Influential Woman · Healthcare Community Education | Health Literacy | Occupational Therapy
Dr. Beth Reeves, PPOTD, MS, OTR/L
Founder & Owner | Licensed Occupational Therapist, HealthSpeak, LLC
Columbia, SC 29229
Her Story
About Beth
Dr. Beth Reeves, PPOTD, MS, OTR/L, is the Founder and Owner of HealthSpeak, LLC, a healthcare consulting and community education organization dedicated to advancing health literacy. A licensed occupational therapist with more than 35 years of experience in rehabilitation, healthcare administration, and leadership, she has devoted her career to improving communication between healthcare providers and patients. Through HealthSpeak, she develops educational programs, workshops, digital tools, and practical resources that empower individuals to better understand and navigate today's complex healthcare system.
Prior to founding HealthSpeak in 2023, Dr. Reeves served in numerous rehabilitation leadership roles, including Director of Rehabilitation Services and Director of Rehabilitation and Therapeutics, overseeing multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams across physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Her extensive clinical and administrative background has provided firsthand insight into the impact of low health literacy on patient outcomes, inspiring her mission to improve healthcare communication and promote patient-centered education. She is also the creator of innovative health literacy resources, including educational publications, community workshops, podcasts, and technology solutions that translate complex medical terminology into plain language.
Dr. Reeves earned a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy with a concentration in Health Promotion from Moravian University, a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety, and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. She remains actively involved in community service as an advisor to Moravian University, participates in church and nonprofit initiatives, supports veterans organizations, and advocates for improved health literacy nationwide. Through leadership, education, and innovation, Dr. Reeves continues to champion healthier, more informed communities by making healthcare understandable and accessible for everyone.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Beth
01What do you attribute your success to?
Divine intervention and discernment. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to improving the lives of others by addressing one of healthcare's greatest challenges—health literacy. More than 35 years of experience in rehabilitation and healthcare leadership have shown me the importance of empowering patients with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the healthcare system. The stories of the individuals I have served continue to inspire me to create practical educational resources and innovative solutions that improve communication and health outcomes.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from one of my managers, who encouraged me not to pursue an easier path because I had already made a meaningful difference in patients' lives and would likely become bored without a challenge. That advice stayed with me throughout my career and inspired me to continue embracing opportunities that allowed me to grow professionally while making a lasting impact on others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Occupational therapy is a profession with many talented women, and I encourage the next generation to move beyond traditional roles and confidently contribute new ideas. Do not be afraid to advocate for your patients or address the social determinants that influence health outcomes. Use your expertise creatively, remain adaptable, and continue expanding the role of occupational therapy as healthcare evolves.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges facing healthcare today is the widespread lack of organizational health literacy. Patients are expected to make increasingly complex healthcare decisions, yet many struggle to understand medical information, medication instructions, and healthcare documentation. This challenge also presents an important opportunity for healthcare providers and organizations to improve communication, develop patient-friendly educational materials, and strengthen community-based health education. By working together, we can improve health outcomes and create a more health-literate society.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value service, education, patient empowerment, compassion, lifelong learning, and clear communication. I believe every individual deserves to understand their healthcare and have the confidence to make informed decisions. I am committed to strengthening communities through education, advocating for better health communication, and helping healthcare organizations create more accessible and understandable experiences for every patient.
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