promotes “FUNctional” living through rhythmic expression regardless of age or previous musical experience.
WHY TamboRhythms?
As an entrepreneurial-minded occupational therapist he launched TamboRhythms in 2008 while working as a school based occupational therapist. He had noticed that his students really struggled with being present during therapy, and were too anxious or worried about failing to really even start trying. Jorge had started playing drums and percussion in high school and was looking for a way to merge his role in a school based OT role with his outside passion for music. He knew that he often used drumming as a release from work and life stressors and had just been introduced to drumming circles and a strategy called HealthRHYTHMS, so he began thinking of how to incorporate these approaches into his school based group work with students. The special education director he had was excited to try something innovative and gave his the space and resources to run a pilot with all of their Life Skills programs. They saw an immediate improvement in students ability to regulate their emotions, initiate and sustain attention, engage socially with their peers, and in progressing towards all of their IEP goals. TamboRhythms was born!
Watch a video of him working with a group of young children on their goals in sustaining attention, controlling impulses, and following directions.
HOW DOES JORGE ADVANCE EQUITY IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
Jorge personally identifies as a male Hispanic immigrant. By incorporating drumming into his occupational therapy practice, he gets to advance and enhance the representation of Latinx culture in the field of occupational therapy. He knows that other’s may have negative feelings around his identities but believe’s that it is crucial not to allow perceived limitations that others, or even yourself, may impose, to hinder you from reaching your goal. Drumming is the vehicle Jorge uses to fully embody what culturally proficient therapy looks, feels, and sounds like. Drums are nearly universal – they are found in nearly every culture in the world and have existed since before 6000 B.C. They have had ceremonial, sacred, and symbolic associations. He is fortunate to be able to use drums to help his clients find the rhythms of their own identity in order to develop and retain the skills they need to occupy and thrive in their world.
Please help us to celebrate Jorge’s hard work to increase culturally proficient OT services and the diversity of occupational therapy business owners! You can connect with Jorge on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or his website to learn more about and follow his work.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JORGE:
Name:
Jorge Ochoa, OTR
Title and Organization:
Founder/Owner of TamboRhythms
Hobbies/Interests:
I like to play drums and percussion; read/listen about mental health/wellness and biblical spirituality; go out to eat; watch movies; attend church; and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Education Background:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
When did you start working in OT?
I have been working in occupational therapy for the last 18 years
Why did you choose to become an Occupational Therapist?
My initial interest was to help individuals with their activities of daily living.
Can you share a bit about what makes your job so rewarding?
I enjoy helping people to relieve stress in their lives through improved daily functioning. I also enjoy seeing people with disabilities develop and deepen their social-emotional skills through the power of rhythm.
How would you describe a good day at work?
A great day at work is when I get to see all individuals enabled to live in the present moment and are empowered to come out of their “shell.”
Anything else you would like to share about your job/experience of working in OT?
One of my favorite things about the occupational therapy profession is that it has allowed me to “think outside the box” and encourages creativity. The variety of the field allows me to use non-conventional strategies to help people live FUNctional lives.
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