Celebrating Clinical Innovation: Juli Cantu, COTA

By Eddie Reyna, PT, DPT, Borderstone Therapy Resource - Texas

We are proud to recognize Juli Cantu, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, for her outstanding work supporting our Keystone Borderstone locations—Village Healthcare Center and POST RGV in McAllen, TX.

Recently, Juli achieved a remarkable breakthrough with one of her outpatient residents at POST RGV. The patient, who experienced a stroke nearly 10 years ago, was referred to occupational therapy to improve independence with daily activities. Post-stroke, the patient was left with left-sided hemiparesis impacting her non-dominant upper and lower extremities. During the initial evaluation, she shared the following personal goals: fastening buttons, brushing her hair, and—most importantly—cutting her own food again.

Juli approached these challenges with creativity and determination. She implemented targeted gross and fine motor coordination activities to strengthen the patient’s left upper extremity. When progress plateaued, Juli didn’t settle—she explored innovative solutions through our Research & Development Think Tank. With support from her local therapy resource, Juli introduced the SR-100, a wearable technology designed to enhance proprioception using stochastic resonance. This device uses gentle vibrations to stimulate sensory feedback, improving motor awareness and coordination.

The results were inspiring. With the SR-100 and adaptive utensils, the patient successfully achieved her long-term goal: cutting her own food independently—a milestone she had not reached in over a decade.

Juli’s passion for learning, clinical ingenuity, and commitment to patient-centered care exemplify the best of our profession. Her willingness to pilot new technology transformed a life and reinforced our mission to dignify post-acute care in the eyes of the world through moments of truth.

Thank you, Juli, for your dedication to your patients and for helping Village Healthcare Center and POST RGV make a lasting impact.