The occupational therapist at Falmouth Hospital helps patients regain strength, function and confidence — one modest triumph at a time.
Sometimes it’s the smallest victories that mean the most — zipping up a jacket, blow drying your hair, working out at the gym or being able to use a computer mouse. For occupational therapist Kathleen Thomas, those moments are exactly why she has dedicated 40 years to helping people regain not just movement, but independence, confidence and joy.
A certified hand therapist and longtime member of the Falmouth Hospital team, Kathleen has built her career around restoring upper extremity function. She works alongside an invaluable outpatient coworker and a part-time inpatient OT who splits her time between Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital, forming a close-knit, compassionate OT group. Using education, exercise, and customized braces or splints, Kathleen helps patients maximize their ability to do what they otherwise couldn’t — or couldn’t do without pain. Her clinical focus includes tendonitis, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation and orthopedic injuries involving the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Kathleen enjoys landscape and seascape photography, as well as capturing special moments with her grandkids.
“There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone return to their sport or their job, to make a meal or finally be able to put their hair up in a ponytail,” says Kathleen. “It’s the little things that are the big things when you can’t do them.”
Kathleen’s journey in occupational therapy began after graduating from the University of New Hampshire. During her honeymoon on Martha’s Vineyard, she picked up a local newspaper on a whim and spotted a job listing for an OT position at Falmouth Hospital. She applied and was hired as the hospital’s only OTR. With on-the-job training and the support of a small but strong rehab team, she gained valuable experience working closely with occupational and physical therapists.
After a decade, Kathleen transitioned into a management role with Braintree Rehab/HealthSouth, where she oversaw South Coast clinics and developed multidisciplinary programs. But despite the professional growth, she found herself missing the one-on-one connection with patients.
More than 20 years ago, she returned to Falmouth Hospital, earned her certified hand therapist credential and never looked back. Today, she continues to care for her Cape Cod neighbors — her son and daughter-in-law, both local physical therapists, are part of the healthcare community she’s proud to be a part of.
We recently caught up with Kathleen to learn more about her life beyond work — including something surprising people might not know about her, what’s next on the horizon, her hidden passions and what a perfect day off looks like.
1. What is the best advice you have ever received?
When I was a young clinic manager, my son’s class was going on a field trip to see “Swan Lake” at the Wang Center, and I really wanted to chaperone — but it conflicted with our weekly manager meetings. I mentioned it to a longtime administrative assistant, and she said, “There are meetings every week. But how many chances will you have to chaperone a field trip for your 10-year-old and his friends?” It seems so obvious now, but I needed this simple advice to help me realize the importance of what we now call work/life balance.
2. What is your mantra or phrase you live by?
Be patient, be kind. Sometimes, it’s easier to be kinder to patients than to family or strangers. I am always working on this one.
3. What is something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
I started running in my early 20s after quitting smoking — I was a pack-a-day smoker in college. Once I gave it up, I laced up my shoes and never looked back. In my 30s, I was folding laundry and happened to catch the Ironman Kona on TV. I was riveted. I thought, “I run, I can bike and swim ... I could do that!” So, at around 33, I did my first triathlon — in a flowered one-piece bathing suit, riding the same 12-speed bike I got in college, and wearing old running shoes. I placed 3rd in my age group and was hooked! My husband, Dwight, was always my running partner, and eventually he joined me in triathlons. We’ve been so fortunate to be part of this amazing run, cycling and triathlon community ever since.
Since her 30s, Kathleen has taken on numerous triathlons, embracing the challenge and thrill of each race.
4. What is your dream job?
This — what I’m doing right now. I feel so fortunate to do what I love every day. When people ask how long I’ve been at it, I say, “Yup, 40 years.” I am so grateful every day to be able to help people improve their lives, feel less pain, be able to do what they want to do. What’s made it even more rewarding is working with a caring manager and a smart, fun group of coworkers. What could be better than that?
5. Favorite binge TV shows?
“The Resident,” “SWAT,” “Manifest,” “Ted Lasso,” “Bridgerton,” “Reacher,” “Grace and Frankie.”
6. Favorite local spots to explore?
We love the Vineyard. We usually bring our bikes and ride the 60 miles around the island. We especially love Menemsha, Aquinnah, Edgartown Light and the scenic stretch from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown. As members of the Cape Cod Athletic Club, we’ve also discovered so many beautiful, hidden parts across the Cape through road races and triathlons in different towns.
7. Anything exciting on the horizon?
Yes! This summer, I’m shifting to part-time. At my age, people often ask when I’ll retire, but I’m not ready yet — I still love my job, my coworkers and the fact that I’m always learning. That said, I’m excited to have more time to swim, bike and run, dig in the garden with my husband, enjoy “Fun Fridays” with my grandkids, work on resin and seascape art, take photos and clean the attic and basement — you get the idea!
8. Do you have a hidden passion?
Not so hidden to my friends and family is my love for photography. I’m especially drawn to landscape and seascape photography, as well as capturing birds, hummingbirds and butterflies. I also enjoy photographing people —especially at road races and triathlons. And of course, my grandchildren are perfect subjects: I end up taking hundreds of photos of them! I have a Canon with all kinds of lenses, but the phone cameras are so good now that I can easily capture those special moments with the kids.
9. Most important thing you have learned from your job?
Pain really does color your life —more often, it drains the color out of it. Helping someone reduce their pain puts us in a wonderful position of bringing happiness and smiles back into their lives. I’ve learned to be grateful for the days when I’m pain-free. When I encounter a grumpy person in a store or in line, I try to remember that they may be dealing with back, knee or hand pain that’s limiting them from doing what they love.
10. Describe your perfect day off:
It would start with a beautiful sunrise run, watching the sun come up over the water and the birds sing. I’d cool down by taking pictures of the swans and their cygnets. Later, the grandkids (and their parents) and their friends would join us at Popponesset Spit, where they would spend the day jumping in the water and building sandcastles. Everyone would enjoy their lunch, listen to their parents, pose for cute beach photos — and there wouldn’t be any meltdowns!
