Our Story
Have you ever noticed that some people get through difficult times and move forward with life more effectively than others? Our work as occupational therapy practitioners repeatedly brings us into contact with individuals who, despite similar circumstances, demonstrate vastly different abilities to handle significant life hurdles and ultimately get back to their desired lives and roles. We recognize the capacity to manage and navigate adversity requires more than merely physically adapting and is a complex interplay of mental, emotional and physical factors. This connection between internal and external factors and their influence on how efficiently and effectively we respond to challenges inspired a deeper look at independence and how it relates to adapting to change and quality of life.
Our clinical observations around this connection became the central tenet and basis of the ReInventing Independence® Quality of Life Model (RI-QOL); a visual representation of an effective and efficient response to change for preserving quality of life. Our intent was to create something that was clinically sound, yet accessible
and applicable for everyone wanting to
successfully manage and navigate the impacts of change.
We wanted our clients to realize "the better you are at adapting, the better you are at making decisions. The better you are at making decisions, the better you are at reinventing independence. The better you are at reinventing independence, the more sense of control, well-being and competence you feel and the better your quality of life.”
RI®-QOL Model
The RI®-QOL model is a visual representation of managing and navigating change. It provides a robust methodology for prioritizing and enhancing one's quality of life, even when confronted with significant change and pervasive uncertainty. This model recognizes that life is inherently dynamic, and that quality
can remain at the forefront.
Our Impact & Initiatives
Training and Education
We began publicly sharing our RI®-QOL Model with individuals, groups and populations seeking personal and professional growth and development through workshops, state and national continuing education learning, and as guest speakers on how to effectively and efficiently respond to challenges associated with change for preserve quality in all areas of life. Occupational therapy practitioners and students have been taught to expand therapeutic interventions beyond functional performance and include quality of life through our podcast, TOTA and AOTA presentations and ongoing support and training at higher level educational institutions.
Mortal Compass®
After working with individuals and their loved ones following a life limiting diagnosis, we were inspired to become Certified End of Life Doulas because we realized this vulnerable population needed more than medical support. This led to the formation of Mortal Compass®, the first initiative of ReInventing Independence® created for the purpose of providing direction and guidance for preserving quality of life throughout the end of life journey. We offer consulting services to help manage and navigate personal, medical and environmental needs and End of Life Doula services to provide non-medical physical, emotional and spiritual support before, during and after the end of life journey.
Solace and Sage
Following COVID, we became increasingly aware of the desire to age in place for older adults and the personal, medical and environmental barriers they were facing. This led to the second initiative of ReInventing Independence®, the creation of Solace and Sage, a 501(c)3 that provides Occupational Therapy and consulting services in the homes of adults 50 years and older living with chronic and/or progressive illness. Our services focus on helping individuals and their loved ones manage and navigate personal, medical and environmental needs related to challenges associated with aging in order to return home following a medical event and/or remain at home to age in place.
Melissa and Michelle, with a background in the science of occupational therapy and psychology, empower and inspire individuals of all ages in mastering the art of living and restoring
quality of life.
Michelle McCarty, MA,SP, COTA,CAPS,ECHM,CEOLD Co-founder
Michelle McCarty, MA,SP, COTA,CAPS,ECHM,CEOLD Co-founder
