Soul of 78: Erin Cordell
Occupational Therapist, No Limits Therapy
Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter
As a child growing up in the Saragossa community, Erin Cordell discovered her passion for pediatric occupational therapy, though she didn't necessarily know that's what it was at the time.
In elementary school, she lent a helping hand to a friend struggling with handwriting, guiding him on how to hold a pencil and form letters. Reflecting on those early experiences, Erin suggests that her interactions with this classmate sparked her initial interest in the field.
Despite her early inclination towards studying physical therapy in college, Erin's path took an unexpected turn when her mom recommended she observe and shadow a pediatric occupational therapist. The experience proved transformative, providing her with clarity on her true calling.
"I never thought I wanted to work with kids, but I actually fell in love with it. So I guess life does take you to unexpected places!" she says.
With a bachelor's degree in psychology from UAB, Erin applied to UAB's Occupational Therapy School, where she graduated in 2019. Then Erin worked for nearly three years in a pediatric outpatient clinic, where she found her footing as an occupational therapist.
"I learned a lot of what I know from other therapists outside my discipline, like speech therapists, physical therapists, and counselors, and from other occupational therapists in the field as well, which I'm very thankful for," she says.
In 2022, Erin partnered with a Walker County-based nonprofit organization, the Willow Project. This collaboration, coupled with her dedication and newfound stability, empowered her to establish her own practice. Today, Erin is the proud owner of No Limits Therapy, specializing in providing occupational therapy to children from birth to 18 years old.
"Physical therapy teaches you how to get there, and occupational therapy teaches you what to do once you get there. If a child goes to physical therapy to learn to crawl, I teach them what to do once they get to where they're going. Occupational therapy addresses the skills that affect a child's ability to do daily tasks such as feeding themselves, getting dressed, going to school, and playing with toys or with others," says Erin.
Embracing the diversity of each workday, Erin finds joy in the challenges presented by her young clients. Whether it's guiding a child through the process of crawling, helping them learn to hold a spoon, or addressing balance and behavioral issues, Erin approaches each situation with creativity and dedication.
Therapy sessions are characterized by child-led and play-based activities designed to strengthen the child as they acquire new skills. Her practice caters to a wide range of needs, including improving physical strength and motor skills, addressing developmental delays, managing behavioral issues, and enhancing sensory processing abilities.
For Erin, No Limits Therapy is not merely a means of making a living; it is a heartfelt commitment to genuinely improving the quality of life for her young patients and fostering strong relationships with their families.
Expressing her deep connection to her home, Erin shares, "This town is very dear to me. So, it's special to be in a place where I can offer those services to children who need them. It's an honor to own my practice because it has made me a better therapist and person." 78