What does it really mean to help someone live independently again?
For Sydney, an occupational therapist at Vivie, it starts with something simple—helping someone get dressed, make a meal, or safely take a shower. But those small moments often lead to something much bigger.
“They’re the things people want most—to take care of themselves and feel like themselves again,” she says.
At Vivie, that’s what occupational therapy is all about: helping people return to the everyday routines that give their lives meaning.
A career inspired by care
Sydney’s path to occupational therapy started early—and close to home.
“My great-grandma received occupational therapy at 103,” she says. “I remember how the therapist treated her, how they focused on her goals at that age. That really stuck with me.”
Today, Sydney brings that same approach to every patient she serves—meeting them where they are and helping them move forward.
What occupational therapy looks like—at home
As a home health occupational therapist, Sydney works with patients in the place that matters most: their own home.
“We focus on the daily tasks people do every day—things like cooking, dressing, or getting around safely,” she explains. “We break those down and work on the physical and cognitive skills needed to do them.”
Sydney has worked across many care settings—from hospitals to rehabilitation—but home health stands out.
“This is where it all comes together,” she says. “We get to see how someone is really living, and help them succeed in the exact environment they want to be in.”
It’s also where progress becomes real.
“We’re the ones who get to say—you did it. You’re ready.”
A moment that says it all
Ask Sydney what makes her work meaningful, and she doesn’t hesitate. It’s the moments when someone regains their independence.
She remembers one patient in particular—a man recovering from a stroke who had lost function on his right side.
“He just wanted to be able to take care of himself again,” she says.
Through months of therapy—and a lot of determination—he got there.
“He was able to dress, shower, cook, and live independently in his home again,” she says. “Seeing that transformation is everything.”
More than care—it’s connection
For Sydney, occupational therapy isn’t just about physical progress. It’s about relationships.
“We meet people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” she says. “That connection matters.”
Those relationships often last long after care ends.
“I still hear from some patients years later,” she adds.
It’s a reminder that this work goes beyond tasks or checklists—it’s about trust, encouragement, and being there when it matters most.
Why Vivie
Sydney joined Vivie after working with a sister organization and looking for a place where she could continue growing. What made her stay?
“The team members,” she says. “We truly work as a team. If someone needs help, we step in. Our focus is always on what’s best for the patients we serve.”
She also values the flexibility that comes with her role.
“I’m able to build a schedule that works for me and still give my patients the time they need,” she says. “That balance is huge.”
At Vivie, that balance is intentional—supporting team members so they can do meaningful work and build the life they want.
Growing a career that makes a difference
In addition to working directly with patients, Sydney also serves as an occupational therapist liaison—helping connect teams and support collaboration across the organization. It’s one example of how careers can grow at Vivie.
“There are opportunities to take on new roles, mentor others, and continue learning,” she says.
For Sydney, that growth is part of what makes the work so rewarding.
“You’re not just helping others grow—you’re growing too.”
Thinking about a career in occupational therapy?
Sydney’s advice is simple:
“Get experience, keep learning, and find what you enjoy,” she says. “Every setting teaches you something.”
And for those considering Vivie?
“Do it,” she says. “You’ll have the support you need, and you’ll be making a real difference.”
There’s more for you here
At Vivie, occupational therapists like Sydney are helping people return to what matters most—every single day.
Whether working in people’s homes or in one of our communities, you have the opportunity to meet people where they are and support them in ways that truly make a difference.
It’s meaningful work, done alongside a supportive team, with the flexibility and opportunities to build a career that fits your life.
Because here, it’s not just about what you do. It’s about who you help—and who you become along the way.
Ready to make a difference?
Explore occupational therapy opportunities at Vivie and see how you can build a career with more meaning, more support, and more possibilities.
Brenda Beheng
Brenda Beheng brings a creative approach to her role as senior talent acquisition manager at Vivie, helping to connect great people with meaningful work. With a bachelor’s degree in local and urban affairs and a minor in human relations, Brenda began her career in manufacturing but quickly realized it wasn’t where she was meant to be. An interview at Vivie introduced her to a culture grounded in connection and care—and she knew she’d found her place. At Vivie, Brenda supports the talent acquisition team with strategies to effectively reach and engage future team members and collaborates on marketing efforts to attract and hire exceptional talent. She’s inspired by the opportunity to be creative in an organization that uplifts others, puts people first, and leads with a servant heart.
