Heather Pollnow Email & Phone Number

Building relationships and the desire to help others comes natural to me. After 20 years of caring for children out of my home, I came to the realization that I wanted something more. I wanted to learn, grow, and stretch myself in ways that I never thought possible, and have found that through occupational therapy. I was first inspired by occupational therapy when my son needed some extra help in school. It was through his experience where I began to learn about the tremendous value occupational therapy has to offer. Later inspired to pursue the profession myself, I discovered I was always meant to do this. Through my education and fieldwork experience at Central Piedmont Community College, I have fallen in love with the older adult population, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. I completed one of my Level I fieldwork rotations in a memory care non-profit and immediately felt drawn to return as a regular volunteer. I consider it a pleasure to complete my final Level II in the same setting with the opportunity to experience the "behind the scenes" part of the job. I have also rediscovered my love for the pediatric population while completing a Level II fieldwork rotation in the public school system; making it come "full circle" for me. Having rewarding experiences with both populations, I am able to be open to different job opportunities and am confident I will find the perfect fit for myself.In addition to earning my Bachelor of Arts of Psychology in 1997, I graduated from CPCC’s accredited OTA program earning my Associate of Applied Science in December, 2023. I will sit for the Board Certification exam early March, 2024; with intention to get licensed in both NC and SC shortly thereafter.