MONTE VISTA — Janet Noland retired from her work as an Occupational Therapist on Feb. 28.  She first learned about occupational therapy from a book describing various professions.

After graduation from Del Norte High School in 1960, she began her college studies in occupational therapy at Colorado State University. Upon graduation in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree, she began her internships at National Jewish Hospital in Denver in pediatrics; St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. in Physical Medicine and Disabilities; V.A. Hospital in Houston, Texas in General Medicine and Surgery and TB; and in Houston at Methodist Hospital in Psychiatry.

Upon passing the National Registration examination in 1965, she began her first employment as an Occupational Therapist at McClennan County Rehabilitation Center in Waco, Texas where the primary caseload was with children with physical and developmental disabilities and with adult outpatients.

In 1974, she began working at St. Joseph Hospital and Nursing Home in Del Norte as the Occupational Therapist and Activities Director in the nursing home.

In 1989, her new work was with H&W Therapy in an outpatient clinic in Monte Vista and with contracts in nursing homes in Alamosa, La Jara, and Monte Vista. When H&W Therapy disbanded, she worked at Better Health and Rehabilitation Services in Monte Vista.

In January 2001, she started her own company, J.N. Occupational Therapy Services, Inc. with contracts at Better Health, Colorado State Veterans Center, Monte Vista Estates, and Alamosa County Nursing Service, where she did home health visits and evaluations for home modifications for options for long-term care.

In 2012, she disbanded the company and began doing only the home modification evaluations until her retirement. Of all the types of therapy given during her employment, her first love was the home modification evaluations where she recommended ramps; handrails and new steps at porches; walk-in or roll-in showers; high toilets; and shower and toilet grab bars to enable the clients to live safely in their homes.

As a retirement present, she and her husband Don enjoyed a trip to Colorado National Monument; the National Parks in Utah-Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Zion; and the Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest.

A retirement party was held in her honor at the First Christian Church in Monte Vista on May 30 with family and friends in attendance.

Retirement plans with her husband include continued service at First Christian Church in Monte Vista and Pioneer United Church in Del Norte; membership in the Kiwanis Club of Center; and visiting with family and attending their activities. She also enjoys membership in Chapter V, P.E.O; playing the organ at the churches; raising flowers and vegetables; and playing with her cats, Tabitha and Patches.