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The field of occupational therapy is invaluable for people who experience physical and mental challenges.

However, the career's title doesn't really explain what an occupational therapist does.

"Occupational therapy, at its core, is about helping people gain independence in their daily occupations, which is their daily tasks," said Elaina Schnarr, who graduated from Rockhurst University with a doctorate in occupational therapy.

She said she didn't always have dreams of being an occupational therapist.

Schnarr discovered the career through her brother.

"So when I was in middle school, and my brother was 2, he got diagnosed with autism," said Schnarr.

After his diagnosis, he was given an occupational therapist to become more independent.

"We had som

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