Carrie Porter, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, COMT-UL
Specialties: Pelvic Health, Pregnancy and Postpartum care, Lymphedema, Cancer Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Manual Therapy
Empower History: Started with Empower in 2026
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Background and Inspiration:
What inspired you to be an OT? After watching my grandfather undergo cancer treatment and gradually lose his independence, I realized I wanted to be able help him and others like him. I found a love in being able to help others do the things they want, need, and love to do no matter their current circumstances– just as I wished someone had been able to help my grandfather to do the same!
Where did you go to OT school? University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences- Austin
What is your background and experience in this industry? I have been practicing Occupational Therapy for 4.5 years where I became specialized in and saw patients across the life span; ranging from orthopedic outpatient therapy, skilled lymphedema rehabilitation, cancer rehabilitation including cognitive rehabilitation, hand therapy, and my newest endeavor maternal and pelvic health! I am currently working on obtaining my specialty certification as a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.
What do you enjoy most about your role? Helping my patients not only live their lives in the way they need to but also helping them LOVE the life they are living. I also love hearing my patients’ “wins” throughout our time together!
What brought you to Alaska/ back to Alaska after moving/ kept you here? I came to Alaska 2021 for my final clinical rotation for OT school. A month into moving here, I met my now husband and we have been here ever since!!
Passions within OT: All things motherhood- from the physical rehabilitation that comes from pregnancy, birth, and postpartum to co-regulating with your newborn, toddler, even your teenager!
Family overview: My husband, our son, our dog and our cat!
What are your passions outside of work? Hiking, fishing, and living life with my husband and our son!