June 2-8, 2025 Hand Therapy Week, we’re celebrating the 18 talented and dedicated hand therapists who serve patients across 13 Axes Physical Therapy locations. They are experts in rehabilitation, compassionate caregivers, and champions of restoring movement — from post-operative recovery to complex injuries and chronic conditions.
But the impact of our hand therapy team goes even further than what happens in the clinic. At Axes, we’ve made a long-term investment in growing the next generation of upper extremity specialists through our Occupational Therapy Mentorship Program — a uniquely structured, hands-on, clinically rigorous learning experience for new graduate OTs who are ready to specialize in hand therapy and work toward their Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential.
Why Mentorship Matters in Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is one of the most specialized fields within rehabilitation. It requires not only a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology but also expertise in biomechanics, wound care, splint fabrication, post-surgical protocols, and more. For new grads, it can be difficult to break into this niche — especially without formal clinical experience in the specialty.
That’s why Axes created a mentorship model that bridges the gap between school and independent practice, ensuring that early-career clinicians receive the training, feedback, and confidence-building support they need to thrive.
And leading that charge is one of our most experienced clinicians: Sara Dowil, OTR/L, CHT.
Meet our Mentorship Program Leader: Sara Dowil, OTR/L, CHT
Sara has been a Certified Hand Therapist since 2002 and brings over two decades of clinical experience and leadership to Axes’ mentorship program. Her love for upper extremity rehabilitation started with her very first OT class: gross anatomy, taught by Dr. Carol Ward — a professor who ignited Sara’s passion for understanding the human body and later inspired her to teach.
That passion for teaching grew throughout her career, from serving as adjunct faculty at Maryville University to mentoring new clinicians in the clinic. At Axes, she formalized that into a structured mentorship program that blends academic knowledge, clinical reasoning, and hands-on skill-building.
“I never would have gotten to this point in my career alone,” Sara says. “I had amazing mentors, like Dr. Richard Howard, who shaped how I practice and how I teach. I believe it’s our responsibility to pay that forward.”
Her leadership — along with critical support from fellow CHT Chantell Unnerstall, OTR/L, CHT and the Axes leadership team — has helped make Axes a destination for aspiring hand therapists looking for meaningful, supported, and successful careers.
Inside the Mentorship Experience
The mentorship program includes:
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Monthly 2-hour learning sessions focused on upper extremity anatomy, diagnosis-specific education, splinting techniques, and more
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Ongoing clinical mentorship and feedback in day-to-day patient care settings
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Access to multiple experienced CHTs, each offering their own treatment styles and approaches
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Collaborative learning with peers, creating a sense of shared growth and support
Importantly, the program is designed to meet each mentee where they are — identifying strengths, addressing gaps, and building confidence along the way.
“Clinical cases are selected based on the mentee’s knowledge and readiness,” Sara explains. “The goal is to promote success, build confidence, and ensure patient safety.”
The Power of Community: Voices from the Mentees
Our current mentorship group includes Mira Todd, Sadie Betts, Darcy Sweet, and Camri Pratt — four incredible OTs with different journeys but a shared commitment to excellence in hand therapy. Here’s what they had to say:
“The mentorship has fully confirmed I made the right choice. I feel both supported and challenged in the best way, and it’s deepened my passion for hand therapy.”
— Mira Todd
“I kept searching for a collaborative, team-focused opportunity and ended up finding that in Axes. You’re never on your own here — it’s a supportive team that’s always in your corner.”
— Darcy Sweet
“It’s reassuring to know I have a strong support system as I continue to develop my skills. The feedback and open communication have helped me grow quickly and confidently.”
— Sadie Betts
“Starting your first job after OT school can be intimidating, but the mentorship made the process smoother. My mentors encourage questions and support me every step of the way.”
— Camri Pratt
These quotes don’t just speak to the strength of the program — they reflect the culture of trust, growth, and connection that defines what it means to be part of the Axes team.
Why Axes Is the Best Place to Launch Your Hand Therapy Career
Axes Physical Therapy was once again named a Best Place to Work by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2025, and our mentorship program is just one of the many reasons why. We prioritize people — our patients and our team — and that commitment shows up in everything we do.
Here’s what sets us apart:
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18 expert hand therapists across 13 locations
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Same-day custom splinting, specialty tools, and physician collaboration
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Appointments within 24–48 hours for fast, diverse caseloads
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Paid CEUs, licensure support, and growth pathways
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Transparent leadership and a values-driven, locally owned culture
Our therapists don’t just join Axes for a job — they join to build careers, find community, and grow into the clinicians they want to be.
Looking Ahead — And Paying It Forward
As Sara puts it best: “Mentorship is key to the future of our profession. If we don’t support the next generation of hand therapists, we risk losing that knowledge, that passion. Axes is doing it right — and I’m proud to be part of it.”
This Hand Therapy Week, we celebrate the experts already making a difference — and the emerging therapists who are ready to follow in their footsteps.
At Axes, the future of hand therapy isn’t just bright — it’s already here.
If you find yourself in situation where you are noticing pain throughout one or both of your arms, know we are here to help! Don’t wait for care – Axes offers same-day or within 24 hours appointment scheduling.
Find your local Axes Hand Therapist for a free consultation to help guide you in finding ways to both prevent pain and reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.
